Interesting facts about South America

South America is a continent full of many colors, contrasts and traditions, as well as incredible countries. Peru and Bolivia are on the list and can offer you excellent experiences on your next vacation.

Still haven’t decided which one to visit? Here are some interesting facts about South America to encourage you to visit. Plus, other interesting facts about Peru and Bolivia that will make you want to be there very soon.

Flamingos, Bolivian mountains, and a volcanic lagoon. Photo taken from: imgur.com

5 Interesting facts about South America.

As we told you in the previous paragraph, South America is a continent that has a lot to offer. So, here are 5 interesting facts about South America that you should know before traveling.

1. Nine of the twelve South American countries speak Spanish, so if you don’t speak it, it’s a good time to start taking some classes. Knowing some basic words like: Hola (Hi), Buenos días (Good morning), Por favor (Please), Gracias (Thanks) and Una cerveza, por favor (One beer, please), will make things easier for you.
2. Several of the South American countries, such as Peru and Bolivia, have unique natural regions, such as the Amazon rainforest present in both countries, and a mountainous region crossed by the millinery Andes mountain range.
3. Some of the world’s most important travel destinations are in South America, such as the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, Machu Pichu in Peru, the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia and the Torres del Paine in Chile.
4. If you are a nature lover, South America has some 300 national parks that you can visit and enjoy a lot. Among the most outstanding are the Galapagos National Park, Huascaran National Park and Torres del Paine National Park, to mention a few.
5. A rich and extensive cultural and ethnic variety and some 500 indigenous peoples make South America one of the most diverse regions on the planet. Ideal for those seeking to learn more about the origins of humanity, or simply want to experience something new and different.

3 Interesting FACTS ABOUT PERU

Who has not heard of Machhu Pichu, the Incas or the mysterious Nazca lines? Indeed, we are talking about fabulous Peru.

This incredible South American country is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic of the continent and one of the richest in culture, traditions and incredible places to visit. Here are 3 interesting facts about Peru that you should know.

1. Peru Culture.

Talking about Peruvian culture is like talking about a wide range of colors, due to its great diversity that mixes Hispanic and native traditions that are still present despite the passing of the years.

Among the most important cultures in Peru are the Quechua and the Aymara, both with their own languages and traditions. These two cultures are descendants of the famous Inca Empire, and therefore direct heirs of its culture and customs.

Today, Peru has managed to preserve and develop its cultures, despite increasing globalization. In fact, the ancient Inca seat of Cuzco is still perceived by many as the cultural capital of the country.

Indigenous girl from Peru with her pet alpaca Photo taken from: Piqsels.com

2. Peru Traditional Festivities.

As we mentioned in the previous lines, Peru has an unbelievable cultural diversity and therefore its traditional festivals are not left behind.

During your visit, and obviously if you decide to join these traditional celebrations, you will be able to learn first hand about the food, art, landscapes and other wonders of Peru.

1. QOYLLUR RIT’I

If we talk about “high altitude” celebrations, the Qoyllur Rit’i, which in Quechua means “Snow Star”, is the appropriate Peruvian celebration. It takes place on the Ausangate mountain, at 5,300 m.a.s.l. and with temperatures that can drop below 0 °C.

This religious festival celebrates annually in Cusco, 58 days after Easter and a few days before Corpus Christi, so its date varies from year to year. In addition, this impressive ritual is relative with the abundance of the earth and the worship of the Apus or mountains that, according to indigenous beliefs, are the protectors of their communities.

The Qoyllur Rit’i, consists mainly of a pilgrimage of shepherds, traders, and spectators who gather at the sanctuary of Sinakara in the foothills of Ausangate hill. Such is the relevance of this celebration that in 2011 UNESCO declared it part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Qoyllur Rit’i is a traditional Peruvian celebration that takes place at more than 4,000 meters above sea level.

2. CORPUS CHRISTI

The feast of Corpus Christi is very popular throughout the country, but the best known celebration is the one that takes place in the city of Cusco.

Fifteen statues of saints and richly decorated religious figures stalk the Plaza de Armas, sixty days after Easter Sunday. On that day, the sounds of Maria Angola, the bell tower of the largest church in Peru, erected in the sixteenth century by Diego Arias de la Cerda, can be heard. The night before, the locals prepare and consume around twelve of Peru’s most typical dishes, such as guinea pig, chiri uchu, chicha (traditional corn-based drink) and others.

