South America is the fourth largest and fifth most populous continent on the planet. This is the southern continent of the Western Hemisphere with total area, amounting to 17.8 million sq.m.
From the east the continent is washed by Pacific Ocean, from the west and north - the Atlantic. In the north, it borders on North America, connected to it by the Isthmus of Panama.
Along the western border of the mainland is a chain of mountains - the Andes, further east, closer to the north, wet rainforests located in one of the largest Amazon basins in the world. The southern extreme point of the continent is Cape Horn, and the highest is the mountain in the Andes Aconcagua (height above sea level - 6962 m). The driest area on the mainland is the Atacama Desert, and the highest navigable lake on earth is the lake in the Titicaca Andes.
Among the countries in South America, Brazil has the largest area and population. Countries bordering the basin caribbean(including Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname) form Caribbean South America.
The mainland has rich natural resources of silver, gold, iron ore, copper, oil and tin, mainly exported to most countries.
South America is the birthplace of one of the world's largest massifs of humid equatorial forests (selva) in the Amazon basin, the second highest mountain range of the Andes after Asia, paradise beaches (northeast of Brazil) and the highest Angel Falls on earth.
Capturing the edge of the continent of North America, occupying the entire mainland of South America, 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.
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.
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.
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:
Brazil
The capital of the country is Brasilia.
The time difference with Moscow is -6 hours. Citizens of Russia for the purpose of tourism, a short-term business visit or visiting friends and relatives for a period not exceeding 90 days do not require a visa.
The country's monetary unit is the Brazilian real.
Brazil has a real abundance of natural and historical attractions. Here are some of them:
Rio de Janeiro ("January River") is the former capital and most visited city in Brazil.
Sao Paulo is the largest industrial center not only in Brazil, but throughout Latin America. There are interesting Museum contemporary art, the Pakaembu stadium, where the “king of football” Pele often performed, as well as the Butantan snake reserve.
Brasilia is an “airplane city”: the center of the “fuselage” occupies the Three Powers Square, the “wings” are residential areas, and in the very “nose”, away from the center, is the Aurora Palace - the residence of the President of the Republic.
Manaus is the capital of the Amazon state. Museum of the Indians, Municipal Theater (1896), the colossal Palacio Negro, the Church of San Sebastian, the Museum of Man, the Museum of Numismatics, the Teatro Amazonas Opera House, numerous floating markets, as well as many magnificent houses decorated with blue ceramics " azulejos."
Iguazu Falls are a real wonder of the world, they are located in the Iguazu National Park at the meeting point of the Parana and Iguazu rivers, on the border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, and are an impressive sight of cascades of water falling from a height of 72 m up to 3 km wide. The sound of the waterfall can be heard for many kilometers, and huge whirlwinds of spray create a rainbow of extraordinary beauty. A little less known is the Guaira waterfall (or Seti-Kedas) on Paran.
The city of Salvador is famous for the richness of its churches and the beauty of its historical buildings, crazy festivals and rich history. The sights of the city include the historic quarter of Pelourinho, the old port of Barra (Vila Velha), the Afro-Brazilian Museum, the Museum of Carlos Costa Pinto, the Museum of the Carmelite Order, the Medical Memorial, the Museum of Abelardo Rodriguez.
Recife, the capital of the state of Pernambuco, is located 835 km north of Salvador. This city is often compared to Venice. Olinda is located 7 km from Recife, one of the best preserved colonial cities in Brazil, famous for its old quarter, which is under the protection of UNESCO.
Belo Horizonte is the first city in the country that was created from scratch, thus paving the way for modern capital. The historical museum of Abilio Bareto, the Palace of Liberty and the religious center of Congonhas do Campo, 80 km from the city with the famous "cross road" of 78 statues, are of interest here.
Brazilian beaches.
Copacabana is the most famous beach historically, on Sundays traffic is blocked along the avenida along it, turning it into a footpath along which jogging, rollerblading and just walking with combed dogs. Volleyball is played on the beach and it is mostly locals rather than tourists. It is here that the Copacabana Palace Hotel is located - one of the pearls of the Orient Express chain.
Ipanema - known throughout the world thanks to a song about a girl from Ipanema. This beach is the most prestigious - the best hotels, restaurants and boutiques are located here, and the highest real estate prices are in this part of Rio.
Leblon - located behind Ipanema, a little more calm, it is believed that this is the best beach in Rio for families with children.
The best surfer beaches in Rio de Janeiro are Barra de Tijuca and Recreo, there are surf schools here, and there are almost always waves, even small ones.
The best beach for swimming in Rio is Urca, near the Sugar Loaf, there are almost no waves.
Dominican Republic
The capital is Santo Domingo.
The time difference with Moscow is t−7 hours. For citizens of Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, visa-free entry to the Dominican Republic is provided for up to 30 days.
