South
America begins where the narrow border of Panama
ends, at its meeting point with Colombia. This continent
is an incredible amalgam of language, landscape, and culture.
From the rolling pampas fields of southwestern Argentina
to the dense jungle of the Amazon basin, you could spend
years exploring the wonders of the thirteen countries
of South America.
Peru
This name is inextricably woven into the ancient Incan
civilization, whose ancient capitol, Cusco
lies within its borders. Its modern day capitol is now
the city of Lima. It shares
the infamous Lake Titicaca
with its neighbors to the south Bolivia, and the floating
Tortora reed villages are on the Peruvian side of the
water border. The Andes are on magnificent display here,
and is marked with innumerous traces of Incan life. Ancient
paved trails that once linked the Inca Empire are still
in use today. Hundred of feet above the Urubamba river
are the ruins of Machu
Picchu. This Spanish cathedrals contrast with Indian
descendants of the Inca; easily recognized by their short
stature and colorful embroidered petticoats and bowler
hats. From its pristine coastline to the meandering streams,
which later become the Amazon, Peru will never fail to
astound and delight its visitors.
Brazil
This is the largest country in South America, with all
the diversity you might expect in this country, which
covers large areas of the southern continent.
Rio
de Janeiro's world famous Carnival is the unquestionably
the world's wildest street party. Most of Brazils population
centers lie on or near the coast.
The city of Sao
Paulo matches the country of Brazil in is greatness,
it is without a doubt the most cosmopolitan city in all
of South America, with the best nightlife and a large
immigrant population. On the north coast, the city of
Salvador has a beautiful bay dotted with islands, with
80% of the people living here being of Afro-Brazilian
descent. Spanish and African influences merge to create
Capoeira, an amazing combination of dance and martial
arts. This city of 2 million is the third largest in Brazil,
and in just the past 15 year, Salvador's Pelourinho neighborhood
has been brought back to its colonial glory, when it was
once the wealthiest city in the region. Beyond its coastal
cities, most of Brazil is dominated by the Amazon
River, which winds through thousands of square miles
of pristine rainforest. Incredible natural displays like
the puzzling phenomenon of dark and light rivers converging
at the famous meeting of the waters at Manaus
are examples of what make Brazil a place unlike any other.
Bolivia
This mountainous country is heavily influenced by the
Inca culture, of which this country was once a part. Thousands
of square miles of impossibly high peaks of the Cordillera
Real extend as far as the eye can see. This is a rugged
country to explore, South America tours and expeditions
often taking what seems like forever on its unpaved and
sometimes dangerous roads, perched on the edge of unprotected
precipices that drop thousands of feet. Brave these perils
and tests of patience to witness centuries old ceremonies
to the sun gods, visit curious witches markets, and explore
the well-preserved ruins of Tiahuanico.
Ecuador
This country is one of the smallest in the country, yet
it has a strategic location that encompasses some of the
best natural features found in South America.
Its capitol of Quito
is surrounded by majestic views of snow-caped summits.
Cathedrals, parks, plazas, and museums are the top things
to explore in this city. Warm Pacific beaches, Andean
mountains, and jungle rainforest are all included in the
borders of Ecuador. The wildlife on the Galapagos Islands,
more than 600 miles offshore, inspired Darwin's evolution
theory. Visitor travel to these remote islands on a Galapagos
Cruises to see the rare species of marine iguanas,
giant turtles and massive penguins that live there. Its
interior jungle, populated by Amazonian tribes, is one
of the most accessible in all of South America.
Chile
Chile is a long slice of land on the Pacific coast of
South America. Dense forests, soaring mountains, blazing
deserts and
Serene lakes make traveling the length of this country
a dizzying whirlwind tour of natural landscape. From the
equatorial warmth in its north to the icebergs on the
south, Chile has a variety of climates. The ease and convenience
you will find traveling in this country are due to the
high amount of European visitors on South America tours,
which is reflected in prices that are higher than its
neighbors. Along with the indigenous Mapuche culture that
has managed to preserve its traditional way of life, German,
Spanish, Irish and English and immigrants add to the bevy
of influences that extends to the people of Chile. The
Torres del Paine National Park has mutli-colored granite
towers, carved by glaciers. The undulating landscape bears
the marks these massive ice floes left on the tundra of
these Chilean foothills. Pink flamingoes, fast moving
ostriches, dolphins, sea lions and migrating whales frolic
in and around the islands and waterways of the scores
of small islands that flank the southern coast, making
for excellent sigh seeing while you're on a South America
cruise. In the capitol of Santiago, Plaza de las Armas
is at the heart of the city, which is filled with museums,
and cathedrals. The Cerro de (Hill of) Santa Lucia is
an important city landmark, it was here that the city
was first founded in on February 12,1541.
