Latin America attractions in alphabetical order. Sights of Latin America: World Heritage. Lenuis Maranjenes National Park, Brazil

Latin America on the world map is a collection of countries located in territories that were previously dependent on European metropolises. These countries occupy part of South and North America, as well as the isthmus between them. Latin America is an amazing land of mysterious civilizations such as the Aztecs and Mayans, as well as brave caballeros, sultry beauties, unique traditions and cultures. The official languages ​​of Latin American countries are a group of Romance languages ​​(Spanish, Portuguese and French).

Countries and capitals of Latin America

Below are the countries and capitals of Latin America, as well as their brief characteristics.

• Antigua and Barbuda is a small Caribbean country. The country's population is more than 86.6 thousand inhabitants. The official language is English. The capital is the city of St. John's.
• Argentina is the second largest country in Latin America. Its population is more than 42.6 million inhabitants. The official language of Argentina is Spanish. The capital is the city of Buenos Aires.
• Belize is a country located in the Caribbean. The country's population is 308 thousand inhabitants. The official language is English. The capital is Belmopan.
• Bolivia is a country located in the center of South America. Its population is about 10.5 million inhabitants. The official languages ​​are Spanish and Quechua. The capital is the city of Sucre.
• Brazil is the largest country in Latin America. It occupies the territory of central and eastern South America. Population – 201 million inhabitants. The official language is Portuguese. Capital – .
• Venezuela is a country located in the north of South America. Its population is more than 28.4 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. The capital is a city.
• Haiti is one of the poorest Latin American countries, constantly suffering from natural disasters and coups d'etat. Population – about 9.9 million inhabitants. The official languages ​​of Haiti are French, Creole and . The capital is Port-au-Prince.
• Guatemala is a country located in the central part of the Americas continent. Population – about 14.4 million inhabitants. Most of the residents are mestizos and Indians. The official language is Spanish. The capital is Guatemala City.
• Honduras is a country located in the central part of the Americas continent. It is also washed by the Caribbean Sea. Population – more than 8.4 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. The capital is the city of Tegucigalpa.
• The Dominican Republic is a country located in the east of the picturesque island of Haiti. Population: approximately 9.7 million inhabitants. The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. The capital is a city.
• Colombia is a country located in South America. Population – more than 45.7 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. The capital is a city.
• Costa Rica is a small country located in the center of the Americas continent. Its population is more than 4.2 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. The capital is the city of San Jose.
• Cuba is an island country located in the Caribbean. Its unofficial name is Liberty Island. Population – just over 1 million inhabitants. The official language of Cuba is Spanish. Capital – .
• Mexico is a country located in the south of North America. Its population is 116.2 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. Capital – .
• - a state located in the central part of the Americas continent. Population – more than 6 million inhabitants. The official language of Nicaragua is Spanish. The capital is Managua.
• Panama is a state located on the Isthmus of Panama. Its population is about 3.7 million inhabitants. The official language of Panama is Spanish. The capital is Panama.
• Paraguay is a country in the center of South America. Its population is more than 6.3 million inhabitants. The official languages ​​of Paraguay are Spanish and Guarani. The capital is Asuncion.
• Peru is a country in South America, located in its northwestern part. Its population is about 30.5 million inhabitants. The official languages ​​of Peru are Spanish, and in some regions - Aymara, Quechua, etc. The capital is Lima.
• El Salvador is a country located in the center of the Americas continent. Its population is 6.9 million inhabitants. The official language of El Salvador is Spanish. The capital is San Salvador.
• Uruguay is a country in the southeastern part of South America. Its population is more than 3.3 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. The capital is Montevideo.
• Chile is a country located in the southwest of South America. Its population is more than 17.2 million inhabitants. The official language of Chile is Spanish. The capital is Santiago.
• Ecuador is a country located in South America. Its population is more than 15.4 million inhabitants. The official language of Ecuador is Spanish. The capital is Quito.

