10 Facts About South America

 

#1 In Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, guinea pig is eaten as a delicacy 

Although many of us may think of guinea pigs as pets, in the above Andean countries they have been eaten for centuries. 

Traditionally, guinea pigs have long been used in highland communities. 

They were bred in large numbers to provide additional heating in houses, used in shamanic rituals and eaten on special occasions. 

Guinea pigs are usually served fried, baked or roasted and look alarmingly similar to their living state they are even served complete with their gnashers. 

Although guinea pig isn’t the most appealing dish to look at, many love the taste, claiming the meat has a gamey flavour and the crispy skin is comparable to chicken. 

Many visitors to the continent want to try guinea pig whereas others are dead set against it. 

Where do you fall on the spectrum? If you were visiting one of these Andean countries, would you try guinea pig?

#2 Nine countries in South America speak Spanish

There are nine Spanish speaking countries in South America. These are:

Bolivia

Ecuador

Peru

Chile

Argentina

Colombia

Venezuela

Paraguay

Uruguay

Despite Spanish being an official language of all of these countries, many of them have multiple registered languages which also includes traditional indigenous languages.  

Bolivia actually has over 30 which are officially recognized.

#3 The world’s biggest carnival celebrations are held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

South American carnival is one of the biggest parties anywhere in the world. Celebrated all over the continent, this annual fiesta occurs just before the Christian tradition of Lent. 

But, nowhere are the festivities as pumping as they are in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

Around a million tourists flock to this city every year for the occasion and they are joined on the streets by another million every day, making these the largest carnival celebrations anywhere in the world. 

The income from Rio Carnival, including ticket sales, costumes, sponsorships and advertising, is estimated to be in excess of $40 million! Of the many Samba schools that compete in carnival competitions, the top 12 spend nearly $5 million on their shows. Carnival is big business!

#4 The largest salt flats in the world are in Bolivia

Spanning an area of over 10,500 km, Salar de Uyuni holds the accolade for the largest salt flats in the world. 

Arguably Bolivia’s most popular attraction and one of South America’s most famous landmarks, this incredible area is covered by meters of salt crust. 

Salt is collected from the flats and cultivated to be sold. It is used for road gritting and even as table salt. 

You can buy this as a souvenir if you visit. Every year during the wet season, the flats are transformed into the world’s largest mirror, a wonder of nature that has to be seen firsthand to be believed.

#5 Venezuela gets its name from the Italian city of Venice

The country of Venezuela was named by Amerigo Vespucci. He, along with Alonso de Ojeda, led a naval expedition there in 1499. 

When he arrived, he was surprised to see stilt villages that had been built over the water. 

It reminded him of Venice, leading him to christen the region ‘Venezuola’. In Italian, this translates to ‘little Venice’. 

#6 There are over 300 national parks in South America

You are likely to find beautiful natural reserves and national parks anywhere in the world. South America is no different. 

There are over 300 national parks in South America, ranging from high altitude locations to dreamy coastal escapes. 

As hubs for nature and biodiversity, natural parks are granted protection by the relevant government, usually for conservation reasons. 

Although it is hard to choose between the national parks in South America.

#7 Uruguay is the safest country in South America

South America doesn’t have a great reputation when it comes to safety. 

However, it may actually be safer than you think! According to the Global Peace Index, the only countries in South America which are ranked less safe than the United States are Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela.

The safest of them all is Uruguay, known for its high standard of living, liberal laws and low crime rate. 

If you’re concerned about safety and want more information to help you plan your trip, check out this post about the safest countries in South America. 

#8 The Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world

Acting as the spine of South America is the awe-inspiring Andes mountain range. 

Stretching 7,000km and traversing an impressive seven countries, no trip to the continent is complete without a few hikes up in the mountains. 

#9 There are hardly any doorbells in Paraguay

You may be used to visitors to your house announcing their arrival using your doorbell. 

Not if you are in Paraguay though! Very few houses in Paraguay have doorbells, with visitors instead clapping their hands for 3 or 4 seconds to announce their presence.  

#10 Chile is home to the world’s second-largest swimming pool

Crystal Lagoon, world's second-largest man-made pool, in Chile.

Crystal Lagoon was the largest man-made pool in the world from 2006 to 2015.

At 80,000 square meters equivalent to 64 Olympic swimming pools Crystal Lagoon in Chile is the second-largest swimming pool in the world, and the largest in South America. 

It’s part of the San Alfonso del Mar resort, which sits by the Pacific Ocean. 

The pool is filled with 250 million liters of seawater and has a maximum depth of 35 meters.

Crystal Lagoon was completed in 2006, and for nine years, it was the biggest swimming pool in the world. 

It was dethroned by City stars Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, which is 16,000 square meters greater in size.