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.