South America travel guide
South America is surrounded by the Caribbean, the South Atlantic and the South Pacific oceans. To the north it has North America. South America is considered to be a continent of the superlatives and is often called wilder America. South America has some of the world's famous and ranked attractions. It has world's biggest rainforests, second highest mountain ranges, tallest waterfall and even the largest waterfall. South America is a continent made up of 13 countries, namely, the Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.
South America Hotels and Accommodation
South America has some of the best value accommodation in the world. Budget travelers carrying western currency will be amazed at the prices and standards of accommodation throughout South America. For the visitor seeking more up-market style lodgings, all countries have their share of quality hotel chains and independent 5 star hotels.
Tourist Attractions of South America
Below are mentioned some of the major attractions of South America. These are scattered among the countries of South America. Buenos Aires is a city in Argentina with French style buildings with fountains, parks and sidewalk cafes. Some of the famous places in South America include the Casa Rosada, the Plaza de Mayo, and the Colon Theatre.
Mendoza: It is an Argentinean city located at the foot of Andes and a major wine production centre in Argentina.
La Paz: It is the highest capital city in the world. It is the capital of Bolivia. La Paz is situated in a cauldron 300 metres below the surrounding Altiplano. Its famous places are Suriki or the Sun Islands, Chacaltaya Ski Fields and the Yungas-Coroico subtropical region.
Rio de Janeiro: Rio de Janeiro is an important city in Brazil. It houses the famous statue of open armed Jesus on top of Corcovado Hills. A crazy melting pot of culture, poverty, incredible beaches and other tourist fare, Rio de Janeiro is famous for its Carnival l, a 4 day festival which you should not miss if traveling to Rio in summer.
Caldas Novas and Rio Quente: It is the world's largest hydrothermal plant.
Iguaçu Falls: These falls are situated at the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. The falls are eye-catching and undoubtedly a great natural wonder.
Easter Island: This fascinating island has to be one of most unique traveling experiences available to those seeking something a little different. Situated 3,800 kms to the west of Chile, this Island is famous for its stone monoliths and exceptional surf, not to mention the hospitality of the local islanders.
South America: Climate
Argentina: The climate ranges in Argentina from subtropical conditions in the north to sub-arctic in the south. The region of Patagonia is mild most of the year. Central Argentina is generally temperate, with dry winters and summers that can be brutally hot. The higher elevations of the Andes are much colder with frequent snow.
Bolivia: The eastern lowlands are tropical, warm and humid. The Andes are quite temperate in the foothills with frigid conditions at higher elevations.
Brazil: Mostly tropical, but temperate in south.
Chile: The climate varies from North to South: In the North Zone, from Arica to La Serena, the climate is in general mild and dry. Temperatures range from 18 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. Central Zone and South of Chile: From La Serena to Puerto Montt, seasons are well defined, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 13 degrees in the winter, to 35 degrees Celsius in the summer. The Austral Zone south of Puerto Montt is much colder, and gradually colder as you travel southbound. Puerto Williams may reach -15 degrees in the winter.
Colombia: Colombia is hot and very wet along the Caribbean and Pacific coastal areas. Conditions change rapidly (hot to cold) as one travels from the lowlands to the highlands of the Andes.
Ecuador: Ecuador exists on the equator, but because of varying elevations, the climates are very different throughout the country. The hottest temperatures are in the humid eastern jungle, coming close to 100°F (37.8°C). In the mountains, the average annual temperature is a cool 55°F (12.8°C). The coast has temperatures between 45-70°F (7°-12°C).
Paraguay: To the east of Paraguay the climate is humid, with even rainfalls. Temperatures are hot in summer (average 35 degrees Celsius) and can drop to 5 degrees in the winter.
Uruguay: Mild and mostly uniform in the whole country with distinct seasons.
Venezuela: Caribbean coastal areas have tropical conditions, while the central and southern interiors are very hot and humid. The highlands of the Andes are moderate, with colder conditions at higher elevations.
