Safari Destinations in South America

A huge continent of diverse climates and ecosystems, South America is a wildlife lover’s paradise. Explore the vast open steppe of barren Patagonia, the verdant cloud forests of the Andes transition zone, and the dense Amazon rainforest for a spectacular array of flora and fauna. Latin America can offer a safari-style holiday, not dissimilar to those experienced in the wilds of Africa.

Start the day to the sounds of nature with a different landscape to be explored. Perhaps, the traditional safari-style tent in the highlands of Galapagos or a jungle lodge in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. As dawn awakens the wildlife, head out by vehicle, boat, jungle canoe, or on foot in anticipation of new sightings and iconic species only found in this region.

Read on for inspiration on Far & Wild’s favourite ‘safari-style’ adventures in South America or enquire now to craft your perfect Latin style safari.

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Pantanal, central Brazil

Region Highlight – Jaguars

This vast region is roughly the same latitude as the Okavango Delta in Botswana and displays a similar ecosystem. Seasons are split into wet (November – April) when the region is flooded, lush, and green, and dry (May – October), when water becomes scarcer, and animals congregate around water sources. This is also the peak season for spotting the Pantanal’s wildlife star, the jaguar.

Accommodation options range from simple pousadas to luxurious lodgings. Local people have a deep knowledge of the region's wildlife and will captivate you with their stories. Some lodgings offer a general wildlife experience, such as Pousada Rio Mutum in the Northern Pantanal, or Araras EcoLodge in the same region, which has the option of a jaguar sighting trip to Porto Jofre with their 4-night program, alongside daily guided excursions. These trips by boat search for jaguars inside the Meeting of the Waters Conservation Area, where sightings are virtually guaranteed.

Our favourite lodge in the Pantanal is Caiman, about a 4-hour drive from the hub in the Southern Pantanal, Campo Grande. This lodge’s unique selling point is its Onçafari project, dedicated to protecting and researching the area’s jaguars. Thanks to their expertise, around 98% of guests who stay at Caiman will spot one of these magnificent creatures. They also have the Hyacinth Macaw Institute, where researchers observe and monitor this species’ nests.

All the lodges we offer in this region provide a range of wildlife safari-style experiences by open-top jeep, boat, foot, or horseback, all fully guided by knowledgeable naturalists. Spot a toucan or macaw in the treetops, or a rhea (a very ostrich-like bird) grazing the plains. Other popular sightings include giant anteaters, tapirs, and capybaras.

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Ibera Wetlands, Northeast Argentina

Highlight of the region – easily accessible with diverse species

The Ibera wetlands are a similar ecosystem and seasonality as the Pantanal in Brazil. Known as the great marshland of Argentina, Esteros del Ibera is home to a huge variety of wildlife. Escape civilisation in this remote region and connect with nature.

A much smaller-scale operation than in Brazil, our favourite for Ibera adventures is the charming Puerto Valle. A short 45-minute transfer from the nearest airport this lodge is on the edge of the wetlands and the perfect location to explore the nearby Parana River.

Puerto Valle features comfortable lodge rooms, a welcome retreat after a day of exploring and safari-style wildlife spotting. From the lodge’s private dock, navigate the Parana River by boat or embark on a land adventure around the area by 4x4 vehicle. Alternatively, enjoy a more serene adventure by kayak, paddling side by side with nature. Come face to face with caimans, capybaras, swamp deer, howler monkeys, and hundreds of birds. There is also the option for explorations by horseback.

Combine the Ibera wetlands with Iguazu Falls, an Atlantic Rainforest ecosystem, for a spectacular combination. We recommend a stay of 3-4 nights in Ibera and 2-3 nights at Iguazu Falls for a relaxed, immersive experience.

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Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Highlight of the region – endemic species & penguins in the Northern Hemisphere

A remote archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands were forged of lava and isolated for thousands of years until 1835, when Charles Darwin set foot on these desolate islands. A source of inspiration for Darwin’s theory of evolution, the islands offer fearless wildlife, with many species' endemic to the region. It's also one of the most volcanically active regions in the world, with 13 active volcanoes erupting intermittently.

