South America
Information about countries
Are you looking for an overview of South America and ways to get visa for this place? In this article, we will provide you with some requirements for getting a visa, list all the countries as well as some attractions that visitors should come here. Let’s get started!
Getting a visa for South America
Quick facts about South America
Here are some quick facts about South America:
| Category | Fact |
| Total area | 17,840,000 km2 |
| Number of countries | 12 |
| Biggest country by area | Brazil (8,515,770 km2) |
| 2024 population | 453 million people |
| Most populated country | Brazil (215 million people) |
| Number of languages | 400+ |
| Highest point | Aconcagua (6,961 m) |
| Longest river | Amazon River (6,992 km) |
| Largest lake | Lake Titicaca (8,372 km2) |
| Deepest canyon | Cotahuasi Canyon (3,535 m) |
| Driest place | The Atacama Desert (Chile) |
| Wettest place | Lloró (14,300 mm annual rainfall) |
| Newest country | South Sudan (formed in 2011) |
Countries in South America
Capital and population in South America
| Country | Area (km2) | Population (2024) |
| Argentina | 2,766,890 | 46,445,000 |
| Bolivia | 1,098,580 | 12,100,000 |
| Brazil | 8,514,877 | 214,000,000 |
| Chile | 756,950 | 19,500,000 |
| Colombia | 1,141,748 | 51,500,000 |
| Ecuador | 283,560 | 18,000,000 |
| Guyana | 214,999 | 795,000 |
| Paraguay | 406,750 | 7,300,000 |
| Peru | 1,285,220 | 34,000,000 |
| Suriname | 163,270 | 600,000 |
| Uruguay | 176,220 | 3,500,000 |
| Venezuela | 916,445 | 29,000,000 |
Language spoken in South America
Here is the table with the additional language details:
| Language | Regions | Number of speakers (2024) |
| Spanish | Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay | 210 million |
| Portuguese | Brazil, Venezuela, Paraguay, Uruguay | 206 million |
| Quechua | Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia | 6 million |
| English | Argentina, Colombia, Guyana | 5.4 million |
| German | Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Paraguay | 2 million |
| Italian | Argentina, Brazil | 1.5 million |
| Arabic | Argentina, Venezuela | 1.1 million |
| Chinese | Argentina, Peru, Suriname, Ecuador, Guyana | 535,000 |
| Ukrainian | Brazil, Argentina | 527,000 |
| Wayuunaiki | Colombia, Venezuela | 300,000 |
Best countries to visit in South America
Brazil
- Brazil is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America.
- It has vibrant cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, incredible natural wonders like Iguazu Falls and the Amazon rainforest, beautiful beaches along the coast, and interesting cultural attractions.
Peru
- From the heights of Machu Picchu to the natural beauty of the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca, Peru attracts scores of visitors each year.
- The country is rich in archaeological wonders and biodiversity, making it extremely popular with tourists.
Argentina
- Stretching from the Andes to Pampas to Patagonia, Argentina is scenically blessed.
- The cosmopolitan capital of Buenos Aires combines European influence with South American flair.
- Argentina’s got excellent wine regions, the natural wonder of Iguazu Falls, the wide open Patagonian plains dotted with glaciers, and diverse landscapes perfect for outdoor activities.
Chile
- With extreme landscapes, from the Atacama Desert to Patagonian glaciers, Chile packs in diverse beauty.
- Urban attractions like Santiago and Valparaiso also lure travelers with cultural cred and nonstop nightlife.
Colombia
- Once troubled by its past, Colombia now woos visitors with lively cities, rich coffees, amazing landscapes, and wild nightlife.
- The country boasts charm and variety – from colonial Cartagena to innovative Bogotá to the Amazon jungle.
Most popular tourist attractions in South America
Here are the popular attractions in South America:
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
The Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Features
- A 98-foot tall statue of Jesus Christ with arms outstretched.
- It is one of the largest Art Deco statues in the world.
- Stunning panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro and its surroundings.
Activities
- Take the train up Corcovado Mountain to see the statue up close.
- Admire the stunning views of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay.
- Take photos with the iconic Christ the Redeemer in the background.
Visiting tips
- Get up early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there are several flights of stairs to reach the top.
- Check the forecast; views can be obscured on cloudy or rainy days.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel nestled in the Andes Mountains that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Features
- Remarkably intact Inca buildings and stonework.
- Dramatic landscape and views of the surrounding mountains.
- A major destination along the famous Inca Trail.
Activities
- Take tours of the magnificent Inca ruins and terraces.
- Hike up Huayna Picchu for stunning views of Machu Picchu.
- Learn about Inca history and culture at the on-site museum.
Visiting tips
- Purchase entry tickets well in advance as they sell out quickly.
- Stay overnight in Aguas Calientes to visit early before crowds arrive.
- Hike a portion of the Inca Trail for multi-day adventures.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Iguazu Falls is a massive waterfall system along the Iguazu River with over 270 individual drops.
Features
- The world’s largest waterfall system.
- A UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Footpaths and catwalks that allow visitors to experience the falls up close.
Activities
- Take boat tours underneath the falls for a thundering spectacle.
- Walk the trails along the top and bottom of the falls.
- Visit both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides for different perspectives.
Visiting tips
- Stay at least 2 days to fully experience both sides of the falls.
- Bring raincoats or ponchos – you will get wet!
- Avoid weekends and high season if possible, when crowds peak.
Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama is the driest desert in the world with stunning lunar landscapes.
Features
- Mars-like red rock canyons and mountains.
- Clear night skies are perfect for stargazing.
- Steaming geysers shoot into the air.
Activities
- Take jeep tours to visit the Tatio Geysers at sunrise.
- Go sandboarding down the giant dunes.
- Spend a night camping under the amazingly clear starry sky.
Visiting tips
- Prepare for extreme temperatures ranging from very hot days to cold nights.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness in this high desert.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and layers of clothing.
Angel Falls, Venezuela
Angel Falls is the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall at over 3,200 feet tall.
Features
- World’s tallest waterfall, over 15 times taller than Niagara Falls.
- Plunges over the edge of Auyán-tepui mountain.
- Difficult to access, with river trips needed to reach the falls.
Activities
- Take a plane trip from Puerto Ordaz or Canaima to see the falls from above.
- Hike through the jungle and take riverboats on a multi-day tour to access the base of the falls.
Visiting tips
- Go during the rainy season, April-May or October-December, for the best views.
- Be prepared for a lot of travel over land and river to reach this remote location.
- Bring gear for humidity, rain, and insects in the jungle terrain.