From misty rainforests and mountainous peaks to lush Amazonian jungles and pristine beaches, South America is a land of extremes. Home to the world’s largest river system, the Amazon in terms of volume prevails, and the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls in Venezuela reaches 3,212 feet high. The Andes is the world’s longest continental mountain range, the Atacama Desert of Chile is the world’s driest place, and the world’s highest capital city is La Paz, Bolivia.
It’s a continent rich in cultural and geographic diversity marked by ancient civilizations and cities carved into the landscape. Home to 12 countries, each with its distinct fascination, South America offers cultural immersions as well as explorations in nature. Today’s cultures stem from traditions of pre-Colombian societies, indigenous populations, and African slaves with influences from Asia and Europe. This vibrant tapestry remains mysterious with strong ties to the time-honored attitudes of ancestors manifested in religious practices, folklore, and connections with nature.
