The capital city of the South American country Ecuador is Quito. According to the latest measurement Quito’s population at nearly 1.5 million, making it the second-most populous city in Ecuador, the most populous being Guayaquil. Quito is located in the northern region of Ecuador, with the countries of Colombia to the north and Peru to the south.
Quito is a relatively popular tourist destination because of its rich history, interesting culture, and beautiful geography. Home to the largest historic center in the Americas, Quito is a great place to learn about South America. The arts and culture scene is also very vibrant in Quito, with museums, exhibits, and cultural centers abounding throughout the city. The city also provides many opportunities to experience the natural habitats and biological-diversity that Ecuador is so famous for. Festivals, carnivals, restaurants, markets, shopping centers, and the city-life in general is as exciting as one would expect from one of South America‘s premier capital cities. Ecuadorian cuisine includes a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and meats that are natural to Ecuador, one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, so tourists can enjoy a wide variety of food while visiting the city.
Travelling around Quito, Ecuador is relatively easy, considering that the city has relatively cheap public transportation and private taxis. Taxis and buses travel to most of the tourist destinations around the city, while the trolly also provides a fun and interesting way to experience the city. Quito’s climate is relatively cool throughout the year, because it has a high elevation and is located so closely to the equator. The peak season is during summer, which is from June to September.
For tourist and business travels to Quito or anywhere else in Ecuador, US citizens do not need to have a visa as long as the visit duration is within 90 days. Passports and return tickets are both required to visit Ecuador and Immigration authorities may ask for proof of the traveler’s economic means.
Bogotá is located in the central region of Colombia, in South America. With an estimated population of over 675,000, Bogotá is the most populous city in the country. The city has earned the nickname “the Athens of South America” because it has numerous universities and museums. With a land area of nearly 670 square miles, Bogotá is the largest city in Colombia.
The city of Bogotá is well-known for its beautiful parks, which number close to 4,6 thousand in total. Bogotá also has numerous attractions that bring in tourists from around the world. Aside from the many universities and museums in the city, Bogotá is also famous for having beautiful architecture, a lively art scene, and some great shops and restaurants to enjoy. Bogotá cuisine is a mix between Pre-Columbian times and Spanish cuisine, which is a testament to the country’s mix of indigenous and Spanish influences. Tourists can enjoy the historic center of the city, La Candelaria, or the more modern aspect of Bogotá, its vibrant night-life.
The main international airport servicing travel to and from Bogotá is El Dorado International Airport. Bogotá’s transportation infrastructure has been upgraded throughout the city and it is now better than ever. With a transportation system called the Transmilenio, it can be quite easy to get around the city. Aside from the Transmilenio buses, other public buses and private taxis cruise the streets of Bogotá as well. Colectivos are small buses that run routes all throughout the city, making them a viable choice for any tourist. Finally, tourists can also rent bicycles to experience the everyday life along the streets and around the parks.
Another popular destination a lot of travelers tend to see after quality spend time in Bogotá is Cartagena, Colombia’s best and most popular beach resort town. The best to travel to this destination is by airplane, a flight takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Bogotá.
Tourists staying in Colombia for up to 90 days will not need a visa, but tourists planning on staying longer can get a permit for an extra 120 days of stay. Business travelers are required to have a business visa and a return ticket is required for anyone traveling to Bogotá, Colombia.
The laid back city of Montevideo is Uruguay’s capital city. It is also the country’s largest city. Despite having a relaxed and an Old World air, Montevideo can also be vibrant as can be seen in its strong, thriving culture. During the late 19th century, the city’s living standards surpassed that of the United States. Nothing has changed much after that, however. Montevideo is home to about 1,4 million people.
Even though Montevideo is filled with buildings that go back to the 19th century, new buildings have been built during the past years. The rise of young designers has contributed to this change. Montevideo is also home to many foreign embassies and cultural centers. Today, Montevideo can be viewed as a modern city. Half of Uruguay’s population live in this city and have the highest rate of literacy in South America. The crime rate is pretty low, as well. However, it is still best to practice caution.
If you are traveling to Montevideo, you may choose to fly via American Airlines or Continental Airlines. The city’s main airport is the Carrasio International Airport. You may book a flight to Montevideo passing through Sao Paulo. You may also take ferries from Buenos Aires. When in the city proper, you can take a taxi or the city bus. If you are up for driving through long distances, you may drive your car from the United States to Uruguay. US licenses are recognized in this city.
