Holidays in Latin America are truly worth it to fly there through half the world. We bring to your attention 10 popular destinations, which will tell you about all the advantages of this distant land. Salvador, Brazil. Many tourists who have visited Salvador dubbed it the South American New Orleans. Life in Salvador is in full swing. Enjoy the tropical climate and delicious street food, visit art galleries and dance the night away. 
Cartagena, Colombia. The divinely beautiful fishing town on the Caribbean coast has remained in the shadow of its older sister, Bogota, throughout its history, but, believe me, it is worth appreciating. The port city attracts tourists with cobbled streets, colorful architecture, delicious food (especially great pastries and, of course, Colombian coffee), and white sandy beaches.
Ambergris Cay, Belize. One of the most popular holiday destinations in Central America, Costa Rica has a lot to offer tourists, but if you're looking for a similar yet less crowded destination, Belize is the place to go. In addition, the Belize Barrier Reef can compete with the Great barrier reef off the coast of Australia and will delight lovers of diving and snorkeling. 
Havana, Cuba. A city that needs no introduction. Among the buildings from the era of colonialism, you will find vintage cars, countless shops offering food national cuisine and cigars, as well as Cubans dancing salsa and mambo. It doesn’t matter which part of Cuba you decide to stay in, because the beaches on the island are almost always within walking distance, or they are easily accessible by transport. 
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. If you prefer to communicate with wildlife sipping refreshing cocktails on the beach, head to the Galapagos Islands. This the only place on Earth, where you can see marine iguanas and elephant turtles, whose lifespan can reach 150 years. 
La Paz, Bolivia. The city is located on the hills at an altitude of 3660 meters above sea level, offering a panorama that will take your breath away. Be sure to take the time to visit the world's largest Uyuni salt marsh. The sky reflected in the thin layer of water that covers the salt marsh after the rains is a perfect backdrop for a selfie. 
Bocas del Toro, Panama. On the Bocas del Toro archipelago, everyone will find entertainment to their liking: walking tours through unexplored places, underwater excursions and nightlife, seething until dawn. Real adventurers are offered excursions to caves with bats. 
Cusco, Peru. The city of Cusco has such a long history that it is sometimes called the cradle of the world. No tourist should leave Peru without visiting Machu Picchu, a listed ancient city world heritage UNESCO. 
San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. If you are tired of the summer heat, go to the cool Argentine Andes, where you will find many adventures for every taste. Bariloche is great for lovers active rest whether it's rowing, paragliding, skiing or rock climbing. 
Montevideo, Uruguay. Capital of Uruguay dynamic city, famous for its excellent restaurants and developed nightlife. Fans of cities such as New York, Barcelona and Buenos Aires will appreciate the atmosphere that reigns in Montevideo. Have fun at a beach party, take an Argentine tango lesson at a bar or visit a flea market where you can find real treasures.
Your country's independence South America received only at the beginning of the 20th century. In a difficult struggle, they won the right to their coat of arms, flag and their own state policy.
The vast majority of Latin American states are unitary. With such a structure, the administrative-territorial formations within the country do not have sovereignty and live according to uniform laws. This group includes Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Peru, Chile, Jamaica, etc.
Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico and Argentina have a federal form of administrative-territorial structure. In these states, territorial units have greater independence, are subject to their own legislation and regional government.
In the constitutions of Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, Paraguay and other countries, a special status of the president of the country is fixed. The law defines the broad powers of the father of the nation, his unconditional right in all structures of state power. This form of government is called a presidential republic.
Geographic location of Latin America
The vast territory is located on the American continent and occupies an area of more than 20 million km². It includes southern part mainland North America and almost all of South America. Latin America stretches from north to south for almost 13 thousand km, from the southern borders of the United States to Cape Horn - the extreme southern point islands of Tierra del Fuego.
East Coast Latin America washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and the western - by the Pacific waves. The distance between the oceans is more than 5 thousand km, they are connected by the Panama Canal - the most important transoceanic transport artery, which plays a huge role not only in the Latin American economy, but also in the whole world.
List of countries
More than 45 countries and independent territories have settled in the Latin American region. They are very different in their geographic location and socio-economic development.
The largest countries in the region by area:
- Brazil- 8.5 million km²;
- Argentina- 2.8 million km²;
- Peru- 1.3 million km²;
- Colombia- 1.1 million km².
The most elongated and at the same time the narrowest Latin American state is Chile. Its length from north to south is almost 4.3 thousand km, with an average width from west to east of less than 180 km. The state capital of Chile - Santiago - is located at the foot of the Andes, in a zone of frequent earthquakes.
