SOUTH AMERICA

BOLIVIA
Bolivia (Plurinational State of Bolivia) is named after Simon Bolivar, a
Venezuelan soldier and statesman. The official capital and seat of justice is Sucre, while
La Paz stands as the administrative capital. It can be accessed through its largest
airport, Viru Viru International Airport (VVI). It is the hub of the country's national flag
carrier, Boliviana de Aviacion (OB). Spanish, Aymara, and Quechua are the official
languages in the country. Majority of Bolivarians are embracing Catholicism as their
religion.

The culture is an amalgam of indigenous and colonial influences. Sports, food, clothing,
and festivals are a reflection of Bolivarian culture. Soccer is the most popular sport in
Bolivia. Among the food ingredients are potatoes, corn, beans, and quinoa. silpancho is
an example of a Bolivarian dish. It is composed of rice, topped with potatoes, parsley,
and egg. Pollera is a traditional attire worn by women while ponchos and vests are worn
by men. Carnaval de Oruro (a festival in the mountains of Oruro) is a UNESCO
representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (Pariona, 2017).

The archaeological City of Tiwanaku is another UNESCO World Heritage Centre. It is a

significant pre-Hispanic empire reflecting the spiritual and political center of Tiwanaku
culture ([Link] The complex comprises the Akapana pyramid, the
Kalasasaya Temple, and the Pumapunku.

Capital: Sucre and La Paz

Languages: Spanish, Aymara, and Quechua
Currency: Boliviano (BOB)
Religions: Roman Catholic
Carrier: Boliviana de Aviacion (OB)
Major International Airport: Viru Viru International Airport (VVI)

Gastronomy
Anticuchos

The anticucho is one of the typical dishes to eat in Bolivia, no matter what, this
dish is a kind of meat brochette with potatoes. It is cooked on the grill and served with a
spicy peanut sauce. It is a very tasty and cheap dish, which is customary to eat with
your hands.

Noodle chili

This traditional Bolivian dish consists of veal tongue with a spicy touch. It is
served with dehydrated potato or chuño, with coriander, onion and tomato sauce.
Festival and events
Santa Semana (Easter Holy week) - March and April

In Bolivia, Santa Semana marks a week long celebration in the run up to Easter
Sunday and it is a celebration that is enjoyed throughout Latin America. One of the most
eye-catching celebrations of the week are the Palm Sunday, or Domingo de Ramos,
processions, where huge parades pass through the streets, laying palm throngs along
the ground.

On the Thursday of the following week almost all the churches and cathedrals in
Bolivia open their doors to the public; a great opportunity for visitors and tourists to
discover the interiors of some of the numerous beautifully decorated churches
throughout the country. Good Friday is marked by a delicious 12-course meal enjoyed
by all devotees and shared with families and friends. The festival ends on dawn of
Easter Sunday, where followers pray and give thanks to God.

BRAZIL
Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest nation in the
world. It forms an enormous triangle on the eastern side of the continent with a 7,400km
coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. It has borders with every South American country
except Chile and Ecuador.

The Brazilian landscape is very varied. It is most well-known for its dense forests,
including the Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest, in the north. But there are also dry
grasslands (called pampas), rugged hills, pine forests, sprawling wetlands, immense
plateaus (areas of level high ground) and a long coastal plain.

Capital: Brasilia
Language: Portuguese.
Currency: Real
Religion: Christianity and Islam
Carrier: LATAM Airlines Brasil
Major International Airport: São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport

Gastronomy
Feijoada

It is the national dish of Brazil, so it can be found in most restaurants in the

country. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, the feijoada is a stew that contains black beans,
meat (usually pork) and rice. In some kitchens they also accompany it with fried
plantain, chopped cabbage, oranges, cassava flour, eggs and sausage. Although this
dish can be consumed any day of the week, the days where they are present in all the
menus are usually on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Beijinho de coco

Translated as "Coconut Kiss", the beijinho is one of the most delicious Brazilian
desserts in the country. It consists of small balls of chocolate, made from condensed
milk, butter and coconut. The mixture is cooked over a medium heat to achieve the
perfect texture. The mixture is rolled into balls and covered in fine pieces of coconut to
create a bite-size sweet treat!