The monetary unit of the country is the Dominican peso.
All hotels in the Dominican Republic are classified and have an official "star rating". As a rule, it corresponds to the list of services provided. Almost all hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis, which includes three meals a day, snacks at any time, local drinks, soft drinks in the minibar and non-motorized beach activities. The hotel complexes have large green areas, mini-trains usually go through them, since walking to the pool or the beach is sometimes quite far, there is animation. All hotels are not high-rise (maximum 4 floors), mostly "four" and "five".
Dominican beaches.
Punta Cana beach. The most popular among family tourists with a well-groomed coastline, a chain of five-star hotels, excellent fish restaurants and amazing nature. Nearby are three national parks with lush vegetation and exotic inhabitants.
Puerto Plata Beach is 120 km of picturesque beaches in the resorts of Cabarete, Sosua and Playa Dorada. The first is a paradise for windsurfers: the waves here are spectacular. Young people come here in search of new acquaintances and adventures. Although it is better to go to Sosua for acquaintances: this small town with a lively beach is full of clubs and bars that beckon thrill-seekers. And Playa Dorada consists entirely of all-inclusive hotels and entertainment outlets: there is a golf course, a casino, and excellent shops and restaurants.
Boca Chica Beach is a cozy lagoon protected from the outside world by a coral reef. It is good to combine a beach holiday with all sorts of activities: diving or tennis, windsurfing or horseback riding, sailing or water skiing.
Juan Dolio beach. It is better to stay there for those who plan to visit the capital often: the resort is located just 50 km from Santo Domingo.
Bayahibe Beach is famous for its clean beaches, calm seas and a variety of underwater life.
Samana beach. There are many secluded corners surrounded by untouched nature, and dolphins, manatees and even humpback whales look into the local waters.
La Romana beach. The lack of historical monuments is compensated by the developed tourist infrastructure.
Sights of the Dominican Republic.
Santo Domingo. Its central streets, elegant and solemn, are rightfully included in the list of UNESCO treasures. The symbol of the city is Santa Maria la Menor, America's oldest cathedral. It is built of golden coral limestone and combines baroque and gothic elements in its appearance. Osama Fortress is the oldest surviving military fort in America, built in 1508 in the style of a medieval castle. The Alcazar de Colon Palace was created for the son of Columbus, Diego, and for a long time served as the residence of viceroys, but was plundered by Francis Drake. And the remains of the legendary discoverer rest in the Columbus Lighthouse, which is not a lighthouse at all, but a monumental museum with a collection of ancient artifacts.
La Romana. The key attraction of La Romana is Altos de Chavon, the city of artists. This is a carefully recreated copy of a medieval village with limestone houses, the Church of St. Stanislaus, the "Greek" amphitheater and the Archaeological Museum.
Puerto Plata. In Puerto Plata, you can visit the fortress of San Felipe, the cathedral and the lighthouse of Fortaleza, as well as the Amber Museum and local production: a rum factory and a chocolate factory.
"Los Aitises" - endless expanses on the Samana Peninsula. Mangrove swamps, caves with rock paintings, thickets of palms and cotton - a paradise for lovers of ecotourism.
Cuba
Mexico
The capital is Mexico City.
The time difference with Moscow is -8 hours. Citizens of Russia and Ukraine have the opportunity to obtain an electronic Mexican visa.
Hotels in Mexico are fully consistent with their stardom.
The monetary unit of the country is the Mexican peso.
Mexican beaches.
Cancun. One of the most popular resorts, whose coast is divided into long and short parts. The first is famous for its cleanest sea and excellent conditions for surfing, the second is ideal for a family holiday: the nearby Isla Mujeres reliably protects from waves (by the way, on the “island of women” itself, you can swim only on the crowded Playa Norte). Pearl Beach is famous for its impeccable cleanliness, Playa Linda - for a wide range of sports entertainment.
Tulum. best beach on the Yucatan Peninsula with amazing landscapes and a rich underwater world accessible to the naked eye.
Riviera Maya. The main resorts of the Riviera Maya are Playa del Carmen, equally loved by both wealthy tourists and broken young people, and the island of Cozumel with a narrow but very beautiful coastal strip (children's play areas on Paradise Beach, a trendy restaurant on Palancar), giant coral reef and national park.
Acapulco. In Acapulco, off the coast of the Pacific Ocean, the beaches of Caleta, Caletilla and Pi de la Cuesta are noteworthy. The well-equipped Condeza was chosen by representatives of the LGBT community, and the wild Revolcadero was chosen by desperate surfers.
Los Cabos is a paradise for lovers: Playa del Amor can only be reached by boat, and there you can enjoy the views of rocks and caves, the diversity of coastal fauna and the pleasant company of each other.
