Protected Area

Nestled along Chile's northern Pacific coast, the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve is one of South America's most remarkable marine wildlife sanctuaries. Located north of Santiago and northeast of La Serena, this protected area includes three pristine islands that rise from the nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current: Isla Damas, Isla Choros, and Isla Chañaral de Aceituno. These islands are vital habitats for many marine species, especially the vulnerable Humboldt penguin.

Spanning the borders of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the La Selle / Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve stands as a testament to the region's rich biodiversity and ecological significance. This transboundary reserve encompasses two distinct yet interconnected protected areas: La Selle in Haiti and Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo in the Dominican Republic, forming an environmental corridor that transcends political boundaries.

The Oxapampa-Ashaninka-Yanesha Biosphere Reserve, located in central Peru, encompasses one of the most pristine ecosystems on the eastern slopes of the Peruvian Andes, extending into the Amazon Basin. Recognized for its unique biodiversity and cultural heritage, the reserve was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 2010. This region, characterized by its high altitudinal range and diverse habitats, is crucial for conservation and sustainable development efforts.

Rising from the central Mexican highlands, two legendary volcanic peaks dominate the landscape with their physical presence and cultural significance. Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl stand as guardians of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, their snow-capped summits visible from Mexico City on clear days. These iconic volcanoes form the core of the Los Volcanes Biosphere Reserve, which also includes Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park.

Cumbres de Monterrey National Park and Biosphere Reserve is a protected area in northeastern Mexico. It safeguards the native flora and fauna from the urbanization of Monterrey city. This park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its unique biodiversity. It has diverse ecosystems, including mountain peaks, canyons, waterfalls, and temperate forests. The park is part of the more extensive American Cordillera mountain range.

Queulat National Park, located in the Aysén Region of southern Chile, is a sanctuary of glacier-capped mountains, untouched evergreen Andean Patagonian forests, and diverse ecosystems. Established in 1983, the park is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. The park's centerpiece, the Queulat Hanging Glacier (Ventisquero Colgante), epitomizes its natural beauty with awe-inspiring views.

Nestled in the heart of Argentina, Quebrada del Condorito National Park stands as a powerful testament to the nation's dedication to preserving its extraordinary biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. It is renowned for its dramatic vistas, which include deep gorges, towering cliffs, and rugged terrain, creating a stunning natural amphitheater. The park's diverse ecosystems range from montane forests to high-altitude grasslands, each supporting a unique assemblage of flora and fauna.

In the remote expanse of Argentine Patagonia, an extraordinary natural spectacle unfolds at the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most iconic landmarks of Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park. The glacier, known for its dramatic size, captivating beauty, and regular ruptures, symbolizes the region's glacial power and is a significant tourist destination. Located near the town of El Calafate, this massive ice formation is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, one of the world's largest freshwater reserves.

Brazil's Mata Atlântica Biosphere Reserve is one of the world's most ambitious conservation projects, safeguarding the remaining critically endangered Atlantic Forest. As Brazil's first biosphere reserve, this vast network covers 14 states and extends along Brazil's Atlantic coast from Ceará in the northeast to Rio Grande do Sul in the south. What makes this reserve remarkable is its innovative approach to conservation in one of the world's most densely populated areas, where over 120 million Brazilians live alongside some of the planet's most endangered ecosystems.

In the expansive northern Guatemala region of Petén, lies one of the Western Hemisphere's most remarkable conservation successes. The Maya Biosphere Reserve is not only Guatemala's largest protected area but also acts as the foundation of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. This ambitious cross-border project connects protected areas from Mexico to Panama. The reserve is a vital part of a trinational conservation network, forming the largest continuous protected forest in Mesoamerica.