Seven Natural Wonders of South America
Harbor of Rio de Janeiro
As one of the world’s Wonders of Nature, the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro is honored to serve as the Ambassador Wonder to the Seven Natural Wonders of South America.
The declaration of the South America 7 Wonders of Nature is underway. Below you will find out which wonders have been determined and declared. Join us on Facebook and cast your vote on which wonder will be next for South America.
Scroll down and discover which wonders are current winners. Do you agree? Think there should be something different? Share you thoughts and cast your vote on our Facebook page. Congratulations to the winners below who are officially one of the Seven Natura
l Wonders of South America.
Quick Facts:
- Located around Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Surrounded by unique mountains and formations
- Also known as Guanabara Bay
- Largest bay in the world based on volume of water
- Rio de Janeiro translates “river of January” in Portuguese
Harbor of Rio de Janeiro
The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro is located in Brazil and was created by erosion from the Atlantic Ocean and is also known as Guanabara Bay. The Harbour is surrounded by gorgeous granite monolith mountains that include the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain at 1,296 feet (395 m), Corcovado Peak at 2,310 feet (704 m), and the hills of Tijuca at 3,350 feet (1021 m). Visitors will also experience numerous islands including Governor’s island, Fundao and Snakes Island.
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Best Ways to See the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro
The best ways to see the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro are to get above it. Some visitors will seek to discover and view the harbor and surrounding area by taking to the skies. This can be done either through helicopter or for the more adventurous through the use of a hang glider.
The most common means of seeing tthis wonder are to travel to the tops of the surrounding granite peaks that overlook the harbor. Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado both offer panoramic views of the harbor and surrounding landscape. Sugar Loaf Mountain is actually in the harbor and provides views back over the city and into mountains. Additionally, visitors will have great views of the beautiful beaches that line the harbor.
Corcovado peak is much higher and looks east over the harbor and back towards Sugar Loaf Mountain. Corcovado peak also offers visitors with an opportunity to see the famous monument – Christ the Redeemer.
Best Ways to Experience the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro
The best way to experience the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro depends on the interest of those visiting this natural wonder. Enjoying the soft white sandy beaches is expected whether participating in one of the many exercise or stretching programs, playing volleyball or other sporting venues, or just lounging around and taking in the sun.
If you are not interested in taking in the beach or you have checked that activity off, visitors are encouraged to explore the harbor from the recommended lookouts of Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado. Both peaks offer different and distinctive views of the harbor and surrounding area.
Another way to explore the harbor is through a boat tour that exposes visitors to the islands, the beaches and various views of Sugar Loaf Mountain and the other granite monoliths that surround the harbor.
Best Times to Explore the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro
The best times to explore the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro are during the months of September and October. The weather is nice and the humidity has not set in.
Sugar Loaf Mountain can be done in under two hours and should be done during the morning when the sun is coming in from the east. The sun will be rising behind you as you take in the views of the mountains, beaches and surrounding area without causing you to squint. The cable cars open up at 8:00 and that is the best time to start the exploration.
Exploration from Corcovado should be done in the afternoon because the sun is shining back towards Sugar Loaf Mountain and the harbor. A morning visit is less crowded but you will be staring into the rising sun.
Harbor of Rio de Janeiro Photography Tips
Taking pictures from Sugar Loaf mountain should be done in the earliest part of the morning. The cable cars only open up at 8:00am, so that is as early as you can get there. Once you reach the top of the mountain, the sun will be behind you providing the best lighting for taking pictures of the beaches, Corcovado, and the landscapes surrounding the harbor.
Corcovado pictures will be best done in the later afternoon when the sun gets behind you and provides the best lighting for images of Sugar Loaf Mountain and back towards the harbor. Now, if you are interested in taking the best pictures of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado, then you may need to make two trips or spend the day there. Christ the Redeemer faces the rising sun, so early morning shots will have the best lighting.
As you come past the Christ statue, make your way to the left side. A good view/shot of the harbor and Sugar Loaf can be captured just left of the steps before descending down to the lookout. This allows you to bring foliage into the foreground for adding depth of field or additional framing elements. The lookout also provides good views over the harbor and Sugar Loaf as well.
Harbor of Rio de Janeiro Travel Tips
Getting to Rio de Janeiro is easy. The city is one of the largest and most popular cities in Brazil. Many major airlines fly directly into the city providing plenty of options for travel. The city does have public transportation but taxis and even private drivers are reasonably priced.
