With the world’s eyes on some of the world’s most important natural wonders, we decided to write a Latin America For Less guide on how to visit each of the sites in line for title of South America’s most important natural wonder.

An Andean Condor soaring through Colca Canyon, Peru

In fourth place, the majestic Colca Canyon is among one of the front runners for the leading spot.

The Canyon, twice as deep as the famous Grand Canyon, is characterized by a long and fascinating history as well as being home to a large colony of Andean Condors.

Colca Canyon, a popular stop off point during many Peru vacations, is inhabited by traditional communities, with agricultural terraces and unchanging villages dotting the landscape. The highlight of any visit to Colca is the Cruz del Condor, above the Canyon’s deepest point, where visitors have the strongest chance of spotting a magnificent Condor circling overhead.

Visiting Colca Canyon

Most Peru tours that include a stop at Colca first visit the city of Arequipa, before heading into the surrounding mountains for a night in the remote canyon region.

The road is bumpy in places and the journey from Arequipa takes several hours, so the tour is bound to start early. Travelers are also likely to notice the altitude and a store of coca-leaf sweets are recommended to avoid altitude sickness during the journey.

The small and pleasant town of Chivay, at the head of the Canyon is usually the first stop. It is here that most hotels are situated, along with a number of restaurants and peñas (restaurants with nightly performances of folk music and dance), plus the famous hot springs.

From Chivay you can make your way by road along the Canyon itself, until arriving at the Cruz del Condor for some spectacular views and photo opportunities.

For those wanting to spend more time at the Canyon, there are a huge number of opportunities for adventure activities and hiking with walking or cycling down into the Canyon and rafting along the river are all popular activities. Longer, multi-day treks through the region are also possible.

With such attention on some of South America’s most spectacular sights, we thought we’d give a Latin America For Less guide to visiting each place that is in contention for the title of South America’s most important Natural Wonder.

One of many stunning views of Iguazu Falls, on the Brazil-Argentina border

As the ratings currently stand, the mighty Iguazu Falls are in second place as the most significant natural wonder on the continent.

The falls straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil and are an enormously impressive sight. Almost 1.7 miles wide, Iguazu is actually made up of numerous sets of individual falls, the largest of which is known as the Devil’s Throat, on the border itself.

The story goes that when Eleanor Roosevelt first laid eyes on the falls, all she could exclaim was, “poor Niagra!”

Because of the falls’ location on the border between the two countries, they have become a popular destination for both Argentina and Brazil vacations.

Visiting Iguazu

One of the most popular Brazil tours that include Iguazu begins in the buzzing, iconic city of Rio de Janeiro before taking an internal flight to the Iguazu National Park.

On the Brazil side, most Iguazu hotels are concentrated between the town of Iguazu and the falls themselves. There are a good range of accommodations, including top-end choices such as the Mabus Thermas & Resort and Rafain Palace, as well as the budget-friendly Rafain Centro and Best Western Falls Galli Hotel – all of which are recommended by Brazil For Less.

Once travelers are settled in at their hotel, the entire afternoon can be spent exploring the falls. Walkways lead through the river canyon through a tropical rainforest that is rich with life. As you approach the falls, the thundering roar grows louder until you reach the waterfall system itself, hundreds of minor falls that gradually lead up to Iguazu’s centerpiece: the Devil’s Throat.

On the second day, most Iguazu tours visit the Argentine side of the falls, with an opportunity of taking a train ride right up to the Devil’s Throat falls for some breathtaking photo opportunities. There are also several walkways around the falls, each of which offers a different perspective.

Other Attractions

Once you’ve taken in the magnificence of the falls, there are plenty of other activities in the area, especially wildlife watching in the surrounding forest. The trees are alive with a huge number of bird species, and the Macuco Trail is a particularly well-known bird watching route.

Boating on the river with the falls as a spectacular backdrop is another popular activity. It’s even possible to take your “Iguazu Baptism” – a journey behind the falls themselves for a truly thrilling experience as millions of gallons of water thunders before your eyes.

Finally, not far from Iguazu is the Triple Frontier, the place where the Brazilian, Argentine and Paraguayan borders meet, which is marked by a monument from each nation to recognize their shared history.