Festival and events

Carnival, Rio de Janeiro & Salvador (Mid-February)

The world's biggest and most spectacular carnival takes place in Rio de Janeiro
each February, as the famous beaches and iconic sights are cast into a supporting role
for the epic parades and jubilant street parties. At its heart, the Rio Carnival is actually a
fiercely contested competition between professional samba schools, the cream of which
are given the opportunity to parade through the 90,000 capacity Sambadrome in a
battle to be crowned champion. Enormous floats form the centrepieces of the parades,
surrounded by Cariocas in colourful costumes, dancing to the beat of infectious live
samba music and watched on by a euphoric crowd, soaking in and amplifying this truly
unique spectacle. Attending the Rio Carnival can provide you with a front row seat in the
frisas which line the runway, or perhaps a place among the locals or fellow travellers
higher up in the heart of the stands. Wherever you choose to sit, the intense sights and
sounds of the Sambadrome will never fade.

ECUADOR
Ecuador or Republica del Ecuador (The Republic of the Equator) gets its name
from the Spanish word for "equator." The capital of the country, Quito, is named "the city
of eternal spring." Ecuador is admired because of the Baroque churches and convents.
It also offers adventure and ecological tourism (Boniface et al., 2016).

Galapagos or "The Enchanted Islands," a UNESCO World Heritage site of Humanity, is

the home of numerous islets and nearty 20 major and medium islands.

Most popular islands are:

 Santa Cruz Island, the most populated island in the country, which holds
captivating natural attractions like beautiful beaches;
  San Cristobal Island, an island named after the patron saint of the sailors and
part of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the islands;

 Floreana Island, known for its natural beauty and adventure activities; and

 Isabela Island, the place to see fauna such as penguins, marine iguanas,
flamingos, Galapagos hawk, turtles, finches, and sea lions.

Capital: Quito
Language: Spanish
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Religion: Roman Catholicism
Carrier: TAME EP Linea Aerea del Ecuador (EQ)
Major International Airport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport

Gastronomy
Churrasco

Meat is another essential ingredient of Ecuadorean cuisine. Along the whole

coast, particularly in Guayaquil, churrasco meat is prepared on a griddle. The
Ecuadorean churrasco consists of a piece of beef which is cooked on a griddle or
directly over the flames. It is seasoned with chimichurri sauce and served with rice, fried
potatoes, salad, avocado and garlic.

Cuy

It should be clarified that the Cuy is a small edible rodent from Latin America. Its
meat contains much protein and little fat. It is served both fried and roasted
accompanied by potatoes, milled maize and salad. If you are not keen on trying it, you
could think of it as hare or another type of game animal.

Festival and events

Yuca Festival

Of all the events that you could see in Ecuador, it is essential that you see the
Fiesta de la Yuca. It is celebrated between January and March and is a typical festival
of the Ecuadorean Amazon. The villages of Zaparos and Kichwas sing tributes to
celebrate the ripening of the fruit.

Other celebrations that take place in February are the Día del Oriente
Ecuatoriano (East Ecuador Day) on the 12th of February, the provincialisation of the
Galápagos (18th of February), and the Batalla de Tarqui (the Battle of Tarqui) on the
27th. The latter commemorates the battle which took place in 1829 in the Portete de
Tarqui.
PERU
Peru (Republic of Peru) is the third largest state in South America. It is bordered by
Chile, Brazi, Solvia, Ecuador, and Colombia. Lima is the capital and tis bordered of
Peru. It also showcases the country's culture and history. Peruvian people speak
Spanish. However, the native languages such as Quechua and Aymara are likewise
spoken.

Many locals embrace Catholicism as their religion. They are characterized as friendly
people who put much attention to their visitors. They are avid fans of football, as this is
their national Sport. They also take pride of their national dish, Peruvian ceviche or
cibiche, a traditional cuisine that is made with fresh fish marinated in lime, onion, chili
pepper, salt, and pepper.

Tourist destinations and festivals in Peru:

 Inca ruins in the Cuzco is a must visit destination in Peru. It is said that you can
only claim that you have been to Peru if you have visited the Inca ruins.

