Latest Entries

The Greater Antilles: Crossroads of Caribbean History, Culture, and Nature

The Greater Antilles form the dominant landmass of the Caribbean, comprising the islands of Cuba, Hispaniola (shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. Together, these islands account for nearly 90% of the total land area of the West Indies, making them the geographic heart of the region and home to its most diverse array of cultures, ecosystems, and historical legacies.

The Natural Geography of Central America: A Land Bridge Between Two Worlds

Central America is one of the most biologically rich regions on Earth — a narrow land bridge connecting two continents and separating two oceans. Its natural geography is shaped by a chain of active volcanoes running the length of the isthmus, creating dramatic contrasts between the dry Pacific slope and the rainforest-covered Caribbean lowlands. From the cloud forests of the Talamanca range to the vast jungle of the Petén and the wilderness of the Darién, Central America's landscapes are as varied as they are irreplaceable.

El Chaltén, Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and Lago del Desierto: At the Edge of the World

Nestled amidst the rugged wilderness of Los Glaciares National Park, the village of El Chaltén stands as a beacon of adventure at the heart of Argentine Patagonia. This gateway leads to the iconic peaks of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy, as well as Lago del Desierto, a tranquil lake surrounded by stunning landscapes. Argentina's rugged Patagonia is discovered through these breathtaking destinations.

The Tropical Andes: Earth's Most Biodiverse Hotspot

Stretching from western Venezuela to northern Bolivia, the Tropical Andes is one of the most remarkable places on Earth. This vast mountain system encompasses snow-capped peaks, verdant cloud forests, high-altitude grasslands, and plunging river valleys — all within a single continuous region. It is formally recognized as a Biodiversity Hotspot — and not merely one among many. By virtually every measure, the Tropical Andes ranks as the most biologically diverse hotspot on the planet.

CONAF to Sernafor: Chile's Conservation Agency Enters a New Era

For over five decades, Chile's National Forest Corporation—known as CONAF (Corporación Nacional Forestal)—has stood as the principal guardian of the nation's forests, protected areas, and natural heritage. It manages South America's extensive protected system and faces severe wildfire threats due to climate change. In 2025, it transformed from a private corporation to a fully public agency—the National Forestry Service (Sernafor)—marking a new conservation chapter.

SINAC: Costa Rica's Blueprint for Conservation Success

Costa Rica has achieved what many nations only aspire to—transforming itself from a country experiencing rapid deforestation in the 1980s into a global conservation leader. At the heart of this remarkable transformation stands SINAC, the National System of Conservation Areas. This innovative framework protects over 26% of Costa Rica's territory, manages extraordinary biodiversity, and demonstrates that economic prosperity and environmental protection can advance together.

Chile's National Park System and the Route of Parks of Patagonia

Chile's national park system is one of the most extensive and well-managed in the world and a testament to its unwavering commitment to preserving its remarkable natural heritage. Chile's protected areas provide refuge for diverse ecosystems and abundant biodiversity. Administered by the National Forest Corporation (CONAF), this system is dedicated to conserving and managing the nation's natural treasures, with a crown jewel being the famous Route of Parks of Patagonia.

The Central Amazon Ecological Corridor: Safeguarding the Heart of the Rainforest

The Central Amazon Ecological Corridor (CAEC) represents one of the world's most ambitious conservation initiatives—a vast network of protected areas safeguarding the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. Spanning Brazil's Amazonas and Pará states, this interconnected system of parks and reserves protects extraordinary biodiversity while supporting Indigenous communities and sustainable development. The CAEC links diverse conservation units into a functioning ecological network.

Plaza de Armas: The Historic Heart of Santiago

Since Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia laid out the city grid, Plaza de Armas has served as the symbolic and geographical heart of Santiago—the point from which all distances in Chile are measured, the gathering place where generations of Chileans have celebrated, protested, and witnessed their nation's tumultuous history unfold. This large central square, shaded by Chilean palm trees and anchored by a fountain celebrating South American liberator Simón Bolívar, represents the enduring legacy of Spanish colonial urban planning.

Santiago: Chile's Dynamic Capital Between the Andes and the Pacific

Nestled in a valley surrounded by the towering snow-capped Andes Mountains and the lower Coastal Range, Santiago stands as Chile's vibrant heart—a dynamic metropolis where colonial heritage meets contemporary innovation, where world-class museums coexist with colorful street art, and where the rhythm of modern South American life pulses beneath the watchful gaze of ancient peaks. As Chile's capital and largest city, Santiago serves as the nation's political, cultural, and economic center, hosting over 40% of Chile's population.