The smallest state on the map of Latin America is located on two islands in the Caribbean. Saint Kitts and Nevis covers an area of 261 km². The island capital of Basseterre was founded in the early 17th century and is the oldest city in the West Indies. 11-12 thousand people live permanently on its territory.
The multinational republic of Bolivia is located in the highlands of the Andes. The country belongs to the poorest countries in the region. But it is distinguished by its unique identity and culture. The population leads a sober lifestyle. The Bolivian government is located in La Paz. It is the highest (unofficial) capital city in the world. It is located at an altitude of 4 thousand meters above sea level. The air is very rarefied, so it is very difficult to breathe there. Wealthy citizens choose deep mountain gorges for life.
Population
Latin America belongs to the sparsely populated regions of the planet. Today, a little more than 625 million people live throughout its territory. The average population density remains low - 31.5 people per km². The densely populated areas include the states of the islands of the Caribbean and the Atlantic coast. The population density of the central part of the region does not exceed 5 people per km².
Urbanization in Latin American countries has reached European heights. Almost 80% of the population lives in cities. Today there are more than 100 major cities(with a population of 250 to 500 thousand people) and the same number of the largest (with a population of 500 thousand to 1 million inhabitants). More than half of the entire urban population lives in millionaire cities, the number of which has reached 37. The leader among them is the Mexican capital of Mexico City, where about 20 million people live. In second place is the Brazilian Sao Paulo (11 million people). The capital of Peru, Lima, closes the list of record holders (7.6 million people).
One of the problems caused by the rapid growth of cities is the formation of a belt of poverty around metropolitan areas. This process of false urbanization is driven by the desire of the poor to a better life. According to demographers, 40-50% of the urban population lives in the slums of Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Caracas.
Ethnic composition, languages, religions
The area is characterized by complex ethnic composition which includes:
- indigenous people- Indian tribes and peoples. The descendants of the ancient Aztecs, Mayans and Incas inhabited New World long before the arrival of the colonists. Today their number does not exceed 15%;
- Creoles- the descendants of Spanish, Portuguese and French settlers make up about a quarter of the population;
- Afro-Latino- dark-skinned descendants of slaves from Africa, whose number is about 10%;
- descendants of mixed marriages(mestizos, mulattoes and sambos) make up more than 50% of the population.
Modern Latin America is characterized by mixed marriages, so the ethnic boundaries between the inhabitants are gradually blurred.
In the era of colonization, priests preaching Catholicism actively arrived on the territory of the continent. Today, this religion is practiced by the vast majority of Hispanics.
The beautiful sonorous name of Latin America is a historical and cultural heritage region, which was formed during the years of colonial dependence on the countries of Europe. The colonization of peoples began here in the 16th century. Immediately after the discovery of the New World by Columbus, crowds of immigrants from Spain, Portugal and France poured onto the continent. Each of them dreamed of starting a new life here. Someone wanted to get rich, and someone - to hide from religious, political persecution and persecution of the authorities. But they all spoke Romance languages. And the basis of the origin of the languages of this group is Latin.
The colonial history of the countries of Latin America has remained in the distant past. Today, almost all of them have the status of independent states (except for a few dependent territories). But the population still speaks Spanish, Portuguese and French.
Economic state of countries
Latin American countries are emerging economies. This is facilitated by the favorable geography of the region. Almost all countries have access to the ocean, which expands the possibilities of world exports. The main income of the countries of Latin America is obtained from the trade in fossil fuels and agricultural products (coffee, wheat, sugar, soybeans, cotton, bananas, etc.).
The vast territory of Latin America is divided into sub-regions. They include countries with specific features and characteristics of the economy.
The first subregion is Central America. It includes Mexico and the countries of Central America.
The extractive industries and agriculture play a huge role in the economy of the Andean subregion. Thanks to unique climatic conditions In the highlands, coffee, sugarcane and cotton are cultivated on its territory.
Another subregion is the countries of the La Plata basin. The most economically developed Argentina produces tobacco products, cellulose, petroleum products and building materials. And the underdeveloped agrarian Paraguay and Uruguay specialize in the production of mate, palm oil and cotton.
Suriname and Guyana specialize in bauxite mining. The backbone of Guyana's economy is agriculture. Here they raise cattle and fish for shrimp.
The richest sub-region of Latin America is Brazil. The former Portuguese colony is now the ninth fastest growing global economy. The Federation is the largest supplier of mineral raw materials on the world market. Exports oil and ore minerals. The favorable climate favors the cultivation of cocoa beans, wheat and soybeans. The country is rich in forest resources.
