Compared to the rest of the world, Latin America does not receive that much attention. Notorious for poverty, gangs, drug production, dictators and football, there is in fact much more to this Spanish-speaking region.
Forget the biased stereotypes, there is a lot more to the many places in South America and Latin America than meets the eye.
As a continent that is nearly twice Europe’s size, it should be no surprise that there are many diverse landscapes in South America to inspire photographers.
In fact, there are so many locations in Latin and South America that are so outstanding in beauty that it is little wonder that photographers from all over the world are among the many who are drawn to it.
Famous landforms in South America and Latin America include towering mountain ranges, immeasurable plains and tropical beaches along endless coastlines. Locations in South America are so diverse that they include the world’s largest rainforest and driest desert.
But the famous landforms in South America aside, the food, culture and music in these countries are incredibly rich too.
In this article, you will find out more about landscapes of Latin America and places in South America worth visiting to take landscape photographs.
Who knows, once you are done there, you could check out top landscape photography destinations in Europe.
Want to give private lessons?
Join the Superprof community and share your knowledge with inquiring and motivated students.
Defining Landscape Photography
The question – what is landscape photography — is not easy to answer.
Since the beginning of photography discussions around nature, scenery and humans have blurred the lines for many on what is classified as a landscape or not. Today, the discussion continues even though most people have their own idea of what typically makes a photograph a landscape.
Looking at the origins of the word landscape could shed some light. Derived from two Germanic words ‘land’ originally meant a place where certain people belonged and ‘scape’ meant to sculpt or shape. This etymology is more important than one would think, because it challenges the primary sense of what a landscape means and also how we, as humans, interact with it.
Not every landscape that is deemed ‘beautiful’ is devoid of man or only consists of nature. A landscape can be a street scene or something where man and nature interact.
Of course, whether you are looking at landscapes of South America or South Africa, this can complicate what a landscape photograph means.
Is it just about a lonely scene in the wild, or is it everything around us?
It is everything around us whether those are famous landforms in South America or the cityscapes of New York.
Types of photography like nature and wildlife photography certainly overlap with the genre of landscape images – but at the same time, portrait, aerial, food and fashion can overlap with it too.
Once you have checked out the locations in South America that inspire your photography, you could also head north to famous landscape photography destinations in the USA.
What Makes a Great Landscape Image?
While a true definition of landscape photography may be elusive, determining whether one is good or not is another matter.
Of course, anyone can select the panorama setting on an iPhone, point and shoot and perhaps get a winning shot, but consistently producing excellent, award-winning images is another matter altogether.
Achieving this means learning and practising important photography techniques and investing in quality camera gear.
From understanding what different lenses are needed to knowing how to manipulate available light and clarity with depth of field, shutter speed and white balance, there is a lot that goes into making a photograph great.
Furthermore, one could have all the skills in the world but lack ‘the eye’ that is needed to compose an image in a lens. Finally, great photographs depend on the commitment and hours put in by the photographer to wait for the perfect light and perfect moment.
One only needs to consider those wildlife photographers who commit to spending hours on end at a watering hole to capture incredible scenes of the game in their natural environment. If that sounds appealing, make sure you check out our article on landscape photography tips when travelling to Africa.
Great Places in South America to take Landscape Photos
As already mentioned, when it comes to landscapes in South America worth shooting, there is no shortage. So while we have compiled a list of notable landscapes of Latin and South America, these should only inspire you to do your own further research.
Like the other destinations chosen for this series of articles, landscapes of South America provide some of the best locations in the world for photography. Remember that no two photographers will capture a scene in exactly the same way, so how you choose to represent it through your skills is what will make your photography unique.
It does not matter if you are not a seasoned photographer, remember that inspiring places, like many of the locations in South America, can provide you with an excellent training ground to develop and perfect your passion for photography.
There is nothing like a thing of beauty to encourage you to persevere.
Check out the following list of places in South America and Latin America that are well suited to photography and when you are finished, read our article on tips for landscape photography in Asia.
The Atacama Desert: Argentina, Bolivia and Chile
Let’s start with one of the greatest places in South America, the Atacama Desert, which is the driest place on Earth. Spreading across the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, parts of Argentina and Chile, it boasts many of the most striking landscapes on earth.
The reason why Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) is one of its most famous locations is that it has a very otherworldly feel. While you are there don’t miss visiting the northern parts of southern Bolivia where you can see Laguna Colorado and Laguna Verde.
Mexico’s Sierra Mixteca
No article about landscapes in Latin America would be complete without mentioning the Sierra Mixteca. In this area, you will be able to see a plethora of cacti so vast that it crosses the states of Oaxaca and Puebla.
In addition, the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve is a highlight, where a collection of plants also makes for a startling experience. If you’re looking for famous landforms in the Americas, the Sierra is good place to take your camera.
The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Even though the Galapagos is a renowned wildlife destination, it requires a permit to visit. As one of the most special landscapes in South America, the volcanic archipelago of 19 islands is famous for its turtles and extremely blue sea.
The Amazon, Brazil
Words are not enough to describe the sheer beauty, vastness and significance of the Amazon. As the lungs of the world, it is a good thing that there are many unexplored areas. If you are looking for landscapes in South America that are off the beaten track and where you can photograph lush vegetation, mist and varied wildlife, then do your homework and find the right guide.
Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia
Immortalised by innumerable works of travel literature, the mythical Tierra del Fuego (the Land of the Fire) is situated in the Patagonia region at the southern tip of South America.
Its water sources are varied with glaciers, lakes and rivers while dramatic mountain peaks are second only to the Dolomites. As one of the most famous places in the world, the Patagonian landscapes of South America boast some of the most recognisable landforms and colours in the world.
The Pampas, Argentina
Once inhabited by gauchos, iconic Argentinian cowboys, the Great Plains of Latin America called the Pampas offer vast and impressive grasslands. Travelled by the legend Butch Cassidy, the Pampas with its flat but atmospheric landscape is still a kind of Wild West.
The Pampas grasslands, with their imposing mountains in the distance, provide great beauty for photography.
Find photography courses for all levels on Superprof.
The Andes
As the longest continuous mountain range on earth, the Andes passes through the whole of South America. Considering its sheer size, its possibilities for exploration are endless.
Although disputable, some would say that some of the most scenic areas along this mountain belt are in Peru. Once there, visit the Cordillera Blanca, with the Huascarán National Park, which offers snow and spectacular views from some of the highest peaks in the Andes.
Guajira Peninsula, Venezuela and Colombia
For something different, visit the Guajira Peninsula, which is shared between Venezuela and Columbia. Known as the home for the ethnic group, the Wayuu, its peninsula juts out into the Caribbean Sea. Here, don’t miss a visit to the Parque Nacional Natural Macuira which is dominated by a desert that fades into the beaches surrounded by dry vegetation.
Has the travel bug bitten yet?
Want to give private lessons?
Join the Superprof community and share your knowledge with inquiring and motivated students.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
