Latin America Continent

Information and Tourism



latinamericaLatin America contains a diverse selection of countries, which are spread amongst three main regions - the Caribbean, Central and South America. With a population now topping 600 million, many residents of Latin America speak either Spanish or Portuguese, often being direct Native American descendants.

After the famous voyages of Christopher Columbus at the end of the 15th century, Europeans began to colonise areas of the Americas, bringing with them their own religious beliefs and lifestyles.

Brazil covers a sizeable chunk of Latin America and this vast country is the continent's largest by far, being edged by the Atlantic Ocean on its easterly coast. Argentina is another important country and lies to the south, where it is also bordered by Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. Other noteworthy countries include Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua and Venezuela. When it comes to tourism, few places in the world can rival the simply mesmerising ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru.




WORLD GUIDES TO ARGENTINA
Officially named as the Argentine Republic, Argentina is an exciting Latin American country and borders the South Atlantic Ocean. The Argentinean scenery is extremely varied and ranges from beautiful sandy beaches and coastal resorts, to the wondrous snowcapped Andes mountain range, which remains the largest mountain range in existence.

Buenos Aires is Argentina's bustling capital city and is very much a modern city, with towering skyscrapers and a distinctive Spanish-style vibrancy.
Buenos Aires
WORLD GUIDES TO BAHAMAS
Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas is an island nation in the Caribbean.

Following its discovery by Christopher Columbus in the late 15th century, the future of the Bahamas changed forever and at one stage, today's capital city of Nassau (on New Providence Island) became something of a pirate stronghold. Tourism around the main beaches is a mainstay of the Bahamas, with Grand Bahama and Paradise Island being favoured by holidaymakers.
Freeport Nassau
WORLD GUIDES TO BARBADOS
For many, Barbados is everything that you could imagine the Caribbean to be - sumptuous white sandy beaches fringed by palm trees, endless water sports and plenty of upmarket holiday resorts to choose between.

Those keen on surfing tend to favour the eastern coastline of Barbados, while tourists head to Bridgetown, the capital city. Close by is the parish of Christ Church, where a visit to the Oistins Fish Market is a must.
Bridgetown Christ Church
WORLD GUIDES TO BERMUDA
The islands of Bermuda are known to many locals as simply Somers Islands and form the oldest remaining British overseas territory. Located to the east of the USA, Bermuda is made up of the parishes of Devonshire, Hamilton, Paget, Pembroke, St. George's, Sandy's, Smith's, Southampton and Warwick.

Hamilton is the capital city of Bermuda and contains many interesting sights, although St. George's Town is actually larger.
Hamilton St. Georges
WORLD GUIDES TO BRAZIL

Amazonas - Bahia - Ceara - Federal District of Brazil - Minas Gerais - Para - Parana - Pernambuco - Rio de Janeiro State - Rio Grande do Norte - Rio Grande do Sul - Santa Catarina - Sao Paulo State

As Latin America's largest and most densely populated country, the Federative Republic of Brazil is packed with interest for tourists. Brazil is to be found directly north of Argentina and lies next to the Atlantic Ocean, where many breathtaking, sun-drenched sandy beaches await holidaymakers.

Some of the very best beaches in Brazil are located in the party city of Rio de Janeiro, where the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches await.
Belem Belo Horizonte Brasilia Buzios Curitiba Florianopolis Fortaleza Foz do Iguacu Manaus Natal Paraty Porto Alegre Recife Rio de Janeiro Sao Paulo Salvador
WORLD GUIDES TO COSTA RICA
Lying within Central America, the Republic of Costa Rica is close to both Panama and Nicaragua, and sits next to the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Beautiful sandy beaches are in plentiful supply along its 'Central Pacific' coastline, while the southern side of Costa Rica is rainforest country.

The Costa Rican capital is San Jose and holidaymakers will discover this busy city to be a leading travel hub. Other prominent cities in Costa Rica include Alajuela, Cartago, Dominical, Heredia, Liberia, Puntarenas and Quesada.
Cartago Puerto Limon Puntarenas San Jose
WORLD GUIDES TO CUBA
The Republic of Cuba is a unique country, with a rich Spanish heritage and a population of some 11 million Cubans. Located to the south of the USA, Cuba is close to the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Mexico.

Havana functions as the capital of Cuba and comes with grand palaces and a very real colonial character, particularly around Old Havana.
Baracoa Cayo Guillermo Cienfuegos Havana Santiago de Cuba Trinidad Varadero Vinales
WORLD GUIDES TO GUATEMALA
The Republic of Guatemala is an important country based within Central America, where it is neighboured by Belize, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico.

On the southern side of Guatemala, the North Pacific Ocean provides an appealing coastline. Antigua, Chichicastenango, El Peten, Flores, Guatemala City, the Highlands, Lanquin, Quetzaltenango and the Pacific Slope are just some of the top destinations.
Antigua Guatemala City Quetzaltenango
WORLD GUIDES TO JAMAICA
The island nation of Jamaica is situated within the Caribbean Sea, where it is a part of the Greater Antilles archipelago. With tropical weather and lots of sun-drenched beaches, it is easy to see why Jamaica entertains such high numbers of holidaymakers.

The Jamaican capital is Kingston, which resides on the south-eastern coastline and contains a busy port, the Norman Manley Airport and the Lime Kay resort. Montego Bay (Mo Bay) is central to tourism.
Kingston Montego Bay Ocho Rios
WORLD GUIDES TO PERU
South America's Republic of Peru draws large numbers of tourists each year, many of which come to discover its ancient civilisations, including Peru's world-famous Inca Empire.

The lost Inca city of Machu Picchu is amongst Peru's most magnificent sights and many visitors choose to trek here, along the scenic 'Inca trail'.
Arequipa Ayacucho Callao Chiclayo Chimbote Cusco Huancayo Iquitos Juliaca Lima Machu Picchu Piura Trujillo
WORLD GUIDES TO PUERTO RICO
Sited on the north-eastern side of the Caribbean Sea, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is an archipelago nation, with a sizeable main island. Both the Playa Flamenco and the Playa Luquillo are especially notable beaches, along with Tres Palmas.

Further attractions in Puerto Rico include the El Yunque National Forest, the Isla Culebra, and the various coffee haciendas, as well of course as the capital city of San Juan.
Bayamon San Juan
WORLD GUIDES TO TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago resides within the southern Caribbean and close to Venezuela. Although this archipelagic state comprises many different islands, it is Trinidad and Tobago that remain the two most significant islands.

Trinidad is the largest and home to some 90 percent of the total country's population, with the Port of Spain being the capital city. Of note, Buccoo Reef on Tobago is famed for its exceptional scuba diving and scenery.
Trinidad Tobago
WORLD GUIDES TO VENEZUELA
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is the sixth-largest country in Latin America and offers an especially diverse landscape, made up of mountains, rainforests and waterfalls, including the record-breaking Angel Falls.

Venezuela is an affluent country, with much of its wealth being attributed to its oil fields. Tourism is certainly starting to take off here, with trips to the Morrocoy National Park and the Isla de Margarita beaches a highlight.
Caracas Maracaibo Maracay Merida Valencia

Continent Map of Latin America


Latin America Continent Map