Rivers & Rainforests
Black and white photo depicting a straight river dense coverage of bushes on either side, not from South America, but setting the tone of its quiet, untamed river landscapes
Editor’s note: This post will continue to evolve as I do.
Welcome back, world travelers, and for those joining for the first time, you’ve arrived just in time for the final stop of our Around the World journey. This series has been a global hop from deserts to skylines, temples to tropics, uncovering cultures geography, and perspective through bite-sized, country-focused chapters.
Today, we land in “Rivers & Rainforests,” where Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela come into focus. These nations guard the secrets of both culture and nature with rich histories, biodiverse wonderlands, and traditions that run deeper than the Amazon itself.
If you’re just tuning in, head to “Just the Beginning,” the series origin point and full itinerary, to see just how far we’ve come. Now, let’s explore the final currents of South America.
My hand-drawn flag of Guyana
GUYANA
Official name: The Co-Operative Republic of Guyana
Pronunciation: gai-aa-nuh
Capital: Georgetown
Official language: English
Location: On Northeastern coast of South America slightly above the equator in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Venezuela, Suriname, and Brazil
Most known for: Being “Land of the Giants” due to being a biodiversity hotspot, having unique ecosystems, and having some of the world’s largest and impressive wildlife and flowers
Fun fact: Home to the world’s largest single drop waterfall, the Kaieteur Falls
Recent news article: What to Know About Visiting Guyana, South America’s Best-Kept Secret (Travel Age West, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m mainly familiar with country name and location
My hand-drawn flag of Paraguay
PARAGUAY
Official name: The Republic of Paraguay
Pronunciation: peh-ruh-gwai
Capital: Asunción
Official language: Spanish and Guarani
Location: In the middle of South America in the Southern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil
Most known for: “Heart of South America” due to its central location and being at the crossroads of cultures and trades
Fun fact: Visitors often clap instead of ring door bells as windows are often open due to the heat
Recent news article: 5 totally unmissable festivals to see in Paraguay (Anujj Trehaan, 2025)
My knowledge: Not all that familiar
My hand-drawn flag of Peru
PERU
Official name: Republic of Peru
Pronunciation: pr-oo
Capital: Lima
Official language: Spanish
Location: Along the western coastline right at the equator and in the Southern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile
Most known for: Machu Picchu
Fun fact: Having the world’s highest sand dune, standing at 3,860 feet tall. It can be found at Cerro Blanco
Recent news article: Bubblegum Soda, Fried Rice, and Unexpected Fusion: Peru’s China Food Culture (Tanya Fraser, 2025)
My knowledge: Slightly familiar
My hand-drawn flag of Suriname
SURINAME
Official name: The Republic of Suriname
Pronunciation: sur-uh-naam
Capital: Paramaribo
Official language: Dutch
Location: On the Southeastern coast of South America in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Suriname and Brazil
Most known for: Its rainforests
Fun fact: The capital of Paramaribo has the only cinema
Recent news article: Suriname marks 50 years of independence with cultural showcase (Staboek News, 2025)
My knowledge: Not much
My hand-drawn flag of Uruguay
URUGUAY
Official name: The Oriental Republic of Uruguay
Pronunciation: yur-uh-gwai
Capital: Montevideo
Official language: Spanish
Location: On the Southeastern coast in South America within the Southern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Argentina and Brazil
Most known for: It’s laid back vibes
Fun fact: Birthplace of the first World Cup
Recent news article: Uruguay’s Best Coastal Towns to Visit (Georgia Mizen, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m not too familiar
My hand-drawn flag of Venezuela
VENEZUELA
Official name: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Pronunciation: veh-nuhz-wayy-luhn
Capital: Caracas
Official language: Spanish
Location: Along the Northern coast of South America in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana
Most known for: Its professional baseball players
Fun fact: Has the world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall from Mount Roraima
Recent news article: Caracas Reimagined: How a Venezuelan Artist Captures a ‘Lunatic City’ (Rebeca Medina, 2025)
My knowledge: More familiar from Venezuela from a sports perspective
As we close out this final leg of the Around the World journey, once and for all, the rivers and rainforests of South America remind us that the most powerful stories are often whispered, not shouted. They’re written in tree rings, carried in river tides, and passed from voice to voice. Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela each offer something rare: not just breathtaking beauty, but a sense of awe that shifts your inner compass.
So, in regards to this region, slow down. Let the rhythm of the land guide you, whether you’re tracing the path of the Amazon, wandering colonial streets, or sharing conversation over mate or cacao. You’ll learn more by listening than planning.
If this is your first post or your 30th, take a moment to revisit “Just the Beginning,” the series hub that links every chapter of this journey. And if you’ve lived in, traveled to, or dreamt of visiting any of these countries, I'd love to hear your stories. Let’s keep exploring, because even when the map ends, curiosity doesn’t.
Thank you to everyone who read these posts. While I still have so much more to learn about the world, amidst my own journey, it’s been fun learning more about countries that I wasn’t all that familiar with.
Still expect to see a new post the next two Monday’s: December 22nd and December 29th, There will be giveaway’s and shorter posts. In the meantime, I hope you continue to take adventures! See you, Monday!
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.***
