Guide to the 5 Most Expansive Jungles In South America

South America is one of the last unspoilt continents, aside from the two polar regions, and it is also home to some of the largest rainforests and jungle areas. If you are a lover of nature and would like to experience the wonders of the world’s best rainforests, this article should prove to be very useful.

Atlantic Forest

Situated in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, the Atlantic Forest is unique in the number of eco systems it contains: tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, swamplands and mangrove forests. Thousands of years ago, this was the second largest forest in the world, yet close to 85% has already been deforested, which is causing wildlife to be endangered.

Amazon Rainforest

• Without doubt the largest rainforest on the planet, the Amazon basin covers a whopping 7 million square kilometres, which is mind-blowing. This huge region spans 9 nations and some of the best South America adventure vacation packages can bring you a window into this natural jewel. Brazil is the home to 60% of the Amazon Jungle and is probably the best destination to experience Amazon adventure tours. Peru, Bolivia, Columbia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and Ecuador share the remaining. There are still at least 250 Amazon tribes that have little to no contact with the rest of the world and the Brazilian government are focused on making sure that they are protected from encroachment. It is illegal to approach their areas, not that you would be able to, as they are so remote with no roads or tracks.

Andes Sub-Tropical Rainforest

Found in the upper Andes, a section of land between 6,000ft and 11,000ft above sea level, is very humid on the Amazon side and continues right up to the snow line. There is unique vegetation that is not found anywhere else on the planet, which is a reflection of the unusual conditions that are found here. Visiting this region is not as easy as one might think and we advise that you contact a company that specialises in adventure expeditions in South America. They would have at least one tour that takes you deep into this rainforest and guided by an English-speaking tour guide, you won’t have to worry about getting lost.

Caatinga

Known locally as the ‘white forest’, this region is found in the dry northeast part of Brazil. The leafless trees are somehow able to survive the drought-like conditions and in areas where some rainfall occurs, you will find a diverse range of trees and shrubs and unique wildlife that is not found anywhere else. If you would like to visit this region, check out the amazing luxury tours South America can offer. This is a nature lover’s paradise and one of the most remote forest areas on the continent.

Valdivian Temperate Rainforest

Located in the lower part of South America, on the west coast of Chile and Argentina. This rainforest encompasses almost 250,000 sq km, which is named after the city of Valdivia and has evergreen and conifer trees growing in abundance. Bamboo is common in a region that was naturally formed about 17,000 years ago and there are stunning lakes and rivers that are home to unique wildlife.

South America has a lot to offer the adventure traveller, and the best way to experience these unique forests is to book with an established tour operator, a company with the know-how and the resources to provide you with the experience of a lifetime.

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Images: Pixabay, Pexels