21 surprising facts about South America (2023)

South America is a land of contrasts. The Andes tower over the continent and share a number of unique ecosystems. From tropical rainforests to volcanic islands to arid deserts, South America has it all.

With so much going on, it's no wonder South America is such an interesting place. If you're wondering what makes this continent so fascinating, read on. We've compiled a list of our favorite facts about South America, ranging from fascinating to downright bizarre.

Without further ado, here are 21 Amazing Facts About South America That Will Make You Jump On A Plane Right Away!

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• Amazing facts about Argentina
• Mind-blowing facts about Bolivia
• Fascinating facts about Brazil
• Fun facts about Colombia
• Phenomenal facts about Peru

21 Amazing Facts About South America

1. Another river flows under the Amazon

The Amazon is arguably the most famous in the world, but there is an underground canal just 4km below. Named after the leader of the research team that discovered it, the Hamza River is not a river in the traditional sense.

Strange actuallyflows verticallyat depths of about 2 km before changing direction to be close enough to horizontal. Despite being as long as the Amazon, this subterranean river does not have the same volume of water despite being wider.

2. In Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, the guinea pig is eaten as a delicacy

Although many of us consider guinea pigs pets, they have been eaten in the aforementioned Andean countries for centuries. Traditionally, guinea pigs have long been used in upland communities. They were grown in large numbers for additional heating in homes, used in shamanic rituals, and eaten on special occasions.

Usually served fried, baked or roasted, guinea pigs look strikingly similar to their current state - they're even served complete with their chips! While guinea pig isn't the most visually appealing dish, many love the taste, claiming that the meaty flavor goes with it and the crispy skin is comparable to chicken.

Many mainland visitors want to try guinea pigs, but others are opposed. Where do you fall on the spectrum? If you have visited any of these Andean countries,Would you try a guinea pig??

3. Nine countries in South America speak Spanish

there are nineSpanish speaking countries in South America. These are:

• Bolivia
• Ecuador
• Peru
• Chile
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Venezuela
• Paraguay
• Uruguay

Although Spanish is an official language in all of these countries, many of them have multiple registered languages ​​that also include traditional indigenous languages. In fact, Bolivia has over 30 officially recognized!

4. South America is home to the highest navigable lake in the world

On the border between Peru and Bolivia lies the huge Lake Titicaca. This vast lake is more than 120 miles long, 50 miles wide, and is approximately 12,000 feet (3,812 feet) above sea level. The lake is home to a number of iconicsouth american islandspopular with travelers. This includes man-made onesUros Islands, Island of the Sun and Island of the Moon.

The lake has long been important to ancient religions and cultures, including the Incas, who believed it to be the birthplace of the sun. Nowadays, it has become a spiritual center for the continent, with open-minded travelers flocking in droves to recharge their batteries, eat vegan food, and practice yoga and meditation.

5. The biggest carnival celebrations in the world take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

south american carnivalIt's one of the biggest parties in the world. Celebrated across the continent, this annual holiday comes just before the Christian tradition of Lent. But nowhere are the celebrations as lively as inRio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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

Revenue from the Rio Carnival, including ticket sales, costumes, sponsorships and advertising, is estimated at over $40 million! Of the many samba schools that participate in carnival competitions, the top 12 spend nearly $5 million on their shows. Carnival is big business!

6. South America is home to the largest rodent on earth.

Since capybaras are my favorite animals, I couldn't resist squeezing out this South American fact! Capybaras are the largest rodents and although they are closely related to guinea pigs, they look more like very large beavers.

Since they are semi-aquatic animals, they live in wetlands near dense forests. If you plan to go to the Amazon or explore the pampas, you have a good chance of seeing them.

Capybaras are known for their relaxed demeanor, and it's not uncommon to see other smaller animals perched atop their heads. Monkeys and birds are among those commonly seen hitchhiking. And we didn't think that it's possible to find a cheaper means of transport than Bolivian motorcycle taxis!

7. The Galapagos Islands inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution

Sitting off the coast of mainland EcuadorGalapagos Islands. As centers of biodiversity, these islands were at the center of Darwin's research when he formulated his famous theory of evolution.

Darwin studied the animals of the archipelago and used his findings to build his theory. Something that caught his attention he learned while observing the archipelago's finches. By examining the different shapes of the beaks, he found that each had adapted to its own diet and environment. He later came to believe that they all descended from the same lineage.

Darwin's research in the Galapagos later served as the basis for his seminal bookThe Origin of Species.

8. The largest salt flats in the world are in Bolivia

Covering an area of ​​more than 10,500 km,let's sleepIt holds the distinction of being the largest salt flats in the world. Possibly the most popular attraction in Bolivia, this incredible area is covered in a meter high crust of salt.

The salt is collected in the apartments and grown for sale. It is used for street cleaning and even as table salt. You can buy this as a souvenir when you visit. Every year during the rainy season the soils are transformed into the world's largest mirror, a natural wonder that has to be seen first hand to be believed!

9. Mount Aconcagua in Argentina is the easiest of the Seven Summits

I want to say from the start that I'm not saying that trekking in any of theseven sumsItIt's obviously easy, they're all insanely tough. However, according to the climbers, Argentina's Aconcagua is destined to be the easiest of the seven.

This is because you can follow a trekking route all the way. It's also not particularly technical terrain for experienced climbers. The main obstacle to climbing Aconcagua is the altitude, which hikers sometimes underestimate.

Related: Hiking in Argentina – The best trails!

10. Venezuela takes its name from the Italian city of Venice

The country of Venezuela was named after Amerigo Vespucci. Together with Alonso de Ojeda he led a naval expedition there in 1499. When he arrived he was surprised to see stilt cities built over the water. It reminded him of Venice, which led him to name the region "Venezuola". In Italian, this means “little Venice”.