Check with your hotel about a personal car/driver. You may find the convenience and expertise is worth the small difference from just taking a taxi or renting your own car. As you witness the routes either taxi or personal drivers take, you will be glad you are not trying to navigate the roads yourself.
Endangered Species
There are 100s of critically endangered species on every continent around the world. The wildlife, fauna and flora are much of what makes the wonders of nature special. Endangered Species is one of Seven Natural Wonder’s greatest concerns. Take a moment and glance at some of the critically endangered wildlife.
Harbor of Rio de Janeiro Places to Stay
People traveling to see the Seven Natural Wonders of the World will have more of a challenge finding the “eco” experience in Rio, a city more known for culture, carnivals, and character than in other “natural wonder” locations. However, the Sheraton Rio Hotel and Resort is an excellent option for a stay in Rio with an intent to explore this natural wonder of the world. The Sheraton is the only hotel that has direct access to the beach. Although, not a significant barrier, all other hotels must cross the street to reach a beach. Additionally, the Sheraton provides fairly easy access to Sugar Loaf, Corcovado and the surrounding harbor area.
The Sheraton Rio Resort & Hotel is Seven Natural Wonders: Recommended
Learn more about the Sheraton Rio through the SNW Blog
Iguassu Falls
The majority of people note that the Iguassu Falls system is comprised of 275 independent falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km), however there are some locals who argue that there are approximately 75 separate falls. The difference is accounted for by where you count the breaks in water both vertically and horizontally. At one spot, visitors can be surrounded by 260 degrees of waterfalls. Although the highest part of the falls measures 269 feet (82 m), the majority of the falls are around 210 feet (64 m).
Iguassu Falls Quick Facts:
- Internationally named Iguassu Falls
- Known as Iguazu Falls in Argentina
- Referred to as Iguacu Falls in Brazil
- Consists of 275 falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km)
- Iguassu Falls reaches a height of 269 feet (82 m)
- Third in the world with average flow of water
- Collection of Iguassu Falls Pictures
Iguassu Falls is the international name of the falls, however is is referred locally as Iguazu Falls (Spanish) and Iguaca Falls (Portuguese). The falls are located on the border of Brazil and Argentina and not far from Paraguay.
The majority of people note that the Iguassu Falls system is comprised of 275 independent falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km), however there are some locals who argue that there are approximately 75 separate falls. The difference is accounted for by where you count the breaks in water both vertically and horizontally. At one spot, visitors can be surrounded by 260 degrees of waterfalls. Although the highest part of the falls measures 269 feet (82 m), the majority of the falls are around 210 feet (64 m).
Devil’s Throat, Garganta del Diablo, which is the U-shaped start of the falls is often considered the most impressive part. Devil’s Throat is the highest point of the falls measuring 269 feet (82 m) high, 492.1 feet (150 m) wide and 2,296 feet (700 m) long.
Iguassu Falls is wider than Victoria Falls, however because it is split into numerous distinct individual falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km), Victoria Falls has the claim to the largest single curtain of falling water.
Iguassu Falls Places to Stay
Iguassu Falls has a variety of places to stay whether you choose to stay on the Argentinian or Brazilian side of the falls. Here is a comprehensive listing of Iguassu Falls Hotels that you may review for a potential trip to this wonder of nature.
Hotel das Cataratas is the only hotel located within the national park on the Brazilian side of the falls. Iguassu Falls is literally just off your doorstep. Take a leisurely one minute stroll down the steps if the hotel and you will be greeted by one of the most spectacular panoramic views anywhere.
In addition to the proximity of the falls, another immediate benefit with a stay at this hotel is access to the falls outside the national park hours – NO crowds, it is just you and the falls. The hotel was refurbished in 2010 and it has successfully maintained the historic features of the hotel while enhancing the luxury of this Portuguese colonial property.
The Hotel das Cataratas leverages class, character and convenience to help deliver the best natural wonder experience possible. Learn more about Hotel das Cataratas from our site or go directly to the Hotel Website. But only check it out if you want to be further enticed to visit.
Iguazu Falls Places to Stay
Iguazu Falls is the Spanish and local name of the Argentinean side of the falls. The Sheraton Iguazu Resort & Spa is the only hotel inside Iguazu National Park on the Argentinian side of the falls. When asked why visitors should stay at the Sheraton, the Hotel Manager replied, “When investors look at a property they always take three things into mind, Location, Location, Location. And, we have all three.”