In addition, Latin America includes the following territories: Puerto Rico (US territory) and the territories of French Guiana, Martinique, Guadeloupe, San Martin and San Barthelemy.

Sights of Latin America

Latin America is incredibly rich in interesting places. Here are located 3 of the 7 new wonders of the world. All attractions of Latin America can be divided into natural and man-made objects, as well as cities and villages of ancient civilizations.

Natural attractions

• Ojos del Salado is the highest volcano on Earth (6887 m).
• The Atacama Desert is the driest place on the planet, located in western South America.
• The Andes are the longest mountain system in the world (9000 km).
• Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world (979 m).
• The Amazon is the longest and most picturesque river on the Planet (6437 km).
• c - the largest South American island, with an area of ​​47,992 square meters. km. This is a virgin land that is famous for its wild nature, beautiful landscapes and harsh climatic conditions.
• Iguazu Falls, located on the border of Argentina and. They represent one of the most beautiful natural wonders of our Planet.

Man-made landmarks

• The Maracana Stadium in Brazil is one of the largest stadiums in the world, capable of accommodating up to 103 thousand fans.
• The statue of Christ the Redeemer is one of the 7 new wonders of the world. The statue is located on Mount Corcovado in Rio.
• Geoglyphs of the Nazco Plateau are a group of amazing images, lines and geometric shapes created by an unknown civilization.
• Moai are the stone idols of Easter Island.

Cities and villages of ancient civilizations

• Cusco (Peru) is the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and one of the oldest South American cities. The name of the city is translated from Quechua as “navel of the world.”
• Machu Picchu (Peru) is one of the 7 new wonders of the world, known as the “city in the sky” or “lost city of the Incas”.
• Teotihuacan (Mexico) is a famous “ghost town” that is the oldest populated area in the Western Hemisphere.
• Umxal (Mexico) is the ancient center of the Mayan civilization, located on the Yucatan Peninsula.
• Panama (80 cm), Paraguay (86.7 cm), El Salvador (83.5 cm), Uruguay (85.9 cm), Chile (83.5 cm), (84 cm), Cuba (84.8 cm) and in Argentina (86.7 cm).
• Legua is a unit of length used in Guatemala (1 unit = 5.573 km), Honduras (4.2 km), Colombia (5 km), Cuba (4.24 km), Ecuador (5 km), Paraguay (4 .33 km), Peru (5.6 km), Uruguay (5.154 km), Chile (4.514 km), Brazil (6.66 km), Mexico (4.19 km) and Argentina (5.2 km).

A holiday in Latin America is truly worth flying halfway around the world to get there. We bring to your attention 10 popular destinations that will tell you about all the advantages of this distant region. Salvador, Brazil. Many tourists who visited Salvador dubbed it the New Orleans of South America. Life in Salvador is in full swing. Enjoy the tropical climate and delicious street food, visit art galleries and dance the night away.
Cartagena, Colombia. The divinely beautiful fishing town on the Caribbean coast has remained in the shadow of its older sister, Bogota, throughout its history, but believe me, it is worth appreciating. The port city attracts tourists with its cobbled streets, colorful architecture, delicious food (especially delicious pastries and, of course, Colombian coffee), and white sandy beaches.
Ambergris Caye, Belize. One of the most popular holiday destinations in Central America, Costa Rica has a lot to offer tourists, but if you're looking for a similar but less crowded destination, you should head to Belize. In addition, the Belize Barrier Reef can compete with the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia and will delight diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.
Havana, Cuba. A city that needs no introduction. Among the buildings from the colonial era, you will find vintage cars, countless shops offering national cuisine and cigars, as well as Cubans dancing salsa and mambo. It doesn’t matter in which part of Cuba you decide to stay, because the beaches on the island are almost always within walking distance or easily accessible by transport.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. If you prefer communing with wildlife to sipping refreshing cocktails on the beach, head to the Galapagos Islands. This is the only place on Earth where you can see marine iguanas and elephant turtles, whose lifespan can reach 150 years.
La Paz, Bolivia. The city is located on the hills at an altitude of 3660 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views that will take your breath away. Be sure to take the time to visit the world's largest salt flat, Uyuni. The sky reflected in the thin layer of water that covers the salt marsh after the rains is a wonderful backdrop for a selfie.
Bocas del Toro, Panama. In the Bocas del Toro archipelago, everyone will find entertainment to their liking: walking tours in off-the-beaten-path areas, underwater excursions and nightlife that rages until dawn. For real adventurers, excursions to bat caves are offered.
Cusco, Peru. The city of Cusco has such a long history that it is sometimes called the cradle of the world. No tourist should leave Peru without visiting Machu Picchu, an ancient city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. If you're tired of the summer heat, head to the cool Argentine Andes, where there are plenty of adventures to suit every taste. Bariloche is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, be it rowing, paragliding, skiing or rock climbing.
Montevideo, Uruguay. The capital of Uruguay is a dynamic city famous for its excellent restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Fans of cities such as New York, Barcelona and Buenos Aires will appreciate the atmosphere that reigns in Montevideo. Have fun at a beach party, take an Argentine tango lesson at a bar, or visit a flea market for some real treasures.

