Hola, olá and welcome to the enchanting land of Latin America.
Struggling to decide on the place to plan your subsequent journey? We don’t blame you. Each Central America and South America boast dreamy Caribbean seashores, historical relics, jaw-dropping geography and a few cuddly (and not-so-cuddly) critters. To not point out that between sightseeing, you’ll be handled to a number of flavour-filled delicacies, a couple of zesty drinks and the festive rhythms of Latin America.
So, for these making an attempt to make the ever-difficult vacation spot resolution, preserve studying for our information to choosing between the highest websites and engaging eats of Central and South America.
First, what really is Central America?
Whereas South America is categorised as a continent, Central America is a comparatively small sub-region of North America that homes seven international locations: Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Belize. Because it’s so totally different from its Anglo-American counterparts – the US and Canada – this a part of the continent will get its personal ‘mini-continent’, if you’ll.
The Caribbean area, made up of a number of island nations, together with the most important, Cuba and Jamaica, can typically be included within the Central American area because it additionally lies inside North America; nonetheless, more often than not, it’s considered its personal separate area. The identical could be stated of Mexico, because it’s extra culturally much like Latin America than Anglo-America. For the sake of a transparent Central vs South debate, we’ll persist with evaluating the seven international locations talked about above.
Issues to see and do in Central America
In case you’re tossing up between the 2 areas, then sure, South America does have some spectacular websites like Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro and Patagonia, however do you know that in Central America, you’re by no means greater than 200km (125 miles) from a seashore? And people seashores are simply what you’d think about for a area flanked by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west – a paradise made from solar, sea and sand.
However don’t be blinded by the seashores as a result of there’s a lot extra to see and do.
Be at one with nature in Costa Rica
A kaleidoscope of greenery awaits within the suitably nicknamed lush Costa Rica. This nation is a should for nature lovers. Search for sloths hanging out of timber at Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park, swim by waterfalls at Sarapiqui or take a dip into volcano-heated waters at La Fortuna.
Journey (and sick waves) await in El Salvador
Look out over the huge Pacific Ocean or trip its waves with top-notch browsing in El Salvador. When out of the wavy water, wander by means of picturesque cities, circle volcanic craters or swim in clear water caves like these of Cuevas de Moncagua.
Stroll within the footsteps of the Mayans in Guatemala, Honduras and Belize
Gaze upon historical buildings relationship way back to the 1st century AD at websites just like the Tikal Nationwide Park in Guatemala, the Copan ruins in Honduras and Cahal Pech in Belize.
Snorkel the day away within the clear Caribbean waters
Though there’s a lot to do and see round Central America, we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out its grade-A snorkelling. Panama particularly has the kind of seashores that look so idyllic it may be exhausting to imagine they’re actual. Get pleasure from swimming, snorkelling, browsing and extra at a number of spots across the nation, together with the Bocas del Toro archipelago.
Volcano board in Nicaragua
Sandboarding down the black sand of a volcano might not be everybody’s cup of piñol (a standard Ecuadorian spiced milk drink), however Cerro Negro is without doubt one of the solely locations on the earth to do it. Discovered exterior town of Leon in Nicaragua, this hair-raising exercise is effectively price a climb up the volcano.
Prime journeys in Central America
So, South America?
Did we point out earlier than that South America was huge? It’s really the fourth largest continent on the earth, overlaying roughly 17.8 million sq. kilometres and residential to 12 international locations: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela. It additionally boasts the most important rainforest and river on the earth, the Amazon Rainforest and Amazon River, one of many world’s greatest cities, Sao Paolo, and the very best mountains on the earth discovered exterior Asia.
Issues to see and do in South America
Whereas the listing of issues to do in South America might be as huge because the continent itself, we’ve collected a couple of actions that actually stand out on any itinerary.
Stand on the finish of the world in Chile and Argentina
Making up the southern finish of the continent, Chile and Argentina share the glacial stretches, towering snowy peaks and top-tier mountaineering paths of Patagonia. Awe-inspiring sights you’ll wish to level your digital camera at could be present in Perito Moreno Glacier, the Laguna de los Tres nature reserve and the Torres del Paine Nationwide Park. You possibly can additionally board an Antarctica cruise in Ushuaia, Argentina, to tick off the icy seventh continent.
Caribbean seashores, World Heritage cities and the freshest of recent espresso
The primary cab off the rank when arriving in South America is Colombia and this nation is certain to place a smile on any traveller’s face. Get pleasure from Caribbean and Pacific waters on the coast earlier than venturing inland, the place sprawling highlands give option to espresso farms. Cease by charming cities and villages for a style of the nation’s world-renowned nightlife and Colombian hospitality.