The Sheraton Iguazu Resort & Hotel provides visitors with exclusive backdoor access into the national park. Additionally, the hotel faces the falls allowing guests to view the falls directly from the balconies of their rooms. “Iguassu Falls is not a neighbor of the Sheraton; it is the backyard,” Phillip Imler
Best way to see Iguassu Falls
One of the things visitors will quickly discover is that the perspective or image of Iguassu Falls changes with every step. The best view depends on what aspect of the falls one enjoys the most. Visitors should plan at least a day and a half in order to explore the falls on both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the falls and to capture all the various eclectic views offered of the falls.
The Argentina side of the falls allows visitors to see various panoramic views of the falls while also providing visitors with the opportunity to view the water flow and surrounding area from atop the falls. The Brazilian side provides the most inclusive and comprehensive panoramic views of the falls.
The Argentina side of the falls offers two different trails: 1) upper falls and 2) lower falls. The upper falls trail takes visitors across catwalks that cross over several of the falls and allow visitors to look over the edges and watch the water fall to the rocks below. The lower falls trail allows visitors to get up closer to the falls and delivers some of the best views of the falls. Some of these views are actually used in many of the postcards seen in gift stores and in the hotels.
The upper and lower trails should be taken in the morning. The sun is rising from the Brazilian side and provides the best lighting of the falls during the morning. The train and viewing of Devil’s Throat should be done in the afternoon when the sun has at least risen above the falls. Viewing Devil’s Throat in the morning will leave visitors starring into the sun.
The Brazilian side should also be explored in the morning with the sun lighting the falls from behind you. The Brazilian side is shorter and may easily be completed in the morning hours. This makes it possible to view the falls from all perspectives within a day and a half. However, visitors should be encouraged to allow for more time to enjoy the falls at a more leisurely pace as well as multiple times as the weather changes or wildlife is experienced.
Best way to experience Iguassu Falls
Iguassu Falls may be experienced a couple of different ways. Without question, visitors should hike through the upper and lower trails on the Argentina side. The Brazilian side is for viewing the falls, the Argentina side is for experiencing the falls.
After that visitors should plan on taking one of the exhilarating boat rides that take you directly into the falls. A common question is, “Will you get wet?” – The answer is no you will not just get wet – you will get drenched, soaked, flooded, and out right sopping wet. For many, this is a welcomed event following a hiking experience throughout the trails. No matter what it is an adventure that is just out right fun.
Best Times to Explore Iguassu Falls
The good news is that there is really not a bad time to visit the falls with the temperature and climate being fairly consistent throughout the year. The high season for Brazilians and Argentinians are the months of January and February. A visit during this time frame will also include higher waters and higher temperatures. Easter week is also unseasonably busy as many people travel to the falls for the holiday.
The months of May and July are the rainy seasons and also the highest water levels. Some prefer this because of the force and significance of the water flowing over the falls. Probably the best times to explore Iguazu Falls are during the months of September and October. The weather is nicer, the falls are beautiful and the area is less crowded.
Iguassu Falls Photography Tips
The best pictures of the majority of the falls will occur during the morning hours whether from the Argentina or Brazilian side, with two exceptions. The sun rises from the Brazilian side and lights up the falls during the morning. The park on the Argentina side opens at 8:00 a.m. and photographers should be up and ready to embark on their photography adventure.
The Brazilian side opens up at 9:00 a.m. and it is a good idea to be there before that. Here is a reason to stay inside the park if you can. The Brazilian hillside and rainforest shades photographers as they view the sun light falls across the way towards the Argentinian side.
Here is the first exception on the morning photography recommendation. The falls reach the border and make a u-turn. This part of the Brazilian falls is best photographed in the late afternoon. The park closes at 5:00 in the evening so that will be the latest you can shoot unless you are staying inside the park.
The second exception is Devil’s Throat. Devil’s throat is the U-shaped waterfall which is closer to the Brazilian side of the falls. It is best photographed in the afternoon once the sun moved across the sky. If you attempt to shoot Devil’s Throat in the morning you will find yourself and your camera facing directly into the sun.
The park opens at night four evenings a year during the full moon. This also makes for creative images out over Devil’s Throat. One key point is to make sure you take a tripod.
Many of the views of the falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides are engulfed with spray or mist from the falls. Make sure you have protective gear for your equipment. If you do take the boat ride into the falls – the captain will drive the boat up to near the beginning of the mist and pause allowing you to take pictures. Then he will provide you with a water proof bag to store your equipment as he makes way into the falls – you will get drenched. This is not a place where the camera goes under your shirt – it is a downpour.