 Machu Picchu is known to be the "lost city of the Incas." It is an archaeological

site that one must not forget to visit (Rachawiecki, 2011). It is a UNESCO World
Cultural and Natural Heritage site and an iconic tourist destination of the country
([Link] [Link]). Incas (Children of the Sun) put great value on gold and
silver because of its symbolic significance. Gold represents the "sweat of the
sun"; Sapa Inca was the son of Sun (Inti). Silver is said to be the "tears of the
moon"; Quilla (moon) is the consort of the Sun (Schevill, 2010).

 Inti Raymi in Quechua means "Fiesta del Sol" (Sun Festival), a festival to worship
the Sun god of Inca culture. This is held in Sacsayhuaman citadel. Danza de
tijeras (Scissors dance) is inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Humanity.

The main gateway to the country and the main hub is the Jorge Chavez International
Airport (LIM), while the national flag carrier is Aero Condor (26).

Capital: Lima
Language: Spanish
Currency: Sol (PEN)
Religion: Roman Catholic
Carrier: Aero Condor (Q6)
Major International Airport: Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM)

Festival and events

La Fiesta Candelaria

Every November, the city of Puno in southeastern Peru throws an epic two-week
party known as La Fiesta Candelaria. It's held in honour of the Virgin of Candelaria, the
patron saint of Puno, who represents fertility and shares similarities to the Incan
goddess, Pachamama.

As Peru’s largest festival, people travel from all over the country and beyond to
watch traditional dancing, marvel at colourful costumes and masks, and shimmy to the
sounds of Peruvian folk music. La Fiesta Candelaria unites the country's Catholic and
Indigenous communities and has been named by UNESCO as part of Peru’s Intangible
Cultural Heritage.

VENEZUELA
Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela) is a country in South America
bordered by Brazil, Colombia, and Guyana. The country's name originated from an
Italian word "venezuola" meaning "little Venice." The major seaports are La Guiana,
Macaraibo, Puerto Cabello, and Punta Cardon ([Link]). Caracas is the capital
and the gateway to the country, which can be accessed through the Simon Bolivar
International Airport (CCS). Venezuela is known as the home of the highest waterfalls in
the world.

Other tourist attractions in the country include:

 Los Roques Archipelago National Parks - has a spectacular beach that draw
tourists in the area. Water activities that can be enjoyed are divin g: sports
fishing, and windsurfing; and

 Los Llanos and Canaima National Park - are both inscribed in the UNESCO
World Heritage List.

Dishes to try in the country are: sopa de mondongo, a vegetable soup with the
tripe of beef or pork; pabellon crollo, a traditional venezuelan food composed of white
rice, black beans, and a steak; and majarete, a dessert consists of coconut milk and
corn.

Visas are required for Filipinos who wish to visit Venezuela.

Capital: Caracas
Language: Spanish
Currency: Bolívar Soberano (VES)
Religion: Christianity
Carrier: Conviasa (VO)
Major International Airport: Simon Bolivar International Airport (CCS)

Gastronomy
Pabellón criollo
Is the quintessential Venezuelan meal. The various components of the dish are a
balance of flavors and colors that make a Venezuelan’s heart sing: shredded beef,
simmered black beans, fried plantains and hot rice. Sometimes a fried egg is thrown on
the top for good measure.

Festival and events

Corpus Christi – June

Corpus Christi is a Catholic celebration observed throughout Venezuela, marked

by processions, religious ceremonies, and traditional dances. The festival takes place
two months after Easter Sunday and is a time for the faithful to honor the presence of
the Eucharist.

In many cities and towns, streets are adorned with intricate carpets made of
colored sawdust and flowers. The Corpus Christi procession passes over these carpets,
creating a visually stunning and symbolic display. The festival is a blend of religious
devotion and artistic expression, showcasing Venezuela’s cultural richness.

CHILE
Chile (Republic of Chile) is a narrow strip of land in the southwestern portion of
South America, Santiago the country's capital and business center. It also houses the
oldest architectural monument of the country, the San Francisco Church. The main
gateway to the country is Santiago de Chile Airport or, officially, the Comodoro Arturo
Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL), the hub of LATAM sky airline.