This corner of the planet, which is called Latin America, is unusual and mysterious. It is washed by two oceans, the Atlantic and the Pacific. It consists of 46 states with their own local traditions and customs. All these countries have much in common, however, each of them is individual and special. For quite a long time, most of these countries were colonies of Portugal and Spain. This left its mark, in particular, for many countries the official languages ​​remained Portuguese and Spanish.

In the northern part of Latin America is the beautiful huge country of Mexico. This country overlooks the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of California. Most of the country's territory is occupied by mountains. There are many volcanoes there that attract seasoned travelers. Mexico has a wonderful combination of sultry deserts and vibrant tropical forests. The country's climate allows cacti to grow. But it also allows you to idly relax on the beaches of Mexico. Therefore, multi-colored umbrellas are a common sight on city beaches.

In addition to a beach holiday in this country, you can go on a hike in search of antiquities. The most famous ancient Mayan pyramids are located in Mexico. The sacred cities of this tribe are also located here.

The country's culture is influenced by Spain. But the United States also had an influence, since the United States is Mexico's northern neighbor. This influence led to the mixing of cultures.

The capital of Mexico, the metropolis of Mexico City, is one of the largest cities in the world. It has a lot of interesting entertainment for vacationers. A visit to the underwater parks of the famous Shel-Ha, Garrafon, Contoy, Chankanab will delight you. It will also be interesting to get acquainted with the lagoons and Crocotown crocodile park. Fans of fun nightlife should visit Acapulco. In this city, restaurants, clubs, casinos, and bars are open all night. During the day you can go skydiving, rock climbing, diving, and surfing.

As for national clothing, Mexico has always been associated with sombreros - huge wide-brimmed hats. However, today these hats are sold as souvenirs, and Mexicans are almost never seen wearing them. It is worth noting the local cuisine. No other cuisine in the world has so many spicy seasonings. Therefore, you should be careful when tasting.

Brazil is becoming the second most popular country in Latin America. This is the birthplace of the fiery dance - samba. The nature of Brazil is also of interest. Part of the country is located in the Amazon River Valley, and part is located on the Guiana Plateau. Therefore, in one part of Brazil it is always hot, while in another there are ideal conditions for tropical vegetation. The impenetrable forests of the Amazon remain unexplored to this day. They attract with their mystery and unknown. On the east coast of the country there is the world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer, it is installed on Mount Corcovado.

The most hospitable country in the region is Cuba. Cuba is called hospitable because there are no dangerous animals on the island and there is no sweltering heat. In addition, Cuban rum and Cuban cigars are famous throughout the world.

The most unusual country in the region is Chile. The beauty of this country has inspired many great masters. Gourmets also come here to taste delicious local wine.

