South America

South America is bigger than North America and is certainly more surreal. It has some of the world's biggest natural attractions like the Amazon River, the Andes mountain range, and a number of the world's most mysterious structures like the Nazca Lines and the Machu Pichu ruins.

Tourists flock to Brasilia for the Carnival. It is a festival that is held four days before the Lent. The songs and dance are a mixture of African and native influences. If you're coming from the USA, the easiest route is by passing through Sao Paolo or Brasilia. There's no need for a car to get around Rio. There are buses that shuttle back and forth even to far away places. Within the city limits you can get a taxi or rent a car.

Bogota is a top pick for travelers, too. It's both old and new - on one side you can see century-old plazas and churches; on the other, modern skyscrapers. You can bike around tree-lined streets here and cut through busy avenues there. The city is served by the El Dorado International Airport which is only a few minutes from downtown. The EIA receives many flights daily from New York City, Paris, Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and most key cities in Western Europe.

The must-see place in Bogota is the Museo Nacional. It is one of the oldest museums on the continent. More than its archives, the museum's architecture is a landmark in itself: it is a fortress built with stone and brick. There are buses in Bogota's main station, El Terminal de Transporte de Bogota. Taxi cabs are cheap and they can be flagged down anywhere.

You can get by with a handful of Spanish in South America but a little bit of Portuguese and French can get you further.

Bogota is a top pick for travelers, too. It's both old and new - on one side you can see century-old plazas and churches; on the other, modern skyscrapers. You can bike around tree-lined streets here and cut through busy avenues there. The city is served by the El Dorado International Airport which is only a few minutes from downtown. The EIA receives many flights daily from New York City, Paris, Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and most key cities in Western Europe.

The must-see place in Bogota is the Museo Nacional. It is one of the oldest museums on the continent. More than its archives, the museum's architecture is a landmark in itself: it is a fortress built with stone and brick. There are buses in Bogota's main station, El Terminal de Transporte de Bogota. Taxi cabs are cheap and they can be flagged down anywhere.

You can get by with a handful of Spanish in South America but a little bit of Portuguese and French can get you further.

Chile

Bordering the southwestern coast of South America, the long and thin line of Chile (officially known as the Republic of Chile), has always inspired admiration with its spectacular natural beauty. Whether you want to climb an active volcano, tour numerous beaches and glaciers, or explore the ice-carved fjords, Chile offers the ideal South American experience.

Uruguay

Uruguay is in southeastern South America sharing a border with Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, to the north; to the west is the Uruguay River; to the southwest, the estuary of Rio de la Plata; Argentina is just across either of these bodies of water; and the southeastern border is the South Atlantic Ocean. Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America, larger only than Suriname.

Ecuador

Ecuador (The Republic of Ecuador) is a democratic republic in South America, bordered by Peru, Colombia and the Pacific Ocean. The country also includes the Galapagos Islands, which are about 600 miles from the mainland. It is one of few countries in South America that does not border Brazil. Ecuador lays on the equator, hence the name. It has an area of around 159,071 square miles.

Peru

In the western portion of South America, lies the country of Peru, otherwise known as the Republic of Peru. The countries Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile all border Peru, and on the west side of the country is the Pacific Ocean. Peru is a representative democratic republic separated into 25 regions, plus the province of Lima. Every region has it's own elected government with a council and a president that serves a term of four years. In the western portion of South America, lies the country of Peru, otherwise known as the Republic of Peru.

Venezuela

Venezuela is a beautiful country with beautiful people. In fact, Venezuelans have received five Miss World, six Miss Universe, and five Miss International titles, perhaps more beauty pageant winners than any other nation. But it is also a favorite stop for tourists who wish to discover the joys of the Caribbean. Located on the South American northern coast, it is also a rare mix of city charm and mysterious jungle, with hundreds of pleasant surprises along the way that never fail to please.

