Territory, borders, position.

Latin America is the region of the Western Hemisphere located between the United States and Antarctica. It includes Mexico, the countries of Central and South America and the island states of the Caribbean (or West Indies). Most of the population of Latin America speaks Spanish and Portuguese (Brazil) languages ​​belonging to the group of Romanesque or Latin languages. Hence the name of the region - Latin America.

All Latin American countries are former colonies of European countries (mainly Spain and Portugal).

The area of ​​the region is 21 million square meters. km, population - 500 million people.

All Latin American countries, with the exception of Bolivia and Paraguay, either have access to the oceans and seas (Atlantic and Pacific Oceans), or are islands. The EGL of Latin America is also determined by the fact that it is located in relative proximity to the United States, but far from other major regions.

Political map of the region.

Within Latin America there are 33 sovereign states and several dependent territories. All independent countries, either republics or states within the British-led Commonwealth (Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Grenada, Dominica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago , Jamaica). Unitary states predominate. The exception is Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, Argentina, which have a federal form of administrative-territorial structure.

Note:

Form of government (state system): KM - constitutional monarchy;

Form of territorial structure: U - unitary state; F - federation;

The countries of the region are very diverse in area. They can be roughly divided into 4 groups:

very large (Brazil);

large and medium (Mexico and most countries in South America);

relatively small (countries of Central America and Cuba);

very small (the islands of the West Indies).

All Latin American countries are developing countries. In terms of the pace and level of economic development achieved, they occupy an intermediate position in the developing world - they surpass the developing countries of Africa in this respect and are inferior to the countries of Asia. Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, which are among the key countries of the developing world, have achieved the greatest success in economic development. They account for 2/3 of industrial production in Latin America and the same amount of regional GDP. The most developed countries in the region also include Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru. Haiti is a subset of the least developed countries.

Within their region, Latin American countries have created several economic integration groupings, the largest of which is the South American Common Market of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay (MERCOSUR), concentrating 45% of the population, 50% of total GDP and 33% of Latin America's foreign trade.

Population of Latin America

Exceptionally difficult ethnic sos population of Latin America. It was formed under the influence of three components:

1. Indian tribes and peoples who inhabited the territory before the arrival of the colonists (Aztecs and Mayans in Mexico, Incas in the Central Andes, etc.). The indigenous Indian population today is about 15%.

2. European settlers, primarily from Spain and Portugal (Creoles). Whites in the region currently make up about 25%.

3. Africans are slaves. To date, blacks in Latin America, about 10%.

About half of the population of Latin America are descendants of mixed marriages: mestizos, mulattoes. Therefore, almost all Latin American nations have a complex ethnic background. In Mexico and the countries of Central America, mestizos are predominant, in Haiti, Jamaica, the Lesser Antilles - blacks, in most of the Andean countries Indians or mestizos predominate, in Uruguay, Chile and Costa Rica - Hispanic Creoles, in Brazil half of the "whites", and half are blacks and mulattoes.

The colonization of America had a significant impact on the formation religious composition region. The vast majority of Hispanics profess Catholicism, which has long been implanted as the only official religion.

Three main features characterize the distribution of the population of Latin America:

1. Latin America is one of the least populated regions in the world. The average population density is only 25 people per 1 sq. km. km.

2. The uneven distribution of the population is much more pronounced than in other regions. Along with densely populated areas (the island states of the Caribbean, the Atlantic coast of Brazil, most metropolitan areas, etc.), vast expanses are almost deserted.

3. In no other region of the world has the population mastered the plateau to such an extent and does not rise so high into the mountains.

By indicators urbanization Latin America resembles economically developed rather than developing countries, although in Lately her pace slowed down. Most (76%) of the population is concentrated in cities. At the same time, there is an increasing concentration of the population in large cities, the number of which has exceeded 200, and in cities with “millionaires” (there are about 40 of them). A special Latin American type of city has developed here, bearing some signs of European cities (the presence of a central square on which the town hall, cathedral, and administrative buildings are located). Streets usually diverge from the square at right angles, forming a "chess grid". In recent decades, modern buildings have been superimposed on such a grid.

In recent decades, there has been an active process of formation in Latin America urban agglomerations. Four of them are among the largest in the world: Greater Mexico City (1/5 of the country's population), Greater Buenos Aires (1/3 of the country's population), Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro.

Latin America is also characterized by "false urbanization". In slum areas ("poverty belts") sometimes live up to 50% of the city's population.

Natural resource potential of Latin America.

The natural resources of the region are rich and varied, favorable for both agriculture and industrial development.

Latin America is rich in minerals: it accounts for about 18% of oil reserves, 30% of ferrous and alloying metals, 25% of non-ferrous metals, 55% of rare and trace elements.

Geography of distribution of mineral resources of Latin America

The richness and diversity of the mineral resources of Latin America can be explained by the peculiarities of the geological structure of the territory. Deposits of ores of ferrous, nonferrous and rare metals are associated with the crystalline basement of the South American Platform and the folded belt of the Cordillera and Andes. Fields of oil and natural gas are associated with marginal and intermountain troughs.

In terms of water resources, Latin America ranks first among the major regions of the world. The Amazon, Orinoco, Parana rivers are among the largest in the world.

The great wealth of Latin America is its forests, which occupy more than 1/2 of the territory of this region.

The natural conditions of Latin America are generally favorable for the development of agriculture. Most of its territory is occupied by lowlands (La Plata, Amazonian and Orinoco) and plateaus (Guiana, Brazilian, Patagonian plateau), convenient for agricultural use. Due to its geographical position (almost the entire territory of the region is located in tropical and subtropical latitudes), Latin America receives a large amount of heat and sunlight. Areas with a sharp lack of moisture occupy a relatively small area (the south of Argentina, northern Chile, the Pacific coast of Peru, the northern regions of the Mexican Highlands), the predominant red-brown, black earth, black and brown soils, combined with an abundance of heat and moisture, can produce high yields of many valuable tropical and subtropical crops.

Vast areas of savannas and subtropical steppes (Argentina, Uruguay) can be used for pastures. The main difficulties for agricultural activity are created by significant forest cover and waterlogging of lowland areas (especially the Amazonian lowland).

General characteristics of the economy of Latin America.

Yielding to Asia and Africa in terms of territory and population, Latin America is ahead in terms of the level of industrialization of production. In contrast to these regions of the world, the leading role in the economy here has recently shifted to the manufacturing industry. Both the basic branches of the manufacturing industry (ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, oil refining) and the avant-garde industries (electronics, electrical engineering, automotive, shipbuilding, aircraft building, machine tool building) are developing here.

However, the mining industry continues to play a prominent role in the economy. In the structure of the cost of production, 80% falls on fuel (mainly oil and gas) and about 20% on mining raw materials.

Latin America is one of the oldest oil and gas producing regions in the world. Mexico, Venezuela and Ecuador stand out in terms of production and export of oil and natural gas.

Latin America is a prominent world producer and exporter of non-ferrous metal ores: bauxite (Brazil Jamaica, Suriname, Guyana stand out), copper (Chile, Peru, Mexico), lead-zinc (Peru, Mexico), tin (Bolivia) and mercury (Mexico) ores

Latin American countries are also of great importance in the world production and export of iron and manganese (Brazil, Venezuela), uranium (Brazil, Argentina) ores, native sulfur (Mexico), and potash and sodium nitrate (Chile).

The main manufacturing industries - mechanical engineering and the chemical industry - are essentially developed in three countries - Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. The Big Three account for 4/5 of the manufacturing industry. Most of the rest of the countries do not have mechanical engineering and chemical industries.

Engineering specialization - automotive, shipbuilding, aircraft building, production of electrical household appliances and machines (sewing and washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners), etc. The main areas of the chemical industry are petrochemistry, pharmaceutical and perfume industries.

The oil refining industry is represented by its enterprises in all oil-producing countries (Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, etc.). The world's largest (in terms of capacity) oil refineries have been created on the islands of the Caribbean Sea (Virginia, Bahamas, Curacao, Trinidad, Aruba, etc.).

Non-ferrous and ferrous metallurgy is developing in close contact with the mining industry. Copper smelting enterprises are located in Mexico, Peru, Chile, lead and zinc - in Mexico and Peru, tin - in Bolivia, aluminum - in Brazil, steel - in Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico and Argentina.

The role of the textile and food industries is great. The leading branches of the textile industry are the production of cotton (Brazil), woolen (Argentina and Uruguay) and synthetic (Mexico) fabrics, food - sugar, canning, meat-packing, fish processing. The largest producer of cane sugar in the region and in the world is Brazil.

Agriculture The region is represented by two completely different sectors:

The first sector is a highly commercial, predominantly plantation economy, which in many countries has acquired the character of a monoculture: (bananas - Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Panama; sugar - Cuba, etc.).

The second sector is consumer small-scale agriculture, not at all affected by the "green revolution"

The leading branch of agriculture in Latin America is crop production. The exceptions are Argentina and Uruguay, where the main industry is animal husbandry. At present, Latin American crop production is characterized by monoculture (3/4 of the value of all production falls on 10 products).