Climate
Most of the states have a hot climate, average temperature exceeds 20 degrees per day.
Brazil is known for constant heat, the average monthly temperature in the country does not fall below 16 degrees. Rare frosts are possible only on high eastern massifs.
Mexico has a tropical and subtropical climate. In a number of areas located above 2.5 thousand meters above sea level, the thermometer is shown at least 2 degrees in winter and up to 15 in summer. At the same time, on the coastal plains, the indicator does not fall below 24 degrees.
The climate of Cuba is characterized as tropical, trade winds. In the coldest month of the year - January - the average temperature is 22.5 degrees. The weather from May to September is rainy, and the period from October to April is considered dry.
An interesting fact is that in Chile and Peru for a whole year it may never rain, while on the slopes of the Andes it can go for months.
Cultural values
The biggest cultural confrontation in Latin America is the introduction of Christianity into the Indian tribes, which began in the era of the landing of the Portuguese and Spanish conquistadors. Surprisingly, this planting was successful.
In general, if we talk about the cultural values of the countries of the territory, it should be noted the general ubiquitous religiosity, which is not limited to one Catholicism. For example, the state of Haiti professes voodooism, a traditional African religion.
The culture varies greatly depending on the specific country of the territory. This is due to the fact that some states actively form and support the values of nationalities (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina), while others, despite a common community and language, gravitate towards highly developed countries (Uruguay).
Crime
Latin American countries are considered the most criminogenic zones modern world. At the top of the ranking of the most dangerous countries are El Salvador and Honduras - in these states, 64.7 and 77.5 murders per 100,000 people, respectively. Such characteristics are due to the drug traffic that passes through Central America.
Third place was taken by Jamaica, where crime is high due to poverty and drug trafficking (52.5 murders).
When traveling to the Western Hemisphere, you should remember that it is here that more than 40% of all crimes on Earth are committed. One of the most dangerous cities in the world is Bogota, the capital of Colombia. In addition, this country is the largest producer of cocaine in the world.
The largest cities and their attractions
Not the territory of Mexico and Peru are the sights of the times of the great Mayans and Incas. Religious buildings of Chichen Itza and Machu Picchu will reveal secrets and help touch the history of ancient civilizations.
In Mexico City you can visit the Palace fine arts – incredible beauty Opera theatre built from Carrara marble. It was built in the 30s of the last century according to the idea of the Italian A. Boari. It is worth noting the Zocalo Square, which is the largest in Latin America.
Arriving in Sao Paulo, you should definitely take a look at the cathedral of the same name, which is considered the fourth largest Gothic building in the world. You can also go to the Paulista Museum, built in honor of Brazil's independence.
You should visit Rio de Janeiro in order to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which is one of the new seven wonders of the world. Another miracle - Machu Picchu - is located on the territory of Peru.
Machu Picchu - the ancient city of the Incas Remains of ancient civilizations
Before the Europeans came to Latin America, Mayan, Inca and Aztec civilizations existed on the territory. After them, cultural monuments remained, for example, Chichen Itza, a city built by the Maya. In Mexico, the ruins of another ancient city where the Totonaki people used to live. Now the monument is called El Tahin.
Nature of Latin America
It has the largest active volcano planets - Cotopaxi, the longest Mountain chain- Andes, and the most high waterfall- Angel. In Latin America, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are not considered uncommon. The fauna is amazing with its animals - guanaco llamas, American ostriches and sloths, which are not found anywhere else on the planet.
City attractions
Some of the most iconic places in the territory are:
- The historic center of Lima, located in the capital of Peru;
- University campus in Caracas;
- The Jesuit Quarter and the Missions of Cordoba.
Going on a trip to one of the countries of Latin America, it is necessary to think over the route of the places visited in advance.
Popular countries of Latin America for recreation with Russian tourists
thousands Russian tourists are sent annually to Latin American countries and their capitals. Russian travelers tend to go there to admire the unique nature of the continent and the rich culture of the peoples.
Latin America on the world map is a collection of countries located in territories that were previously dependent on European metropolises. These countries occupy part of South and North America, as well as the isthmus between them. Latin America is amazing edge mysterious civilizations such as the Aztecs and Mayans, as well as brave caballeros, sultry beauties, unique traditions and cultures. The Romance languages (Spanish, Portuguese and French) are used as the official languages of Latin American countries.
Countries and capitals of Latin America
Below are the countries and capitals of Latin America, as well as their brief description.
- Antigua and Barbuda is a small country in the Caribbean. The population of the country is more than 86.6 thousand inhabitants. The official language is English. The capital is the city of St. John's.