Other regions are also popular. Interesting tours allow you to get acquainted with Uruguay, the Bahamas, Argentina, Jamaica, Haiti and other fabulous countries of Latin America.

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A holiday in Latin America is truly worth flying halfway around the world to get there. I bring to your attention 10 popular destinations that will tell you about all the advantages of this distant land.

Salvador, Brazil.

Many tourists who visited Salvador dubbed it the New Orleans of South America. Life in Salvador is in full swing. Enjoy the tropical climate and delicious street food, visit art galleries and dance the night away.

Cartagena, Colombia.

The divinely beautiful fishing town on the Caribbean coast has remained in the shadow of its older sister, Bogota, throughout its history, but believe me, it is worth appreciating. The port city attracts tourists with its cobbled streets, colorful architecture, delicious food (especially delicious pastries and, of course, Colombian coffee), and white sandy beaches.

Ambergris Caye, Belize.

One of the most popular holiday destinations in Central America, Costa Rica has a lot to offer tourists, but if you're looking for a similar but less crowded destination, you should head to Belize. In addition, the Belize Barrier Reef can compete with the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia and will delight diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Havana, Cuba.

A city that needs no introduction. Among the buildings from the colonial era, you will find vintage cars, countless shops offering national cuisine and cigars, as well as Cubans dancing salsa and mambo. It doesn’t matter in which part of Cuba you decide to stay, because the beaches on the island are almost always within walking distance or easily accessible by transport.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

If you prefer communing with wildlife to sipping refreshing cocktails on the beach, head to the Galapagos Islands. This is the only place on Earth where you can see marine iguanas and elephant turtles, whose lifespan can reach 150 years.

La Paz, Bolivia.

The city is located on the hills at an altitude of 3660 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views that will take your breath away. Be sure to take the time to visit the world's largest salt flat, Uyuni. The sky reflected in the thin layer of water that covers the salt marsh after the rains is a wonderful backdrop for a selfie.

Bocas del Toro, Panama.

In the Bocas del Toro archipelago, everyone will find entertainment to their liking: walking tours in off-the-beaten-path areas, underwater excursions and nightlife that rages until dawn. For real adventurers, excursions to bat caves are offered.

Cusco, Peru.

The city of Cusco has such a long history that it is sometimes called the cradle of the world. No tourist should leave Peru without visiting Machu Picchu, an ancient city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.

If you're tired of the summer heat, head to the cool Argentine Andes, where there are plenty of adventures to suit every taste. Bariloche is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, be it rowing, paragliding, skiing or rock climbing.

Montevideo, Uruguay.

The capital of Uruguay is a dynamic city famous for its excellent restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Fans of cities such as New York, Barcelona and Buenos Aires will appreciate the atmosphere that reigns in Montevideo. Have fun at a beach party, take an Argentine tango lesson at a bar, or visit a flea market for some real treasures.

Chichen Itza was once the most powerful city in the Yucatan Peninsula. According to one version, it was built in the 5th-6th century, and in the 10th century it was captured by the Toltec tribe, later turning it into the capital of their state. At the end of the 12th century, Chichen Itza was captured by other city-states and soon fell into disrepair.

The most famous monuments are located in the so-called “new zone”, the one where the Toltec buildings are located. “White roads” paved with limestone lead from building to building. Opposite the main entrance stands the famous El Castillo pyramid, dedicated to Kukulcan, one of the supreme Mayan deities, who was depicted as a feathered serpent.

There are 4 staircases with 91 steps leading to the central platform of the pyramid. The total is 364 steps, which together with the central platform symbolize 365 calendar days. On the days of the equinox, the light falls on the steps of one of the stairs in such a way that you can see the image of a “crawling” snake on it - this spectacle attracts thousands of tourists every year. If you go down the stairs under the pyramid, you can see a more ancient temple with a throne in the form of a red jaguar.

Chichen Itza is also famous for its ball courts, such as Huego de Pelota, the largest court built by the Mayans. On the walls around the site there are many scenes with participants in the games, some of them depicted beheaded.