Some of the attractions in Chile are:

 Atacama Desert - considered as one of the driest desert in the world;

 Flamenco National Reserve - offers various tourist spots that can be experienced
by its visitors. It includes rich flora and fauna, mountains, rock formations and
lagoons; and
  Torres del Paine National Park - offers wonderful environment composes of
waterfalls, lakes, mountains, and glaciers. Months of October to February are the
best time to visit the park (Silva, 2015).

Chileans are described to be hospitable. They show it by opening their homes to

their visitors. Once invited, you must take note to not come early but rather arrive 15
minutes after the given schedule. It is a nice gesture that you give something to the
hosts and greet each one with a kiss or a handshake. Do not underdress. Present
yourself well by dressing pleasantly (Roraff and Camacho, 2011). Chilean food to try
include empanada, its fillings consist of ground beef, boiled egg, olivés and raisins, and
curanto, a traditional Chilean dish with shellfish, meat (smoked meat, sausage,
chicken), and potatoes as its main ingredients.

Capital: Santiago
Language: Spanish (also known as Castellano)
Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
Religion: Roman Catholic
Carrier: LATAM sky airline (LA)
Major International Airport: Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport

Gastronomy
Carbonada (Vegetables and meat minestrone-like soup)

It is a very traditional winter stew of the Chilean cuisine. There are versions of
this soup in other cuisines of Latin America and here in Chile, it is prepared with
potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, green beans and varied seasonings, plus meat cut into
small pieces. It is served in a soup dish with abundant broth sprinkled with parsley.

Empanadas de pino (Traditional baked turnover pie with a meat and onion filling)

Originated in the Arabic gastronomy and passed on to the Spanish peninsula,

empanadas cover almost every Latin American gastronomy; however, it is in Chile
where the pino filling was born, containing finely chopped onion, diced meat, hard-
boiled egg and raisins. The Sunday empanada is a tradition very few Chileans can
resist, even less if it is caldúa (a somehow soaked filling) and spicy, juices oozing down
to the elbow, served with a good red wine of the year, young and bright like the pino.

Festival and events

Tapati Festival of Rapa Nui (Februay)

The Tapati Festival of Rapa Nui, one of the most unique festivities in Chile, is
celebrated in February in addition to the carnival. On the distant Easter Island, locals
paint their bodies and dance to music. This is a traditional festival, where traditional
legends are told, and where artistic and sports competitions take place.

The Valdivian week or Valdivia festivities in the south of Chile also take place in
February. It celebrates the founding of the city and includes fireworks, beer, and a
gastronomic feast.

But without a doubt, the month of February is intimately related to Carnival, in

this case, Carnavalón (Big Carnival). In Socoroma, Putre and San Miguel de Azapa,
there is a tradition of unearthing Ño Carnavalón. It is a symbol of fertility, fortune and
joy, a character who is the starting point for the most traditional Chilean carnival.

PARAGUAY
Paraguay (Republic of Paraguay) is a landlocked country neighbored by Bolivia,
Brazil, and Argentina. It is one of the least developed countries in South America. The
capital of the country is Asuncion, which means "Assumption." It showcases
architectural structures during the colonial period. Guarani people's handicrafts and
music add to the country's appeal.

Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue is only

UNESCO Word Hertage site in the country. Sivio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU)
is the principal gateway to Paraguay.

Capital: Asuncion
Languages: Spanish and Guaraní
Currency: Paraguayan Guarani (PYG)
Religion: Roman Catholic
Carrier: LATAM Airlines Paraguay (PZ)
Major International Airport: Silvio Pettirossi International Airport

Gastronomy
Vori-vori (bori-bori)
It is a hearty Paraguayan soup filled with meat (usually beef or chicken), fluffy
dumplings consisting of cornmeal and cheese, and vegetables such as carrots, celery,
and onions. The soup is traditionally flavored with bay leaves, cloves, and parsley, while
saffron gives it a rich golden color.

