Above from left: Sunset over one of the many rivers in the Brazilian Amazon; moai statues in Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui
Amazon Rainforest Life thrives in the Amazon, which sprawls across two-fifths of South America, affording visitors a chance to reconnect with nature. From the mid-20th century onwards, the area suffered extensive deforestation, though the rate has thankfully declined in recent years, mostly due to stronger environmental law enforcement in Brazil. In the largest tropical rainforest on the planet, guests can witness an array of different creatures — for example, it’s a prime sanctuary for jaguars and poison dart frogs. The rainforest is also home to more than a thousand bird species, including a variety of macaws and hummingbirds, and as many as 80,000 plant species. From Rio de Janeiro or other major cities, travelers can catch a flight to Manaus then journey via boat, floating along the meandering Amazon River while marveling at the dense canopies and buzzing riverbanks.
Easter Island, Chile Despite being most famous for its 900 majestic moai statues, which were carved out of volcanic rock roughly between 1100 and 1650, Easter Island is a natural marvel in its own right. White geckos and Chilean tinamou birds can be spotted, in addition to endemic sealife like white-tip butterflyfish and an abundance of free-roaming horses that can be seen wandering over the hills. A walk to Anakena beach offers the tranquility of the glittering indigo waves and surrounding coconut palms, while the Rano Kau and Rano Raraku craters provide stunning panoramic views of the island. Easter Island (also known as Rapa Nui) is located more than 2,000 miles from mainstream South America, so travelers must fly from Santiago, Chile’s capital. The best way to get around the small island is by renting a bicycle or car.