Andes & Amazon
On a letter board is a quote from Emiliano Zapata, “The land belongs to those who work it”
Editor’s note: This post will continue to evolve as I do
Welcome explorers, to a new leg of our Around the World journey. A series designed to take you through every country on the map, one region at a time, offering a glimpse into the cultures, geographies, and hidden stories that often go unnoticed. We’ve wandered through continents and crossed oceans, and after finishing up the vast blue expanse of Oceania, we now land on our final continent: South America.
Today’s chapter, “Andes & Amazon,” leads us through six remarkable nations, including: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador. Where landscapes shift from towering mountain peaks to endless jungle rivers.
From soaring peaks to winding rivers, these nations define South America’s story. Are you ready? Let’s go.
My hand-drawn flag of Argentina
ARGENTINA
Official name: Argentine Republic
Pronunciation: aar-juhn-tee-nuh
Capital: Buenos Aires
Official language: No official language, but Spanish is the main language used
Location: Southern part of South America in the Southern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay
Most known for: Passion for football (soccer for Americans)
Fun fact: Home to the world’s first animated feature film for El Apóstle, back in 1917
Recent news article: What to know before visiting Argentina (Luke Waterson, 2025)
My knowledge: While I knew someone from Argentina, I’m not too familiar
My hand-drawn flag of Bolivia
BOLIVIA
Official name: Plurinational State of Bolivia
Pronunciation: buh-li-vee-uh
Capital: With two capitals, La Paz (de facto capital) and Sucre (official constitutional capital)
Official language: Includes the following 37 official languages: Spanish, Baure, Reyesano, Puquina, Paraguayan Guarani, Tapieté, Trinitario Language, Canichana, Aymara, Mòoré, Cayubaba, Guaraní, Yucacaré language, Chimane language, Movima, Wichí Lhamtés Nocten, Kallawaya, Ignaciano language, Ayoreo, Mashco Piro language, Cavineña, Chipaya language, Leco, Yaminawa language, Araona, Sirionó, Ese Ejja language, Quechuan language, Guarayu language, Pauserna, Toromona language, Pacahuara, Matsiguenga language, Tacana, Itonama, Yuqui language, and Chácobo
Location: In Central South America on the western half in the Southern Hempishere
Surrounding countries: Chile, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina
Most known for: The Andean mountains
Fun fact: Has the world’s largest salt flat, known as Salar de Uyuni
Recent news article: Pachamama Endures: From Ancient Andes to Modern Bolivia (The Wild Hunt, 2025)
My knowledge: I knew someone from Bolivia once but I don’t known much, otherwise.
By hand-drawn flag of Brazil
BRAZIL
Official name: Federative Republic of Brazil
Pronunciation: bruh-zil
Capital: Brasília
Official language: Portugese
Location: Along the Eastern coast of South America in both the North and South Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname
Most known for: Iconic landmarks, such as Christ the Redeemer statue and Amazon Rainforest
Fun fact: Has the world’s largest tropical wetland area, the Pantanal
Recent news article: Top 10 Museums in Brazil That Showcase the Country’s Culture and History (Matt Durum, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m a little familiar
My hand-drawn flag of Chile
CHILE
Official name: The Republic of Chile
Pronunciation: CHEE-lay
Capital: Santiago
Official language: No official language, but Spanish is the de facto
Location: Along the Southwestern coast of South America in the Southern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina
Most known for: Patagonia mountains
Fun fact: Home to the world’s driest desert (aside from Antartica), the Atacama Desert
Recent news article: Indigenous people of Chile: a new niche of tourism in our country (Chile Travel, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m not too familiar
My hand-drawn flag of Colombia
COLOMBIA
Official name: The Republic of Colombia
Pronunciation: kuh-luhm-bee-uh
Capital: Bogotá
Official language: Spanish
Location: On the Northwestern coast of South America in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela, and Brazil
Most known for: Its coffee
Fun fact: Has the world’s tallest palm trees in Cocora Valley
Recent news article: On Colombia’s coast, the Wayuu struggle to save their territory and culture (Luzbeidy Monterrosa Atencio, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m not that familiar
My hand-drawn flag of Ecuador
ECUADOR
Official name: Republic of Ecuador
Pronunciation: eh-kwuh-dor
Capital: Quito
Official language: Spanish
Location: On the Northern portion on the Western coast in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Colombia and Peru
Most known for: Its biodiversity hotspot
Fun fact: Quito, is the highest official capital in the world, standing at 9,350 feet
Recent news article: A city of culture in the high Andes (The Week UK, 2025)
My knowledge: Not all that much
… And just like that, we’ve trekked from the heights of the Andes to the heart of the Amazon. These six countries are each carry a distinct pulse: one of resilience, one of rhythm, and one of raw natural beauty from Argentina through Ecuador. This region demands curiosity and rewards it with awe.
Before we part, don’t forget to not just chase landmarks, but to listen. From mountain whispers to jungle songs, this part of the world speaks in sound and stillness. Let it shift something in you.
Ready to keep traveling? The Around the World journey continues. If you’re just joining or want to catch up, start from “Just the Beginning,” this full itinerary is waiting for you.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