Iguassu Falls Travel Tips
Iguassu Falls can be accessed easily from either the Brazilian or Argentinian side. Both Foz de Iguacu, Brazil and Port Iguazu, Argentina have airports. Common connections will go through either Sao Pualo, Brazil or Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is easy to cross the borders either direction, however it is quite probably that you will need a Brazilian visa which is required in advance and not available at the border.
Iguazu Falls is also in an isolated area and rarely part of an individual destination. In most cases visitors are incorporating a stay at Iguazu Falls as part of a more extensive itinerary. If enjoying nature and relaxing in pristine beauty are desired – a longer stay at Iguazu Falls is ideal and encouraged.
Iguazu Falls Resources
Iguazu Jungle: a tour company that offers packages and personalized tours of the falls. Packages may include the adventure boats into the falls, the jungle tours through the rainforest, and an ecological guided raft trip atop the falls. Iguazu Jungle can also assist you with guided services through the park and with the open aired train ride out to Devil’s Throat.
Aconcagua
Aconcagua the highest mountain in Argentina and the tallest mountain in South America. The mountain reaches a elevation of 22,837 feet (6,960.8 m). Aconcagua, as the tallest mountain in South America and the southern hemisphere, the mountain has been designated as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of South America
Aconcagua Facts:
- Tallest mountain in South America
- Summit elevation is 22,837 feet (6,960.8 m)
- Tallest mountain in in the Southern hemisphere
- Tallest non-technical climb
Aconcagua
Aconcagua the highest mountain in Argentina and the tallest mountain in South America. The mountain reaches a elevation of 22,837 feet (6,960.8 m). Aconcagua, as the tallest mountain in South America and the southern hemisphere, the mountain has been designated as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of South America.
Aconcagua features a number of glaciers with the largest being Ventisquero Horcones Inferior. It extends across 10 kilometers. A famous glacier is the Polish Glacier which is seen by the majority of climbers who trek up the north-eastern route of the mountain.
Where is Aconcagua
Aconcagua is found in Mendoza, Argentina as part of the Andes mountain range. It is approximately 15 kilometers away from the border of Chile. It is surrounded by the Valle de las Vacas to the east and north and the Valle de los Horcones Inferior to the south and west.
The mountain is the featured nature attraction of the Aconcagua Provincial Park.
What is the best way to Experience Aconcagua
The majority of travelers or visitors looking to experience one of the Seven Natural Wonders of South America, find a tour through the provincial park and take advantage of one of the scenic vistas overlooking the mountain. For the majority of tourists, seeing the majestic mountain is a sufficient and rewarding experience.
Aconcagua is deemed an easy climb as far as mountaineering is concerned. The northern route is the easiest and considered the normal route. The mountain is taller than Mount Kilimanjaro making it the tallest non-technical climb.
Potential climbers should be aware that altitude sickness affects the majority of climbers. The severity of the sickness and symptoms experienced will depend on the time spent acclimating along the way. The cold weather is also a challenge and combined with the altitude sickness there are multiple casualties every year.
Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert is a 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) long plateau that sees almost no rainfall whatsoever throughout the entire year. In fact, some parts of the desert haven’t seen any rainfall for over 400 years. This makes the Atacama Desert the driest non-polar desert throughout the entire world. The desert consists of mostly stony and sandy terrain, salt lakes and even felsic lava that flows towards the mountain side of the desert.
Atacama Desert Quick Facts
- Driest non-polar desert in the world
- A 600 mile long plateau (1,000 km)
- A surprising cold climate
Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert is a 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) long plateau that sees almost no rainfall whatsoever throughout the entire year. In fact, some parts of the desert haven’t seen any rainfall for over 400 years. This makes the Atacama Desert the driest non-polar desert throughout the entire world. The desert consists of mostly stony and sandy terrain, salt lakes and even felsic lava that flows towards the mountain side of the desert.
Although with scarce rainfall and it being by far the driest desert, the Atacama surprisingly experiences a rather cold climate. Sometimes extreme weather and phenomenon’s occur such as the time of July 2011 when an Antarctic cold front came in and brought a shocking 31 inches (80 centimeters) of snow. Although quite rare for the plateau, these weather changes can occur and without barely any warning as to when.
With little rainfall and several other factors of desert life, there is only a very sparse population residing in the Atacama Desert with most towns being along the Pacific Coast. One of the ways that they do gain precipitation is through the heavy fog that the desert accumulates nearly every early morning.Where is Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert can be found starting and ending from the southern border of Peru all the way up into the northern parts of Chile. On the western side, the desert lies next to the Pacific Ocean and against the other, its lands crawl up into the Andes Mountains. This creates a rather high elevation of over 20,000 feet (6,000 meters).
