South America, a continent bursting with wild and wonderful places, is a dreamland for nature photographers. From the dramatic landscapes of the Andes mountains to the vibrant biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest, South America offers a plethora of photographic opportunities that will make any photographer's heart skip a beat.

In today’s article, we'll embark on a thrilling journey through the top five photography destinations in South America, each promising unforgettable experiences for photographers of all levels. Let’s get right into it and take a look at our top picks.

Patagonia - Where Nature Paints its Masterpiece

Patagonia, the southernmost region of South America, is a landscape photographer's paradise. With its iconic Torres del Paine and Fitz Roy mountain ranges, glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, and so much more Patagonia truly showcases the raw beauty of the natural world. But it's not just about iconic and stunning landscapes; this region is also home to an abundance of intriguing wildlife especially elusive pumas, offering a chance to capture these majestic big cats in their natural habitat. Picture yourself framed by the granite spires of Torres del Paine, capturing the fierce beauty of Patagonia.

At Backcountry Journeys we are proud to offer a new photography workshop in Patagonia focusing on capturing iconic landscapes and searching for pumas. We’re incredibly excited about this trip and can’t wait to start exploring the region with our guests!

The Pantanal - Brazil's Wildlife Photography Mecca

In the heart of Brazil, the Pantanal is the next stop on our list and a wildlife photographer's dream. This vast wetland is teeming with life, making it one of the best places to photograph jaguars and much more. Your lens will also capture capybaras, giant otters, caiman, and an array of vibrant bird species against the backdrop of sprawling marshes and lush foliage. The Pantanal offers close encounters with these creatures, promising intense and exhilarating wildlife photography experiences.

At BCJ we’ve been running photography trips in the Pantanal for years and I’m constantly blown away by the images I see from our guides and guests. These trips primarily focus on the apex predator of the Pantanal: the Jaguar, but there are plenty of opportunities to photograph all sorts of wildlife.

Ecuador's Mountains and Cloud Forests - A Photographer's Paradise

Ecuador, although a relatively compact country, packs a punch when it comes to photography. This small nation is actually one of the most biodiverse in the world. Its mountains and cloud forests are home to striking landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Andes to lush, mystical cloud forests. But it's the avian wonders, like the resplendent Birds of Paradise, that steal the show here. Your lens will capture the vibrant plumage of these birds as they perform their mesmerizing courtship dances amidst the misty treetops.

We’ve recently launched a brand-new Birds of Paradise workshop in Ecuador that focuses entirely on capturing these mesmerizing and vibrant birds. If you love wildlife photography and want the adventure of a lifetime, then definitely check this trip out!

Galapagos Islands - Wildlife Up Close and Personal

If we come down from the mountains of Ecuador and travel across the sea we will arrive at yet another wildlife mecca. The Galapagos Islands are a wildlife photographer's dream come true. Here, the animals are relatively unafraid of humans, allowing you to get up close and personal for some of the most intimate wildlife shots imaginable. Snap sea lions sunbathing on the beaches, marine iguanas basking in the sun, or the distinctive Galapagos giant tortoises. The Galapagos archipelago offers a unique opportunity to capture the enchanting biodiversity of these isolated islands.

We don’t currently have any trips to the Galapagos but we just might have something in the works so stay tuned!

Peru's Andes - A World of Infinite Landscapes

And last but certainly not least we’ve arrived at yet another iconic mountainous region of the South American continent. The Andes Mountains in Peru are a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes. Whether it's the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu, the dramatic Cordillera Huayhuash, or the surreal Rainbow Mountains, Peru offers a seemingly endless array of compositions for landscape photographers. Each turn in the trail unveils a new vista, a new story to be told through your camera lens.

Peru is an absolutely incredible country filled with stunning landscapes and a vibrant culture. We haven’t planned any trips here as of now but this incredible place is high on our list.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, South America is a continent of unparalleled beauty and biodiversity, and it beckons nature photographers of all skill levels with open arms. From the majestic landscapes of Patagonia to the close encounters with wildlife in the Pantanal, the avian wonders of Ecuador, the intimacy of the Galapagos, and the seemingly infinite landscapes of Peru, South America has something to offer every photographer.

The call of South America is irresistible; it's a siren song for photographers to explore its wild, remote, and vibrant landscapes. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic beginner, the adventure and the moments you'll capture in these five destinations are sure to inspire you to grab your camera, pack your bags, and embark on a photographic journey of a lifetime. South America awaits, ready to unveil its most incredible photographic wonders.

We offer world-class travel photography
experiences around the world.

Each tour is bundled with lodging, meals, and transportation between workshops included, allowing you to focus on photography instead of the stress of traveling.

Learn More About This Trip

Get Our Trip Catalog

Receive a trip catalog that highlights all of our upcoming photo tours and workshops.

Schedule a Trip Consultation

Meet with a photo experience coordinator, and experience a personal touch to your booking experience.

Landscape Guide

Receive a FREE Landscape Cheat Sheet Written By a Pro Photographer.

Webinars

Our regularly hosted webinars provide photography instruction from our own guides on a wide range of topics.

Education Portal

Explore our library of articles that cover everything from common questions, to in-depth guides on how to achieve that perfect shot.