Vori-vori is especially popular during the cold winter months, although it is

sometimes also consumed during the summer. It is recommended to serve vori-vori
warm, sprinkled with parsley and accompanied by grated parmesan cheese on the side.
The soup is very rich in nutrients, and there are many varieties such as the one with the
addition of grilled chicken pieces.
Festival and events
Poyvi Festival: Celebrating Paraguayan Artistry

The Poyvi Festival, celebrated in November, is a vibrant showcase of

Paraguayan arts and crafts. Poyvi, meaning ‘cloth’ in Guarani, is a celebration of
traditional Paraguayan textiles and handicrafts. Artisans from across the country gather
to display and sell their works, including intricate lacework, colorful weavings, and
handmade pottery. This festival is not just a market; it’s a celebration of the artistic skills
and creativity that are a cornerstone of Paraguayan culture.

URUGUAY
Uruguay (Oriental Republic of Uruguay) is bordered by Brazil and Argentina. The
capital is Montevideo. It reflects a pleasant fusion of past and present. Early and
modern architectural structures like Puerta de la Ciudadela (City Gate), El Cabildo, the
Iglesia Matriz (Matriz Church), and Torre de las Comunicaciones (Communications
Tower) have blended well together in this city. This Spanish-speaking country has
shared Argentinian culture, which can be seen in their dance (tango) and drink (mate).
Tango has its roots not only in Buenos Aires but also in Montevideo. Mate is an
essential part of Uruguayan's culture. It is a drink made of Yerba mate leaves.

Uruguay has plenty to offer to its visitors:

 Valle del Lunarejo (The Lunarejo Valley) and Esteros de Farrapos are attractions
with diverse natural environments.

 Costa Azul, San Luis, and Aguas Dulces are known for their resorts.

 La Paz and Conchillas showcase the country's historical treasures

Capital: Montevideo
Language: Spanish
Currency: Uruguayan Peso (UYU)
Religion: Roman Catholic
Carrier: PLUNA (Primeras Líneas Uruguayas de Navegación Aérea) (PU) former airline
Major International Airport: Carrasco International Airport (MVD)

Gastronomy
Chivito
Chivito, which can be translated as “little goat”, is Uruguay's national dish. It's a
sandwich that consists of a sliced “churrasco” (grilled beef), melted mozzarella cheese,
ham, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, fried or hard-boiled eggs, and black or green olives

Festival and events

Tango Festival – A Tribute To Uruguay’s Passionate Dance
 Tango is a dance that originated in the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and
Montevideo, but Uruguayans have made it their own. The Tango Festival is an annual
event that celebrates the dance and its culture. The festival features tango
performances, workshops and concerts. It is an opportunity for tango enthusiasts from
all over the world to meet and share their passion for dance.

The festival also celebrates the history and evolution of tango. It showcases the
different styles of tango that have emerged over the years and the music that
accompanies them. Visitors can learn about the origins of tango and its place in
Uruguayan culture. But above all, the Tango Festival is a celebration of the passion and
romance that the dance represents.

GUYANA
Guyana (Republic of Guyana) is a country surrounded by Brazil, Suriname, and
Venezuela. Its name from the Amerindian word meaning " Land of Many Waters". The
country is home to the giant anteaters, jaguars, largest river otters, capybaras,
anacondas, and the biggest lily, the Victoria Amazonia. The capital of Guyana is
Georgetown, and the main gateway to the country is the Cheddi Jagan International
Airport (GEO).

People of Guyana speak English (official language) and are considered to be

warmhearted. Their national dish is pepperpot, served during special occasion like
Christmas. Its main ingredients are meat (beef or pork) and special sauce made from
cassava root. Some of the popular street foods are egg balls, which consists of boiled
egg covered with cassava mixture, and chicken foot, which is not an actual foot of the
chicken but is made from flour dough, curry, and cumin.
Guyana boasts its natural-based and adventure tourism. Among the adventure activities
are hiking or trekking to various mountain trails like Panorama Mountain Trail, Clarence
Mountain Trail, Iwokrama Mountain Trail, Awarmie Mountain and Makarapan Trek; 4x4
safari; and abseiling.

