Venezuela

Venezuela is located on the Caribbean coast of South America. It borders with Guyana, Brazil and Colombia. Its unique geography ranges from the long Caribbean coastline in the north to the dense Amazon Forest in the south. Venezuela means ‘Little Venice’ in Spanish, the name given to this northerly country in South America. Venezuela offers travelers the best of two worlds: beautiful sandy beaches along the warm blue waters of the Caribbean; and the stunning diversity of South America’s inland. The Venezuelan Amazon jungle boasts a remarkable set of exotic animals, including the tapir, jaguar, armadillo, anteater and the fearful anaconda.

The capital city of Caracas is a busy place and there are always things going on there. You shouldn’t miss out on it. Caracas is lively, green and clean, with a rich cultural life, vibrant nightlife, great restaurants and marvelous modern shopping malls. The beach resort of Margarita Island is popular with people looking for a place to relax and get a tan. Angel falls are one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. If you think Niagara is great you should really go here.

The city of Maracaibo, an oil boom town, in the west of the country has good things to offer to the tourist too. Venezuela has a little bit of everything that Latin America has to offer, with the addition of thousands of miles of Caribbean coastline, and the constantly pleasant temperature that makes it good year-round destination.

Uruguay

Uruguay is the second-smallest country in South America sandwiched between Argentina and Brazil in the heart of South America. It is basically a European country, since the majority of its citizens are descended from Spanish and Italian immigrants. Though it doesn’t have all the dramatic scenery its neighbors have, Uruguay does boast 200 miles (320 km) worth of beaches on the Atlantic. And it is these beaches which Uruguay has tactfully fashioned into attractive destinations for tourists. The landscape features mostly rolling plains and low hills (cuchilla) with fertile coastal lowland. most of it grassland, ideal for cattle and sheep grazing.

The climate in Uruguay is temperate, but fairly warm as freezing temperatures are almost unknown. The predominantly flat landscape is also somewhat vulnerable to rapid changes from weather fronts, as well as to the pampero, a chilly and occasionally violent wind blowing north from the pampas plains in Uruguay.

The most popular Uruguayan destination is Punta del este, with the Atlantic on one side and the River Plate on the other. It is an expensive jet set center for nightlife, casinos, and discos. Estancias, rural estates that are working ranches, are located throughout the country if you want a gaucho experience. Beef lovers will delight in grilled asado eaten in restaurants known as parrilladas or asados. Italian restaurants are everywhere. Try to rent a car to get to see the sights. Public transport in Uruguay is awful, unlike other countries, which have an extensive public transit system. Be prepared to pay much more than you would in Mexico, Central America, Venezuela, Peru, and Ecuador.

White sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean east of Montevideo compose Uruguay’s version of the Italian and French Rivieras. This coastline stretches to the Brazilian border and holds some of the most impressive seaside resorts in South America. Colonia del sacramento is a coastal town just west of Montevideo and across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires, Uruguay. Charming Colonia, a legacy of the Portuguese colony, is an amazing historical site from the 17th century. Its Barrio Historico district is the perfect place for a scenic walking tour to see the colonial houses lining the area’s cobblestone streets. Uruguay may be small in size, but the country is big in friendliness. The natives enjoy welcoming visitors from cold climates all over the world who travel to their sunny shores.

Suriname

Suriname is a small country in South America that borders on French Guiana, Guyana and Brazil.

Suriname got its independence from the Netherlands in 1975. The first 25 years were not one big success. A military coup by Desi Bouterse, some corruption affairs, etc. And although the country looks quite steady now it has not improved the living standards of the inhabitants over the last 25 years.

The capital of Paramaribo is an easy going place. There are a few sights, dating back to colonial times, there are a few nice markets and some good nightlife.

Wia wia reserve has some interesting wildlife and mangrove swamp tours.

The south of the country is hard to reach and is only for the really adventurous.

Peru

Peru is a large country on the Pacific coast of South America. It has some of the most spectacular and varied scenery in South America. Fishing villages, fine beaches, agricultural lands, and Peru’s major towns and cities. including the capital of Lima, are interspersed along the narrow belt of desert coastline that stretches the length of the country. You do not need to be a history buff to enjoy Peru. Thousands of people lately are daring the yet unknown The Amazon jungle in search of cures for the world’s illnesses, and tap into the knowledge of Shamans (medicine men) who may hold the secret to help us defeat the incurable. Generally, people are very friendly, peaceful and helpful. When in trouble, you mostly can rely on getting help. But as with any setting, it is always good to watch out for yourself and try to avoid bad situations. If you get into an argument, it is a good idea to remain amicable, but firm. Most of the time, you can find a compromise that satisfies everyone.

