About Ecuador

Capital City: Quito
Official Language(s): Spanish
Population: 13,228,000
Currency: US dollar
Calling code: +593

The country of Ecuador is located in the north section of the South American continent.

Background Information and Culture in Ecuador

Another former Spanish colony, Ecuador is an independent country, with most of it being above 3000 metres (9000 feet). With access to the Amazon, Andes and the amazing Galapaos islands, Ecuador offers many diverse opportunities for the tourist.

For the main part, the people of Ecuador are a mixed race of the original Ameri-Indians and the Spanish settlers, although more isolated cultural groups still do exist in the mountains and the Amazon.

Food wise, on the streets potatoes (an important part of the diet) and roast pig are popular, as are juices. The more traditional cuy, which is guinea pig, can still be found on the menu in the highland villages. Ceviche, which is a seafood based meal is popular at weekends, and is allegedly a great hangover cure! Caldo’s, which are really filling soups, are another Ecuadorian meal not to be missed.

Ecuador is a football crazy country, with great pride being taken in the national team, although they rarely perform well on the international stage. Cycling is also a popular sport, with many people taking to the roads at the weekends.

Lying off the coast of Ecuador are the Galapagos Islands, an island hugely rich in bio-diversity, and a main destination for tourists coming to the country.

Must See Highlights in Ecuador

Some of the must see highlights of Ecuador include -

The Galapagos Islands.

The Equator.

Visit Inca ruins.

About Colombia

Capital City: Bogotá
Official Language(s): Spanish
Population: 45,600,000
Currency: Peso
Calling Code: +57

The country of Colombia is located at the northern end of the South American Continent, and is home to nearly 45 million people.

Background Information and Culture in Colombia

Despite years of negative press, Colombia is a surprisingly welcoming and enticing place for the tourist to visit. Forget drug lords, the country is packed with some of the most hospitable people on the planet, all eager to welcome you to their country.

From the colonial architecture of the city of Cartagena to Andean towns, there is something in Colombia for everyone. As with most of Latin America, football is the most important sport, although this is closely followed by cycling. It is not unusual to see entire city sections or roads closed to motorised traffic on a Sunday, as families and people of all ages take their exercise on bicycle.

Must See Highlights in Colombia

Some of the must see highlights of Colombia include -

The magnificent city of Cartagena

The Amazon rainforest

Andean villages

About Chile

Capital City: Santiago
Official Language(s): Spanish
Population:16,432,674
Currency: Peso
Calling Code: +56

The country of Chile is located on the western side of the South America, bordered by Argentina, Bolivia and Peru.

Background Information and Culture in Chile

Despite a history of dictatorship, curfews and restrictions, Chile is a modern, thriving society, with an almost European outlook. There is a tendency towards a widening gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’, but Chileans are renowned for their hospitality and helpfulness towards visitors. That is, of course, if you can understand them!! Chileans speak Spanish quickly, with a marked accent and with a wide use of slang words!

Chile is sometimes known as the land of poets, and has two Nobel Prize winners – Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda. These are not the only poets, of course, as the country is positively awash with them.

As with all Latin American countries, it would be remiss not to mention the importance of football, by far the most popular spectator sport. Tennis is also gaining some popularity.

The legendary beauty of the countryside of Chile has to be seen to be believed, and national parks account for some 19% of the country’s total area.

Thousands of miles away, literally in the middle of nowhere, the mysterious island of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) lays in the Pacific Ocean. This Chilean territory is reachable by almost daily flights from the mainland capital of Santiago.

Must See Highlights in Chile

Some of the must see highlights of Chile include -

Torres del Paine – Rugged spires overlooking the Patagonian landscape

Atacamba Desert – Go star gazing in one of the driest deserts in the world

Wine tasting in the Central Valley

Visit Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

About Brazil

The country of Brazil is located on the South American continent, and is by far the largest country. In recent years, Brazil has proven to be an economic powerhouse for the region, with consistent strong growth in a time when most countries are suffering through recessions.

Background Information and Culture in Brazil

Brazil is unusual in South America, in that its heritage is that of Portuguese colonists, hence its language being that of Portuguese and not Spanish. A rapidly developing country, its importance on the world stage is increasing with its incredible economy.

Must See Highlights in Brazil

Some of the must see highlights of Brazil include -

Carnival in Rio

The Amazon – See it whist it is still there!

Beautiful beaches

Credit: Fernando Molina

About Bolivia

Population: 10,918,500
Capital City: Sucre / La Paz
Official Language(s): Spanish & over 30 local languages
Currency: Boliviano
Calling Code: +591

The country of Bolivia is located almost in the centre of South America, and is a landlocked nation. One of, if not the, poorest country on the continent, most Bolivia is situated at above 3000 meters, or 9000 feet. This makes transportation and development difficult, and although Bolivia is rich in terms of natural resources, the poor infrastructure hampers Bolivia’s development.

Background Information and Culture in Bolivia

Bolivian culture, although influenced by European colonization is largely still that of its indigenous peoples. Indeed, the Bolivian pride in their heritage has recently been restored by the election of the first indigenous President, President Evo Morales.

Bolivian cuisine is not as exotic as that of some of its neighbors, but potato connoisseurs will certainly be at home here!

With a largely agricultural economy, Bolivia is quite rare, in that it has very few manufacturing facilities of any sorts. There is talk of the government developing a battery manufacturing plant, to add value to the world’s largest Lithium deposits before they will be exported around the world. Development is painfully slow, however.

Must See Highlights in Bolivia

Some of the must see highlights of Bolivia include -

Lake Titicaca – The world’s highest navigable lake. Visit Copacabana with its almost Mediterranean feel.

Tiwanako – A fascinating ancient archaeological site.

La Paz – Vist the witches market!

The Salar de Uyuni – The world’s largest and highest salt pans.

About Argentina

Population: 40,250,000
Capital City: Buenos Aires
Official Language(s): Spanish
Currency: Argentinian Peso
Calling Code: +54

The country of Argentina is located in South America, and despite it turbulent history since independence from Spain, is one of the richest in terms of wealth and culture in the region. Its neighbours include Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile and Bolivia.

Background Information and Culture in Argentina

Argentina is often considered to be the most European country on the South American continent, both in terms of culture and the people’s general disposition. The capital city of Buenos Aires both contains and echoes Spanish colonial style architecture, and the vast majority of the people are of European descent. In terms of culture, Argentina boasts world class authors, and whilst its film industry cannot compete with the Hollywood juggernaut, it produces many films which gain worldwide critical acclaim.

The importance of sport, in particular football, cannot be underestimated in regards to both the national psyche and the Argentinean individual. With thriving domestic leagues, and many of the world’s top players hailing from Argentina, the national passion for the worlds favourite sport peaks during international, and especially world cup matches. Other popular sports include polo, and rugby has also increased in popularity, with the Argentinean international team earning more respect over recent years.

What better way to learn about a country and its people than through its food? Argentina is renowned for the quality of its beef, and its steaks and associated steak restaurants are a must do when visiting the country. Wine, from around the Mendoza region is incredibly good, and is now exported all the way around the world. Many wineries in the region offer wine tasting tours – Drink in moderation!

Must See Highlights in Argentina

Some of the must see highlights of Argentina include -

The Mendoza wine region

The vibrant city of Buenos Aires

The Lake District area

The stunning region of Patagonia