South America defies adjectives. It’s difficult to accurately describe somewhere so vast. The greatest array of biological life on Earth thrives in the Amazon rainforest. The mighty Andes run the length of the continent - through the rainforest, dry forest, desert, steppes, boreal forest, and more. Its glaciers on the equator are as impressive as its glaciers near Antarctica, but don’t count out those in the Cordillera Blanca or Patagonia. Iguazu and Angel Falls are perhaps the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Just don’t forget about the ethereal Salar de Uyuni and Atacama Desert.... the pantanal, pampas, puno, altiplano, and beyond. The cities are vibrant, alive with art and music. From festive Rio de Janeiro to “the end of the world”, Ushuaia’s southernmost port. And Buenos Aires’ mate loving, tango dancing, European flair to a Quechua revitalization in Cuzco, Quito, or La Paz - there are endless avenues to explore. Let alone the million towns, ecosystems, fauna and flora in between. I have spent many years in Sudamérica and the wonderful, kind gente will keep me forever coming back.
Places to Visit
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what to eat and where
What to Read & Watch
A South American Starter's Guide
Movies
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The Latest News
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A Matter of Faith
Books
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John Heming (1970)
The acclaimed author presents a series of first-hand accounts of individuals, Inca and conquistadors, to highlight the Incan resistance to Spanish conquest. An excellent history book.
Movie (2002)
The true story of life in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. The story of two gang leaders and an aspiring reporter is no work of fiction. And a very real look at lives in the sprawling hill-climbing slums of Brazil's most famous city.
Che Guevara (1992); Movie (2004)
Che Guevara is an icon. The movie, based on Che's autobiography, traces a road trip across the South American continent that deeply influenced the leader.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez (1967)
Hopefully everyone reads this book at least once in their life. It tells stories of life for a multi-generation family in a fictional Colombian village. This book helped win Garcia Marquez the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Pablo Neruda (1924)
To love and life, by the whimsical, Pablo Neruda. His poetry defined a generation and he remains a Chilean icon to this day. This poetry won him the Nobel Prize in Literature.
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Nick Reding (2002)
Compelling non-fiction of the lives of a disappearing gaucho culture in the remote highlands of Patagonia. Intricate descriptions of people, customs, places, and adventure in Chile.
Movie (1959)
The re-telling of Greek myth of Orpheus during Rio de Janeiro's carnival celebration. It won the Oscar for Best Foreign Picture AND the Palme d'Or at Cannes. It's spectacular.
Gabriela Mistral (1914)
Another Chilean Nobel Prize winning poet, Mistral is often lost in Neruda's shadow. Her writing is powerful, thoughtful, and strongly feminist. She is an admirable icon in Chile.
The glory of the Incan empire lives on today:
The ruins of Machu Picchu are a relic of the ancient kingdom but Cuzco and the Sacred Valley still maintain a vibrant Quecha (Incan) tradition. Read the book while traveling through Peru to understand the vast empire and its inglorious subjugation through Pizarro's conquest.
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For travel to Rio de Janeiro ​
At no point is the recent trend of "favela touring" appropriate. This movie, however, provides an in-depth look at life in Rio de Janeiro's sprawling slums, tracing the true story of gang violence in the 1960's-1980's. It is a highly entertaining and well-done movie.
Che is an icon:
Today's symbol of the Marxist guerrilla fighter is controversial but his long-term impact is indisputable. The galvanization of his pro-communist movement began with a cross-continent motorcycle journey. The book and movie are his diaries - full of humor, love, and tragedy of the young medical student.
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One of the greatest novels ever written hails from Colombia:
Whether traveling through Colombia or not, One Hundred Years of Solitude, is a book you must read before you die. The story is life-affirming with all the good and bad that may come. And tells a Colombian story applicable to all of humanity.
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Another icon - love, beauty, whimsicality - Chile:
Visit Pablo Neruda's homes in Valparaiso and Santiago, Chile. You'll find the bizarre structures full of Chilenos and global travelers touched by his beautiful poetry. It's worth a read to understand Chile and their masterful Nobel Prize-winning poet.
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Chances are you've heard of Patagonia:
And for good reason, this land of wild rivers and windswept peaks is legendary. Chilean and Argentinian cowboys - known as "Gauchos" have occupied this landscape for centuries. From mate in the morning (afternoon and evening) to their traditions and clothing, this author provides a detailed look into their lives through another non-fiction adventure book.
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Carnival celebrations are legendary in Brazil & Paraguay
Join the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro through the ancient myth of Greek hero Orpheus, adapted to modern day festivities. I mean this movie won an Oscar and the Cannes festival - there aren't many like it. Ever.
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More Chilean poetry & Nobel Prizes
Gabriela Mistral is a magnificent poet. Her poems of Death, Despair, and Tenderness are world-class. She spent much of her life in service of others - a model Chilean and exquisite writer - recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1945.
have you traveled South America?
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