Amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South America

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Chavin Archaeological Site, Peru - Location: Huari Province, Ancash
Criteria: Cultural
Year established: 1985
Description: The Chavin culture developed in the Andean highlands between 1500 and 300 BCE. Archaeologists have described the site as "the birthplace of South American culture." It consists of a complex of terraces and squares cut from rock.

 

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Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas, Brazil -

Location: Congonhas
Criteria: Cultural
Year established: 1985
Description: Commissioned by the Portuguese in the 18th century and designed by sculptor and architect Aleijadinho, the sanctuary's basilica features 12 sculptures of old testament prophets around the terrace.

 

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Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil -

Location: Piauí
Criteria: Cultural
Year established: 1991
Description: The park has the largest and the oldest concentration of prehistoric sites in the Americas. A number of rock shelters found in the area are illustrated with extraordinary examples of cave art and littered with stone tools and other ancient artifacts.

 

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Cerrado Protected Areas, Brazil -

Location: Central Brazil Plateau
Criteria: Natural
Year established: 2001
Description: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas national parks, located in the country's Goiás state, exemplify the cerrado, one of the world's oldest ecosystems and an important refuge for species during climate change.

 

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Carioca Landscapes Between the Mountain and the Sea, Brazil -

Location: Rio de Janeiro
Criteria: Cultural
Year established: 2012
Description: Rio is recognized for its exceptional urban setting, and the site includes Tijuca National Park, the Botanical Gardens, Guanabara and Copacabana bays, Corcovado Mountain, and the iconic statue of Christ.

 

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Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, Colombia - Location: Cauca Department
Criteria: Natural
Year established: 2006
Description: Located in the East Pacific Ocean, the small island of Malpelo is home to a unique shark population. An oceanic island, Malpelo has never been connected with any other islands or the mainland.

 

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Historic Center of Lima, Peru - Location: Lima
Criteria: Cultural
Year established: 1988
Description: The Archbishop Palace, Goyeneche House, and the Basílica Cathedral are just three of the outstanding buildings that distinguish the Peruvian capital's historic center.

 

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Canaima National Park, Venezuela - Location: Bolivar
Criteria: Natural
Year established: 1994
Description: The impressive tabletop mountains, or tepui, that characterize the park are of great geographical and biological interest. Angel Falls (pictured), the highest waterfall in the world, is included in the site.