Puerto Vallarta. The most famous beaches of Puerto Vallarta are Los Muertos with extraordinary sunsets, La Manzanilla and Destiladeras with developed infrastructure and Conchas Chinas with pristine nature.
Landmarks of Mexico.
Teotihuacan ("The place where the gods are born") - it is still unclear when the first people began to settle here and why the city was abandoned, but its architectural monuments are amazing. The pyramids of Teotihuacan are located about 40 km northeast of the capital, Mexico City. Taxco, a picturesque mountain town under the auspices of UNESCO as a monument of world culture, has retained the layout and buildings with typical cobbled streets and houses characteristic of the colonial period.
Puebla is located about 100 km east of Mexico City at the foot of the Popocatepetl volcano and was founded in 1531. It has preserved such outstanding religious buildings as the Cathedral of the 16th and 17th centuries, beautiful buildings like the old palace of the archbishop, as well as a number of residential buildings with walls lined with colored tiles - "azuleijos".
Oaxaca is located in the southeast of Mexico and is the capital of the state of the same name. The city was founded in 1532 by Spanish settlers who came after Hernan Cortes. The special charm of Oaxaca lies in the combination of Indian traditions and colonial splendor. It is also famous for the fact that it produces a special kind of tequila - "Mescal".
Monte Alban is the ritual center of three civilizations. Inhabited for more than 1.5 thousand years by successive peoples - the Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs - the Monte Alban complex, with its terraces, dams, canals, pyramids and artificial hills, was literally carved out of the mountains, becoming a masterpiece of sacred topography. The Yucatan Peninsula is the cradle of the Maya civilization and the center of a huge number of archaeological sites.
Mexican entertainment center KidZania (KidZania) is a small copy of a real city for children. It includes buildings, shops, theaters and urban transport. Younger guests can spend the whole day here, choosing any of the 70 professions.
Uxmal ("Three Times Built") is another important Mayan ceremonial center in the Yucatan. The local historical monuments are simply countless - the Great Pyramid, the Wizard's Pyramid ("Dwarf's House") 38 m high, the building of the ruler's palace with its famous "throne of the two-headed jaguar", the Temple of the Phalluses, the Turtle House, the quadrangle of the Monastery of the Nuns and the Pyramid of the Old Sorceress.
Palenque is a historical mystery of the country. This famous Mayan city is located in the mountain selva and is surrounded on all sides by tropical vegetation. More than 1400 of its beautifully preserved buildings cover an area four times the size of any known Mayan city.
Merida is the capital of the state of Yucatan. The city was founded in 1542 on the ruins of one of the Mayan cities. Merida is famous for one of the best traditional markets in Mexico. It is here that you can buy a hammock for every taste (family, for two, for one, colored and just white), all of them are of excellent quality.
Chichen Itza - this sacred place was one of the greatest centers of the Maya in the Yucatan Peninsula. Over the course of about a thousand years of history, various peoples have left their mark on the appearance of the city. The ideas of the Maya, Toltecs and Itza about the world and the universe were reflected in stone monuments and works of art.
Jamaica
The capital is Kingston.
The time difference with Moscow is -8 hours.
Citizens of Russia do not need a visa to Jamaica if the period of stay on the island does not exceed 30 days, and the purpose of the visit is tourism.
The monetary unit of the country is the Jamaican dollar.
Beaches of Jamaica.
White House Bay Beach is located on the southwest coast of Jamaica, an hour and a half drive from Montego Bay. This is the hottest tropical coast with pristine beaches, jungles and the only but luxurious Sandals Whitehouse 5 * hotel built in the style of a Caribbean village.
Runaway Bay is a 20-minute drive from Ocho Rios. This resort, surrounded on all sides by green hills and mountains, offers a serene rest. It is very quiet and calm here.
Montego Bay (or simply Mo Bay) is the second largest city in Jamaica, one of the international airports and the center of a huge resort area in the northwest of the island is located here. Nearly half of the luxury hotels with excellent sandy beaches are concentrated here. The center of gravity is the never-ending Gloucester Ave, which is the birthplace of the hip-strip area. Most of the hotels, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops of the resort are neatly lined up along the beach.
Negril is the westernmost and fastest growing resort area, located 80 km from the airport and Montego Bay. This resort is famous for its almost 11-kilometer strip of white sandy beaches, excellent hotels and exceptional ecology. There is not a single industrial enterprise around, and all the buildings are no taller than palm trees. In addition, Negril is considered the best place for diving on the island.
Ocho Rios is located in the center of the northern part of Jamaica, on the shores of Discovery Bay, 105 km from Montego Bay Airport. The resort area consists of a chain of beaches, bays, capes, small old towns and fishing villages. Here you can choose accommodation for every taste and budget.