If staying for three months or less, American citizens don’t need a visa. An Uruguayan visa will be granted to you upon arrival at the port or border. Of course, you must present a passport which is still valid for up to a minimum of six months. You also have to show proof of your return travel and of the funds you will be using during your stay.
Asuncion is a city with secrets. The capital city of Paraguay showcases sophistication through its modern buildings and upscale establishments. Despite the fact that the city’s poverty is evident through Rio Paraguay, Asuncion offers plenty of tourist treats and interesting places to visit. Friendly guides can tour you around the sparkly clean malls and night clubs of Asuncion. The charming city of Asuncion is home to almost six million people according to the latest measurement.
The city of Asuncion is brimming with old world charm that continues to attract plenty of tourists from around the world. Some of the places and sites worth visiting is Casa Viola, an example of early colonial architecture, and the Gran Hotel Paraguay, which boasts lush tropical gardens and a unique collection of artworks and furnishings. The Catedral Metropolitana is a historic cathedral known for its religious artworks.
Asuncion’s nearest airport is 20 km away — the Aeropuerto Internacional Silvio Pettirossi. You can go to and from the airport by bus. The country’s only airline is the Transportes Aéreos Mercosur. As for domestic flights, you can only fly from Asuncion to Ciudad del Este and vice-versa. By water, you can also travel through Rio Paraguay and even as far as Brazil. Temperature in Asuncion ranges from 73 degree Fahrenheit to 91 degree Celsius. However, it has experienced the sweltering hot temperature of 104 degree Fahrenheit and the relatively cold temperature of 50 degree Fahrenheit.
If you are from the United States, you will need a valid passport and a visa to enter Paraguay. Your visa will allow you to stay for up to 90 days in the country. It will take two to three days for your visa to be processed. You also need to present a return ticket as proof of your plan to return to your country.
If you love heights, visit La Paz in the South American country of Bolivia. Sucre may be the country’s judicial capital but La Paz, the largest city, is the business center and governmental capital. La Paz is situated 3.6 thousand meters above sea level. It is not all about its location, however. It also offers breathtaking views, thanks to buildings settled at the bottom of canyons. La Paz’s over a million inhabitants may continue to grow because of the influx of immigrants.
Quechua is spoken in La Paz, as well as Spanish. Quechua is a Native American dialect, which is an active sign of Bolivia’s having the strongest Native American population in all of South America. You can walk around La Paz to find more evidences of its rich culture through the city’s local comedors, modern cafes, and bustling markets. Museums will reveal more of La Paz’s roots. The city’s altitudes need a little getting used to, however. Streets where there are public demonstrations are evidences of the citizens’ political freedom.
You can get to La Paz via El Alto Airport. From the airport, you can ride a bus or a taxi requested via your reserved hotel. If you do not have hotel reservations, you may also ride a taxi from the airport. Within the city, you can get around by bus or taxi as well. You may save money by taking the train but it can be pretty slow. Walking is also a good idea when getting around La Paz. Make sure to bring the proper clothing, as temperatures can vary. Most of the times, you will experience cool or even freezing temperatures at night. April to October is the best season to visit La Paz.
To visit Bolivia, you will need a valid passport and over a hundred dollars for the visa. You need to accomplish a visa application form. You also need to submit proof of sufficient funds for your stay, proof of return travel, and, if coming from Brazil or Paraguay, a proof that you have had your yellow fever vaccination.
The capital and largest city of Chile, Santiago is located in the country’s central valley at an elevation level of 520 meters. Santiago is the industrial and financial center of Chile, it generates 45% percent of the country’s gross domestic income. Due to the stability of the Chilean economy, many multinational companies have chosen Santiago as their headquarters for the region. The city has a population of 5 million people.
Approximately two decades of continues economic growth have transformed Santiago in one Latin America‘s most modern metropolitan areas, with extensive development, spacious shopping malls and impressive high-rise architecture. As the city booms economically, Santiago is improving its tourist, nightlife and restaurant scene incredibly fast. Pay a visit to the city’s historical attractions, cultural centers or take a day trip to the ski resorts and wineries.
