A Guide to Safaris in Central and South America

What you’ll experience on a South American safari varies immensely depending on your destination. These are a few of the top places to go for wildlife spotting throughout the continent. 

Amazon safaris

The Amazon basin spans nine different South American countries, including Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. Safaris here invite you to delve deep into the rainforest on river cruises and guided nature walks. 

You can see thousands of plant species and hundreds of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Some of the most sought-after animals on Amazon safaris include jaguars, hyacinth macaws, pink river dolphins, giant otters, black caimans and red howler monkeys.

There are several phenomenal Amazon safari lodges where you can be fully surrounded by the wilderness. Some of our favourites are Cristalino Jungle Lodge in Brazil and Posada Amazonas in Peru. We also recommend private river cruises on luxury vessels like the Zenith.

Pantanal safaris

The Pantanal is a massive tropical wetland area with a long list of wildlife to rival that of the Amazon. This is the best place for a jaguar safari in Brazil, with a higher density of these feline predators than anywhere else on the planet.

The conservation organisation Onçafari is dedicated to protecting jaguars (called onças in Portuguese) and other animals across Brazil. You can head out on expeditions with their jaguar habituation team to track down these big cats and learn about their research first-hand.

You’re also likely to spot plenty of other species on Pantanal safaris, many of which are found in the Amazon, too. Possible sightings include giant otters, capybaras, maned wolves, giant anteaters and tapirs.

Galápagos safaris

The Galápagos Islands are renowned as one of the world’s top wildlife destinations, as their isolated location off the coast of Ecuador has led to the development of many one-of-a-kind species. 

Some of the most emblematic animals in the Galápagos are giant tortoises, sea lions, fur seals, marine iguanas, lava lizards, blue-footed boobies and Galápagos penguins. 

Snorkelling and diving excursions reveal a stunning variety of underwater species, including green turtles and sharks. Marine safaris in the Gálapagos also give you the chance to spot humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, orcas and other cetaceans.

You can explore the islands on a multi-day Galápagos cruise or stay at one of the archipelago’s luxury safari lodges, like Montemar Eco Luxury Villas or Galápagos Safari Camp.

Patagonia safaris

The southernmost part of South America is known as Patagonia, including parts of both Chile and Argentina. Known for its jagged peaks and glacial landscapes, this region is also full of intriguing animals that you can seek out on a Patagonia safari.

Perhaps the most majestic of all Patagonian wildlife, pumas are exceptionally rare and undeniably impressive. You might also spot guanacos (related to llamas) and huemuls (a type of deer), along with Magellanic penguins, soaring Andean condors and migrating whales.

Our favourite destinations for safaris in Patagonia include Torres del Paine, Península Valdés and Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Set between North America and South America, this region includes exceptionally biodiverse coastlines, tropical rainforests and volcanic highlands. Here are some of our favourite spots for Central American safaris.

Costa Rica safaris

Home to an awe-inspiring array of ecosystems, Costa Rica is the quintessential safari destination in Central America. Its combination of highly biodiverse rainforests, cloud forests and coastal regions translates to an astonishing range of plant and animal species.

Head to the central cloud forests in search of colourful quetzals and sloths, or Tortuguero to see baby sea turtles hatch. Corcovado National Park is a prime place to see Baird’s tapirs and all four of the country’s native monkey species.

We highly suggest embarking on a Costa Rica safari after dark as well. Night safaris offer the best chances of spotting nocturnal species like ocelots and kinkajous (also known as honey bears).

Belize safaris

The small Central American country of Belize is absolutely packed with wonderful wildlife experiences, both on land and at sea. It’s known as a world-class diving destination thanks to the legendary dive sites around Ambergris Caye, including the Great Blue Hole. 

Go snorkelling and scuba diving to spot sea turtles, sharks, rays, manatees and tropical fish. Or opt for a safari in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary – the world’s oldest jaguar sanctuary – near Placencia, home to tapirs, monkeys, toucans and five kinds of wild cat.

The best time for a Belize jaguar safari is after sunset. We can arrange a night expedition in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve to increase your chances of spotting these fierce nocturnal felines.

Guatemala safaris

Famous for its Maya ruins and towering volcanoes, Guatemala is also an optimal destination for Central American safaris. Tikal National Park boasts not only ancient pyramids and temples, but also big cats, multiple monkey species, tapirs, bats and abundant birdlife. 

Rio Dulce National Park is another great choice for a Guatemala safari. Here you can see manatees, crocodiles, howler monkeys and many other animals on scenic boat safaris. 

Head to Guatemala’s Pacific coast between June and December for the chance to see nesting and hatching sea turtles, too.