South America

Settlement and Early History

South America was apparently settled by the descendants of Asian people who migrated south to what’s now the New World during the last Ice Age. But very few traces of the original inhabitants remain today. The arrival of Europeans in the 16th century brought with it diseases that wiped out much of the native population, and today South America is a diverse blend of nations and cultures that is heavily dominated by European influences.

Geography and Climate

The continent boasts a unique geography and climate, with its northern regions extending above the equator and the southern parts dipping into sub-Antarctic zones. About 80% of South America is situated within the tropics – including large portions of the high Andes Mountains that, despite their proximity to the equator, are at such high elevations that their climate is unusually cold.

Travel and Tourism

Flanked by the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Atlantic, South America is a traveler’s paradise with beautiful resorts, outdoor adventures, and a mix of culture and history that is unparalleled in The New World. Except for Antarctica to the south, which is separated from South America by the Drake Passage, no other continent extends so far south. Cape Horn in Chile is the continent’s southernmost point, while Point Gallinas in Colombia is the farthest north. There are also of handful of interesting islands in the region, including Easter Island, the Falkland Islands and the Galapagos.

Vast and Varied Landscape

Travelers to South America have a huge and varied playing field to choose from – a total area of about 6,878,000 square miles or 17,814,000 square kilometers, to be precise. Patience and flexibility are keys here, because each country’s transportation, currency, tourism system and other services are varied and at times slow. Environment and adventure/recreation travel are big draws, particularly to regions such as the Amazonian and Guianan forests, the high Andes and the Argentinean Pampas region. The west coast’s Brazil, with its vast yet dwindling rainforests and the Amazon River basin, is the largest country in South America, boasting a landmass almost as large as the United States.

Cultural and Urban Highlights

Brazil’s hedonistic Carnaval celebration is eagerly awaited each winter and cities such Rio de Janeiro and Sco Paulo – two of the world’s biggest metropolitan areas – are a bastion of nightlife and culture. Argentina – home to the famed Andes Mountains along its western edge – is noted for its vast Pampas plains in the north and the rolling plateaus of the Patagonia region to the south. Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia – noted for their friendly people and laid-back approach to life – are home to the spectacular Inca ruins of Peru’s Macchu Picchu and the rugged Inca Trail. The two countries are also a good stepping-stone to the Galapagos Islands, known for their incredible wildlife, beaches and scenery.

Recreational Opportunities

In Chile, recreation is king – ruled by hiking, skiing, water sports and virtually every other activity. The explosion of wineries in the area has also made it popular for wine tastings and tours, as well as a jumping-off point for trips to Antarctica. On the continent’s northern reaches, meanwhile, Venezuela boasts a huge array of tourist activities including tropical beaches, vast plains, huge rivers, forests, jungle, mountains and waterfalls. The area that borders the Caribbean is a big tourist destination, with excellent beach resorts which run the gamut from budget to lavish.

Population and Culture

South America’s population is made up of four main groups: American Indians (the pre-Columbian inhabitants); Iberians (descendents of the Spanish and Portuguese, who conquered the continent); Africans (who the conquerors imported as slaves); and the most recent wave of immigrants from overseas (mostly Germany, Italy, Asia and the Middle East) who arrived in the wake of independence in the late 19th century. Agriculture is a way of life for most South Americans. But in some of the larger cities such as Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro or Argentina’s Buenos Aires, poverty, overcrowding, pollution and other related social ills have left their mark.

Economic and Environmental Challenges

Despite a wealth of minerals and renewable resources throughout the continent, South America still lags behind many parts of the industrialized world in terms of economic development. Resource exploitation – including the widespread devastation of Amazon rain-forests – has raised environmental concerns. Rebel fighting, localized wars, arms smuggling and the illicit drug trade has also made areas (particularly in the north) a risky proposition at times for foreign travelers. But aside from these small pockets of unrest, South America remains as safe for travelers as most destinations – and offers a vast array of natural beauty and culture.