The procession of the main day takes place around noon. The Plaza de Armas is filled with locals and visitors eager to see the beautifully decorated saints. Corpus Christi is a very colorful and traditional ritual. For foreign visitors, it is an excellent opportunity to get to know the traditional Peruvian culture.

Corpus Christi celebration in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

3. THE DESCENT OF KINGS IN OLLANTAYTAMBO

The traditional Cusco Christmas festivities end with the Fiesta de la Bajada de Reyes, an event known as the descent of the three kings. This festival is a clear mixture of colonial and indigenous religions.

The Bajada de Reyes celebrates not only the joy of the Christmas festivities, but also the peak of the rainy season. It is a celebration for food and the upcoming growing season.

This celebration is marked by a colorful procession of the baby Jesus from the beautiful church of Marcacocha. Traditional dances are incorporated into this celebration, creating one of the most dynamic and joyful festivals in Peru.

The Bajada de Reyes is one of the most important religious celebrations of the Sacred Valley in Peru.

3. Peru Places to Visit.

Peru has incredible archaeological and natural places to visit, here we tell you a little more about three of them:

MACHU PICCHU

Machu Picchu is an Inca citadel located high in the Andes mountains in Peru, above the valley of the Urubamba River.

Machu Picchu National Archaeological Park is located in the province of Urubamba.

The park is home to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, the most important archaeological site in Peru and one of the most outstanding in the world. Machu Picchu is one of the wonders of the modern world and a sacred place in the Andean culture.

VINICUNCA, THE MOUNTAIN OF THE 7 COLORS

Vinicunca or Winikunka, also called mountain of the seven colors, mountain of the rainbow or mountain of the colors.

The mountain of the 7 colors (also called Vinicunca or simply the “rainbow mountain”) is one of the new and best attractions in Peru.

Located more than 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco, on an altitude summit located at 5,200 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.). It is a mountainous formation tinged with various hues, the product of a complex combination of minerals.

The slopes and summit are stained in various hues including red, purple, green, yellow, pink, and other variations. This tourist attraction was surrounded by ice not many years ago.

Since 2016, this place receives hundreds of visitors a day, becoming, along with Machu Picchu, one of the most visited places in Cusco-Peru.

SACSAYHUAMÁN

Sacsayhuaman is located 2 km from Cuzco, capital of the ancient Inca Empire; it is at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level.

Located in the Imperial City of Cusco, the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuamán is one of the most important historical-cultural places in Peru and America.

The park has 2,997 hectares and was declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation of Peru. It houses 96 archaeological sites, among which you can find Q’enqo, Tambomachay, Kallachaca, Patallaqta, and Amaro – Markahuasi.

The most outstanding construction is the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, whose walls are made of large rocks.

3 Interesting Facts About Bolivia

A country that, on the one hand, shows an emerging face and, on the other, a face of incalculable cultural and natural wealth, is Bolivia.

What country has no problems? But don’t let that worry you, or stop you from dreaming of visiting this wonderful South American country that has so much to offer. Below, you’ll find 3 interesting facts about Bolivia that will make you want to be there.

1. Bolivia Culture

Did you know that in Bolivia there are 36 different native indigenous peoples and peasants, recognized by the State? That is why this diverse country offers you incredible experiences, full of very different customs, traditions, rites, dances and rhythms, and that you can find throughout its territory.

On the other hand, not only are their cultures diverse, but they also have 36 official languages, although Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, and Guarani are the most widely spoken.

There is no doubt that Bolivia will enchant you, with its great cultural richness, which has been preserved from the colony to the present day.

The Devils of Oruro are the protagonists of the Carnival in Bolivia. Photo taken from: Pixabay.com

2. Bolivia Traditional Festivities

Bolivia is a country filled with a myriad of traditional festivals that every visitor should experience.

If you are planning a trip to South America, include Bolivia in your list of countries to visit and enjoy these fabulous and colorful celebrations.

ALASITAS FESTIVAL

One week before Carnival, on the 24th of January, the Alasitas Festival, or Feria de Alasitas, takes place in La Paz, Bolivia. Bolivians from all over the country buy miniature items to offer to Ekeko, the Aymaran God of abundance, hoping he will bring good fortune and wealth into their lives.

In order to receive their wishes granted, Bolivians purchase a figure of Ekeko, to put into their homes all over the year. Afterwards they buy all the objects they wish for in miniature sizes, have these miniature items blessed by a shaman and pin them to the poncho of Ekeko figure, praying for it.