The leading role is played by cereals, which are widely used in subtropical countries (Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Mexico). The main crops of Latin America are wheat, rice, and corn. The largest producer and exporter of wheat and corn in the region is Argentina.

The main producers and exporters of cotton are Brazil, Paraguay, Mexico, sugar cane - Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, coffee - Brazil and Colombia, cocoa beans - Brazil, Ecuador, Dominican Republic.

The leading branches of animal husbandry are cattle breeding (mainly for meat), sheep breeding (for wool and meat and wool), and pig breeding. In terms of the size of the livestock of cattle and sheep, Argentina and Uruguay stand out, pigs - Brazil and Mexico.

In the mountainous regions of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, llamas are bred. Fishing is of world importance (Chile and Peru stand out).

Transport.

Latin America accounts for 10% of the world's railway network, 7% of roads, 33% of inland waterways, 4% of air passenger traffic, and 8% of the world's merchant fleet tonnage.

The decisive role in domestic transportation belongs to motor transport, which began to develop actively only from the 60s of the 20th century. The most important highways are the Pan-American and Trans-Amazon Highways.

The share of railway transport, despite the large length of railways, is declining. The technical equipment of this type of transport remains low. Many old railway lines are closed.

Water transport is most developed in Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Uruguay.

Maritime transport dominates in external transportation. 2/5 of maritime traffic falls on Brazil.

Recently, as a result of the development of the oil refining industry, pipeline transport has been rapidly developing in the region.

The territorial structure of the economy of Latin American countries largely retains colonial features. The "economic capital" (usually a seaport) usually forms the main focus of the entire territory. Many areas with a specialization in the extraction of minerals and fuels, or plantations are located inland. The railway network, which has a tree structure, connects these areas with a "growth point" (seaport). The rest of the territory remains underdeveloped.

Many countries in the region are implementing regional policies aimed at mitigating territorial disparities. For example, in Mexico there is a shift of productive forces to the north to the US border, in Venezuela - to the east, to the rich resource region of Guayana, in Brazil - to the West, to the Amazon, in Argentina - to the south, to Patagonia.

Sub-regions of Latin America

Latin America is divided into several sub-regions:

1. Middle America includes Mexico, Central America and the West Indies. The countries of this region have great differences in economic terms. On the one hand, Mexico, whose economy is based on the extraction and processing of oil, and on the other, the countries of Central America and the West Indies, known for the development of the plantation economy.

2. Andean countries (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile). For these countries, the extractive industry is of particular importance. In agricultural production, this region is characterized by the cultivation of coffee, sugarcane and cotton.

3. Countries of the La Plata Basin (Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina). This region is characterized by internal differences in the economic development of countries. Argentina is the most developed country with a developed manufacturing industry, while Uruguay and especially Paraguay lag behind in development and are characterized by an agrarian direction of the economy.

4. Countries such as Guiana, Suriname, Guyana . The basis of the economy of Guyana and Suriname is the bauxite mining industry and the production of alumina. Agriculture does not meet the needs of these countries. The main crops are rice, bananas, sugarcane, citrus fruits. Guiana is an economically backward agricultural country. Its economy is based on agriculture and the meat processing industry. The main crop is sugar cane. Fishing is developed (fishing for shrimp).

5. Brazil is a separate sub-region of Latin America. This is one of the largest countries in the world in size. It ranks fifth in terms of population (155 million people). Brazil is one of the key countries in the developing world, its leader. The country has large reserves of minerals (50 types of mineral raw materials), forest and agro-climatic resources.

In the industry of Brazil, a significant role belongs to mechanical engineering, petrochemistry, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. The country stands out for its large-scale production of automobiles, aircraft, ships, mini and microcomputers, fertilizers, synthetic fibers, rubber, plastics, explosives, cotton fabrics, footwear, etc.

Important positions in industry are occupied by foreign capital, which controls most of the country's production.

Brazil's main trading partners are the US, Japan, UK, Switzerland and Argentina.

Brazil is a country with a pronounced oceanic type of economic location (90% of its population and production are located in a band of 300-500 km on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean).

Brazil occupies a leading position in the production of agricultural products. The main branch of agriculture is crop production, which has an export orientation. More than 30% of the cultivated area is devoted to five main crops: coffee, cocoa beans, cotton, sugarcane, soybeans. Corn, rice, wheat are grown from grain crops, which are used to meet the country's domestic needs (in addition, up to 60% of wheat is imported).

Livestock has a predominantly meat profile (Brazil accounts for 10% of the world beef trade).

Latin America on the world map is a collection of countries located in territories that were previously dependent on European metropolises. These countries occupy part of South and North America, as well as the isthmus between them. Latin America is an amazing land mysterious civilizations such as the Aztecs and Mayans, as well as brave caballeros, sultry beauties, unique traditions and cultures. The Romance languages ​​(Spanish, Portuguese and French) are the official languages ​​of Latin American countries.

Countries and capitals of Latin America

Below are the countries and capitals of Latin America, as well as their brief description.

• Antigua and Barbuda is a small country in the Caribbean. The population of the country is more than 86.6 thousand inhabitants. Official language- English. The capital is the city of St. John's.
• Argentina is the second largest state in Latin America. Its population is over 42.6 million inhabitants. The official language of Argentina is Spanish. The capital is the city of Buenos Aires.
• Belize is a country located in the Caribbean. The population of the country is 308 thousand inhabitants. The official language is English. The capital is the city of Belmopan.
• Bolivia is a state located in the center of South America. Its population is about 10.5 million inhabitants. The official languages ​​are Spanish and Quechua. The capital is the city of Sucre.
• Brazil is the largest country in Latin America. It occupies the territory of the central and eastern part of South America. Population - 201 million inhabitants. The official language is Portuguese. Capital -.
• Venezuela is a country located in the north of South America. Its population is over 28.4 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. The capital is a city.
• Haiti is one of the poorest Latin American countries, constantly suffering from natural disasters and coup d'état. The population is about 9.9 million inhabitants. The official languages ​​of Haiti are French, Creole and. The capital is the city of Port-au-Prince.
• Guatemala is a state located in the central part of the Americas continent. The population is about 14.4 million inhabitants. Most of the inhabitants are mestizos and Indians. The official language is Spanish. The capital is the city of Guatemala.
• Honduras is a country located in the central part of the Americas continent. It is washed by the Caribbean Sea. The population is more than 8.4 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. The capital is the city of Tegucigalpa.
• The Dominican Republic is a country located in the east of the picturesque island of Haiti. The population is approximately 9.7 million inhabitants. The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. The capital is a city.
• Colombia is a country located in South America. The population is more than 45.7 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. The capital is a city.
• Costa Rica is a small country located in the center of the Americas continent. Its population is over 4.2 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. The capital is the city of San Jose.
• Cuba is an island nation located in the Caribbean. Its unofficial name is Liberty Island. The population is just over 1 million inhabitants. The official language of Cuba is Spanish. Capital -.
• Mexico is a country located in the south North America. Its population is 116.2 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. Capital -.
• - a state located in the central part of the continent of America. The population is more than 6 million inhabitants. The official language of Nicaragua is Spanish. The capital is Managua.
• Panama is a country located on the Isthmus of Panama. Its population is about 3.7 million inhabitants. The official language of Panama is Spanish. The capital is Panama.
• Paraguay is a state in the center of South America. Its population is over 6.3 million inhabitants. The official languages ​​of Paraguay are Spanish and Guarani. The capital is Asuncion.
• Peru is a country in South America, located in its northwestern part. Its population is about 30.5 million inhabitants. The official languages ​​of Peru are Spanish, and in some regions - Aymara, Quechua, etc. The capital is Lima.
• El Salvador is a state located in the center of the Americas continent. Its population is 6.9 million inhabitants. The official language of El Salvador is Spanish. The capital is San Salvador.
• Uruguay is a country in the southeastern part of South America. Its population is more than 3.3 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. The capital is Montevideo.
• Chile is a country located in the southwest of South America. Its population is over 17.2 million inhabitants. The official language of Chile is Spanish. The capital is Santiago.
• Ecuador is a country located in South America. Its population is more than 15.4 million inhabitants. The official language of Ecuador is Spanish. The capital is Quito.

In addition, Latin America includes the following territories: Puerto Rico (US territory) and the territories - French Guiana, Martinique, Guadeloupe, San Martin and San Barthelemy.

Sights of Latin America

Latin America is incredibly rich in interesting places. Here are 3 of the 7 new wonders of the world. All the sights of Latin America can be divided into natural and man-made objects, as well as cities and villages of ancient civilizations.

natural attractions

• Ojos del Salado is the most high volcano Earth (6887 m).
• The Atacama Desert is the driest place on the planet, located in the west of South America.
• Andes - the longest mountain system the world (9000 km).
• Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world (979 m).
• The Amazon is the longest and most picturesque river on the planet (6437 km).
• c - the largest South American island, with an area of ​​47,992 sq. km. This virgin land is famous for its wild nature, beautiful scenery and harsh climatic conditions.
• Iguazu Falls, located on the border of Argentina and. They represent one of the most beautiful natural wonders of our planet.

man-made attractions

• The Maracanã Stadium in Brazil is one of the largest stadiums in the world, capable of accommodating up to 103,000 fans.
• The statue of Christ the Redeemer is one of the 7 new wonders of the world. The statue is located on Mount Corcovado in Rio.
• Geoglyphs of the Nasko plateau are a group of amazing images, lines and geometric shapes created by an unknown civilization.
• Moai are the stone statues of Easter Island.