Port Antonio is a quiet town where the wealthy part of the country's population lives. The resort is very calm, completely devoid of fuss; it is surrounded by virgin jungle, home to exotic birds and butterflies. Also, the surroundings of Port Antonio are famous for their beautiful waterfalls, many of which fall directly into the sea. The waters of the ocean off the coast have been declared a marine reserve, and the world-famous film of the same name is filmed in the famous Blue Lagoon of Port Antonio.
Runaway Bay. Here is the world-famous nudist resort "Hedonism III" (Hedonism III), which is part of the chain of hotels "Super Clubs" - Super Inclusive Resorts. Runaway Bay is a popular beach destination, with a reputation for diving, watersports and horseback riding, as well as a golfer's paradise.
Landmarks of Jamaica.
Dance River Falls - visit the resort town of Ocho Rios and the main attraction of Jamaica, Dance River Falls.
Kingston — a tour of the historical part of the capital (Spanish Town), to the residence of the Chief Ruler, a visit to the house-museum of Bob Marley.
National Park and Waterfalls — an excursion to the southern part of Jamaica to the banks of the Black River, a boat trip to the national park, a trip to the waterfalls at the foot of Mount Nassau.
Blue Mountains - visiting the highest point on the island (2147 m), as well as the estate of a coffee planter with a tasting of freshly brewed coffee.
The expression "Latin America" is heard quite often. Everyone understands it in their own way: for some it is South America, for others it is the countries of the American continent, whose population speaks mainly in Spanish. And for the third - it's just warm and small states located far from Europe, somewhere south of the United States. In fact, the countries of Latin America and their capitals, it is not so easy to form a list of these states. The reason is the difference in approaches.
As you know, South America was colonized mainly by immigrants from Spain and Portugal. Naturally, it so happened that subsequently young states were formed here, which adopted these two languages as official ones. But linguists know that Spanish and Portuguese belong to the so-called group of Ibero-Romance languages, they arose at one time on the basis of ancient Latin. There is also the language of the French, it is also Romance, but Gallo-Romance. Like it or not, but he is not alien to Latin.
Thus, the list of Latin American countries was formed precisely on the basis of belonging to these conditionally Latin languages (hence the name).
However, focusing only on the linguistic feature, we get a somewhat strange picture. In a close group of countries, individual states will be singled out that do not speak Romance languages, nevertheless, geographically most closely related to the "Latin" countries. It turns out that for convenience it is necessary to take into account not only the language of the country, but also its geographical location.
A striking example is Belize - an English-speaking state, surrounded on all sides by Spanish-speaking countries. Belize is usually included in the list of countries in Latin America, although, in terms of language, it should not be there.
Thus, a person interested in which countries are included in the concept of Latin America will quickly find that there is no single list. If we talk about the classical Latin countries that speak Spanish and Portuguese, we get one list. If we add here French, as well as, for example, the Creole language, there will be a different picture. And if we take into account the close geographical connection, our list will increase even more, but, strictly speaking, it will no longer be “Latin”.
But this is not all the difficulties. The fact is that not all countries in this region are separate states in the classical sense of the word. Some, such as Puerto Rico, are "semi-states", overseas territories of larger metropolitan areas (in the example given, a US territory). This leads to the fact that not all compilers agree to include them in common list, motivated by the fact that these territories do not have real statehood. In any case, they have their own capitals, so we are inclined to include them in the list we are compiling.
What is more important: alphabet or geography?
There are quite a few countries included in the concept of "Latin America". Usually, if they are combined into one alphabetical list, it is poorly readable, attention is forced to “jump” from region to region, from the mainland to the island and back. We decided to split the list into several parts based on their geographic location.
So, here are the countries and capitals located south of the United States, but north of Colombia. Simply put, these are states located on the territory of North America, as well as on the narrow isthmus between the two Americas.
- Mexico (Mexico City);
- Guatemala (Guatemala);
- Honduras (Tegucigalpa);
- Belize (Belmopan);
- Salvador (San Salvador);
- Nicaragua (Nicaragua);
- Costa Rica (San Jose);
- Panama (Panama).
Well, further in our list of Latin American countries are states located in South America. This is a vast territory located between the Isthmus of Panama and the Drake Passage, from which it is already "within a stone's throw" to the coast of Antarctica.
- Venezuela (Caracas);
- Colombia (Bogota);
- Guyana (Georgetown);
- Suriname (Paramaibo);
- Guiana (Cayenne);
- Ecuador (Quito);
- Peru (Lima);
- Brazil (Brazilia);
- Bolivia (La Paz);
- Chile (Santiago);
- Argentina (Buenos Aires);
- Paraguay (Asuncion);
- Uruguay (Montevideo).
Thus, our list includes 21 countries. All of them are located on the mainland of both Americas, and their belonging to Latin America is usually not disputed. Although, as already mentioned, in connection with the same Belize, some compilers do not quite agree with this list. As a rule, these are adherents of the "pure" version, according to which only Spanish-speaking states are considered countries of Latin America.
