Wildlife enthusiasts: Discover South America's best jungle treks
What's the story
From hidden jungle trails in South America to unique wildlife encounters, the continent has it all!
South America is home to diverse ecosystems, and these paths let you explore the rainforests and observe species in their natural habitats.
Perfect for nature lovers, these trails promise adventures and discoveries across vibrant birds and elusive mammals, showcasing the continent's rich biodiversity.
Amazon Trail
Trekking through Amazon rainforest
A biodiversity hotspot, the Amazon Rainforest offers picturesque trails through its dense foliage.
Hikers are greeted by colorful parrots, monkeys, and sometimes even jaguars. Howler monkeys and toucans are common sights.
Guided tours can make the experience even richer, as they help you understand the flora and fauna.
With entry points in Brazil and Peru, the two give different views of this vast ecosystem.
Pantanal Pathways
Discovering Pantanal's wetlands
The Pantanal, one of the world's largest tropical wetlands, offers a different kind of hiking experience from dense jungles.
Here, open landscapes make spotting wildlife easier with animals such as capybaras and caimans regularly seen near water bodies.
The dry season (May-October) is ideal for hiking as receded water levels concentrate wildlife around remaining water sources.
Manu Exploration
Venturing into Manu National Park
Located in Peru, Manu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stunning biodiversity.
The park's remoteness means that not many people visit it, but those who do can witness an abundance of wildlife.
Trails here take you through cloud forests where birdwatchers can sight rare species like macaws and toucans, even as you look for giant otters on riverbanks.
Sierra Nevada Trails
Navigating Colombia's Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range in Colombia is a goldmine of diverse ecosystems, from coastal areas to snow-capped peaks within a short distance.
Hiking here is a great opportunity to spot the endemic species that are found nowhere else on Earth due to the region's isolation.
The Lost City trek is especially popular among adventurers looking to soak in cultural history and natural beauty in lush surroundings.
Safety tips
Tips for safe jungle hiking
For safe and enjoyable jungle hikes in South America, always use experienced guides and wear long sleeves for protection against insects.
Carry enough water, keep a respectful distance from wildlife, and check the weather before departing.
Make sure your vaccinations are current to avoid health risks in tropical environments.