Within the interior of the desert you will find the Tamarugal Plain with an elevation of more than 3,000 feet (900 meters). Also toward the northeastern parts of the desert next to Argentina and Bolivia is a much higher elevation of 13,000 feet (4,000 meters). Though these are the tallest in elevation throughout the desert, there are several more that are located within the Andes Mountains region.
Best Ways to See and Experience Atacama Desert
Most people hoping to see and experience the driest place on earth head to the town of San Pedro de Atacama that has a population of about 2,500. This is where you will find backpackers, tourists and travelers hoping to explore the geysers, red canyons as well as the beautiful sunsets that occur every night.
There are tour companies that can take you on various excursions that allow you to witness the magnificent and unique beauty of this world wonder. In fact, many travelers get much more out of their trip to the Atacama Desert than they were expecting.
With plenty of accommodation options and guides willing to take you out for several days of exploring, you are guaranteed to have nothing short of an amazing and unforgettable time in the Atacama Desert. Of course, while visiting the driest place on earth be sure to stay extremely well hydrated and rested with plenty of water bottles close by you at all times.
Best Times to Explore Atacama Desert
The climate for Atacama Desert is fairly consistent year round. This means that opportunities for accessing and exploring the desert are available year round. The weather actually rarely changes, however the month of July has the greatest possibility for cooler nights. On a cultural note, the local Saint’s Day Festival occurs during the month of June.
Atacama Desert Travel Tips
Insider travel tips and recommendations are coming to help you better explore Atacma
Salar de Uyuni
Salar de Uyuni is a salt flat located in the Potosi and Oruro departments of southwest Bolivia. Salar is a Spanish word translating into “salt flat,” and Uyuni is Spanish for “enclosure.” As part of the Andes, the Salar is located at 11,995 feet (3,656 m) above sea level.
Salar de Uyuni Quick Facts:
- Largest salt flat in the world
- Encompasses 4,086 square miles (10,582 sq km)
- Accounts for 50 to 70% of world’s lithium reserves
Salar de Uyuni
Salar de Uyuni is a salt flat located in the Potosi and Oruro departments of southwest Bolivia. Salar is a Spanish word translating into “salt flat,” and Uyuni is Spanish for “enclosure.” As part of the Andes, the Salar is located at 11,995 feet (3,656 m) above sea level. Created from the transformation of several lakes, the salt crust of the Salar de Uyuni has no more than three feet (1 m) in altitude variation.
Statistically speaking, Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world accounting for 4,086 square miles (10,582 sq km). The crust is comprised of salt and covers a sea of brine that ranges from 7 to 66 feet (2 to 20 m) deep. Collectively, the Salar de Uyuni accounts for between 50 to 70% of the world’s lithium reserves.
There is limited wildlife or vegetation in the area. There are about 80 species of birds found in the area with the highlight being three different species of flamingos that visit during the month of November.
Best Ways to Experience Salar de Uyuni
The majority of visitors take a tour which can be anywhere from 2 days to around a full week. You can actually have a single day tour, but you are really missing out on this amazing feature of nature. These jeep safari excursions provide travelers with an opportunity to experience the salt flats to the fullest while also capturing the various mountains and colorful lakes.
A little more adventure can be had by taking a motorcycle tour through and across the salt flats. These also vary in length usually lasting 2 to 4 days.
Of course it is a necessity to get out and walk around the salt flats. As you have probably witness in various photographs, they are great opportunities to capture stunning images of this wonder of nature. This is one of the most unique places in the world.
Taking advantage of the entire day should be an objective. The sunrise and sunset settings are phenomenal, particularly if there has been any rain or water in the area to enhance the reflective nature of the salt flats. At night, don’t forget to leverage the absence of light and admire the incredible starlit skies.
Best time to Explore Salar de Uyuni
The reasons to visit Salar de Uyuni and what makes the best time varies. The dry months of June through September are nice because of an absence of rain. However, July and August could experience snow which cancels your tour.
The rainy season is a targeted time to visit because the additional water enhances the mirroring effect that occurs across the salt flats. However, heavy rains can lead your tour to be delayed or cancelled.
The shoulder season which includes the months of April, May, and September through November are probably the safest for planning a successful trip.
Salar de Uyuni Travel Tips
There is more coming on the Salar de Uyuni travel experience. If you are a travel professional familiar with Bolivia or the Salar de Uyuni area, please contact Seven Natural Wonders to provide your counsel and suggestions.
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