Cities and villages of ancient civilizations

• Cusco (Peru) - ancient capital the Inca empire and one of the oldest South American cities. The name of the city is translated from Quechua as "the navel of the world."
• Machu Picchu (Peru) is one of the 7 new wonders of the world, known as the "city in the sky" or "the lost city of the Incas".
• Teotihuacan (Mexico) - the famous "ghost town", which is the oldest settlement in the Western Hemisphere.
• Umxal (Mexico) is the ancient center of the Maya civilization, located on the Yucatan Peninsula.
• Panama (80 cm), Paraguay (86.7 cm), El Salvador (83.5 cm), Uruguay (85.9 cm), Chile (83.5 cm), (84 cm), Cuba (84.8 cm) and in Argentina (86.7 cm).
• Legua is a unit of length used in Guatemala (1 unit = 5.573 km), Honduras (4.2 km), Colombia (5 km), Cuba (4.24 km), Ecuador (5 km), Paraguay (4 .33 km), Peru (5.6 km), Uruguay (5.154 km), Chile (4.514 km), Brazil (6.66 km), Mexico (4.19 km) and Argentina (5.2 km).

Is Latin America called Latin? Indeed, in fact, this is part of the mainland South America, and the term “Latin” creates associations with Europe and Ancient Rome. We will try to answer all these questions in this article, referring to historical facts and geography.

History of Latin America: colonization and conversion

The countries that make up Latin America were created as colonies of European states. Since the 16th century, Spain, Portugal, Great Britain, France and the Netherlands have been actively seizing lands. In the middle of the 19th century, the emerging young states became financially dependent on the United States. Some island countries became colonies of the United States.

Since the beginning of the 19th century, wars for independence from the colonialists began. Some of the first countries to gain freedom were Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. Brazil, a former Portuguese colony, managed almost without bloodshed. The Cuban Revolution of 1959 is widely known. Then the island states gained independence. The modern borders of Latin America were established only in the 40s of the XX century.

The countries of Latin America until the 20th century were called differently: "Indo-America", "Spanish America", "Ibo-America". It will be a big mistake to think that Latin America is geographically and territorially equal to South. It consists of:

• Mexico (country in North America).
• West Indies (islands).
• The mainland of South America and its island states.
• Countries located on the isthmus of Central America.

This list includes Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Guiana, Saint Martin, Argentina and other states. Thus, the name "Latin" cannot be explained geographically. Its origin is connected with the colonization of this region by Europeans.

The term "Latin America" ​​itself was fixed in the 30s. XX century. It was invented by the French Emperor Napoleon III. So he decided to call those parts of the continent whose territories were inhabited by immigrants from the Iberian Peninsula and France from the 15th to the 16th centuries.

Today it is the unofficial name of a group of countries, which is firmly entrenched in scientific and public circles.

The very type of colonization of these countries is called "Latin". The conquerors were carriers of Romance languages, originating from Latin. Therefore, most of the inhabitants of this region speak three languages ​​belonging to this group: Spanish, Portuguese or French. This is the main difference between Latin America and North America, which was mastered by the Anglo-Saxons and propagated by the English language.

The second reason for the name "Latin America" ​​follows from the first: the planting of a foreign language for the indigenous peoples took place simultaneously with their conversion to another religion - Catholicism. It is no coincidence that the Spanish conquistadors, having first landed on the coast of the future Spain, first of all celebrated Mass. Services in Catholicism are held in Latin, which is probably why Catholics in Russia used to be called "Latins".

The introduction of peoples to Christianity was one of the main tasks assigned to Columbus by the king and queen. Centuries later, Latin America remains a stronghold of the Catholic Church.

Who are Hispanics?

The most interesting thing is that Hispanics are not all Latin Americans, as it might seem at first. These are people who speak Spanish and Portuguese and live both in Latin America and in the USA, Great Britain, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Canada and other countries. Hispanics are usually immigrants. In a number of states they are disparagingly called Latinos. Their number is 600 million people, but this figure is approximate.

The term "Latin America" ​​is often used to refer to all the southern countries of America. In Brazil, this is how the Spanish-speaking countries of their mainland are called. But knowing exactly why Latin America is called Latin, it is no longer possible to make a mistake in the name of the group of countries in which they speak Romance languages.

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Few people were here, and if they were, they didn’t tell much about it. So it is not surprising that the countries of Latin America are overgrown with some terrible stereotypes and legends about the endless showdowns of the locals, witchcraft and dangers on the street.

Nagiyev would say that this is a longridish place. Before you - our guide (written in collaboration with Air France) for all countries in the region, including dependent territories of the United States and France, with explanations of what you forgot there and what you are mistaken about.

By the way, most of the countries on the list are visa-free for Russians. Isn't this a reason to go on your next vacation to explore new directions?

Navigation list:

Argentina

Where is everyone going and why?

• Buenos Aires - the capital, the most Big city(and they dance tango there).
• Southern Patagonia - glaciers and the beautiful lake Lago Argentino.
• Tierra del Fuego - the southernmost archipelago with penguins.
• Cordoba is a cool ski.
• Iguazu - the most powerful waterfalls in the world: this Niagara of yours is just a spit compared to them.

Myths and legends

They are all arrogant.

Neighboring countries (especially football Brazil) hate Argentina. As one Brazilian explained, Argentina in Latin America is like France in Europe, a wealthy "aristocratic" country that everyone envies and therefore dislikes. But really, Argentines are cute.

There are many blacks among whom you will unpleasantly stand out.

No. Argentines are the descendants of European settlers and therefore have no more exotic appearance from the point of view of the average Russian than the same Spaniards. Slightly sunbathe - and now you are of the same blood.

7 reasons to visit here

1. Try to dance the tango right on the street, embarrass yourself and understand that in order to compete with the locals, you need to train for a long time.
2. Drink real mate.
3. Go to football in a country that football fans throughout the rest of Latin America spread rot. Did you hear the cries of "América Latina, menos Argentina" during the World Championship? Here.
4. See penguins of Tierra del Fuego.
5. Take a ride on the longest-running tourist attraction - the 14-hour "Train in the Clouds". Photos can be viewed (be careful: the site is not very good at English).
6. Eat some fried empanadas.
7. Go to the southernmost city of the planet - Ushuaia.

What they say

I was in Argentina twice last year, mostly in Buenos Aires. The first trip was associated with a trip to Chile, so it was not possible to go far, and the second turned out to be tainted by illness. So I have nothing to say about fantastic glaciers, Tierra del Fuego and thundering Iguazu Falls. But I got used to and became related to Buenos Aires.

I was surprised by the completely different districts of the city, you can go to a new district every day and discover more and more new facets of the capital. The Argentines turned out to be warm, sociable, very cheerful people - equally southerners, northerners and porteños (natives of Buenos Aires).

Buenos Aires won me over for the second time: peach misty sunsets, bustling and musical fairs in San Telmo, romantic and relaxed evenings in Puerto Madero. In Argentina, not everyone dances tango, although you can meet dancers on the street, but every street is saturated with the viscous, exciting mood of tango. In this city it is very easy to be in love - at least with life itself.

For solitude it is worth going to the Tigre Valley. In the city, it’s better to buy empanadas and alfajores, of course, with dulce de leche - local condensed milk - and watch the course of Argentinean life in respectable and quiet Palermo, crowded La Boca, or even at the inspired and tragic Recoleta cemetery. The cemetery, perhaps, was my main artistic shock. Even the incomparable dome of the Colon Theater did not overshadow him.

There is a place for everyone in this city: both quiet provincials who grew up on farms, and passionate fans of the "stone jungle", and free artists, and west-oriented careerists. There is no life there only for those who do not like football. He is in Argentina - indeed a religion.

Julia Onodera

journalist, Russia/Japan

Brazil

Where is everyone going and why?

• Why, Rio, of course!
• Brasilia is the capital of the country, which is not a secret for those who watched the textbook horror movie "I still know what you did last summer." This is a city built on an empty place, from above it looks like an airplane.
• Sao Paulo is a huge metropolis with festivals and museums.

Myths and legends

Rio's favelas are dangerous.

Yes. It's true. But you can - you'll be surprised - just don't go there. In other cities of the country it is much safer, and the tourist areas of Rio de Janeiro are quite pleasant for idle walks. There are a bunch of policemen watching the calmness of visitors. No need to wander around the city after sunset and climb into the territory

There are many wild (read: rabid) monkeys here.

Soviet cinema does not lie - there really are monkeys in this country. Wild, that is, living outside the city limits. So do not be afraid that you will be bitten or your camera stolen during your tourist exercises.