11. The world's most notorious drug dealer came from Colombia

As those of you who have seen the unbelievableAnesthesiaAs you know, Pablo Escobar was a feared name for years. The most famous drug lord in the world ruled the Medellín cartel and thus the whole country and exported cocaine in record quantities.

Escobar's rule fostered corruption, brutality and fear, and Colombia became one of the most dangerous countries in the world. This also fueled a civil war that officially ended in 2016.

It has taken the people of Colombia years to recover from the trauma of the cartel. However, in recent years the country has worked hard to renew its image and has successfully marketed itself as an attractive country.digital nomadand destination of the traveller.

12. There are more than 300 national parks in South America.

You are likely to find beautiful nature reserves and national parks anywhere in the world. South America is no different. there are more than 300National Parks in South America, from high-altitude locations to dreamy coastal getaways.

As centers for nature and biodiversity, nature parks receive appropriate state protection, mostly for nature conservation reasons. Although it's difficult to choose between national parks in South America, we love Torres del Paine and the Galapagos!

13. Latin American and South American mean different things

Although these terms are often used interchangeably, Latin America and South America are two different things. South America refers to the South American continent where you will find countries like Colombia and Argentina.

Latin American refers to a shared culture that commonly includes historical experiences and language. In general, Latin America refers to countries within the Americas that speak one of the Latin languages, e.g. B. Portuguese, French and Spanish.

Confusingly, there is much debate about which countries should be included under the Latin American umbrella. Traditionally includes Central American and Caribbean countries.

Guyana, Belize and Suriname do not fit the Latin American definitions as their official languages ​​are English and Dutch respectively.

14. Uruguay is the safest country in South America

South America doesn't have a good reputation when it comes to safety. However, it may actually be safer than you think! According to thatGlobal Peace Index, the only South American countries rated less safe than the United States are Colombia,Braziland Venezuela!

The safest is Uruguay, known for its high standard of living, liberal laws and low crime rate. If you are concerned about safety and want more information to help you plan your trip, read this post on thesafest countries in south america.

See also:Is South America Safe?

15. Coca leaves are commonly consumed in South America but are banned outside of the continent

Coca is a plant native to South America. It has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and is still used today to relieve the symptoms of altitude sickness. The leaves can be brewed into a tea or chewed. Chewing the leaves produces a slightly stimulating effect.

Although coca is readily available in many Andean countries, the leaf is the basic ingredient in cocaine, meaning there are strict rules on cultivation and export. Coca leaves are banned in the US and UK, as well as many other countries.

While it's perfectly legal for you to use coke in many parts of South America, be aware that if you have to take a drug test soon afterward, it will result in a positive cocaine result. Make sure you have used up all your coca products before leaving the country to avoid problems at customs!

16. Ecuador has granted constitutional rights to nature

Home to the biodiverse Galapagos Islands, Ecuador has recognized the power of nature faster than most. In 2008, Mother Earth's rights were enshrined in a constitutional document, making Ecuador the first country to give maximum rights to nature.

According to the text of the constitution, Pachamama (Mother Earth) has the right to exist and "to maintain and regenerate her cycles, structure, functions and evolutionary processes". What great news for humanity and the planet!

17. The Andes are the longest continental mountain range in the world

The impressive Andes mountain range acts as the backbone of South America. Spanning 7,000 km and covering a whopping seven countries, no trip to the continent is complete without a few hikes in the mountains. Check out these for inspirationEpic Mountain Quotes!

18. South America's main exports are food

Although the dominant product varies from country to country, most of the continent's exports are distinct food products. WhatSouth America is famous for its coffee, it's probably no surprise that this is a huge export.

Soybeans and related products also make up a large portion of exports, used both as livestock feed and as an ingredient in biofuels. Only 7% of soy goes into meat and dairy substitutes.

The south of the continent accounts for the majority of meat exports, with beef being the main product. Bananas, sugar, cocoa and corn are also major exports from the continent.

19. Salt has been banned from restaurants in Montevideo, Uruguay

Sitting in a restaurant in Montevideo and want to try a delicious barbecue? Don't waste time looking for salt. You can also forget about ketchup and mayonnaise. Uruguay's capital has banned placing high-sodium condiments on tables by default.

If you want any of these things, you have to ask for them. This was done in an attempt to reduce people's salt intake and promote a healthier lifestyle. Around40%of the Uruguayan population has hypertension.

20. The Panamericana is the longest motorable highway in the world (sort of)

The Panamericana starts in Alaska in North America and ends in Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. It is the longest motorable highway in the world. It travels through North America, Central America and through most of South America.

However, it is not possible to drive everything. The Darien Gap is quite an obstacle. Stretching 100 to 160 km between Panama and Colombia, this roadless stretch of America prevents anyone from driving non-stop from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. It's arguably the most dangerous place on earth with drug dealers, paramilitary groups and human traffickers using the jungle to operate under the radar. Oh, and due to the small human footprint, the area is also teeming with deadly animals!

Many travelers are lookingsouth america road tripChoose the Panamerican Highway as your route. This is because the directions are good and the road is generally well connected.

21. There are hardly any doorbells in Paraguay

Perhaps you are used to visitors announcing their arrival with your doorbell. But not when you are in Paraguay! Very few houses in Paraguay have doorbells and visitors clap for 3-4 seconds to announce their presence.

Do you have additional information about South America for our list? Tell us in the comments!

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Prostitute Sheree |Publisher @ America del Sur Backpacker +fly the world

Sheree is the clumsy British traveler behind wingingtheworld.com, a travel blog dedicated to showing that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow the adventures of Sheree as she stumbles around the world, falling into squat toilets, jumping into machete-wielding cars and running from angry peacocks.

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