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REGIONAL ADVISORY

South America DiscoveredSouth America, the fourth largest continent, is divided among twelve countries, each with a distinct cultural heritage. Originally home to the Inca Empire, it was settled by Portugal and Spain in the 16th century.

Brazil is the largest nation by far, and contains within its borders the Amazon rainforest, home to nearly a third of all plant and animal species on Earth. Despite encroaching urbanization and clear-cut farming, many areas of this natural wonder remain unexplored.

Those who prefer urban adventures will fall in love with the vigor and enthusiasm of Rio de Janeiro, with its European-inspired architecture and friendly people. Many precious stones, such as amethysts and emeralds originate in South America, and deals can be found in the city’s plentiful gem shops. During Carnival, Rio de Janeiro is wild with dancing and frivolity, but all year long the streets thrum with the vitality of a culture that savors life. Not to be missed is the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain. It is an impressive edifice nearly a hundred feet tall, and almost as wide.

Argentina welcomes travelers with its cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires. Birthplace of the tango. Enthusiasts of the dance still visit famous tango singer Carlos Gardel’s memorial in Buenos Aries and honor him by placing lit cigarettes between the statue’s fingers. Outside the city limits gauchos raise some of the finest beef in the world, and many a traveler has fueled a night of dancing by first savoring the delights of an authentic Argentinean steakhouse.

South America DiscoveredChile runs along the south-western coast of South America and encompasses an amazing variety of climates and topography, including geysers, mountains, beaches, forests and volcanoes. The capital, Santiago, preserves fascinating artifacts in its pre-Columbian museum.

Peru, once the hub of the Incan Empire, contains the treasured ruins of Machu Picchu, a terraced ceremonial city hidden among the clouds of the upper Andes. The Andes highlands are still home to descendents of that once-dominant culture, tribes who live according to the old traditions and speak their ancestral tongue, Quechua.

Among Bolivia’s wonders is Lake Titicaca. At 12,500 feet above sea level, it is the highest-elevation lake navigable to large vessels. It covers 3,200 square miles and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. In Incan legend, the children of the Sun, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, emerged from the lake to found their empires.

South America is a magical blend of ancient civilization and bustling metropolises. The experienced guides of First Cabin Travel will smooth your way at border crossings, help with translations and tips about local customs, and help you discover a unique and unforgettable South American adventure.

 

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