7 reasons to visit here

1. Match your trip to the carnival and see a bunch of women in feathers.
2. Sunbathe at Copacabana
3. Take a photo with the statue of Christ.
4. Take the funicular up the mountain with the stupid name Sugar Loaf.
5. Check out the state of sports facilities a few years after construction.
6. Drive to coffee plantations.
7. Go to a club in Sao Paulo, and then the carnival will come to you.

What they say

I was in Brazil, more precisely, in Rio, during the World Cup. Not sure if this is a revealing experience; Moscow here was not like itself.

Our girls tried not to walk themselves, and do not advise anyone to do this. But I would not say that it was scary or even unpleasant. Ordinary city. Brazilians are very loud, it's probably better not to make them angry - the blood is too hot. But it's a lot of fun here. Tourists from Russia were all welcome, they took pictures with us. If you don't want to offend them, don't speak Spanish to them. Here Portuguese. This is just in case not everyone knows.

Evgeny Makeev

system administrator, Russia

Bolivia

Where is everyone going and why?

• La Paz is the highest capital city in the world with palaces and fairs.
• Sucre - the second most popular city in Bolivia, is considered the most beautiful here.
• Cochabamba - the place where there is another statue of Christ, less popular, but taller.

Myths and legends

There are constant coups.

It's not that it's a myth - they really happen here more often than anywhere else. At the same time, the cities are quite well-groomed, and the locals are very open and friendly.

Everyone is strange there and they still wear national costumes.

In Bolivia, there really is a layer of people who honor traditions in an incredible way. These are the cholitas women who walk around in dresses and hats on their heads. But there are not so many of them, and this is a completely modern country: there is even the Internet there! True, only in hotels.

7 reasons to visit here

1. See the ancient city of Tiwanaku.
2. Visit the Witch Market in La Paz.
3. Look at the boundless La Paz from the Killy Killy observation deck.
4. Go to the huge Uyuni salt marsh.
5. And from there - immediately to the valley of the geysers of Sol de Macana. There are also craters with mud, as they show in cartoons.
6. Watch the flamingos.
7. Chew coca leaves. Well just. Just be sure to sleep!

What they say

We got there by chance, from Chile. We bought a 3.5 day jeep tour from the city of San Pedro de Atacama. Even by car, this journey is not easy. From 2500 m above sea level with 0% humidity you start in one day to 6000 m with 15-20% humidity. No snow, incredible heat, strong wind. We didn't know where we were going. Coca leaves are good for mountain sickness, but I could not chew them, they taste very vile. I drank cola, I never drank so much, but the bubbles help. The whole tour you ride in the natural park, spend the night in village houses "hostels" made of shit and sticks (clay and twigs), and everything else will blow away there, and it will be cold in winter. There you are fed delicious bean stew and chicken) simple but nutritious.
This whole trip, the case when you see nothing but nature, but even the biggest art lover will not get bored! There are ostriches, donkeys, and flamingos, an abandoned railway station, local beer, the Uyuni desert, meeting the dawn on a mountain in the Uyuni salt desert. The views are unique, here the photos only work, and there is nothing to write about.

Anna Hitsunova

producer, Russia

Venezuela

Where is everyone going and why?

• Caracas is the capital of the country.
• Merida - mountains, cable cars and everything is so beautiful.
• Margarita Island, where the city of Asuncion is located, is a duty-free zone.
• Angel Falls, the highest in the world.

Myths and legends

There are a lot of motorisados ​​- motorcycle robbers with pistols.

Yes, they meet. In order not to run into robbers, many tourists are advised to exist within the so-called urbanizations. Or have with you some little thing that you don’t mind giving away if something happens.

Don't go to the barrio!

Barrios are like favelas. Terrible and impossible. But local authorities do not always agree with this, and even established a festival of graffiti culture San Agustin Aereo several years ago in one of the poorest areas of Caracas.

7 reasons to visit here

1. See tepui - mountains with a flat top. You have to go to Canaima Park for them.
2. In the same place - take a look at the Angel Falls from below and feel like a conqueror of the jungle.
3. See the largest range of ice cream in the world. You are in the city of Merida, in the cafe Heladeria Coromoto. Order pistachio!
4. Gaze at the Andes from Venezuela.
5. See an anaconda (preferably not in the wild).
6. Try your luck with paragliding in the Sierra Nevada.
7. Canoeing down the Orinoco River.

What they say

South America is for the most part a very comfortable continent to travel to. This applies to the most developed countries, of course, and popular tourist routes. Venezuela can hardly be included in this list. Before going there, having read reviews about theft and robbery, we decided to protect ourselves and contacted the English-speaking guide in advance, who organized a transfer for us along the planned route. As a result, no incident overshadowed our trip.

Of course, we went to the highest Angel Falls in the world. The road to it takes a lot of time: you get to the point, you are put on a small boat, on which you sail for 4 hours to the camp, you spend the night in a hammock, and the next morning you go on foot to the waterfall. An alternative option is a helicopter, but we really wanted to sit at the foot and feel all the greatness. But we traveled in August which is the wet season. It started to rain just as we were sailing, and it continued all the way. Raincoats didn't help. It seemed like the apocalypse had arrived.

I remember the trip very well. national park Canaima. As soon as we arrived at the place to spend the night, we saw a hammock in which someone small was lying. It turned out that this is not a child, but an anteater cub! They found him alone in the forest and decided to save him. Approaching the person, he climbed onto him and hugged him, falling asleep on his chest.

Venezuela is not about gastronomic delights, not about museums, not about ruins, not about cities and architecture. This is a country of amazing beauty, which should be visited by those who are not afraid to plunge into the wild and endure all the inconveniences (as they say, get out of the comfort zone). And there is very, very, very cheap gasoline, almost cheaper than drinking water!

Julia Zavarzina

editor, Russia

Haiti

Where is everyone going and why?

Port-au-Prince is the capital of the country. Basically, that's enough for you.

Myths and legends

This is a poor country.

True stereotype. Unfortunately, this is one of the poorest countries in the world. Therefore, leave your high expectations from the service at home - it will not be here at all. On the other hand, it even has advantages in the form of a unique cultural experience. Among wealthy people, it is even fashionable to go to such lost corners of the planet and see life from the other side. In addition, you can always go to such countries as a volunteer - not only to stare, but also to help people.

There are zombies here.

We will not dissuade. Who knows if all these people on the streets are people at all? Watch a couple of zombie movies before you go. Just in case.

7 reasons to visit here

1. Get more proficient in the Creole language and understand that they do not speak it here, but French surzhik.
2. Walk through the ruins of Sanssouci Palace.
3. See local pagan rites.
4. Fall into the home of the hospitable locals with something useful and understand how everything works here.
5. Learn to enjoy the little things.
6. See the grandiose citadel of La Ferriere.
7. Climb Macaya Peak.

What they say

Haiti leaves a lasting impression. This destination is only for very advanced travelers. It's very peculiar here. In countries Central Africa about the same. But it is interesting, albeit not for everyone. Just understand right away that you are here - a white crow. Don't be surprised and don't freak out. And so everything is ok.

Gregory O'Connor

programmer, USA

Guatemala

Where is everyone going and why?

• Guatemala is the capital of the country.
• Lake Atitlan is the deepest in Central America.
• Tikal is an ancient Mayan city.

Myths and legends

Here they suffer from cholera.

Not really a myth. As in many warm countries with a low standard of living, there are outbreaks of cholera, malaria, dysentery, typhoid, yellow fever and other not the most beautiful diseases. Therefore, before the trip, it will not be superfluous to be vaccinated, and on the spot - do not drink water and beware of biting anyone.

7 reasons to visit here

1. Do not get lost in the architecture of the capital of Guatemala.
2. Visit the ruins of the Mayan city of Kaminalguya.
3. Get to know the possible descendants of those who built it all.
4. Drink Quetzalteca beer.
5. And the Rompopo rum cocktail with milk and egg, subtly reminiscent of Aibolit.
6. To see a prison for delinquent animals.
7. Buy a handmade wallet from can openers.
   

What they say

A very small country that has everything for labor travelers: volcanoes, lakes, mountains, the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. And also - super-small villages where Mayan descendants live, who walk in national costumes and speak a super-incomprehensible language, colonial cities with Catholic churches and backpackers plying along the isthmus. Not from Russia! 99% that you will be the first and only.

Daria Khlopova

communications manager, Russia

Honduras

Where is everyone going and why?

• Tegucigalpa is the capital.
• Utila is one of the best diving spots in the Caribbean.

Myths and legends

A good country will not be called Honduras.

The most ridiculous, of course, but stupid stereotype. Here you have diving, and nature, and beaches, tropical forests, the ruins of ancient buildings - what else do you need?

7 reasons to visit here

1. See the Hieroglyphic Staircase in Copan.
2. Look at the Mayan catacomb graves, Las Seppulturas.
3. Watch the birds all day at Lake Yohoa.
4. Arrange nightly walking around the local bars.
5. And in the morning - through the numerous churches of Tegucigalpa.
6. Climb to the flea market and buy a bunch of unnecessary, but from Honduras.
7. And why is the ability to say “Guys, I was in HONDURAS” not the reason?