But in addition to continental America, there is also island America. A considerable number of small (and sometimes quite large) states and semi-states are located in the so-called West Indies, on the islands of the Caribbean. Among them there are Spanish-speaking ones, such as, for example, the largest state in the region - Cuba, but there are also many whose language does not belong to Latin at all. Nevertheless, geographically these states are closely related to each other, they have a similar history in many respects, which allows them to be attributed to Latin America. Although it is obvious that the main principle in this case is the “neighborhood factor”.
- Cuba (Havana);
- Jamaica (Kingston);
- Haiti (Port-au-Prince);
- Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo);
- Bahamas (Nassau);
- Puerto Rico (San Juan);
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Kingstown);
- Grenada (St. George's);
- Dominica (Roseau);
- Barbados (Bridgetown);
- Trinidad and Tobago (Port of Spain);
- Antigua and Barbuda (St. John's).
We will limit our list of Latin American countries to these states, although in some sources it is brought up to 42. As a rule, it expands at the expense of tiny semi-states such as the British Virgin Islands, which are not truly independent countries, but constitute the so-called dependent territories. However, do not rush to think that these are colonies. As a rule, their metropolis is one of the developed countries of the world, which makes the standard of living in such quasi-states quite high.
Latin America is a huge and diverse region. In order to assess its scale, we present only some data:
- This territory lies simultaneously in two hemispheres: Northern and Southern.
- The lands of the region are washed by two oceans at once: the Atlantic and the Pacific.
- The region is home to the Andes, the longest mountain system in the world.
- The total area of the region is almost 21 million km².
- About 630 million people live in the countries of the region.
- Latin America is a bridge (think about it!) between the USA and Antarctica.
Studying the countries of Latin America and their capitals, the list, it becomes clear how diverse natural conditions are here, what a rich culture of numerous peoples who mixed here as a result of colonization, the slave trade, and mass migrations of the population. It is difficult to find another similar region on the planet, where the destinies of peoples representing different continents would be so closely intertwined. Latin - a real "Noah's Ark" of mankind!
Latin America is a large region. It includes part of the countries of North America, most of the countries of Central and South America. Its borders stretch from the US in the north to Antarctica in the south. The area is about 12 million kilometers, it is washed by the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Geography and states
The name "America Latina" was introduced in the 19th century by Emperor Napoleon III, he combined the list of countries where they speak Romance (Latin) languages. Spanish and Portuguese are widely spoken in these states. In all these territories, Spanish is the official language, with the exception of Brazil, where Portuguese is the official language.
Looking at the map of Latin America, you can see that the largest number of countries are in Central America. These are small states located along the Panama Canal. The largest countries are in the Atlantic region, such as Brazil and Argentina.
Initially, all these territories were inhabited by Indians who lived in a primitive system. After the conquest of America by the Spaniards and the Portuguese, the indigenous population was gradually forced out, exterminated and driven into hard-to-reach places. But unlike North America, the Indians of the southern hemisphere survived for the most part, many tribes assimilated with emigrants from Europe. Since Europeans actively spread the Spanish language and the Catholic religion, now Latin American countries are the largest region professing Catholicism.
Information! The official language is mainly Spanish, but each country uses a different dialect.
The states of this region have a diverse economy and political structure. All of them were previously colonies of developed European states, but over the past century, almost all have gained independence.
Latin American countries are deservedly very popular among tourists. Breathtaking natural landscapes will not leave anyone indifferent here. These places are mainly visited by travelers who have seen many countries, which are difficult to surprise with something. These are not poor people, they mostly stay in 5* hotels.
Consider which countries are part of Latin America.
List of countries and their features
Latin America on the world map occupies 1/7 of our planet in the Western Hemisphere. It consists of 33 independent states with a total population of about 600 million people. The geographical features of these countries are as follows:
- All countries in the region have access to the ocean, except for Paraguay and Bolivia;
- Geographical proximity to the USA;
- Remoteness from other countries of the world;
- According to the form of political government, all countries are republics.
Political map of Latin America in Russian The largest country in the region is Brazil, the smallest is Suriname. Consider a list of Latin American states, we will try to briefly describe them. The list of countries is as follows:
- Antigua and Barbuda is a small country in the Caribbean whose official language is English. The population is less than 100,000 people, the capital is St. John's.
- Argentina is famous for tango, football and beaches. This is the second largest country in Latin America after Brazil, the capital is Buenos Aires. Enjoys great popularity among tourists from all over the world, an economically developed country.
- Belize is a state in the Caribbean region, the famous offshore zone of the whole world. The official language is English, the capital is Belmopan, tourism is actively developing.
- Bolivia is a poor but safe country of great interest to travelers.