Colombia
This country, bordered by Panama to the north, Venezuela,
Brazil to the east, and Peru and Ecuador to the west,
has struggled for decades with instability and violence.
Right-wing paramilitaries and guerillas, drug lords, and
vigilantes all combine to create a situation that can
make exploring this country while you travel South America
safely nearly impossible. Charming colonial cities, snow
capped mountains, warm sunny beaches, and misty tropical
rainforests are the landscapes that combine to make Colombia
a beautiful country. The inland capitol of Bogota has
the largest collection of gold work from the pre Colombian
era, its Museo del Oro housing more than 3,000 precious
artifacts of the ancient world.
Argentina
Behind Brazil, this country is the second largest in South
America. Although most visitors will invariably visit
the seaside capitol of Buenos Aires, other hidden treasures
off the beaten path await your exploration. The tempting
peaks of Las Sierras west of Cordoba offer you the finest
views, and the splendid cascading waterfalls of Iguazu
National Park are destinations that are as relaxing to
experience as they are easy to reach.
French Guiana
This place is synonymous with Devil's Island, where prisoners
used to be held in solitary confinement. French scientists
now work at the aerospace complex and populate Devil's
Island. While it is still hot, humid and bug infested,
you can still experience the best in river canoeing and
jungle tours. This tourism activity is not well developed,
so this experience provides only the basic amenities with
minimal comfort, making this a test of patience for those
who wish to make this country a stop as they travel South
America.
Guyana
This former British colony is the only country in South
America that has English as the official language. You
might not find it easy to get around this small country,
which is populated with more than 120 indigenous Amerindian
communities.
Crystal rivers, unspoiled rainforests and the thundering
waters at Kaieteur falls help you understand why it has
its name, which means land of many waters. While the capitol
of Georgetown is crime-ridden, it's worth braving the
perils of Guyana to witness the incredible cultural diversity.
Aside from the native tribes, Chinese, African, Indian,
and Chinese settlers have merged to create a unique cultural
experience.
Suriname
Most of this country's relatively unpopulated country
is comprised of dense jungle, only accessible by plane
of boat. In the cities, woodcarvings from the hands of
the descendants of escaped slaves are for sale. The capitol
of Paramaribo displays the influences of the Spanish,
African, and indigenous cultures that have coexisted here
for hundreds of years. This country boasts one of the
large protected areas of rainforest, with a whopping 3.95
million acres of reserves. The Raleighvallen Reserve is
in the northern part of the country and the Eilerts de
Haan Gebergte Reserve is in the south. Explore these with
guided South America tours led by indigenous guides.
Uruguay
Nestled between Brazil and Argentina, this relatively
prosperous and peaceful little country finds itself the
destination for well-to do South American, who travel
to this Latin American version of the French Riviera.
Excellent weather and clean beaches make this country
irresistible to travelers from all over on South America
tours. The capitol of Montevideo, is no less agreeable,
is charming, safe and fun, with lively festivals all year
round. You will enjoy the ease and comfort here and love
the hospitality of the polite, friendly population. Incredible
resorts and hotels give you a nice set of options for
lodging during your stay, which you will find truly enjoyable.
Colonia del Sacramento is a well-preserved colonial city
replete with antique charm. The relaxed countryside, with
rolling pampas, is a relaxed day trip and every bit as
reviving as the rest of its scenery.
Venezuela
Once the political turmoil of this country settles, plan
a trip to Venezuela as you prepare to travel South America.
Due in part to its eastern Caribbean location, this country
has an excellent infrastructure and world class resorts.
The capitol of Caracas has some of the finest shopping
in the region. In addition, it contains features that
draws visitor to South America, such as Andean highlands,
tropical rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. Many south
America cruise lines docks at its lovely ports.