Visa requirements for tourists are two (2) photographs, name and address of the
hotel/sponsor to be shown on arrival, letter of invitation, telephone number and/or e-mail
address of the sponsor and accommodation, and evidence of financial capacity to cover
30 days of stay to be presented upon arrival. Visitors must make sure that the
application is filled out completely and requirements are supplied to avoid rejection.

Capital: Georgetown
Language: English
Currency: Guyanese Dollar (GYD)
Religions: Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam
Carrier: Guyana Airways (GY) until 2001
Major International Airport: Cheddi Jagan International Airport

Gastronomy
Fricasé
This is a stew very representative of Guyana which is prepared with beef cut into
small pieces, vegetable pieces and egg or cream sauce, is it an ideal dish for lunch or
dinner. Varieties such as chicken and beef fricassee can even be found in restaurants in
the capital.

Catalina
This is one of the typical Guyanese desserts, it is considered as a snack and a
small portion it gives you a significant amount of energy, it is a sweet and flattened cake
that is prepared from coconut wheat flour and brown sugar.

Festival and events

Mashramani
Held every February, usually on the 23rd, since 1970, Mashramani celebrates
Guyana’s becoming of a republic. Translated from the Amerindian language, it means
“the celebration of a job well done.” Thousands of people line the streets to view a big
parade with extravagant floats, people dressed in colorful costumes dancing to
Caribbean-originated music and many competitions with cash prizes. The musical
competitions include a steel band competition, soca monarch competition, chutney
competition and calypso competition. At the end of Mashramani, a king and queen are
also crowned. And what’s a Guyanese festival without some delicious Caribbean food?
The festival features vendors which sell plantain chips, fried chicken, pine tarts, cheese
rolls and other fine pastries and food. Guyana’s Mashramani is a festival that is
embraced by every race which resides in the country and it is a spectacle to behold.
From the children smiling as all eyes are on them during the parade, to the beautifully
crafted floats and beaded costumes, this is not a festival to miss if you plan on visiting
Guyana in February.

Rodeo
The annual rodeo is a unique event that showcases Guyana’s cowboy culture.
With thrilling bull riding, roping competitions, and other rodeo events, it’s an exciting
opportunity for visitors to experience the country’s agricultural heritage and enjoy live
music and local cuisine.

ARGENTINA
Its terrain includes part of the Andes mountain range, swamps, the plains of the
Pampas and a long coastline. Argentina is rich in resources, has a well-educated
workforce, and is one of South America's largest economies. In cultural terms, it has
given the world major writers like Jorge Luis Borges, and the tango dance phenomenon.
But its political life has been troubled by military coups and the vagaries of the populist
Peronist movement, while the economy has been prey to dramatic booms and
recessions.

Northeast Argentina features rainforests and Iguazu Falls. Located on Argentina’s

border with Brazil, this spectacular waterfall descends along a 2.7km front in a
horseshoe shape. Sadly, as the country develops it is being affected by deforestation
and pollution.

Capital: Buenos Aires

Language: Spanish, plus Guaraní, Quechua, Qom, Mocoví, Wichí, Welsh
Currency: Argentine peso
Religions: Christianity, Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam
Carrier: Aerolíneas Argentinas
Major International Airport: Ezeiza International Airport (also known as Ministro
Pistarini International Airport)

Gastronomy
Asado
The quintessential Argentine dish and one of the delights of the country. It consists
of different pieces of grilled meat. Depending on the region, the technique may vary.
The typical one among the gauchos is to hang the meat in an iron grill in the earth and
to place it around the fire. In the cities it is also common to see grills, although most of
them are not covered. The type of meat that is usually consumed is beef, lamb or veal,
although it is also common to find grilled fish. The cut is also important, the most
popular being the rib.

Festival and events

‘Carnival of the Quebrada de Humahuaca
The Carnival of the Quebrada de Humahuaca is one of the most popular in
Argentina. It is a mixture of the traditions imposed during the Spanish colonization and
the older native traditions, such as Pachamama. During the first day, the pilgrims go to
the mountains to unearth the devil, a key figure in these festivities which is then buried
again at the end of the Carnival. The music and the dancing continue throughout the
night.