Protected Areas in South America

Nestled within the rugged folds of Argentina's San Juan Province, the San Guillermo National Park and Biosphere Reserve stand as a testament to the remarkable biodiversity and cultural heritage of the high Andes. This vast protected area encompasses a mosaic of mountain systems, highland grasslands, and arid landscapes, offering a unique glimpse into the delicate balance between nature and human communities.

Deep within the heart of Ecuador's Andean region lies a natural wonder of epic proportions—Sangay National Park—this World Heritage Site epitomes Ecuador's extraordinary biodiversity and geological marvels. Encompassing two active volcanoes, Tungurahua and Sangay, as well as the extinct El Altar (Kapak Urku), this park covers the entire spectrum of Ecuador's ecosystems, from glacial peaks to lush rainforests, all under the watchful gaze of one of the world's most active volcanic giants.

São Joaquim National Park is located in Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. Located within the Serra Geral, the National Park is known for its alpine meadows and cloud forests. The terrain is very rugged and includes canyons, large caves, and mountain slopes covered in native forests.

The Serra da Canastra is a mountain range in southeastern Brazil, located within the Brazilian Highlands. Its topography includes cliffs and dramatic waterfalls. Serra da Canastra National Park protects this vital watershed, the source of the headwaters of the São Francisco River.

Serra da Capivara National Park, a World Heritage Site located in Brazil's Northeast Region, was created to protect the prehistoric artifacts and paintings found there. Over 300 archaeological sites have been found, mainly consisting of rock and wall paintings dating from 50,000 - 30,000 years ago.

Serra del Divisor National Park is located in the Amazon rainforest of Peru, known as La Selva, along the border with Brazil. It borders the Serra do Divisor National Park in the Brazilian state of Acre, combining to make one of the largest contiguous blocks of protected areas in the Amazon.

The Serra do Divisor National Park is situated in western Brazil's Amazon plain, close to the border with Peru. It forms one of the Amazon's most extensive and unbroken protected areas when combined with Peru's Serra del Divisor National Park.

In the heart of Brazil's mineral-rich Iron Quadrangle region lies the Serra do Gandarela National Park. Established in 2014, this sanctuary in Minas Gerais is famed for its biodiversity. With rugged mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and researchers. The park safeguards endangered species and serves as a vital water source for Belo Horizonte and its surrounding area, showcasing Brazil's dedication to conservation.

Serra dos Órgãos is a mountain range in Rio de Janeiro that is part of the larger Serra do Mar mountain range system that overlooks Guanabara Bay in southeastern Brazil. Serra dos Órgãos National Park protects the range and its water resources.

Serra Furada State Park is located in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, protecting a densely forested mountain region that is part of the Atlantic Forest biome. The park is situated on the escarpment of the Serra Geral, adjacent to the São Joaquim National Park, forming a continuous forest area.