South America
Colourful • Diverse • Lush
About South America
The fourth biggest continent in the world, South America, is known for its ancient cultures, fantastic food, and some of the planet’s most beautiful natural sites. South America is home to just 12 countries: Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana and an overseas department of France named French Guiana. In addition, the continent has the world’s largest river – the Amazon and is commonly known as “the lungs of the Earth” due to the amount of oxygen the Amazon rainforest produces. The primary language spoken in South America is Spanish, followed by Portuguese. Because of this, the area is often referred to as Latin America due to the Romance languages spoken here, originally derived from Latin.
Spectacular Sights
As the continent extends from the equatorial zone to the sub-arctic area in the south, there are varied climates across the countries that reside in the continent – from the tropical, humid countries located close to the equator to the colder southern countries. Due to the changing climate, there is also a diverse landscape, including mountains, rivers, and coastal plains. As a result, South America has some of the world’s most spectacular and most-visited sights. Machu Picchu in Peru is a beautiful place many travellers have on their bucket lists. The Galapagos Islands, located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are also another fantastic place to visit. Various types of exotic vegetation are native to the area, as well as the famous giant tortoise which can live up to 100 years! Other spectacular places include the Amazon Rainforest, Christ the Redeemer statue, and Easter Island.
Significant Spanish Influence
South America has a vibrant mix of cultures, notably European, African, and Asian, that have shaped it into what we know today. A significant Spanish influence is evident in places like Peru and Columbia, and of course, a substantial Portuguese impact in Brazil. The Inca Empire is South America’s most well-known indigenous culture, and its traditions and values are visible today. Some of the world’s most outstanding food products also stem from South America, with chocolate, corn, tomatoes, chillies, and, most astonishingly, the humble potato. South America is a diverse, unique, and fascinating continent, with countries that many travellers are eager to explore.