- Argentina is the second largest state in Latin America. Its population is over 42.6 million inhabitants. The official language of Argentina is Spanish. The capital is the city of Buenos Aires.
- Belize is a country located in the Caribbean. The population of the country is 308 thousand inhabitants. The official language is English. The capital is the city of Belmopan.
- Bolivia is a state located in the center of South America. Its population is about 10.5 million inhabitants. The official languages are Spanish and Quechua. The capital is the city of Sucre.
- Brazil is the largest country in Latin America. It occupies the territory of the central and eastern part of South America. Population - 201 million inhabitants. The official language is Portuguese. Capital -.
- Venezuela is a country located in the north of South America. Its population is over 28.4 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. The capital is a city.
- Haiti is one of the poorest Latin American countries, constantly suffering from natural disasters and coups. The population is about 9.9 million inhabitants. The official languages of Haiti are French, Creole and. The capital is the city of Port-au-Prince.
- Guatemala is a state located in the central part of the Americas continent. The population is about 14.4 million inhabitants. Most of the inhabitants are mestizos and Indians. The official language is Spanish. The capital is the city of Guatemala.
- Honduras is a country located in the central part of the Americas continent. It is washed and by the caribbean. The population is more than 8.4 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. The capital is the city of Tegucigalpa.
- Dominican Republic - a country located in the east picturesque island Haiti. The population is approximately 9.7 million inhabitants. The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. The capital is a city.
- Colombia is a country located in South America. The population is more than 45.7 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. The capital is a city.
- Costa Rica is a small country located in the center of the Americas continent. Its population is over 4.2 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. The capital is the city of San Jose.
- Cuba - Island state located in the Caribbean. Its unofficial name is Liberty Island. The population is just over 1 million inhabitants. The official language of Cuba is Spanish. Capital -.
- Mexico is a country located in the south North America. Its population is 116.2 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. Capital -.
- - a state located in the central part of the continent of America. The population is more than 6 million inhabitants. The official language of Nicaragua is Spanish. The capital is Managua.
- Panama is a country located on the Isthmus of Panama. Its population is about 3.7 million inhabitants. The official language of Panama is Spanish. The capital is Panama.
- Paraguay is a state in the center of South America. Its population is over 6.3 million inhabitants. The official languages of Paraguay are Spanish and Guarani. The capital is Asuncion.
- Peru is a country in South America, located in its northwestern part. Its population is about 30.5 million inhabitants. The official languages of Peru are Spanish, and in certain regions- Aymara, Quechua, etc. The capital is Lima.
- El Salvador is a state located in the center of the Americas continent. Its population is 6.9 million inhabitants. The official language of El Salvador is Spanish. The capital is San Salvador.
- Uruguay is a country in the southeastern part of South America. Its population is more than 3.3 million inhabitants. The official language is Spanish. The capital is Montevideo.
- Chile is a country located in the southwest of South America. Its population is over 17.2 million inhabitants. The official language of Chile is Spanish. The capital is Santiago.
- Ecuador is a country located in South America. Its population is more than 15.4 million inhabitants. The official language of Ecuador is Spanish. The capital is Quito.
In addition, Latin America includes the following territories: Puerto Rico (US territory) and the territories - French Guiana, Martinique, Guadeloupe, San Martin and San Barthelemy.
Sights of Latin America
Latin America is incredibly rich in interesting places. Here are 3 of the 7 new wonders of the world. All the sights of Latin America can be divided into natural and man-made objects, as well as cities and villages of ancient civilizations.
natural attractions
- Ojos del Salado is the most high volcano Earth (6887 m).
- The Atacama Desert is the driest place on the planet, located in the west of South America.
- Andes - the longest mountain system the world (9000 km).
- Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world (979 m).
- The Amazon is the longest and most picturesque river on the planet (6437 km).
- c - the largest South American island, with an area of 47,992 sq. km. This is a virgin land, which is famous for its wild nature, beautiful scenery and harsh climatic conditions.
- Iguazu Falls, located on the border of Argentina and. They are one of the most beautiful natural wonders our Planet.
man-made attractions
- The Maracanã Stadium in Brazil is one of the largest stadiums in the world, capable of accommodating up to 103,000 fans.
- The statue of Christ the Redeemer is one of the 7 new wonders of the world. The statue is located on Mount Corcovado in Rio.
- Geoglyphs of the Nasko plateau are a group of amazing images, lines and geometric shapes created by an unknown civilization.
- Moai are the stone statues of Easter Island.
