South America

Crossed by the equator, with most of its area lying in the Southern Hemisphere, South America is the fourth largest continent in terms of population, after Eurasia, Africa, and North America. South America's first inhabitants were the people crossing the Bering Land Bridge from Asia, which is now the Bering Strait. The first evidence of human existence dates back to circa 6500 BC, the period when potatoes, chillies and beans began to be cultivated for food.
In the post-Colombian period, most of South America was colonized by the Europeans. The Spanish, the Portuguese, and the French brought their cultures, which blended with the heritage of the natives and the African slaves leading to the vibrant intermix of cultures that is witnessed today. While countries like Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Colombia attract hordes of history and culture enthusiasts, the towering Andes and the vast wilderness of the Amazon basin tempt adventurers to sample the South American experience.

Almost every South American country specializes in local crafts and textiles. But Peru is where every shoppaholic will be lost in the mountains of traditional crafts ranging from hand-woven tapestries, beautifully crafted silver jewelry as well as knitted sweaters, scarves and gloves, that too at cheap prices! Some cities in South America are very popular for Emerald jewelry.

There are a plenty of steamy nightlife spots throughout the entire continent. If you're in Buenos Aires, be sure to check out Opera Bay! Juan Sebastián Bar in Caracas and the Phone Box Pub in Santiago de Chile, with its Latino and rustic ambiance are know all over the world. Each Latin American country has its own specialty cuisine, which are a feast for the foodie. For visitors, there are plenty of accommodation facilities throughout, starting from high-end, budget and mid-range hotels to rented houses and apartments to hostels.

Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile

Colombia Ecuador French Guinea Guyana

Paraguay Peru Venezuela