- Brazil is a huge country with a population of about 200 million inhabitants. This is a country of carnivals and sunny beaches, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world. The capital is Brasilia and the language is Portuguese. Brazil is the main exporter of coffee and tobacco in the world.
- Venezuela is a relatively small country in the north of the mainland, with a population of just over 20 million, the capital is Caracas, and the official language is Spanish.
- Haiti is a very poor country, constantly suffering from natural disasters and coups. Uses several languages - French, Haitian and Creole. The capital is the city of Port-au-Prince.
- Guatemala is a country with the capital of the same name, which attracts tourists with beautiful nature and volcanoes. The population consists of various Indians and mestizos.
- Honduras is the islands of the Caribbean Sea, united in one state. The capital is the city of Tegucigalpa, the language is Spanish, it is famous for its poverty and crime.
- The Dominican Republic is a famous beach resort that attracts vacationers all year round. The capital is Santa Domingo, the language is Spanish, and the population is about 10 million people.
- Colombia is a country notorious for producing cocaine. This troubled state, however, attracts tourists due to its natural beauties. The capital is Bogotá, with a population of over 45 million.
- Costa Rica is a state located in the central part of America. The capital is San José and the official language is Spanish.
- Cuba is the island of Freedom, famous to all our compatriots. This is a state in the Caribbean, which has a large number of high-level hotels. Tourism is very developed here, excellent beaches, the capital is Havana, the population is very small - more than 11 million people.
- Mexico is a large country famous for its soap operas, ancient architecture and beach resorts. The capital, Mexico City, is a real paradise for tourism.
- Nicaragua is located in Central America, a problematic country, the population is 6 million inhabitants, the capital is Managua, the language is Spanish.
- Chile is a visa-free mountainous state stretched along the entire mainland. The population is more than 17 million people, the capital is Santiago, official language- Spanish.
- Panama is a country of Latin America, located on the isthmus of the same name, the main language is Spanish, the population is about 4 million people.
- Peru is located in the northwestern part of America, the capital is Lima. In addition to Spanish, Aymara and Quechua, the languages of the indigenous people, are used here.
- El Salvador is a small state, often suffering from all kinds of natural disasters, the population is 6.8 million, the capital is the city of San Salvador.
- Uruguay is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, a small and safe country for tourists. The capital is Montevideo and the language is Spanish.
- Puerto Rico is a state dependent on the United States, has a special status. This country is rich in Spanish colonial architecture and attracts tourists with sports competitions.
- Ecuador is located on the mainland and the Galapagos Islands. A visa for citizens of the CIS is not required, the capital is Quito.
- Saint Barths, Saint Martin, Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana are states that are legally part of France. These are islands with beautiful nature, wide beaches and warm sun.
Interesting! Saint Barths Island is a reserve for oligarchs from all over the world. With its high prices, this state scares away many ordinary tourists.
As you can see, all Latin American countries have striking features in culture and nature. This continent is rich in natural resources, water and green resources, has unique historical values.
Rio de Janeiro is one of the largest cities in South America Major cities and attractions
As elsewhere in the world, in Latin America there is a tendency to move from villages to big cities. People move to cities in order to find work and arrange their lives. Consider which cities are most important.
- Sao Paulo - largest city in Brazil, a major business center with a population of 17-18 million people. This is a large shopping center of the country, nightlife is seething here, fashion weeks are held, thousands of migrants from other regions of the country flock here.
- Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and the largest city in Latin America. It is difficult to accurately calculate the population of this metropolis, since many growing conglomerate areas adjoin the center, but this figure is from 18 to 19 million. Most of the population are indigenous Indians, thanks to whom the ancient culture of the pre-Columbian era has been preserved in Mexico City.
- Rio de Janeiro is a city of carnivals and fun, nightlife and wide beaches. It is the cultural center of the country with a population of 6.5 million people. The main attraction of Rio is a mountain with a statue of Jesus Christ, one of the 7 wonders of the world.
- Lima is the capital of Peru, with a population of more than 7.6 million, the city is washed by the Pacific Ocean, stands at the foot of the Andes. The bulk of the townspeople are Quechua and Aymara Indians.
- Bogota is the capital of Colombia, with a population of about 7 million, this city is located at an altitude of 2600 m above sea level. There are large temperature differences, often reaching -6 degrees, despite the proximity to the equator. Locals are friendly to tourists, but it is dangerous to travel outside the city.
- Santiago, the Chilean capital, has 5.5 million inhabitants and this figure is growing steadily. This city is visited before a trip to Easter Island, the Atacama Desert and the Patagonian National Parks.
- Buenos Aires - more than 3 million people, a city of contrasts. This capital of Argentina is similar to Paris, London and Barcelona at the same time. Here is the most famous theater of Colon, a huge park of Palermo forests, the famous area of La Boca.