What they say

Honduras was a little different compared to the Central American countries I visited. I didn't get to see much there. Went to ancient Mayan ruins, saw some cities and rose bushes all over the country. My main stop was the Caribbean island of Utila. It was incredibly beautiful and cheap. People from all over the world come there to get certified in diving. That's because it's one of the cheapest places on the planet to do it.

Glenn McDonald

musician, Canada

Dominican Republic

Where is everyone going and why?

• Punta Cana - beyond the sand, the sea and all the joys of all-inclusiveness.
• Santo Domingo is the capital.

Myths and legends

It's dangerous here!

Only to some (very small) extent. The brave guys with machine guns on duty around the hotel are not a bug, but a feature.

The tourist area is not only safe, but also very beautiful, and flights from Air France with reasonable prices make this country almost the most attractive of all that we write about here.

7 reasons to visit here

1. Admire the most accessible (from a tourist point of view) white-sand beaches in the Caribbean.
2. Learn to dance bachata and merengue. Or at least try, if tango in Argentina didn't work out.
3. Bring home Mamajuana and a million kinds of rum.
4. Go to Columbus Lighthouse.
5. Buy something with local larimar stone.
6. Get to the Park of three lakes.
7. Feel like a pirate of the Caribbean.

What they say

A lot of things were very unexpected for me. I thought the Dominican Republic was a third world country, a banana republic. But in fact it turned out that this is a very civilized advanced country. Poverty and danger are in Haiti; in fact, all the rough workers are from there.

Upon arrival, I found a Russian guide who has been living there for many years. He gave us an extensive tour and told us that there are a lot of natural attractions in the Dominican Republic. From mountains with pine forests (!) to pink lakes. I thought, there is only to lie under a palm tree and there is a coconut, and there - you can’t drive around!

You can come to the public beach, and there the locals fry kebabs, and in the parking lot at this public beach there are Chevrolet Tahoe (generally the most popular car there) and Ferrari! And yes. Stereotypes about rum and cigars were confirmed, they are really divine here! You also need to take Mamahuana, she is also super.

Alexey Blazhenov

editing director, Russia

Colombia

Where is everyone going and why?

• Bogota is the capital of the country.
• Leticia is a tourist area with monkeys.
• Cartagena is considered a fashionable resort.

Myths and legends

Drugs.

The main, fundamental, zone-forming stereotype about Colombia. But no - they don't bathe in cocaine here, and they won't approach you on the streets to offer you drugs. Probably.

Everyone is robbed here.

Locals really recommend being careful - in general, this is true for most countries in Latin America. Do not shine with iPhones, carry bags and backpacks in front, do not roam at night. Especially in poor non-tourist areas (it’s better to never run around there).

7 reasons to visit here

1. Taki debunk the foundational myth about Colombia in your head.
2. Befriend a monkey on Isla de los Micos.
3. Go to all the churches of the colonial Popayana.
4. Driving to some city in the mountains along a steel cable is a means of transportation here.
5. With a guide or guide, go to the Andes.
6. Buy something locally made emerald.
7. Try to understand the meanings of ritual masks.

What they say

This is the country where my pension will take place! Here, everyone who was waiting for cocaine, shooting and hell can just stop reading.

Colombia is very different. The relief, nature, standard of living, oceans, types of recreation, everything is different (like ours). Colombians do not sit still, they go to the ocean, they ride on the only train, which is actually exclusively tourist. The people here are very open. When they find out that you are from Russia (they won’t understand until you say it, there are few of us, and they usually don’t guess by ear), they will download Russian into Google Translate, they will definitely say that they are still laundering from a bad reputation, but they will ask about vodka, bears, Putin and the World Cup (we were before the World Cup).

Very clean. There are almost no yard dogs on the streets, and those that are are full, combed out and with a collar. We have not yet figured out how they achieved this. Toilets (in each country would include this in a separate item!) are paid almost everywhere and sterile everywhere! Everyone tries to leave everything as it was. It's nice!

The food is divine. And they don't drink alcohol! Seriously, a maximum of 0.3 beer, similar to lemonade.

It's scary on the border with Ecuador. Children threw stones at buses, there were roadblocks everywhere. There are remote villages on the ocean itself. Travel by boat only. If you're there, get ready to be the only whites for 500 kilometers.

Another noteworthy is Guajira, the desert in the very north, owned by the Indians. There they extract sea salt (they have an exclusive for it), sell gasoline from Venezuela in eggplants and do not pay taxes.

Anna Hitsunova

producer, Russia

Costa Rica

Where is everyone going and why?

• San Jose is the capital of the country.
• Province of Guanacaste - the coolest beaches.

Myths and legends

This is a typical Latin American country.

If by "typical" you mean "beautiful" - definitely yes. But it compares favorably with the peacefulness of the locals. It is safe here, and in general they are so pacifist that they do not even keep their own army.

7 reasons to visit here

1. Take a bunch of photos of the Arenal Volcano.
2. Swim in two oceans in one vacation.
3. Visit Los Angeles (that's the name of the basilica).
4. Raft on an inflatable boat on a mountain river.
5. Buy home a couple of bottles of Cafe Rica liqueur.
6. From a safe distance, stare at the volcanic eruption (there are more than a hundred of them, half of them are active).
7. Look for someone's lost treasure.

What they say

Marina Bogoda

internet entrepreneur, consultant, blogger (@marinabogoda), Russia/Bulgaria/Costa Rica

Cuba

Where is everyone going and why?

• Havana is a corner of victorious socialism with the most photogenic houses and cars.
• Santiago de Cuba - old Bacardi lived there (founder, not Roma).
• Varadero is the main tourist-beach region of this not very major country; with discos, but almost without the charm of the rest of Cuba.
• Cayo Coco is a slightly less main beach region, which tour operators are starting to actively promote.
• Matanzas is a city of bridges, caves and comparisons with other cities in the world.
• Santa Clara is the mecca of Che Guevara fans.

Myths and legends

Cuba is like the USSR.

Yes. There are grocery cards here, in stores you can often see empty shelves, as in times of shortage, there are queues everywhere. In addition, Cuba has happy people with good free healthcare, an efficient police force and old cars (in this case, this is also a plus - it’s too beautiful).

Crime and fraud thrive here.

In Cuba, as we have already noticed, the police work well. Therefore, the probability that you will be attacked in broad daylight for a couple of dollars is close to zero. Here to ask you for the goods 2 times more - yes, it is possible. And to rob or criminalize how much in vain - hardly.

7 reasons to visit here

1. Buy a pack of real Cuban cigars.
2. And a lot of rum.
3. Go to the Hemingway Museum.
4. For the joy of what you see, go drink Mojito in the famous (among Hemingway fans and Cubans) bar La Bodeguita del Medio.
5. Rent a Cadillac.
6. See the Matans caves of Belyamar.
7. To visit the place where the history of the country was made - at Monumento a la Toma del Tren Blindad, where Che knocked down armored trains.

What they say

Cuba is a very party place. Everyone is dancing and drinking rum. And this is not a stereotype! We were surprised when the musicians played Despacito on the tour, the waitress threw the plates and ran to dance. Only after the end of the song did they bring us food. In clubs, Cubans teach girls to dance. It turned out that I was a very harmful student, because I wanted to lead him in the dance, but this is not accepted.

The food is, frankly, tasteless. But you can eat rum, which we did. Tours are good. We went to Havana - I was very impressed, they took us to many more cities, where the nature is awesome, they taxied to a tobacco factory - unusual. We went to the valley where the jungle is. Here is such a different Cuba! In terms of natural scenery - a little mixture of Thailand and Cyprus.

And, of course, color! This is a museum of retro cars on the go, favelas and the Cubans themselves. Many of those who are older know Russian - the Soviet school is still there.

No service - for this in the Dominican Republic. To live in the same bathroom with ants, we are already accustomed to by the end of the holiday. They themselves live like this, and it is clear that they are trying very hard for tourists.

Bogdan Parish

journalist, dancer, Russia

Mexico

Where is everyone going and why?

• Cancun is the main place on the coast, a point of attraction for people from all over the world (and relatively close to attractions).
• Mexico City is the capital.
• Acapulco - ah-ah-ah-ah.

Myths and legends

And here, too, bandits!

Mexico is safer than many US states! The farther from the border, the better. In Cancun, everything is generally calm (not counting, perhaps, the drunken fights of visiting youth in numerous nightclubs, but we didn’t see anything there).

Terrible food, only burritos to eat.

Of course, the tortilla is the head of everything here, and the Mexicans can wrap anything in a tortilla. But there is also wonderful grilled meat, and soups according to the recipes of the ancient Indians, and nachos here are tastier than in your favorite movie theater. You will find food for yourself, in short.

Is the sombrero here?

Yes you guessed. The sombrero is the national hat of non-Peruvians and non-Bolivians. But don't think that everyone here is knocking sombrero fields on buses. There are no idiots here, there are only sellers of all sorts of things for tourists.