See uncommon wildlife in Ecuador
Big tortoises, sea lions, sea turtles, flamingos, iguanas and plenty of extra species name the Galapagos Islands residence. Probably the greatest methods to see these fascinating critters is to island-hop round this volcanic archipelago. However if you happen to’re eager to remain on the continent, the luxurious highlands, teeming Amazon jungle and huge Cotopaxi Nationwide Park have their very own share of unique Ecuadorian native wildlife to see.
Good days out in Peru
If the picture of a llama standing in entrance of a hilltop of historical ruins involves thoughts when somebody says South America, then chances are you’ll be considering of Peru. With its iconic Inca Path, Sacred Valley and close by Cusco Metropolis, the journey to see one of many seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu, is effectively price its fame. In fact, this distant a part of Peru isn’t all that pulls guests – there’s additionally the Amazon Jungle, the buzzing capital of Lima and the floating Urus Islands in Lake Titicaca.
Be a part of the occasion in Brazil
Whereas it’s not the one nation in South America recognized for a full of life occasion scene, Brazil certain means enterprise when it brings out the beats. There’s no higher show of its frenetic spirit than Carnival, a competition so enjoyable it’s recognized all the world over. However a go to to Brazil can take any form or type, from animal recognizing alongside the Amazon and exploring tropical islands like Ilha Grande to paragliding over the well-known Copacabana Seashore in Rio de Janeiro. It’s tough to not have a very good time in Brazil.
Discover the distinctive allure to Bolivia
With fascinating websites like the magical Witches Market in La Paz, the world’s largest salt pan, Salar de Uyuni, and delightful UNESCO historic cities like Potosi and Sucre, Bolivia is certain to captivate its guests. Discover this extraordinary nation by itself or make time to pop over if you happen to’re visiting its high-profile neighbours.
Prime journeys in South America
Meals for thought
In any case that studying, you’re in all probability simply as torn about the place to go; that’s the place meals comes into the choice. These days, you may typically discover every nation’s delicacies all over the place you go. However listed here are a few of the most genuine dishes to strive:
Central American meals to strive:
- Gallo pinto: a Costa Rican breakfast plate of beans, rice, cheese, eggs, tortillas, avocado, plantains and bitter cream.
- Hojaldres: a bread that leans extra in the direction of the feel and style of a doughnut. This dish comes from the shores of Panama, the place it’s eaten most frequently as a savoury breakfast meal.
- Tres Leches Cake: some argue that this dense, moist cake started in Nicaragua, however you’re more likely to discover it as a dessert all through most of America.
- Horchata: a preferred drink from round Latin America, this richly spiced cinnamon and milk drink is unquestionably price a strive.
South American meals to strive:
- Asado: a preferred Argentina speciality of a barbeque meal typically together with quite a lot of meats cooked on a grill from the steak-loving nation Argentina.
- Empanadas chilenas: discover variations of empanadas throughout Central and South America, however particularly in Chile and Argentina.
- Ceviche: an extremely recent and engaging Peruvian dish of uncooked fish with a tangy flavour. Typically served with tomatoes, onion, lime and coriander. Often at its greatest in areas near the ocean.
- Arepas: a favorite dish round central and South America of both candy or savoury bread cooked to be crispy exterior and smooth inside. Venezuelans particularly like to eat at any time of day as you may fill them with absolutely anything you need.
- Choripan: Argentina’s flavourful grilled chorizo (sausage) and bread dish make this primarily an elevated scorching canine.
- Dulce de Leche: a dessert as soon as once more from Argentina, this one with a candy caramel flavour.
- Pisco bitter: that is the nationwide drink of Peru and even has its personal celebrated day in February.
Learn extra: Transfer over Mexico: 7 superior meals from Central America
The decision
In fact, the simple reply to Central vs South America can be to go to each (and possibly a couple of instances) to essentially expertise all that these biodiverse and culture-laden areas need to share. However if you happen to’ve solely acquired a spare week or two for a Latin American journey, right here’s the rundown.
Central America could be a nice choice for country-hoppers seeking to see a number of locations in a brief period of time. And with the additional benefit of getting seashores on all sides, it implies that a visit to Central America could be each a vacation and an journey.
South America additionally has its fair proportion of lovely seashores, however as a result of it spans a a lot bigger space and boasts a number of distinctive geographical options, plenty of its allure lies inland. And with world-renowned mountaineering trails speckled all through the continent, South America could also be extra suited to energetic adventurers.
If by this level you’re utterly impressed and lengthy to expertise the Latin American motion your self, a small group tour is (in our opinion) one of the simplest ways to immerse your self in any vacation spot. And that is very true for such all-encompassing areas just like the Americas. Always, our native guides have a wealth of data, meals suggestions and memorable actions up their sleeves that completely accompany all our action-packed itineraries.
See for your self on an Intrepid small group tour.