In order to relax yourself from the Chilean city life, go wine tasting. The biggest and best (sworn by the Chilean’s) wine producer: Concha y Tora has a modern, Napa Valley style wine tasting room and gift shop right in the city. Discounts cards are given to travelers coming by the information center on Avenida Providencia. Tours are given in both Spanish and English and since its located easy accessed by public transportation.
Travelers to Santiago are required to have a valid passport and visa. The city is notoriously infamous for the smog and it’s worse during summer months (December through March), rain is appreciated by locals as it cleans air. By South American standards Santiago is a safe city, but travelers should be aware of pickpocketing and other petty crimes.
Brazil‘s second largest city lives well up to its name “Marvelous City” as Rio de Janeiro is alive, beautiful and full of charms. The city is located on the South Atlantic coast and has a population of 7 million people. Rio de Janeiro was the capital Brazil till 1822.
A good starting point for a trip (don’t forget your camera) to Rio de Janeiro are the curious sights of the Pão de Açúcar and Sugar Loaf Mountains, where the city view is spectacular. The view combines the city separated in shanty towns, such as the Rocinha Favela which stands in contrast with life’s grim realities and the culture’s innate passion and joyfulness. The shores of Rio are filled with tourists and locals buying the fried shrimps snack from the empanada peddlers to down their voices while others lounge at the seaside commercial establishments.
Rio de Janeiro’s carnival is the most popular reasons to visit, this spectacular party lasts for almost 2 weeks and is well known for the ‘escolas de samba’ (samba schools) that parade on gigantic structure also called Sambódromo (Sambadrome). During the carnival the streets of Rio turn into ‘samba blocks’ where thousands of people gather together to dance, eat, drink and socialize. Most travelers enjoy and capture every moment on their digital camera.
Travelers landing on Rio de Janeiro International Airport are required a valid passport and visa. Tourist visas are valid for 90 days and can be extended for another 90 days. Petty theft and street crime might be of issue, travelers are warned to look after their belongings.
Lima or ‘Ciudad de los Reyes’ (City of Kings) is the capital of Peru, as well the largest city with a population of nearly 8.5 million people. Central Lima is located at an elevation level of 512 feet on the south bank of the Rímac River, about 8 miles from the inland Pacific Ocean port Callao.
Lima’s international airport Jorge Chávez is the main entrance for travelers coming to Peru. Most likely the adventurous trip will start here. Lima, like any modern capital city offers all the tourist services, an excellent and modern hotel infrastructure, a good variation of attraction centers, as well cultural and night entertainment including luxurious casinos and outstanding restaurants with tasty Peruvian dishes.
As population problems rise the transportation services are surprisingly well arranged. There wont be any issues finding a taxi to take you from the crumbling pre-Inca pyramids to a ultramodern shopping mall and there after to one of the many historic museums. Before eating fresh seafood by the ocean, go paragliding off the cliffs in Miraflores. To get your night groove on visit the many bars and clubs in bohenmian Barranco’s area.
Travelers to Lima need a valid passport and visa. Citizens from US, Europe, Australia and Canada do not require a tourist visa, as long the stay does not extend 90 days. The best period for visiting are the summer months, which are from December till March with the best temperatures and the least rain.
Caracas is the capital and largest city of Venezuela, its situated in the north of the country nearby the Caribbean sea. Caracas is a cultural city with many different nationals. About 60% of its population counting 3.9 million people lives in the slums district of Barrios.
When traveling to Caracas you need to understand that its rarely the top choice for tourist to Venezuela, a more often chosen travel destination within the country is Maracaibo. The city is often referred to as a concrete jungle since its congested, noisy, polluted and entering certain districts can be dangerous. However, if you are careful, stay in the right districts of the city and don’t look a typical floral-shirt tourist you most likely will be fine.
There’s a few popular tourist attractions within the city: if you are into shopping visit one of the largest malls in South America named Centro Comercial Sambil. For travelers that are into historic a few good locations include: La Plaza Bolivar, La Casa Natal de Simon Bolivar and the Museo de Arte Colonial. Restaurants, bars and cafes for dining and nightlife are spread out in the city.
Once landed at Maiquetia International Airport you are required a valid passport and visa to enter Caracas. To get around in the city simply hail a tax in the street, be warned first agree upon a price before getting in as they have no meters. You can also choose to travel by metro which is clean, modern, safe and extremely cheap. The city has a good climate throughout the year.