Christ the Redeemer Statue, Brazil

One of the most famous monuments in the world - Christ "embracing Rio de Janeiro" - stands on the city's highest peak, Mount Corcovado. The idea to erect a monument to Jesus on a picturesque mountain in honor of the centenary of Brazilian independence appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, but construction was completed only in 1931.

The railway leading to Corcovado is the oldest in Brazil, it is 50 years older than the monument - it was along it that massive blocks were subsequently delivered to the mountain for the construction of the statue. Today, only bright red tourist trains run along this road, taking guests to the foot of the statue. Then tourists and pilgrims have to overcome the last part of the journey - on an escalator or along a winding staircase, which is nicknamed Karakol ("Snail").

Inside the marble pedestal there is a small chapel in honor of the patroness of Brazil, the Virgin Mary of Aparecida. In the evening, the statue is illuminated by several hundred spotlights and is visible from anywhere in the city.

Machu Picchu, Peru

The ancient Inca city is located in a remote location among the Peruvian mountains. It is believed that Machu Picchu was built by the Inca chief Pachacutec in the mid-15th century, but a century later the city was deserted for unknown reasons. It was discovered in 1911, and since then has been constantly surrounded by hypotheses, legends, and speculation. You can get to Machu Picchu by train or bus, or on foot, following the original “Inca Way”.

On the territory of Machu Picchu there are more than 200 buildings - palaces, temples, residential buildings. All buildings are built from carefully fitted stones, without fastening material! On the slopes of the mountain, the Incas also built impressive stepped terraces on which they grew crops.

The cult place of Machu Picchu is the Temple of Three Windows, through which the rays of the sun fall on the sacred square where lama sacrifices were made. Another famous landmark of the city is Intihuatana, the stone of the sun. This is a huge monolith on a triangular platform, which, according to one version, served as a sundial, according to another - a place for rituals and celebrations dedicated to Inti, the sun god.

Salt Temple of Zipaquira, Colombia

The salt temple is entirely carved into a salt rock near the Colombian town of Zipaquira. For many centuries, salt mines were mined here, and now at a depth of 200 meters there is a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary of the Rosary, the patroness of miners, and many other rooms.

It is believed that about 90 years ago, miners placed the image of the Mother of God in one of their mines, and then built an altar in the middle of 4 tunnels. However, the temple itself is quite young - the first religious building appeared here in the mid-20th century, and modern premises were opened in 1995.

To get to the temple, you need to go through a tunnel past 14 small chapels reminiscent of the suffering of Christ. After the chapels, guests come to numerous passages, balconies and labyrinths of mines, as well as to the dome, which overlooks a huge cross. Walking further, you can get acquainted with the exhibition of objects made of salt and stone.

Every Sunday, masses are held in the temple, and sometimes live music concerts, and in the neighboring caves there is a cinema hall, souvenir shops and even an underground cafeteria. More recently, the temple was equipped with a modern lighting system, thanks to which all the salt vaults and statues are illuminated in different colors.

Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

Titicaca is not only one of the largest, highest and deepest lakes in the world. According to Inca legend, it was from Lake Titicaca that the god Viracocha came out and created the sun, moon and stars, and then made the first people from stone - Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo. Thus, Titicaca is the birthplace of all Incas, the place where their souls return after death.

About 10 years ago, an ancient temple was discovered at the bottom of the lake, the age of which, according to various versions, ranges from 1000 to 1500 years. There are 41 islands throughout the lake, which are also considered sacred. The largest and most revered of them is the island of the sun - the abode of the Inca sun god Inti. On the island there is the famous Chinaca labyrinth and the “fountain of youth”, to which 206 stone steps lead - the steps of the Inca.

The Island of the Moon, in turn, is considered the home of the goddess Mama Quilla. During the time of the Incas, the so-called “sun virgins” lived here - women who lived in seclusion and performed ceremonies in honor of the sun god.