These days, the Galapagos is one of the most sought-after wildlife destinations in the world, and thankfully, the Ecuadorian government has declared the islands a National Park and the wider area a Marine Reserve. A haven for unique wildlife, the islands are commonly explored on a cruise around the archipelago. However, recently, land-based options have become more commonplace and popular.

Far & Wild recommends Galapagos Safari Camp, which, as the name suggests, is similar in style to a typical luxury African safari camp—except you won’t be seeing any of the classic big five on this adventure. Truly unique on the islands, and nestled in the highlands of Santa Cruz, you will sleep in a canvas cocoon with a simple, tasteful safari interior. Each safari tent features its own private balcony, perfect for relaxing after a day of discovery on these magical islands.

We also offer a personalised island-hopping experience, combining Santa Cruz and Isabela islands in comfortable hotels. This is a completely private trip and a very cost-effective way to explore.

Wildlife to keep an eye out for includes giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies (as well as the less common red-footed and Nazca boobies), iguanas, Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, playful sea lions, flamingoes, waved albatrosses, and many more!

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Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Basin in South America spans nine countries. Most of the region is within the borders of Brazil, followed by Peru, where the Amazon encompasses almost 60% of its total land mass. Other countries include Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Ecuador.

When visiting South America, a safari-style adventure typically lasts 3-5 nights, with the most accessible countries being Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador. These countries also offer the most comfortable lodges and cruises. Naturally, remote locations have a more pristine canopy, and wildlife is less accustomed to humans.

Far & Wild recommends Tambopata Research Centre in the Peruvian Amazon. Until recently, this lodge was purely a scientific base, and it required around a 7-hour upriver boat trip from the nearest city of Puerto Maldonado. A stay here involved an overnight at their sister property, Refugio Amazonas.

The lodge has now been upgraded and includes comfortable rooms, including suites with outdoor tubs to immerse yourself in the cacophony of the rainforest. Additionally, the construction of a new road from Puerto Maldonado for part of the journey means the transfer time is now 1 hour by road and 2.5 hours by boat, making a 3-night stay possible.

The two highlights of a stay at this lodge are the Macaw Clay lick, which is most active at dawn, and the possibility of spotting a jaguar. During the dry season of May – October, many guests at this lodge observe a jaguar on the boat transfer to the lodge. While this is not the sole reason for visiting, it’s certainly a bonus!

Your safari-style expeditions here are by boat, canoe, or on foot through the dense rainforest. Expect to see howler monkeys, dusky titi monkeys, capybaras, caimans, geese, tarantulas, giant river otters, and more. At night, many species are active but more difficult to spot, although the local guides are experts at spotting all types of creatures.

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Ecuador Cloud Forest

Nestled in the Andean highlands, where the mountains descend towards the Pacific, lies the misty cloud forest teeming with life. This unique bioregion hosts ecosystems vital to thousands of species, offering an extraordinary experience for nature enthusiasts. Cloud forests can be explored in regions like Boquete Coffee Region in Panama, Colombia's Coffee Zone, and along the road from Cusco to Manu National Park in Peru.

Among these, Ecuador’s cloud forests stand out, providing an unparalleled, exclusive adventure in this hidden paradise. This area is a haven for wildlife, home to over 500 bird species, including hummingbirds, tanagers, and toucans, as well as thousands of orchid varieties, diverse mammals, and vibrant reptiles. Keep a lookout for the elusive spectacled bear, an endangered species that occasionally roams these forests.

For those seeking adventure, the cloud forests offer more than just wildlife. Mashpi Lodge, set within a pristine 1,200-hectare private reserve is a luxury retreat and the perfect base for exploration. Visitors can climb observation towers for panoramic views, swim beneath waterfalls, glide along a canopy aerial tram, or simply unwind with an educational talk or relax in the lodge’s lounge or reading room.

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