The vast expanse called Latin America combines the regions of Central America, South America and Mexico. Over 20 countries are a part of Latin America, with an area totalling over 20 million square kilometers.
The region still reflects the pristine glory of its once-mighty ancient civilizations and its wonderful confluence of different cultures. For the lovers of natural beauty, Latin America has amazing rivers, lofty mountain peaks, dense forests, rich wildlife, and some of the world’s best beaches, coral reefs and coastlines.
Andes, the world’s longest mountain range offers great opportunities for mountain climbers and trekkers, apart from some stunning scenic beauty of the region. Not only the mountains, but the region also boasts of the world’s largest rainforest, the greatest river system, the most dry desert, the highest waterfall, and the biggest fresh-water marshland.
From the majestic volcanoes of Costa Rica to the great coral reefs of Belize to the incredible Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, Latin America’s natural treasures are bound to amaze you at every step.
The traveler can explore some of the world’s most amazing varieties of flora and fauna in the wildlife reserve of Costa Rica, and the Amazon rainforests in Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, French Guyana and Surinam, which are most popular among the lovers of wildlife and plants.
The region of Pantanal in Brazil boasts of the largest and most diverse population of wildlife in entire Latin America, which includes over 3500 species of plants, 100 species of mammals, 650 species of birds, nearly 180 species of reptiles and over 260 species of fish.
Ibera in Argentina is another paradise of biodiversity in flora and fauna. Blue water lagoons are found within a vast expanse of grass wetlands, water plants and floating islands, with a superb variety of wild animals, fish, and birds.
The famous Belize Barrier reef is the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, and second biggest in the whole world. It is recognized as the world’s finest diving and snorkeling destination that also hosts some 380 species of fish and over 50 types of coral.
The magnificent Galapagos Islands are legendary, for they were visited by Charles Darwin in the 1800’s in the pursuit of his world-famous theory of evolution. Patagonia is another wonderland for the lovers of wildlife and natural beauty of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and windy grass-lands.
Some other wonders of the region worth exploring include the awesome Glacier of Perito Moreno, and Mount Fitz Roy etc. In Chile one can experience the spectacular beauty of the Torres del Paine National Park.
Latin America also offers awe-inspiring archaeological sites such as the Inca ruins of Peru, or the gigantic Mayan pyramids, and the ancient city of Chan Chan on the Peruvian plains. Much of the colonial architecture has also been preserved till today in Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Columbia, and Bolivia etc.
Latino music is the cultural soul of the region, that is an expression of its love, emotion, joy, anguish, and passion. Apart from music, the classic forms of Latino dance, arts and craft of the region are also to be found everywhere you go.
| 