- Caracas is the capital of Venezuela, the population reaches 3.5 million. The city is located in the Caribbean Andes valley, interesting places are Bolivar Square with a central cathedral, museums. From Caracas, the route to Angel Falls and Roraima Rock begins.
- Havana is a fun and diverse capital of Cuba with a population of 2.5 million people. Here, time has stopped, this city is recognized as a "patrimony of mankind", in Havana you can see buildings with a 600-year history next to the houses of the 20th century.
In recent decades, this region has been actively developing, and the main focus is on tourism. The combination of a warm climate, wide sandy beaches, tropical forests, and historical sites attracts more and more tourists from all over the world. Latin America is a real storehouse for travelers.
World of travel
2005
19.01.18 10:38
Climbing the obstinate hills old houses of cheerful colors, powerful Catholic cathedrals, friendly harbors with shimmering turquoise waves, narrow streets overlooking the balconies of buildings densely entwined with tropical flowers. All these are the cities of Latin America, keeping the memory of the colonial past and making generous concessions to the present and the future (in the form of skyscrapers winking at the sun with panoramic windows). Do you think that this top will be headed by the contrasting Rio de Janeiro or the Argentine dandy Buenos Aires? And here it is not. We will show you the other 10 cities in Latin America that you must see "live".
From the valley of the Incas to the mausoleum of the great navigator: the most colorful cities in Latin America
Brazilian Salvador: Up and Down Passenger Elevator
In Brazil's third largest city, Salvador, you can enjoy an outlandish mix of African, European and indigenous cultures from Latin America. Here are some of the best examples of colonial architecture in the Americas, and there are beautiful beaches nearby. In the old central districts of Salvador, you will find a collection of pastel-coloured buildings dating from the time when the Portuguese were fortifying their frontiers - now the ancient quarters are protected by UNESCO. This is the Upper City, where, in addition to architectural monuments, there are many important institutions (some of them are also located in historical buildings), museums and temples. In the Lower City, you will make a unique shopping experience by going down to the center of shopping centers on an unusual type of transport - a passenger elevator (Lacerda lift).
Lima: Artifacts of Pre-Columbian Civilizations and Gastronomic Wonders
Lima is the capital of Peru and is very interesting city- was once the richest in Latin America, you will find a reflection of that era in the main square, Plaza Mayor. Treasures of ancient pre-Columbian civilizations exhibited in National Museum and the Larco Museum, is one of the main motivations for tourists. And here's another great "bait": the gastronomic miracles that celebrity chefs create in Lima (for example, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino and Gaston Acurio). The historical center of Lima is called the City of Kings, it enchants with colonial architecture, the modern Miraflores district attracts sun seekers and inveterate fashionistas, but Barranco is considered a haven of bohemia.
Cusco: Gateway to Machu Picchu
Speaking of Peru, one cannot forget about the main attraction of the country, the sacred valley of Machu Picchu, the most impressive and well-preserved Inca ruins, evidence of the stunning pre-Columbian era. So, in our list of cities in Latin America, we can not do without Cusco, not without reason it has long been nicknamed the “Gateway to Machu Picchu”. Despite the fact that Cusco is often crowded with tourists, he managed to save his face. Therefore, before you go on a mountain hike "through the Inca places", admire the fortresses, temples, mansions and palaces in the Baroque and Renaissance styles, starting from the Plaza de Armas (the heart of Cusco and its central square). In recent years, this city has managed to emerge from the shadow of Lima and become the pearl of the country, because everything in it - from the former Temple of the Sun to the delicious Andean cuisine - is very popular with travelers.
Colombian Cartagena: a charmer with a special charm
It was here that the heroine of the cult adventure comedy "Romancing the Stone" Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) was heading, but she mixed up the buses and ended up in the impenetrable jungle. Cartagena is a colorful city in Colombia that attracts more tourists than the country's capital, Bogota. And there are reasons for that! It is a charming city with an old waterfront protected by fortresses, photogenic cobbled alleys and colorful squares. All this makes Cartagena (full name - Cartagena de Indias) one of the most romantic cities in Latin America. It was named after the Spanish Cartagena, a magnificent Old city(St. Peter's Church, University, Palace of the Inquisition, Main Square, Cathedral) is filled with colonial charm and is protected by UNESCO.
Santiago: futuristic dandy against the backdrop of the Chilean mountains
The Chilean capital of Santiago seems much more modern city- a kind of futuristic dandy - compared to other participants in our top. It's a thriving metropolis with a beautiful backdrop (snow-capped mountain peaks), trendy galleries, and prominent skyscrapers (thanks to the economic boom of the last decade). However, there are also vineyards, and colonial mansions, neoclassicism, and what a cuisine in Santiago! The cozy restaurants serve world-class cuisine and excellent local wines. Exquisite boutiques will satisfy any "experienced" shopaholic. Set in the Maipo Valley, flanked by the stunning Andes to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, Santiago has withstood invasions, earthquakes, dictatorships, and that doesn't stop it from being one of Latin America's most popular cities.