7 reasons to visit Mexico

1. Go diving.
2. Listen to mariachi.
3. Don't miss the Day of the Dead celebration.
4. Gather in the head and memory of the phone all the historical sights (the ruins of Tenochtitlan, Templo Mayor, Chichen Itza and others) and finally stop confusing them.
5. Try to surf.
6. Drink a lot of tequila.
7. Buy some very nice beaded skull because why not.

What they say

At the time of the trip, I had only one association with this country - the show "Vacations in Mexico". I didn’t watch it, but at that time it was well known, and everyone roughly understood what Mexico should be like on TV: snow-white beaches, bars, villas, etc. Fortunately, it turned out not to be the case.

For me, Mexico is a country with some kind of wild, bestial power and energy. These are the acoustic secrets of Chichen Itza, the swarthy bodies of those whose ancestors were real Mayan Indians, the cool cactus-spinach juice in the heat and the warming bitterness of tequila in the evening.

My favorite place in Mexico is Xcaret eco-park. This is a huge reserve where you can feel like a real savage, getting lost in all these thickets. Swimming in the blue waters of the local lagoons, feeding giant tortoises, petting Macaws, watching flamingos - what could be more beautiful?

Elizaveta Shornikova

journalist, Russia

Nicaragua

Where are they going and why?

• Managua is the capital.
• Granada is one of the main tourist regions of this not very rich country.
• The San Juan River - there are a lot of interesting living creatures here.

Myths and legends

Feminism didn't win here.

Unfortunately, true. And we are not talking about flash mobs on Instagram (although they are not satisfied here either), but about the real problems of bullying women. There is such a dense patriarchy here that it is better for girls not to go here without male accompaniment. Although, again, how lucky - you can spend your vacation quite calmly.

7 reasons to visit here

1. Realize the unexpected extent of your own unpretentiousness.
2. It's cheap (everything inside the country is really cheap) to join ecotourism.
3. Fishing in the San Juan River.
4. Go surfing in places where, most likely, none of your friends have surfed.
5. Buy a hammock to make your country neighbors jealous: Nicaraugan hammocks are the best!
6. Enjoy local Las Vegas in Managua.
7. Relax by a not very clean lake overlooking a very dormant volcano.

What they say

Nicaragua is my favorite of all the countries in Central America where I have been. I easily made a lot of friends, experienced exciting adventures, and I was never bored. From partying in San Juan del Sur to cliff jumping north of Somoto Canyon, it was an incredible experience. The main transport is yellow school buses that will take you anywhere for mere pennies. There is endless fun and inexpensive activities like volcanic and conventional surfing. 10 out of 10, will go again!

Glenn McDonald

musician, Canada

Panama

Where is everyone going and why?

• Panama is the capital.
• Balboa is the starting point for cruises on the Panama Canal.

Myths and legends

This is a backward country where there is nothing but a canal.

Have you seen pictures of Panama? The business center there is cooler than Moscow City - and more than twenty times. Despite the low buildings of the old part of the city, despite all these barefoot people, Panama is quite a decent metropolis.

7 reasons to visit Panama

1. Go snorkeling in Portobelo.
2. See the same Panama Canal that everyone is talking about.
3. Look at the ruins of the old city in Panama and marvel at the two-tone Cathedral.
4. Hide in the ruins of the medieval buildings of Portobelo from adulthood.
5. Learn to bargain with local taxi drivers and hone your skills to unprecedented heights.
6. Retire (in whatever plan you want) in the Bastimentos National Park.
7. Spend a whole day at a coffee plantation, decide never to drink coffee again, and give up the next morning.

What they say

Panama seemed a little strange to me. This is such an inherently agrarian country, looking poor when leaving the capital, but at the same time actively building. The capital is very different. I once came to Baku, it seems to me that they are a bit similar. The same strong contrast between poor houses and steep skyscrapers.I advise you to go to the channel purely for show. I did not see anything beautiful or interesting there.

Gregory O'Connor

programmer, USA

Paraguay

Where is everyone going and why?

• Asuncion is the capital.
• Ibike National Park - even more beauty.
• Itaipu Dam - for fans of man-made miracles.

Myths and legends

This is not the standard of purity

Truth. Don't expect neat litter bins and carefully swept streets, even in Asuncion. Here people don't really bother with such things. Just accept and try not to litter yourself.

7 reasons to visit

1. Rent a jeep and go racing across the plains.
2. Try the local mate (by the way, it is different in all countries, here they love cold and call it “terere”).
3. Stock up on local ceramics (and please the sellers by raising the economy from their knees).
4. Drive to the Itaipu dam.
5. Buy aho po'i t-shirt-vyshyvanka.
6. Buy your own herbs on the street to make mate at home.
7. Get to know the Mennonites (they live quite far from the capital).
   

What they say

Pretty poor country. She was one of the first places where I consciously went, it’s even hard to explain why. I was only in Asuncion, it is peculiar, deserted and not very clean, but sometimes there are some interesting buildings. This is one of those countries where either a very adventurous person, or a person who really wants to stand out, or just a traveler who is simply bored with simple tourist happiness, needs to go.

Gregory O'Connor

programmer, USA

Peru

Where is everyone going and why?

• Lima is the capital.
• Machu Picchu is a place of attraction for wealthy travelers from all over the world.
• Arequipa - a beautiful southern city is not for everyone, but if you already come - it's worth a visit.
• Amazon, or, as it is correct, the Amazon basin.

Myths and legends

It's a terribly expensive country

Absolutely not. This is a country that is terribly expensive to fly to, but inside there are absolutely adequate prices (not like in Norway, for example). Therefore, if you saved up for a flight, consider half the battle done.

It's always cloudy here

Is it always cloudy in your hometown? Well, it's about the same here. The capital of the country, Lima, is an ordinary city, with different seasons.

All of Peru is a village with nothing

Crap, the stores have everything. Everything is like everywhere else.

7 reasons to visit Peru

1. Climb to Machu Picchu.
2. View from above on the Nazca plateau.
3. See the main lake of all schoolchildren - Titicaca.
4. Visit Trujillo, a colonial-era town.
5. Meet the shaman.
6. Pat the alpaca and stock up on wool sweaters.
7. Dress in traditional national costume.

What they say

Our trip to Peru was the most unforgettable adventure of my life. It was one of the dream countries, and we decided to do the impossible. For 3 weeks in the country, my friend and I traveled almost the entire country, accompanied by a local guide. Our trip included: Lima, Cusco, Nasca (and flying over it), visiting Machu Picchu, Paracas, Iquitos, living in a tribe 80 km up the Amazon from Iquitos, Arequipa, Coca Canyon, Puno and many other most amazing places in Peru . Traveling with a personal guide is not a cheap event, but it fully pays off with delight and incomparable unique experiences. Probably the most incredible for me was the Paracas reserve - as if another planet! First, you drive 7-8 hours through the desert, the sands of which are composed of different rocks, which creates an overflow effect from delicate pink to deep blue. And then you come to a cliff, and all this desert merges with a saturated ocean. In general - FIRE!

Svetlana Krapivina

senior radio broadcast editor, Russia

Salvador

Where is everyone going and why?

• San Salvador is the capital (against the background of the villages in general).
• The Ruta de las Flores route is one of the few surprises in the country.

Myths and legends

There's nothing to do here

In general, this is a common stereotype that can be applied to many countries. And which, most importantly, does not depend on the country, but only on the person who says it. Yes, El Salvador is not the richest country in the world for attractions. But that doesn't make her uninteresting. In any case, if you have not already visited 180 countries, you will be interested and new here.

7 reasons to visit here

1. Drive to the crater lake near the city of Alegria.
2. Surf in the village of La Perla in the south of the country.
3. See another statue of Christ the Savior - in the central square of San Salvador.
4. Pet an animal in Montecristo El Trifinio National Park.
5. Try to admire the Art Deco architecture carefully hidden behind the bazaar that the streets have been turned into.
6. Go to the unusual church Iglesia El Rosario with strangely shaped stained glass windows.
7. Eat pupusa (it's just stuffed tortillas).

What they say

It looks like poor California: warm, palm trees are growing. Climate is ok. But it's a socially shady place. I don't recommend girls go there. Only big groups with guys.

Gregory O'Connor

programmer, USA

Uruguay

Where is everyone going and why?

• Montevideo is the capital.
• Punta del Este is the main beach region of the country.
• Cabo Polonio is a charming coastal town with a lighthouse.

Myths and legends

Uruguay is unremarkable and there is nothing to do there.

For a minute, one of the richest countries in the region! Uruguay combines all the best from its neighbors. A bright future has already come here with absolutely insignificant corruption, freedom of the press and other benefits of civilization. They also have Natalia Oreiro.

7 reasons to visit Uruguay

1. See the main building of Montevideo - Palacio Salvo. By the way, the three lower floors symbolize hell. Adochek. Adishko.
2. See the local La Rambla in Montevideo (in general, it doesn’t look like Barça).
3. See sea lions in Cabo Polonio.
4. Take a picture of a hundred-ruble bill against the backdrop of the Solis Theater and count how many friends will not understand the joke.
5. Sing the imperishable Cambio dolor in the homeland of Natalia Oreiro.
6. Try meat here - "asado a la parrilla".
7. Buy honey tincture "Grappamiel".

