Travel to South America - 5 offbeat islands to explore

Author : Unwild Planet

When it comes to islands, South America has one that suits every traveller! The options are immense that you end up getting super confused about which one to visit and which one to pass!

We have all heard of the Chiloe Island in Chile and the Galapagos in Ecuador, but never have we read about the ones less popular and offbeat! Some of these offer engaging activities like snorkeling, swimming, and diving, while the others are full of mystery highlighting ancient cultures and history. Let’s dive deeper into some of these islands!

The Uninhabited Islands in South America

1. La Blanquilla Island, Venezuela

If you’re traveling to take a break from civilization and immerse in your own thoughts, this island will be a haven for you! Some facts and attractions about this beauty:

You need to charter a boat to reach this island located in the southeastern Caribbean Sea!
Famous for its white sand beaches and incomparable diving experience, here you get to see the rare black corals, french angelfish, occasional flying fish and abundance of marine life
Being least visited, the beaches remain sparkly white with clearest waters ever. You can hike, swim, or snorkel the whole day!

Experience the South American waters in exclusivity as you dive into some reflection!

2. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

This is a paradise for scuba divers and surfers with beaches, rugged coastline, and rich, diverse ecosystems. Here are some interesting facts about Fernando de Noronha:

They are located about 350 km off the northeast coast of Brazil, you can reach here by flying from mainland towns of Natal or Recife. It can be challenging to get permission to visit this volcanic archipelago - so we advice to pre-plan your visit
There is only one hotel and about 70 pousadas (family-owned inns) that also provide meals
These islands are protected national marine parks and ecological sanctuaries allowing only 450-500 visitors per day
Scuba diving is a class apart here, you get to spot sea turtles, dolphins, rays, reef sharks, colorful reef fish, lobsters, sponges, and corals in its warm waters
Surfers visit Bode and Cacimba do Padre for their large waves

If you are a nature lover you shouldn’t miss this exciting island!

3. Cagarras Islands, Brazil

This 5-island archipelago is lush and full of wildlife, making it an irresistible destination for someone who loves bird watching! Let’s look at some exciting facts about these islands:

There are no hotels or restaurants present in any of these islands and the only way to get there is by taking excursion boats or dive boats from Rio. Most of them allow you to disembark, and you can dive, swim, snorkel, or hike. The rugged trails make the hikes challengingly desirable
Although you are most likely to spot boobies, frigates, and seagulls, the islands are home to many species of birds - a true paradise for birdwatchers!
These islands are protected as a wildlife refuge and are uninhabited
You can also see some shipwrecks near the islands

If you plan to visit this one, make sure you book in advance as the excursion and dive boats are fast filling!

The Exceptional Islands in South America

1. Isla del Sol y Isla de la Luna, Bolivia

The Isla del Sol y Isla de la Luna are mysterious ancient small islands located in the Bolivian Lake Titikaka. Here's why this offbeat island is a must visit:

Considered to be the birthplace of the gods of Moon and Sun, these sacred islands are easily accessible from the docks in Copacabana
With only 800 families inhabiting the islands and no motor vehicles or paved roads, they earn a livelihood through farming and fishing
In the Isla del Sol, the Incan Palace, the Temple of Sun, and the Sacred Rock are some of the popular attractions. If you are up for an eerie experience, visit the Temple of Sun, where the Incas made human sacrifices
You can visit the Temple of the Virgins, a monument still preserved to its true essence, and also hear the locals speak of a two-headed monster lurking in the lake Titikaka or the mysterious stories about the occasional sinking boats

These serene islands are the right blend of mystery, culture, and adventure!

2. Falkland Islands, Argentina

Falkland Islands are one of the least inhabited islands, where the locals share the land with multiple colonies of penguins! What else do we know about these islands?

Located 250 miles off the coast of southern Argentina in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, these islands are visited by only a few because of its remoteness and lack of connection to the rest of the world
Even though there are flights to the capital city of Stanley, most people opt for expedition cruises for its spectacular natural beauty which you get to witness in company of penguins
From hikes to finding colonies of penguins and giant albatrosses, your tour operators would plan exciting activities for you!

This forgotten chain of islands is truly a spectacular one! This is only the tip of the iceberg, there are many more islands you can explore in South America!

Discover the lesser-known islands of South America, where adventure, culture, and natural beauty converge. From the quiet solitude of La Blanquilla Island to the diverse wildlife of Fernando de Noronha, and the enigmatic allure of Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna, each island presents a unique experience. Whether you crave exciting diving escapades, historical revelations, or a tranquil escape from civilization, these offbeat destinations guarantee unforgettable moments.

Set off on a voyage to these captivating islands and uncover the hidden treasures that South America has in store. Which island will you explore next - check out the experiences here.