Earthquakes and South America
Over one million earthquakes happen worldwide every year. Some are so slight they
are unfelt, others last for minutes that seem like forever and can cause major
changes in the landscape. Many of these earthquakes happen in South America,
due to the Nazca and South American plates of the circum-Pacific belt.
The world's largest earthquake, a 9.5, occurred in Chile in 1960.
Galapagos Archipelago - Ecuador
The Galápagos archipelago, first discovered uninhabited by the Spaniards in 1535, and later made famous
by Charles Darwin in 1835, is both a province and a national park of Ecuador, 600 mi
(1000 km) west on the mainland. It is a premiere wildlife observation, protection and
research center visited annually by thousands of tourists.
South American Wildlife
The wildlife of South America is huge - in scope, number of species and family,
in area. Enjoy the pictures in a growing wildlife photo gallery.
South America's Last Frontier
The vast inhospitable area of the Gran Chaco has remained almost uninhabited for years. What's the
attraction now?
Paracas and the Islas Ballestas - the Galapagos of Peru
The area offers fantastic wildlife viewing of birds and marine animals, plus a look
at the ancient Paracas culture.
The Glaciers in Patagonia Argentina - South America
This feature by guest author Marita Alisal spotlights Perito Moreno, the most famous glacier,
and some of the sightseeing possibilities in the area.
The Whales of Patagonia, Argentina
Between May and December, Southern Whales go to Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San José in
Argentina's Peninsula Valdes to mate. This feature by guest author Marita Alisal tells us
about whale watching excursions to see the whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine life.
The Glaciers of Argentina
Parque Nacional Los Glaciares has 47 major glaciers, including Perito Moreno, the only one in the world
still growing, two lakes and is a favored destination in any season.
The Dinosaurs of South America
Patagonia and other sites are fossil-rich with numerous new species.
The Pantanal and the Environment
The Pantanal is a huge wilderness region of swamps and marshes - wetlands created by
the seasonal flooding of the river Paraguai and its many tributaries. It's the site
of the popular annual International Fishing Festival, but at what cost to the
environment?
The Matto Grosso
Brazil's land of Big Wood offers history, mystery
and great ecotouring in the Pantanal, the cerrado and the Amazon rainforest.
The volcanos of Chile
Chile has hundreds of volcanos, active and dormant, along the Bolivian and Argentine borders.
Some are favored climbs, others are scenic gems. Would you climb one?
The Volcanos of Ecuador
A look at the active and dormant volcanos including the ones threatening Quito.
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