Argentina

Argentina is in the southern-most region of the South American continent and is South America's second largest country, with 23 provinces. The capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires, South America's second largest metropolitan area. The autonomous city of Buenos Aires is on the east coast on the shore of the Rio de le Plata. Buenos Aires is said to be South America's wealthiest city and the wealthiest city in the southern hemisphere.

French Guiana

French Guiana is a small overseas department of France located on the northern coast of South America. bordered by Brazil and Suriname. The country is a surprising vacation spot providing visitors with a unique eco-tourism experience.
Home to one of the last tropical rainforests where outdoor adventurers can spend their days exploring the country's rich environment, learning about the exotic plant and animal life found there.

Brazil

Occupying nearly half of the continent of South America, Brazil is the fifth largest country in the Americas, bounde by the Atlantic Ocean to the east with a total coastline of over 4,655 miles. Brazil is also bordered inland by Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Containing most of the rain forest of the Amazon, Brazil also has a reputation as the most progressive and cosmopolitan of the South American countries.

Columbia

Traveling to Columbia does not have to cost an arm and a leg. Let qunar.travel show you the way to save big money on your travel plans. Here are just a few of the tips and tricks we've learned along the way in our own travels: Take advantage of discount airlines You don't have to book all of your flights with a big airline. If you have multiple destinations in mindâ”for example, if you're vacationing in Singapore but want to take a quick weekend trip to Hong Kong while you're thereâ”consider taking a local discount airline to save big money.

Colombia

Colombia may not have been a popular tourist destination in the past, but that is slowly changing. Today, Colombia is enjoying the attentions of more and more tourists who are attracted to the region's beauty and charm, lured by its history and the joy in its festivals and celebrations. Tourists who arrive by cruise ships also discover Colombia via Santa Maria and Cartagena. Colombia shares borders with Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Panama, and Ecuador, and there are beaches on the Caribbean Sea to the east and on the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Paraguay

Paraguay is one of only two counties in the Western hemisphere that are totally landlocked. It lies on the banks of the river after which it is named and has Argentina to its south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Its location has led to it being referred to as the heart of America. Paraguay is extremely rich in natural scenery and also has a long cultural history dominated by Spanish and native Guarani traditions. This is a country of contrasts, with horses and carts moving alongside Mercedes cars

Suriname

The Republic of Suriname is located in the northern region of South America,sharing borders with Brazil, Guyana, and French Guiana. It is probably one of the few places on this planet where the old adage of 'size doesn't matter' holds true. It only has an area of 63,251 sq. miles and is South America's smallest state, but it is a land filled with beauty and rich biodiversity.
Suriname is one of the best stops for tourists who wish to experience nature at its best. At least 12% of the land area consists of picturesque lakes and beautiful parks.

Bolivia

If you are fascinated with legends and myths of the South American Indian culture, then Bolivia, the 28th largest country in the world, is a South American treasure trove filled with mystery, wisdom, and ancient Inca archeology, especially in Cuzco.
When you visit Cuzco you will see the famous "Sun Disc" and understand why the Inca Empire and its people originally worshipped the sun. There are also many archeological sites to visit throughout Bolivia, and many hand-made items to discover and perhaps purchase.

Guyana is on South America's northern coast, bordered by Suriname, Venezuela, Brazil, and the Atlantic Ocean. With an area of just 133 sq. miles, the country more than makes up for its size by the sheer beauty of its landscapes, abundant wildlife, diverse culture, and its friendly people. It is the natural habitat of the jaguar, a creature of myth and legend.

Although it may be located in the Caribbean, Guyana's vibe is a distinct mix of African and East Indian. Tourists come here mainly to experience the country's stunning views, appreciate the wonderful array of flora and fauna, and savor its young yet rich history. It's also a favorite spot for Caribbean-flavored celebrations and festivals, often a big draw for visitors who come back each year.

Guyana's modern name is derived from 'Guiana', a term that means 'land of many waters'. It was so-named because of the numerous bodies of water found in the region.