The Other Spot

South America is a continent renowned for its landscapes and miraculous feats of nature. From the heights of the icy Torres del Paine range in Argentina’s Patagonia to the depths of the Colca Canyon in Peru, and from the lush green Amazon Basin of Brazil to the deathly dry Atacama Desert in Chile, there’s no better place to witness the powers of nature than in the southern half of the western hemisphere. But what about something more subtle yet every bit as enchanting? Meet the wetlands of South America.

Most visitors to Lima wouldn’t know it, but there is a natural wonder right in the city’s backyard. The Pantanos de Villa wetlands lie in the district of Chorrillos and covers 396 hectares, earning it the title as the only protected natural area within city limits. The wetlands here feature 67 different types of plants, including reed plants, and 155 species of birds that call it home. As well, lucky visitor may see some of the 12 types of fishes in the water. Its unique location so close along the Peruvian coast gives it an air of thick humidity during many months of the year, and the best time to visit is from December to March during Lima’s clear summer months.

Another impressive wetland area is the Iberá Wetlands of Argentina. The park is located about halfway between Buenos Aires and the crashing cascades of Iguazu Falls, and is well serviced with tourism resources such as restaurants, hotels, and hostels nearby. Enjoy a boat ride down the streams to get a glimpse of rare birds and animals such as alligators, anacondas, and more. As well, some endangered species such as the maned wolf, jaguar, and giant anteater consider the region their home. There are also reed islands in the water here, much like on Lake Titicaca which lies on the border of Peru and Bolivia up north. The Iberá Wetlands is one of South America’s most well-kept secrets, usually left off of Argentina vacation packages, so the inquisitive traveler should delight in the good chance of being the only one around. This is strange, however, because it is the second largest wetland on the continent!

So what is the largest wetland? The Pantanal in Brazil. This massive wetland ecosystem in Brazil’s Mato Grosso do Sul region spreads over between 54,000 and 75,000 square miles. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a resource to more than 700 bird species, 100 types of mammals, 260 species of fish, and 80 types of reptiles, making it a mecca for nature lovers. While a boat cruise as part of your Brazil vacation packages will yield an exciting adventure, a more unexpected way to see the Pantanal is to take a horseriding excursion. As well, night tours are fantastic opportunities for seeing exotic wildlife that is invisible during the day, such as jaguars.