South America is one of the most photogenic places in the world. Across the continent you will find picturesque plains, wild and wonderful creatures, not to mention mind-blowing architecture. Whether you travel to Patagonia to capture crystalline waters mirroring glaciers or head to the tropical Galapagos Islands and photograph rare and endangered animals in their natural habitat, there is no doubt that South America will provide a unique canvas for your works of art.

There are many options in South America when it comes to choosing a photo safari. In a continent where nature has reclaimed structures built by mankind with dramatic effect – a prime example being La Cuidad Perdida in Colombia – your work can fuse a number of elements in just one shot. With newly discovered waterfalls such as Gocta Falls and snow-capped volcanoes including those in Cotopaxi National Park, South America is the diverse gift that keeps on giving and will add something very special to your portfolio.

Take a wildlife photo safari deep into the Amazon Rainforest and snap exotic birds, huge reptiles, fascinating insects and, if you are lucky, perhaps a Jaguar on an evening expedition. For a completely different landscape, head to the Uyuni Salt Flats of Bolivia, where you will find abandoned trains left exposed to the full force of Mother Nature, lagoons with flocks of Flamingos, and powerful geysers, all perfectly positioned for your lens. If you are there during the wet season, note the thin layer of water that forms over the salt creating a giant mirror thus reflecting the surrounding mountains; a real treat for any photographer!

If urban art is more to your liking, South America is made up of a wide range of cities, townships and villages, all full of character. From the colonial towns of Guatape, Cartagena and Salvador da Bahia, to the ultra-modern curves created by the likes of Oscar Niemeyer in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, there are so many ways to photograph these stunning buildings in a new, creative fashion, so you can be sure of coming away with your very own snapshot of architectural history. If you wish to photograph the work of an ancient civilisation head to the cloud forests of Northern Peru and uncover the history of the Chachapoyas; looking out to the Utcubamba River Valley, the enchanting village of Kuelap will gift you with countless prize shots.