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Which regions of South America were traditionally inhabited by nomadic hunters, gatherers, and fishers?

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distribution of aboriginal South American and circum-Caribbean cultural groups — South American nomad Distribution of aboriginal South American and circum-Caribbean cultural groups.

Traditionally, nomadic hunters, gatherers, and fishers in South America inhabited a vast range of environments extending from Cape Horn in the south to the Orinoco River in the north. These groups occupied diverse regions, including:1

Steppes and Plains: This area spans from Tierra del Fuego through Patagonia to the Pampas of Argentina and Uruguay. Inhabitants like the Tehuelche, Puelche, and Querandí primarily hunted guanaco and rhea.2
The Gran Chaco: Extending from the Pampas into Paraguay and Brazil, this arid region supported groups like the Wichí and Abipón. These people relied heavily on plant foods, supplemented by fishing in river areas.3
Southern Archipelago: The rugged islands and fjords of Chile were home to groups such as the Chono, Alacaluf, and Yámana. These tribes were primarily shellfish gatherers and marine hunters who traveled by canoe.4

These nomadic populations maintained simple social organizations and avoided permanent settlements, moving constantly within prescribed territories to exploit available resources.15