What they say

Uruguay is awesome! I have been to few countries in South America, but Uruguay, in my opinion, is simply luxurious. The beaches are good, the people are wonderful. Highly recommend!

Of the tips - the house of the artist Carlos Paez (this is such a white house, called Casa Pueblo). Go on a tour or take a local guide, he will tell you much more interesting things than Wikipedia.

I studied Spanish at the university, but in Uruguay it is phonetically difficult. It doesn't take long to get used to its sounds. Although, in general, they speak quite correctly.

Veronika Simonova

content writer, Russia

Chile

Where is everyone going and why?

• Atacama Desert - for fantastic lunar and Martian views (there really is a valley of the Moon and a valley of Mars), photos with the Desert Hand.
• Northern and Southern Patagonia - mountains, forests, nature reserves, harsh nature.
• Tierra del Fuego - glaciers.
• The region of lakes, the region of rivers - in principle, it is clear.
• And, of course, Easter Island with the famous Moai statues. If you get to Chile for a long time and far, then here it is even longer, further and more expensive. But for the sake of this, you can fork out and be patient.

Myths and legends

It's awful spanish here

The terrible truth. Even if you have already become a professor of Spanish, you will not begin to understand his Chilean version for one or two. There's an incredible amount of regional mods, idioms, and words in conversation that aren't in your academic Spanish textbook. Plus the pronunciation. In general, if you were going to flaunt, as in Barca, you are not here.

Yes, it's a desert!

The Atacama, the driest desert, is truly massive. But if you expect to see here one big sandy nothing, then go on your way somewhere else. The desert in Chile is the richest and interesting place. Otherwise, people from all over the world would not come here to look at volcanoes and cacti.

7 reasons to visit Chile

1. See moai idols.
2. Make friends with a llama or alpaca.
3. Drink the most wonderful local Carmenère wine.
4. Find out that Chilean youth prefer wine to beer and a local cocktail with the sweet name "piscola" (pisco + cola). Dare and try. pass for a local
5. Go to Cape Horn and not be blown away by terrible local winds. You're not Mary Poppins to fly.
6. Visit the incredible size of the glacier
7. Watch Magellanic penguins.

What they say

Chile is a country where there is a lot of vertical movement and so little horizontal movement, which is sharpened within the borders of the Andes and Pacific Ocean- however, in the Chilean latitudes it shows a stormy character.

From north to south, like pearls on a string, regions with amazing climatic diversity are strung together - from the driest desert in the world, Atacama to
volcanoes of 6000 meters to the glaciers of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Between them, the regions of Araucania, Rivers, Lakes with evergreen emerald forests and again ... snow-capped tops of volcanoes lurk. But already in a completely different frame.

In the north you meet fluffy llamas, in the south - colonies of penguins. In Valdivia, sea lions roam imposingly along the piers, and sometimes go deep through the streets into the city. Once upon a time, Valdivia was shaken by the strongest earthquake in history - this is another Chilean sign. The central region gives a meeting with the motley port of Valparaiso, wine valleys and sharp peaks of the Andes.

But there is another direction in Chile, a 5-hour flight west of the capital. The famous point in the ocean, Easter Island, it is also the only piece of the tropics in the country - stone idols around the perimeter of the island, a volcano crater, and Polynesian culture, seasoned with a South American rhythm.

Chile is a country of sonorous contrasts.

Guayaquil is a large city with colonial buildings and ruins of Indian settlements.

Myths and legends

This is a banana republic and a third world country.

Banana Republic - yes. Here bananas are fried, dried and actively exported. But don't worry, the locals know about the existence of other food. As for a third world country, well, no. Quite a European civilization (and the level of service).

7 reasons to visit here

1. See how mangoes grow.
2. Go to the famous (at least among fans of Latin America) market in De Ponchos Square in Otavalo.
3. See turtles.
4. See whales.
5. Buy a carpet from the Indians.
6. While Chile and Peru are at war over whose pisco is the right one, drink it in Ecuador.
7. Visit Sangay Park, where three volcanoes are located not far from each other. One of them with a lake inside.

What they say

The pearl of the banana republic is the Galapagos. Sea lizards sneezing with salt, cormorants moving their blue paws in incredibly funny mating dances, pelicans of all stripes, frigatebirds inflating a red bag on their chest and playing on it with their beaks like on a drum ... And all, of course, are endemic. Pet a one and a half meter shark in an underwater tunnel and watch how they play with them fur seal, - The usual thing.

Flights to the islands are not cheap, but, fortunately, we learned a life hack: you can arrive at the airport early in the morning with your things and buy the remaining tickets right before departure. This is much cheaper than buying in advance. And the Galapagos have a cheaper analogue - the small island of Isla de la Plata. Whales can often be seen in the waters around it in August. On the way back, we were lucky: the whales actively started fountains, wagged their tails and even jumped a couple of times not far from the boat.

I really want to go back to see albatrosses and killer whales, and again gorge myself on the most delicious ceviche in the world (people with a sick stomach need to be careful, as it has a lot of vinegar), buy panama in the homeland of these hats (yes, through Panama they were just taken to Europe), try to get on the surf and just chill in the relaxed atmosphere of this rainbow country.

Julia Zavarzina

editor, Russia

Puerto Rico (U.S. Territory)

Where is everyone going and why?

• San Juan is the capital.
• The islands of Vieques and Culebra are paradise islands.

Myths and legends

The entire criminal world of the United States hangs out here.

Yes, West Side Story, a musical about modern-day Romeo and Juliet, did not serve the country well. Of course, they learned about her (thanks to the main Puerto Rican heroine), but the disassembly of different clans began to be attributed to Puerto Ricans how much in vain. This interferes with travelers, and the main tourist flow to the country is provided by the Americans. In fact, everything has changed in half a century.

7 reasons to visit Puerto Rico

1. To see that people here are not like in West Side Story.
2. Walk inside the old fortress of Fuerte Saint Felipe del Moro.
3. To understand nothing at the Tibs Indian Ceremonial Center in Ponce (or to understand everything at all).
4. Drink a proper pina colada.
5. Take an overview of the country (fortunately it is small) and see all the variety of animals.
6. Spend the night on a beach that glows (on the island of Vieques, called Mosquito Bay).
7. A day - on the Flamenco beach on Culebra with rusty tanks. Well, here's where else you'll see it!

What they say

This is a very special place. I keep coming back here. So much life in Puerto Rico! But although I came here time after time, and then moved away altogether for two years, there was one place where I had not been. This is Vieques. I was there for my birthday. I felt a real release! There I met people from all over the world and just hung out for a few days. It has become a place of power for me. I think Puerto Rico can cure some mental problems. I advise everyone!

Sean Singh

producer, freelancer, USA

Guadeloupe (territory of France)

Where and why to go

The main attraction and beauty is the Bas-Terre island. There is also a second island, Grande-Terre, it is also beautiful there.

Myths and legends

The beaches here are not great.

The beaches here are very - but very crowded. Bas-Terre is more likely to lie down.

7 reasons to travel

1. Soak up the white sand, and then immediately on the black. And then back to white. And so a hundred times.
2. Go to the sugar factory.
3. Constantly stumble upon some kind of waterfall while walking.
4. Walk through the grandiose cemetery of Morne-à-Lot in the Petit Canal.
5. See how the locals live.

   Where is everyone going and why?

   • Saint-Pierre - with the Paul Gauguin Museum.
   • Reserve Karavella - postcard views.
   • Balata Botanical Gardens are other postcard views.

   Myths and legends

   Here all the unemployed lazy people.

   Not all, but a third. Since this is an overseas French territory, the locals have a whole carload of benefits and social benefits of the French. Well, when you are a European, you can goof off, I guess.

   7 reasons to visit here

   1. See how bananas are grown in Belfort.
   2. It is possible to eat the same bananas with cod. This food perversion is called "Ti-nein-lan-mori".
   3. And cod with avocado (“trempage”).
   4. Climb to active volcano Montagne Pele.
   5. Chat with bats in the caves.
   6. See the estate of Josephine, wife of Napoleon.
   7. Try rum, which is considered the best by many French people - St. James.

   What they say

   Rum! Be sure to buy local rum!Well, in general, I was in Martinique once, at sea. It looks like you go to Turkey like this. Well, we are in Martinique. It seems that you have Sochi, and we have Cote d'Azur, and flying somewhere far away is more interesting. There are great beaches here, very beautiful nature, which is not found in France.

   Nicolas Daniel Trant

   sound engineer, France

   Saint-Martin (territory of France)

   

   Where is everyone going and why?

   Since this is the smallest inhabited island in the world, dividing it into regions is a little pointless. But if you want, you can use the border of the island divided between the two countries and highlight the French city of Marigot and the Dutch Philipsburg.

   Nominally, only the French part is referred to Latin America - but seriously, why bother if the territory is only 87 squares.
   

   Myths and legends

   There's nothing there.

   In terms of infrastructure, it’s really a little difficult there now - Saint Martin was almost completely destroyed by a hurricane last year. But the island is being actively rebuilt. The locomotive is small but strong.

