The Most Beautiful Islands of South America

South America is vast and boasts an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, ranging from deserts to virgin rainforests and ocean coastlines. This subcontinent is home to countless paradises, many of them found on its islands, which often have a distinct character all of their own, set apart from the mainland culture. Whether a haven of abundant wildlife and flora against a backdrop of majestic nature, or a microcosm of fascinating quirks, here are some of the most interesting islands in South America.

This famous archipelago off the coast of Ecuador needs no introduction. A must-see destination on the bucket list of countless travellers from all over the world, these islands are home to more endemic species than anywhere else on Earth. With their iconic giant tortoises and gloriously daft blue-footed boobies, this is the place that inspired Darwin's view of the world, one that would go on to transform our own. A journey through these pristine, uninhabited islands is a chance to snorkel with penguins, explore volcanic landscapes and witness the incredible diversity of flora and fauna up close.

Rapa Nui, better known as Easter Island, is another celebrated spot, thanks to the enormous moai statues erected more than 500 years ago. But photographs simply don't do justice to the overwhelming sense of beauty and mystery that surrounds this isolated island, some 3,800 km off the coast of Chile. A natural paradise, it is also an open-air museum, dotted with the many relics of a culture as ancient as it is remote. Hiking or diving along its shores lets you immerse yourself in the life of this island of mythical proportions.

The appeal of Tierra del Fuego lies first and foremost in its location off the southern tip of Argentina, the fin del Mundo before Antarctica. Separated from the mainland by the Strait of Magellan, it offers travellers far more than the simple satisfaction of reaching the end of the world. Surrounded by staggering mountains, its national park is perfect for epic hikes with extraordinary panoramas and abundant wildlife. Set in Patagonia, the archipelago is shared between Argentina and Chile and is steeped in fascinating tales of intrepid travellers bound for Antarctica. Perhaps you'll become part of that story yourself! You can even have your passport stamped in Ushuaia, to prove you've journeyed to the very tip of the world. Cape Horn, which marks the point of the archipelago and the meeting place of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, teems with dolphins, whales and seabirds.

Fascinated by the islands of South America? Dive into the adventure and discover our exclusive trips to explore the unique beauty and biodiversity of these island paradises.

With its colourful houses perched along the coast as though on stilts, Chiloé has an atmosphere unlike anywhere on the mainland. Its natural surroundings only add to its distinctive architecture, with emerald foliage clinging to the rocks that line the ocean. Above all, it is the unique culture of this island, the second largest in Chile, that sets it apart. Despite being relatively close to the mainland, it has managed to preserve its special traditions, including a whole body of myths and tales of witchcraft and ghosts.

To the west of Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande is an incomparable tropical paradise: white sand, turquoise waters, dense forest and, best of all, not a single car! The untouched vegetation is easily explored via the many hiking trails, while swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing on the beach offer the ultimate relaxation. You'll soon understand why it's said to be one of the most beautiful islands in South America.

It's hard to get more idyllic than Tintipán, in the Caribbean off the coast of Colombia. Boats departing from Cartagena reach this tiny island in around two hours. Tintipán, with its white sand and coconut palms, remains a relatively well-kept secret. At no more than 2 km² in size, it is nonetheless the largest island in the San Bernardo archipelago. Surrounded by reefs and islets, Tintipán is cloaked in mangroves that provide a refuge for many species of bird. Nature lovers will relish kayaking through the winding channels of this unique ecosystem, for an unforgettable experience.

Set on the legendary Lake Titicaca, the highest in the world, the 'Island of the Sun' is closely bound up with mythology. According to the Incas, this is where the sun god and the first Inca people were born. It's little wonder, then, that Isla del Sol holds sacred significance for the peoples of the region, for its magic is palpable in its deep blue waters and its lovely coves. With no vehicles or paved roads, it's easy to feel as though you've stepped into a bygone age.

On the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca lie the floating islands known as the Islas de los Uros. Artificially made from dried reeds, these islands have nonetheless existed for thousands of years. Numbering 120 in total, each of them is home to a small number of families of the Uru people, and some even have buildings such as a school or a church. They were originally built to allow the Uru to flee the Incas and to move further out onto the lake whenever the need arose.

Which of these islands do you find most fascinating? Why not see several of them and explore as much as you can of what makes South America's landscapes so unique. A word of warning, though: some of these islands are so delightful that you may never want to return to the mainland!

Fascinated by the islands of South America? Dive into the adventure and discover our exclusive trips to explore the unique beauty and biodiversity of these island paradises.