Valparaiso: multi-colored houses scattered along the slopes
Compared to Santiago, which is in demand among tourists, another pearl of Chile - Valparaiso - fades slightly, but in vain. Valparaiso is a very beautiful port city, which is easily accessible from the capital (about two hours drive). Bright colorful houses, surrealistically scattered along the slopes of the hill, is the hallmark of Valparaiso. Many of the historic buildings have been renovated to become trendy restaurants and comfortable boutique hotels. The city has several bohemian quarters, where 19th-century mansions are perfectly preserved. Due to the fact that the streets of Valparaiso fit between steep cliffs, rugged coastline and hills, there are a lot of stairs, narrow pedestrian streets, if you feel sorry for your feet, then you can use funiculars.
Asuncion: Paraguayan Jewel
The beginning of the next city in Latin America was laid by the traveler, conquistador from Spain Juan de Salazar, who landed here in 1537. Now Asuncion is the capital of Paraguay, filled with sights that are best seen by walking around the ancient center. About half a million people live in the city, so no fuss and traffic jams! Buildings of the 16th-18th centuries, cathedrals and churches erected by the Jesuits, and even the Orthodox Church of the Intercession Holy Mother of God, built by Russian engineers in the 1920s, are waiting for you. But, of course, the most majestic is the National Cathedral, which takes on a completely different, some kind of otherworldly look, at dusk with successful illumination. The city can be reached by car, plane or boat. Every July, a fair is held in the Paraguayan capital, where local food, vegetables, fruits are presented, national melodies are played - a very colorful festival!
The Uruguayan capital of Montevideo: Art Deco Art Nouveau, Baroque
In one of the last episodes of The Blacklist (now in its 5th season), the FBI's most wanted criminal Raymond Reddington (James Spader) recommended a companion (in trouble) to escape to Montevideo. And what, the concierge of the underworld, moving billions of dollars, will not advise bad! The capital of Uruguay remains underestimated: wanting to visit the cities of Latin America, people choose the more "promoted" Rio or Buenos Aires. However, Montevideo is an outstanding metropolis, a major industrial port (which does not prevent the city from having more than 14 miles of luxurious beaches), a historical center carefully restored with Art Deco or Art Nouveau houses and Baroque cathedral 1726 year. The city even has a bronze copy of Michelangelo's David. Montevideo (translation of the name - “view from the hill”) arose as a fortress at the entrance to La Plata Bay: the Spaniards defended themselves from smugglers. In modern Montevideoo there are monuments and theaters, museums and skyscrapers, as well as the Centenario stadium, which hosted the World Cup (previously it accommodated 120 thousand people, after the reconstruction there were 80 thousand seats left).
Santo Domingo: Residence of the Viceroys and Columbus Lighthouse
Probably, there is no other such city in Latin America (yes, perhaps, there is not on Earth either), in which there would be so much associated with the name of Christopher Columbus, like Santo Domingo (the capital of the Dominican Republic). This jewel of the country, perched in the south of Haiti, was discovered in 1496 by the brother of Christopher Columbus Bartolomeo and named (by him) New Isabella. True, in 1502 the city received a name in honor of St. Dominic. Santo Domingo is the oldest of the existing settlements founded by Europeans in the Americas. Its buildings are a real digression into the history of urban planning: Arabic style, Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance. The Rosario chapel dates back to the end of the 15th century, the Alcazar castle (the residence of the viceroys) was built by order of the son of Christopher Columbus Diego in 1514. Until 1922, the ashes of Columbus himself were housed in the ancient Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor. Today, for the great navigator, a grandiose structure was erected (in the image and likeness of the Indian pyramids) - Columbus Lighthouse. It was opened in 1992, its construction required more than 70 million dollars. In the mausoleum of the Lighthouse, the remains of the discoverer (at least what is considered to be his ashes) are placed, which are guarded by a permanent honor guard of the guards. The historic center (the so-called Colonial City) of Santa Domingo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ecuadorian Loja and Podocarpus National Park
To finish the list of cities in Latin America to visit, we want a kind of "dark horse". You may not have heard of this small town of 130,000 people. This is Loja (Ecuador), which occupies the southern part of the Cordillera Real mountain range, located not far from Peru (180 km to the border). The ancient city is distinguished by interesting architecture and decoration, there are stunning churches and squares, museums and botanical gardens with 800 plant species.
But the main advantage of Loja is different: next to the city is the amazing Podocarpus National Park. The biological diversity of the park is amazing, because it is the intersection of four ecological zones: the Pacific, the Amazon, the South Andes and the North Andes.
The park has many hiking trails, a fantastic landscape with hills and waterfalls, 560 species of birds and 68 species of mammals, including many endemics.