The Alasitas Festival is a wonderful opportunity for tourists to gain a preview into the local culture and enjoy the colorful festivities. However, keep in mind that La Paz can get very crowded during this time and its recommended to book accommodation in advance.

The Alasitas Festival is one of the most important Bolivian traditional festivities of the year. People buy miniatures as an offering to Ekeko. Photo taken from: radio.prensa-latina.cu

EASTER  IN COPACABANA

Easter, or Semana Santa in Spanish, is celebrated throughout the whole continent in the catholic religion and of course in Bolivia with processions similar to the rest of the Andes region.

Travelers will find lively celebrations featuring food, music, dances, parades and religious ceremonies. The pinnacle of celebrations takes place on Maundy Thursday when the churches along the city open their doors to a stream of devotees who come to light torches, pray and sing catholic songs. This also provides tourists with the opportunity to explore the city’s many churches without the usual entrance fees.

The Copacabana Easter is one of the most important celebrations in the area of Lake Titicaca, Bolivia.

URKUPIÑA FESTIVAL 

August marks one of Bolivians most important cultural events. The festivities are in honor of the Virgin of Urkupiña, the most renowned virgin figure in the region.

Locals arrive from every side of the country to participate in these festivities. The festivities are not just Catholic, but a mixture of indigenous traditions. The celebrations are marked with folkloric dances that last from the early morning until long after the sunset. The abundance of different dances performed ranges from flamenco style to feet stomping. Each dance is accompanied by a band.

The traditions and rituals have incorporated Catholic elements without losing the essence of their unique culture. This Bolivian festival is truly an ancient culture of this country.

The feast of the Virgin of Urkupiña is the most important celebration in Bolivia during the month of August. Photo taken from: cabildeodigital.com

3. Bolivia Places to visit

Undoubtedly, there is nothing better than exploring and touring a country when traveling. And much more if it has impressive and unique places to visit like those in Bolivia.

Here are 3 of the places you must visit during your next vacation in Bolivia.

Uyuni Salt Flats

There is no place in the world like Salar de Uyuni. We mean yeah, there are Salt flats in the USA and a few other countries, but none of them are as enormous as this Salt desert of Bolivia. At more than, 11000 sq. miles, this place is actually bigger than some countries like Lebanon and Barbados. So take a moment to let that sink in.

Visiting this Salt Desert is nothing but surreal, especially when it has rained, and you could see the reflections of everything. When you step into this vast whiteness of salt, it is almost like stepping into an alien landscape where no other signs of life exist.

The Uyuni Salt Flats is one of the most important places to visit in Bolivia and South America. Photo by: Diego Delso on Wikimedia Commons

Lake Titicaca / Copacabana

While Peru and Bolivia both share this highest navigable lake in the world, a trip to Lake Titicaca on the Bolivian side is a must. The Peruvian side is great for the floating islands, but the Bolivian side gives you a more intimate and serene travel experience. 

When you are there, definitely visit the Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna, the twin islands believed to be the birthplaces of the Sun and the Moon, as per the local legends. 

On Isla del Sol, you can hike to numerous Inca ruins, all the while being next to the spectacular beauty of the lake.

Although Bolivia is one of the 2 landlocked countries along with Paraguay, you will be able to enjoy incredible experiences on Lake Titicaca. Photo taken from: Pixabay.com

Tiwanaku

Located 75 km from La Paz, Tiwakanu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that used to be the center of a major agricultural empire in ancient times. 

This is one of the oldest pre-Colombian archeological sites in South America that was abandoned around 1000 AD, only to be rediscovered in 1549. The ruins include a great array of stone monoliths as well as palaces, temples, and you can go on a guided tour to understand more about this place. 

You can do a day trip from La Paz to Tiwanaku easily.

The Temple of Kalasasaya (kala: stone and saya or sayasta: standing) or Temple of the Standing Stones, is located in Tiwanaku, just 15 km from Lake Titicaca. Photo by: Pavel Špindler on Creative Commons.

The best adventure of your life awaits you!

After reading this post, we hope that your adventurous spirit has awakened and encourages you to plan your next trip to South America. Still not convinced? We invite you to read our post:

Do not hesitate to contact us and discover all the options we have for your next living experience in South America. We welcome you to write us at [email protected] / [email protected]. It will be our pleasure to answer your questions and help you plan your next personalized adventure.