The perfectly fitted stones of this glorious empire continue to be the main attraction to people from all over the world. Machu Picchu , the lost city of the Incas discovered only centuries after the last Conquistador left, remains a web of riddles for the adventurer and the scientist to tackle. The Nazca lines, what were they, UFO landing sites or a pathway to the heavens and the gods? You may not be the adventurous type, but relax. Peru is working hard at becoming a modern country equipping itself to face the challenges of the new millennium. The five stars hotels, the restaurants, and the night life will dazzle you. So come, and explore this exciting land, rich in history and culture. Click now on any of the choices below to obtain information and tips to make of your trip a delightful experience.

Paraguay

Paraguay is in the heart of South America. This inconspicuous nation has plenty to charm its visitors with. Unlike many of its South American neighbours, Paraguay is a fairly safe destination, and has remained a comparatively stable nation over the last decade. Paraguay is a landlocked and right in the Center of South America. Paraguay River divides the country into two contrasting regions, in the west, the Gran Chaco, or Paraguay Occidental, and in the east, Paraguay proper, or Paraguay Oriental.

Asuncion, Paraguay`s capital, lies on the east side of the Paraguay River and which is about the only real city in the country. Here you can still find some rare species of parrots and monkeys. Daily you meet all kind of exotic and colorful birds, mammals and lizards e.g. humming birds, ostriches, eagles, amarillos and so on - Paraguay is pure exotic and nature.

Altos is just 8 km away from San Bernadino. San Bernadino is situated in a slightly hilly countryside and not only the area’s tourist centre, but also important for trade and culture of the inhabitants. A Nearby lake offers many possibilities for aquatic sports and relaxation. In the nice positioned open-air theater take also all sorts of cultural events place. But also in Altos you can get anything for your daily needs. Culture and dance don’t go short either.

The La Grappa´s gastronomy offers international and traditional dishes, mainly naturally prepared on an open fire grill. But Paraguay is also a paradise for Vegetarians! There is a great choice of salats and fruits as well. Let us just mention the sweet and juicy mangos, picked straight from Mango trees of the Pousada, delicious pineapples, papayas, melons are plentiful present for all guests. The lemons in the garden remind to a singularly succeeded Caipirinhas.

The inhabitants are very friendly and ready to help with any problems. The nature of the people makes it easy to conclude good and close friendships. There shouldn’t be problems by speaking German.

British Guyana

Guyana, or British Guyana, was the first of the three Guyana’s to be independent. Before May 1966 it was the only British colony on the South American mainland.

Guyana borders on Suriname, French Guiana and Brazil.

Georgetown the capital is the largest city. New Amsterdam is an Old Dutch town. The Dutch and the English had eternal wars in the Guyana’s and the borders changed a lot. A long sea wall protects the city from flooding; locals pass their time there swimming, sunbathing and strolling arm-in-arm.

New Amsterdam is the picturesque town on the eastbank of the Berenice River. Lots of old colonial buildings dating back to the time the Dutch were still in charge here. New Amsterdam can be reached easily by minibus and ferry from Georgetown.

Kaieteur Falls in the south of the country is a spectacular attraction. The falls are 5 times higher than Niagara and located in the middle of an un-spoilt rainforest. A hike in the tropical rainforest will be an unforgettable experience. Its isolated location means wildlife thrives in the area, but it also requires determination to reach. Small planes fly to the falls from Georgetown but seats can be difficult to secure.

French Guiana

French Guiana is located in northeast South America on the Atlantic Ocean and is a territory of France. It is part of France and so technically part of the European Union. Even though in South America, it consists mainly of rainforests/jungles with a tropical climate. French Guiana is the best place to enjoy Caribbean music and the Carnival while drinking coffee at a sidewalk café.

The beaches are in the capital Cayenne. Cayenne is one of South America’s most charming cities. The main attraction at Cayenne are lively squares, colonial architecture, local museums, and main market. In the heat of the day, people-watch from the shady refuge of palm trees in the manicured Place des Palmistes.

