Valle de Cocora, Colombia
In the lush highlands of Colombia’s Quindío region, the Valle de Cocora stretches into the mist with eerie grace. Here, the wax palm the tallest palm tree in the world and Colombia’s national tree pierces the sky at up to 60 meters. The valley feels almost prehistoric, quiet except for the rustle of leaves and the call of birds you won’t hear anywhere else.
Though many tourists rush past it on their way to Medellín or Bogotá, Cocora remains largely off the radar. That’s fortunate for travelers who want more solitude with their scenery. Trekking trails wind through cloud forest and emerald meadows, offering enough challenge to feel earned but not brutal. Birdwatchers flock here too especially to spot the endangered yellow eared parrot, which nests exclusively in these wax palms.
If you’re into sunrise photography, show up early. Dawn casts a diffuse golden glow through the mountain fog that makes everything look like a dream you might not remember right but won’t forget.
Local knowledge? Don’t skip Salento. It’s the nearby town that serves as a gateway to the valley and a deep dive into Colombia’s coffee culture. Small cafés line colorful streets, pouring some of the richest brews you’ll ever sip. Pair your hike with a strong cup, and you’ve got the full experience.
Mount Roraima, Border of Venezuela, Brazil, Guyana
Mount Roraima doesn’t just look like something out of a novel it literally is. This flat topped sandstone giant perched in the clouds was the key inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World. And it’s easy to see why. Roraima rises abruptly from the rainforest like some ancient relic, carved by time and left untouched by civilization.
Reaching its summit isn’t for the casual traveler. You’re looking at a multi day guided hike through remote terrain, thick jungle, and sometimes unpredictable weather. There’s no tram, no easy trail. Just a winding, beautiful slog that pays off with a view you won’t forget.
Up top, things get strange in a good way. You’ll find plant species that exist nowhere else on Earth, eerie rock formations shaped by centuries of wind and rain, and panoramic vistas that make the days of hiking worth every step. Roraima is legend for a reason. Few will make it to the summit. Fewer still will forget it.
Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
Tucked inside Bolivia’s Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, Laguna Colorada is a sight that doesn’t look real deep red water stretching across a high altitude basin, dotted with white borax islands. The striking color comes from algae and sediments that thrive in its mineral rich, shallow waters. That same ecosystem brings in flocks of flamingos, often by the thousands. If you’ve never seen a blood red lake lined with pink birds against a backdrop of volcanoes, it’s one for the list.
Most travelers heading to the Uyuni Salt Flats blow right past this place. Big mistake. The nearby Dali Desert with its wind sculpted rocks and the Sol de Mañana geysers kick the surreal factor into overdrive. It’s dry, desolate, and nearly Martian. Which is exactly the point: Laguna Colorada is one of those rare places that doesn’t need a filter. You just show up late in the day when the light hits low and the elements do the rest.
If you’re already in southern Bolivia, weave it into your route. You won’t find crowds here, just color, silence, and raw beauty.
Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil
In Brazil’s northeast, far from the crowded coasts and cruise happy Amazon, lies Chapada Diamantina a rugged sprawl of plateaus, sheer cliffs, and clear swimming holes that feels like it belongs to another world. This is Bahia stripped of samba clichés, replaced by silent canyons, misty valleys, and caves lit by shafts of sunlight straight out of a dream.
You won’t find hordes of tourists here. Which is exactly the point. Despite being every bit as wild and biodiverse as Brazil’s better known regions, Chapada Diamantina flies under the radar. Its solitude rewards the persistent.
Start with the essentials: hike to Fumaça Waterfall, one of Brazil’s tallest, plunging nearly 400 meters into the forest below. Then make time for Poço Azul, a submerged cave pool so clear and iridescent it looks fake especially when midday light slices through the water.
What sets this region apart is its scale. We’re talking serious, multi day treks through backcountry terrain, with most routes best tackled with a local guide. It’s not cushy. It’s not curated. But for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone hungry for Brazil beyond the postcard version it’s gold.
Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina
Cradled high in Argentina’s northwest, Quebrada de Humahuaca is a valley carved by time and layered with history. The landscape tells its own story ribbons of red, ochre, and gold rock marking ancient geologic shifts. Pre Incan trade routes once cut through this terrain, connecting the Andes to the lowlands long before borders existed.
Though it holds UNESCO World Heritage status, the region remains refreshingly quiet in 2026 compared to Argentina’s more advertised hotspots. What it lacks in tourist gloss it makes up for in authenticity. You’ll find artisan villages like Purmamarca and Tilcara, where adobe homes lean into the hillside and locals sell hand woven ponchos beside tamale stalls.
This is a solid pick for travelers seeking more space than scene. Hike between cacti studded ridges in the morning, sip coca tea in a dusty plaza by afternoon. It’s culture you can breathe in, not just take pictures of.
(Discover similar experiences in this piece on Authentic Local Markets Around the World Worth Discovering)
Final Tips for Explorers
Before you book your journey to South America’s lesser known natural wonders, consider how you can explore these places with care and respect. These regions aren’t just scenic escapes they’re fragile habitats, sacred grounds, and cultural touchstones that deserve thoughtful exploration.
Tread Lightly in Remote Ecosystems
Many of these destinations are far from urban centers, which is part of their magic but also their vulnerability.
Stick to designated trails to avoid damaging plant life or disturbing animal habitats.
Pack out all trash, even biodegradable items.
Limit noise pollution to preserve the area’s natural soundscape.
Choose Local and Travel Off Season
Your travel choices can directly support conservation and community efforts.
Hire local guides who understand the terrain, traditions, and wildlife.
Travel during the shoulder or off season to help reduce crowding and environmental stress.
Stay in sustainable accommodations that prioritize low impact practices.
Leave Only Footprints
Respect the principle of “leave no trace” to keep these wild places unspoiled for generations to come.
Don’t remove rocks, plants, or artifacts leave nature as you found it.
Capture the moment with photos, not souvenirs. A few well framed drone shots (where allowed) can say more than anything taken home.
Educate others on responsible travel awareness is the first step toward preservation.
Traveling responsibly isn’t just about rules it’s about respect. When you walk gently and give back more than you take, you’re not just a traveler. You’re a steward of the world’s last wild places.