   7 reasons to visit Saint Martin

   

   1. See the landing of the plane at the same Princess Juliana airport (the runway of which is closely adjacent to the Maho beach).
   2. Play at the casino on the Dutch side.
   3. Climb the Pic du Paradis.
   4. Ride on a yacht.
   5. Drive to the underwater marine reserve on Orient Bay beach.
   6. Go to a butterfly farm.
   7. Travel from Holland to France and back.

   What they say

   I thought Saint Martin would be the same as Martinique or Guiana. French. But no! It's almost like the United States. Here they speak English normally and you can pay in dollars. But I was in this country until last year, before a big hurricane. Hope everything is ok there now. I would like to go back there someday.

   Gregory O'Connor

   programmer, USA

   Saint Barthélemy (French territory)

   

   Where is everyone going and why?

   • Gustavia is the capital where all the most interesting things are concentrated.
   • Saint-Jean is a fashionable area of ​​an already fashionable resort.

   Myths and legends

   This is another ruined island.

   Yes, Hurricane Irma spared no one. And the islands here are too small, they had no chance. But they rebuild so quickly! In just a few months they were ready to receive tourists. And now everything looks almost as beautiful as in the photographs from old advertising brochures.

   7 reasons to visit here

   1. Go to a nude beach where you could theoretically meet someone very wealthy.
   2. And manage not to burn on the snow-white sand to a bright red color.
   3. Look at how obscenely rich people live.
   4. See the Rockefeller house.
   5. Explore the old Swedish forts.
   6. Go diving in Grand Cu de Sac.
   7. Climb the Morne-du-Vite mountain to see the whole island and drive back with a clear conscience.

   What they say

   I spent little time in St. Barts. We were on a press tour, and although space money was probably paid for our flight, we had almost no time to enjoy the beautiful life. I myself never do that, and if I fly far, I try to stay in the country longer, okay.

   The atmosphere of Saint Barthelemy reminded me of Monaco. There are many yachts, there is a feeling of some kind of rich life. But I’m not sure that I would go there myself, it’s still far and expensive. Only if there is a lot of money or the opportunity to combine visiting the island with trips to some other places.

   Veronika Simonova

   content writer, Russia

   Guiana (territory of France)

   Where and why to go

   • Cayenne is a capital city with tropical jungles and tribes of temperate savagery.
   • Cau is a region where there is even more jungle.
   • Ile-du-Salu (Islands of Salvation) - paradise islands that served as a prison for criminals.
   • Kourou is a cosmodrome (however, why do you need Russia and Kazakhstan when you can drive off to look at rockets in Guiana).

   Myths and legends

   There is still a gold rush here.

   No. It took place in the middle of the century, so now no one is in a fever. Although fanatic prospectors looking for gold can still be caught in Guiana now.

   7 reasons to visit Guiana

   1. Eat shrimp so that fewer of them are exported.
   2. Try cayenne pepper straight from the bush.
   3. Go for a walk in the jungle. Just be careful.
   4. Try to catch the dry season (it's short here).
   5. Go to the local carnival, if you have already arrived.
   6. Look at the launch of the spacecraft almost at the very equator.

Capturing the edge of the continent of North America, occupying the entire mainland of the adjacent islands, this part of the planet was called Latin America in the distant historical past to designate the dependent territories of European colonialists. The list of Latin American countries (and their capitals) includes 46 states and independent territories that have much in common in history, culture and economy.

Almost all countries in the region have access to the oceans, washing the territory from all sides. This circumstance contributes to free access to the world trade space - the export of manufactured products and raw materials makes up the main part of the economy of each state.

In two dimensions

The countries of Latin America on the map are located in the equator zone, which divides the territory geographically into the northern and southern hemispheres. Proximity to the equator allows for plenty of sunlight and heat, which makes it possible to harvest tropical fruits and crops all year round throughout the territory called Latin America. The region is home to many exported cultivated plants.

Combination of exotic and heritage of antiquity

Despite the territorial remoteness from the rest of the world, the entire list of Latin American countries and their capitals are invariably attractive to tourists from all over the globe.

So, the list of Latin American countries with capitals:

• Argentina (Buenos Aires);
• Antigua (St. John's);
• Bahamas (Nassau);
• Barbuda (St. John's);
• Belize (Belmopan);
• Brazil (Brazilia);
• Barbados (Bridgetown);
• Venezuela (Caracas);
• Guyana (Georgetown);
• Haiti (Port-au-Prince);
• Honduras (Tegucigalpa);
• Grenada (St. George's);
• Grenadines (Kingstown);
• Guiana (Cayenne);
• Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo);
• Dominica (Roseau);
• Colombia (Bogota);
• Cuba (Havana);
• Costa Rico (San Jose);
• Mexico (Mexico City);
• Nicaragua (Managua);
• Nevis (Buster);
• Paraguay (Asunson);
• Panama (Panama);
• Puerto Rico (San San Juan);
• Peru (Lima);
• Saint Kitts (Buster);
• Saint Vincent (Kingstown);
• Saint Lucia (Castri);
• Suriname (Parambarino);
• Chile (Santiago);
• Ecuador (Quito);
• Jamaica (Kingston).

The evergreen moist forests growing on the territory of these countries amaze with their magnificence. Among the diversity of the animal world, there are representatives of rare breeds found only here: the American ostrich, the lama guanaco, the sloth. The number of species of birds and fish is in the thousands.

The fertile climate, unusual black sand beaches, mountain ranges, majestic volcanoes, the power of waterfalls, the air with the aroma of coffee, a riot of greenery at any time of the year attract exotic lovers here. But there is another reason for the attraction of these places. The entire list of Latin American countries and their capitals is the focus of original traditions and cultures, archaeological sites, and the remains of colonial architecture.

The birthplace of tango and Maradona

Unlike neighboring countries, Europeanized Argentina has not retained traces of the ancient civilizations of the Indians on its territory. Her attraction lies elsewhere. Here, boundless steppes, thickets of forests, mountain peaks coexist; huge metropolises contrast with the colorful pastoral settlements in the desert south of the country. Popular rumor says: "If the Lord decided to settle on Earth, He would choose Argentina to realize this desire."

Argentina, Buenos Aires - these words have been inextricably linked since the economic boom of the capital. With more than forty percent of the country's population today, Buenos Aires ranks among the most beautiful cities in the world. It is a city of wide avenues, skyscrapers, ornate embankments, beautiful parks, and spacious squares.

In the minds of football fans around the world, the names Argentina, Buenos Aires have long become a single entity. It is here that you can touch the national tradition of the Argentines, their biggest passion - football.

Another visiting card of the country is the Argentine tango. Here you can get acquainted with the history of tango, enjoy the bewitching, sensual movements of a dancing couple.

Unusual holiday country

Another country in South America - Brazil, which occupies the largest part of Latin America in terms of area, a country of advanced technologies and leading positions in the economy, impresses from the first moment, primarily with its exceptional atmosphere.

Contradictory, unique Brazil captivates from the first moment with the brightness of the surrounding world, the land of red color, the aroma of flowering plants, the vast expanses and the goodwill of the local population.

The natural treasury of the country is the Iguazu Falls, the Fernando de Noronha archipelago - a marine reserve, famous beaches of world renown, the gentle warm sea. The mysterious, mysterious Amazonian jungle, called the main "lungs" of our planet, is invariably attractive - 50% of the Earth's oxygen is produced by plants growing in its jungle.

The fauna of Brazil is incredibly diverse - more than 600 species of mammals. Among them are rare individuals that are not found anywhere else: a dog-sized rodent - a capybara, an anaconda water boa, a tiny marmoset monkey.

The most significant architectural structure in Brazil is the 38-meter-high statue of Christ the Redeemer on top of Mount Corcovado. An architectural treasure is the capital of Brasilia, with a layout resembling a huge butterfly. Almost every building is a monument in Ouru Preto - the main architectural heritage of Brazil.

Ah, carnival, carnival, carnival

The most colorful, most incendiary carnivals in the world are associated with the name of Rio de Janeiro - a magnificent, unforgettable, slightly crazy hospitable metropolis of Brazil during the carnival days from the abundance of people.

The entire list of Latin American countries and their capitals can boast of an abundance of attractive places.

In the heart of the Caribbean

Sandy beaches combined with clear blue water and breathtakingly beautiful surrounding nature- what could be better for those who want to relax from the hustle and bustle The island nation of Puerto Rico (USA), located in the Caribbean - a paradise for lovers of relaxation in the bosom of nature.

Opportunities for active interaction with the ocean wave are provided by the surfing center. The wave height in the ocean spaces can reach 15 meters in some periods of time. The coastal waters of Puerto Rico, recognized as one of the best due to the colorful reefs and the transparency of the water, are an ideal place for diving.

The pristine nature of the islands enhances the feeling of paradise with a variety of flora and fauna of nature reserves and national parks.

Lovers of antiquity have the opportunity to get in touch with the spirit of the times of ancient centuries. Many famous historical sites are located in Puerto Rico. One of the popular places is the castle, located on the territory of old San Juan, built in 1589, 50 years after its foundation began.