Kourou is also a business center. There is plenty to do with the water ativities/beaches, fishing from shore or offshore, rainforest/jungle trekking, wildlife reserves river trips and/or dugout canoes and much more. The main attractions of Kourou are the Isles du Salut - Devils island etc which can be visited from a boat service operating from the port at the end of Vieux Bourg, Avenue de Charles de Gaulle. The fish market is great, in Vieux Bourg and some of teh fish available are extraordinairy!

Falkland Islands

Falkland (Islas Malvinas) is famous for the war Argentina and the United Kingdom had over the islands. Thatcher’s iron hand made sure the region is still firmly under British Rule.

More recently the islands were in the spotlights again, this time because of the behaviour their Pinguin inhabitants supposedly showed when jets flew over. Urban legend has it that our feathered friends tumbie and fall when an airplane flies by, because they try to follow the fast bird with their eyes.

Apart from pinguins, the falklands have a lot of sheep and rather few inhabitants, less than 5,000.

Stanley is the capital of the Falkland Islands and is the usual starting point for visits. It is in many ways like an English village, but with Government House, a Cathedral and a wide range of amenities and services. Stanley has a few historic buildings as well as a fe ships form the days when great sailing ships and early steam vessels called on their journeys around Cape Horn.

From Stanley you can easily visit Cape Pembroke (birdlife, lighthouse), you can make a boat trip around Stanley Harbour or drive to Darwin (Argentine cemetery, the old Darwin cemetery, the memorial to Colonel H Jones, the grave of Flight Lieutenant Nick Taylor and the memorial to the Parachute Regiment.) One of the most southerly suspension bridges in the world, Bodie Creek Bridge, can also be visited.

Ecuador

Ecuador is the fourth smallest country of the South America. Despite its size it is probably the world’s most bio-diverse country, crammed with an astounding variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation existing in the contrasts of climatic zones.

Most popular destination for visitors of Ecuador are the lushous Galapagos Islands, more than 600 miles offshore. Traveller can experience dramatic changes in scenery, temperature and altitude between Pacific coast beaches and the sweltering, mosquito-ridden rainforest. East of the Andes is the Amazon basin (or Oriente). This interior jungle region, cut through with rivers and streams, offers a fine opportunity to see the flora and fauna of the rain forest and to visit Amazonian tribes. The charming capital city of Quito surrounded by ice-covered volcanoes; the city is filled with museums, churches, old mansions as well as shops and small restaurants.; and to colourful highland markets that add character and warmth to the windswept highlands of the Andes Mountains. Within Andes Mountain, there are many Indian villages with their colorful markets, High mountain tops and active volcanoes are never far away.

The Amazon basin with its tropical forest offers wildlife and hiking possibilities as well as the chance to get to know the habits of the Indians that live in the Amazon region. Finally you might be able to visit the Galapagos islands . These are a must to all nature lovers. They offer many animals you will not find anywhere else in the world.

Colombia

In every respect, Colombia is a great destination; except for the violence which has submerged the country in a frightening reign of terror. Despite the problems, thousands of tourists do still dare to descend on the capital, Bogota, the legendary resort town of Cartagena, and the duty-free offshore island province of San Andres, in particular. Most have an intriguing, exciting and trouble-free visit, usually organized on a package tour basis.

Urban Colombia was the pre-Columbian capital of the Chibcha Indians and remains a blend of old and new, teeming with Spanish colonial buildings and plazas alongside modern skyscrapers. Cartagena is the Spanish colonial port of Colombia with its spectacular walled old town, a medieval wonderland of palaces, monasteries, plazas and overhanging balconies. The Los Katios National Park in Choco contains hundreds of species of plant and animal life that have yet to be listed. The country’s jungles also hide wondrous archaeological treasures, like the ancient city of La Cuida Perdida and the monuments, tombs and burial mounds at San Augustin and Tierrodentro.

Colombia is a country for “travellers” more than tourists; if you are willing to spend some days babbling Spanish, dealing with a different perception of time and marvelling yourself at a country full of contradictions, this is your place. In spite of being the tropical country Colombia’s weather is not the same across the territory: don’t be fooled by a flat map and be prepared to visit a cold capital city 2.600 meter above the sea level, or the warm valley of the Magdalena River 300 meters above the sea level (only 150 km away).