Inspiration
The areas with the greatest concentration of wildlife include the Pantanal in Brazil, the Iberá marshes in northern Argentina and the Llanos of Venezuela. There are various lodges in each of these areas which offer excursions across the extensive wetlands, home to an abundance of birdlife, reptiles and mammals. The Galapagos and Antarctica attract many keen wildlife enthusiasts and a visit to either is a unique experience. These remote regions offer unparalleled close-up encounters with nature. Guyana, hardly touched by tourism, offers some of the most pristine land on the continent. Highlights include tapirs, monkeys, armadillos, the most spectacular birds and butterflies, and you may even be lucky enough to spot the elusive jaguar. Patagonia in southern Chile and Argentina also offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, and Uruguay has some wonderful birdlife. In Central America, the compact countries of Costa Rica and Belize are exceptionally biodiverse. Much of the land is protected through a series of well-managed national parks and reserves, allowing for excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. Of course, Latin America is home to the most famous rainforest, the Amazon. There are many excellent lodges from where you can experience the jungle which stretches across Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Brazil. From the lodges, you may walk through the forest, see giant river otters, take a night walk or try piranha fishing! Latin America certainly has an abundance of wildlife and is a must for enthusiasts.
Best time
Year-round, depending on country, although bear in mind some areas can be very wet during certain months. Please see specific country for further information.
Itinerary Ideas
Here are some sample itineraries that feature wildlife
Classic Falkland Islands
A week's island hopping in the unique archipelago for unforgettable wildlife experiences
Classic Belize
Beautiful beaches, endless reef teeming with marine life, rainforest adventure and exotic jungle wildlife
Classic Guyana
Explore virgin rainforest, spot rare and diverse wildlife and cruise along the rivers of the endless Rupununi savannas
Classic Brazil
Iconic cities, natural wonders of the world, rainforest and Brazil's north-east coast
Mexico whale adventure
From the Sea of Cortés to the Pacific, whale-watching and exploring Mexico's Baja peninsula
Classic Costa Rica
From verdant jungle and rainforest bursting with wildlife, to beautiful beaches along unspoilt coastline
Classic Galapagos
Breathtaking wildlife, untouched nature and stunning beaches; sailing the enchanted islands
Ultimate Antarctica
Cruise around the peninsula, admiring the abundant wildlife of the Falklands and South Georgia
Obviously the Galapagos was the highlight. There is something very special about walking around a world that belongs to birds and animals. We swam with sea lions and turtles and watched dolphins surfing under the prow of the boat. - RM