South America is perfect for wildlife-spotting vacations, with its wide variety of experiences and spectacular landscapes. By Tamsin Wressell
Covering around 6.8 million sq miles, the South American continent offers many extraordinary wildlife-spotting opportunities. From the depths of the Amazon jungle out to the Galàpagos Islands and the coast of Argentina, there’s a wealth of wildlife inland and out at sea, much of it unique to this part of the world. The Amazon River is the only place on Earth where the pink river dolphin can be seen, while almost all the species on the Galápagos Islands are endemic. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, having a guide or expert massively improves the chances, with local options available across the continent.
Brazillian Amazon Brazil is home to the largest chunk of the Amazon, followed by Peru. Brazil’s Amazon provides a watery world for a range of wildlife, from giant otters to catfish and piranhas, as well as the elusive river dolphin. The dolphin, best known for its distinctive pink coloring, is regarded as the rarest in the world and Brazil’s Amazon is one of the most likely places on the continent to glimpse them. For the best chance of a sighting, head to Novo Airão, 125 miles north west of Manaus. From here, boat trips head out to smaller and quieter areas to maintain an eco-friendly outlook without interfering with the animals. Elsewhere in the Amazon, visitors can cruise, raft, canoe or hike through the lush jungles with a guide, looking out for monkeys, sloths, macaws, toucans and more, including the even more elusive jaguar.
Right: Sloth hanging from a branch, Brazil Worldwide Destination Guide 2021/22 | ASTA | 97
