South America is full of surprises, from stunning beaches to unforgettable wildlife encounters; but South American islands provide an escape into another realm altogether. From gorgeous shorelines to remarkable wildlife sightings, they provide the ideal oasis in a continent overflowing with wonder.
Ilha do Marajo is a river island situated on the border between Brazil and Argentina that features lush mangrove forests. Take a day trip of Uros Khantati for an opportunity to view Lake Titicaca’s floating islands.
1. Ilha do Marajo
Ilha do Marajos is an integral part of the Amazon basin and boasts an exceptional biodiversity due to its strategic position between Amazon rainforest and Atlantic Ocean. Home to various ecosystems – tropical forests, mangroves and savanas – Ilha do Marajos serves as a hub for both nature and culture alike.
Ilha do Marajo is the largest freshwater island in the world and home to an estimated population of 1.8 million people, boasting rustic landscapes and primitive local cultures that attract visitors from across the country.
Island hosts Brazil’s largest herd of water buffaloes, making it an attractive location for agricultural development. With lush vegetation and river beaches to offer visitors, it makes an enjoyable spot any time of the year – but for optimal travel experience visit between July and December when rainfall levels are lowest.
Ecologists and geographers have conducted many studies of the island over recent years, emphasizing its ecological diversity while noting its limited parks and protected areas as well as no formal management plan in place for managing them.
This is especially true of the region’s savannah areas, which are vulnerable to overgrazing, human activity and land conversion for agriculture; fire risk increases during dry periods; invasive species often infest savannah habitats – making their existence even more precarious.
Taquile Islanders have created an ecotourism model that benefits them as well as their visitors, with sustainable farming, fishing and tourism activities becoming part of daily life. Puno provides easy access to Taquile, and many day tours include Taquile in their itinerary. In addition to visiting Uros islands floating through Puno’s canals, visitors can spend some time on Taquile enjoying its rich culture; not forgetting floating Uros islands of course! Isla Taquile is truly one-of-a-kind place and should definitely not be missed on South American travel itineraries!
2. Isla Taquile
Within hours of Rio, this stunning island offers spectacular beaches, snorkeling, hiking and an idyllic island environment. White sands and clear blue waters make the scene beautiful while snow-capped mountains frame its landscape for added visual stimulation.
Ilha Grande offers plenty of activities and excursions, making it simple and accessible by boat. Enjoy swimming or strolling the island’s charming stone paths – whatever you decide, Ilha Grande provides an idyllic escape that won’t overwhelm.
Isla Grande de Chiloe is famed for its iconic wooden churches, vibrant street art displays, rich cultural traditions and customs, and beautiful stilted houses crafted over water with vibrant decorations in every color imaginable – an impressive sight indeed! Isla Grande de Chiloe also hosts some stunning stilted homes topped off with colorful decorations.
Spend a night with local families on the island who will open up their homes at an affordable cost and welcome you into their homes for an enjoyable evening experience. Islanders are very welcoming, often inviting tourists to celebrate in their town square with them and many men are accomplished knitters while women weave textiles and make chumpis (wide belts worn by locals).
Visit Isla Taquile is an unforgettable way to discover another side of South America, as its stunning island-life can almost seem like its own universe. Isla Taquile offers stunning views and has managed to preserve many of its cultural traditions despite increased tourism industry activity – it should not be missed on any trip to Peru!
Isla Taquile, situated on the Bolivian half of Lake Titicaca, is like a floating island amidst its tranquil blue waters. Home to terraced farmlands and known for their hand-woven textiles and weaving skills, its inhabitants practice collectivist economy where agriculture and tourism support themselves through collective work. Visitors staying on Isla Taquile often stay with local families so that they can participate in daily chores while learning about traditional lifestyle.
3. Uros Khantati
One of the most striking elements of Lake Titicaca are its fascinating reed islands that dot its shoreline. Home to Peru and Bolivia’s Uros tribe – pre-Inca indigenous people who have lived on these floating structures for millennia – these reed islands have been built using resilient totora reeds which grow abundantly around Titicaca.
Villagers construct islands from reeds as a sturdy yet lightweight base for their houses, which they then connect and anchor in the water’s surface. Reeds are also used for boats and various purposes – weaving hats is one such use! Over time, however, islands become disintegrating due to lack of maintenance; so villagers also make an effort to engage visitors by selling crafts as money helps maintain their way of life.
An island tour offers an insightful peek into Uros culture and life. Overnight stays on these reed islands have become more common, and family-run homestays provide this option. Though still steeped in tradition, Uros people are slowly adopting modern technologies into their lives: many homes now use solar electricity while some villages also employ eco-toilets without plumbing systems.
To reach the islands from Puno, take a walk from its main square down to its harbor and catch a boat for 8 soles ($3) from there. Locals may arrange one for you but this could come at an additional cost; or join an all-day or overnight Lake Titicaca island-hopping tour from either Puno or Copacabana.
Uros Khantati is an exquisite island, home to the Uros tribe and created with totora reeds harvested from lake waters and attached together using ropes. For visitors interested in experiencing Uros culture first-hand, overnight stays on this spectacular reed island are available; make sure not to miss this unique experience.
4. Rosario Islands
Rosario Islands are located about 90 minutes northeast of Cartagena and make an ideal day trip or resort stay destination, thanks to their picturesque coral islands, clear waters, and abundant wildlife.
Secluded beaches provide visitors with an opportunity to unwind and soak up some sun while taking in stunning seascape views, while its pristine natural environment serves as home for numerous endemic species of fauna and flora. Furthermore, the Island offers ecotourism activities so visitors can interact with nature in a responsible and harmonious manner.
Bird watching is another popular activity among visitors to Rosario Island. The archipelago’s natural habitat attracts both resident and migratory bird species; visitors may spot rare species they won’t often find elsewhere while touring this unique destination.
Scuba diving is another popular pastime among those interested in discovering the rich marine life of Rosario Islands. Their crystal clear waters host an abundance of fish, corals and other marine creatures; there may even be opportunities to spot turtles swimming freely around.
On the islands you will find various restaurants and bars offering an assortment of cuisines – seafood is especially delectable, while its relaxing setting makes for the ideal environment for enjoying an enjoyable lunch or romantic dinner date.
Rosario Islands’ top attraction is visiting a coral reef, home to hundreds of different species and with warm, clear water suitable for snorkeling. A variety of tours are available that can lead you to some of the best spots. In addition, there is also an oceanarium housing numerous dolphins – making this trip one that animal enthusiasts should make time for!
Rosario Islands beaches provide the ideal setting for peaceful sunbathing and relaxing sunbathing, swimming and surfing, or admiring their magical shades of blue courtesy of bioluminescent plankton blooming off its waters.