Cities and villages of ancient civilizations
- Cusco (Peru) - ancient capital the Inca empire and one of the oldest South American cities. The name of the city is translated from Quechua as "the navel of the world."
- Machu Picchu (Peru) is one of the 7 new wonders of the world, known as the "city in the sky" or "the lost city of the Incas".
- Teotihuacan (Mexico) - the famous "ghost town", which is the oldest locality Western hemisphere.
- Umxal (Mexico) is the ancient center of the Maya civilization, located on the Yucatan Peninsula.
- Panama (80 cm), Paraguay (86.7 cm), El Salvador (83.5 cm), Uruguay (85.9 cm), Chile (83.5 cm), (84 cm), Cuba (84.8 cm) and in Argentina (86.7 cm).
- Legua is a unit of length used in Guatemala (1 unit = 5.573 km), Honduras (4.2 km), Colombia (5 km), Cuba (4.24 km), Ecuador (5 km), Paraguay (4 .33 km), Peru (5.6 km), Uruguay (5.154 km), Chile (4.514 km), Brazil (6.66 km), Mexico (4.19 km) and Argentina (5.2 km).
The National Glacier Park (El Parque Nacional Los Glaciares) in the Argentinean province of Santa Cruz has topped the list of the most famous sights of Latin America inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List compiled by Turismo Online.
The "collection" of the national park, which occupies 14 thousand square kilometers, consists of 247 glaciers, 47 of which are part of the Andes, and 13 end their movement in Atlantic Ocean. The park was declared a World Natural Heritage Site in 1981.
In honorable second place is the historic center of the city of Salvador de Bahía, which was included in the UNESCO list in 1985. Old city with its streets, monuments and squares, it is one of the most striking examples of colonial Portuguese architecture.
The Bolivian city of Potosí closes the top three. In the 16th century, thanks to silver mining, it became one of the world's most important industrial complexes. The most famous buildings of the colonial period are the Mint, the palaces of the local nobility and the preserved Indian quarters.
The Colombian port city of Cartagena de Indias (Cartagena de Indias), considered the most romantic city in Latin America, settled in fourth place. The fortifications of the colonial period - a four-kilometer wall and fortresses that protected the city from pirate attacks - are considered the largest among those preserved in the New World.
Fifth line - for belonging to Ecuador Galapagos Islands(Islas Galápagos), declared natural heritage by UNESCO in 1979. These 19 volcanic islands, inhabited by endemic animal and plant species, inspired Charles Darwin's research, which resulted in his famous theory of the evolution of species.
The sixth was the city of Machu Picchu, lost in the mountains of Peru - one of the most stunning examples of Inca culture and architecture, spread over 35 thousand hectares at an altitude of 2430 meters above sea level.
The Canaima National Park (Parque Nacional Canaima) in Venezuela occupies the seventh position. To rank natural heritage in 1994, it was brought out by beautiful landscapes, impenetrable flat mountains (tepuyi) and numerous waterfalls, the most famous of which - Angel - is considered the highest in the world. And the park itself is the sixth in the world in terms of the length of the territory.
Next comes the historic quarter of the Uruguayan city of Colonia del Sacramento, which is a bizarre mixture of Spanish and Portuguese colonial styles.
In the penultimate place, the compilers of the rating placed national park Rapa Nui (Parque Nacional de Rapa Nui) on Easter Island, owned by Chile. This triangular island, which has several volcanic craters, attracts tourists with its giant moai statues and ahu altars, carved from volcanic stone by the ancient inhabitants of the island - representatives of the Polynesian culture who inhabited it since the 3rd century AD.
Capturing the edge of the continent of North America, occupying the entire mainland of South America, the adjacent islands, this part of the planet was called Latin America in the distant historical past to designate the dependent territories of European colonialists.
Almost all countries in the region have access to the oceans, washing the territory from all sides. This circumstance contributes to free access to the world trade space - the export of manufactured products and raw materials makes up the main part of the economy of each state.
The countries of Latin America on the map are located in the equator zone, which divides the territory geographically into the northern and southern hemispheres. Proximity to the equator allows you to get a lot of sunlight and heat, which makes it possible to harvest tropical fruits and crops all year round throughout the territory called Latin America. The region is home to many exported cultivated plants.
Despite the territorial remoteness from the rest of the world, the entire list of Latin American countries and their capitals are invariably attractive to tourists from all over the globe.
So, the list of Latin American countries with capitals:
Brazil
The capital of the country is Brasilia.
The time difference with Moscow is -6 hours. Citizens of Russia for the purpose of tourism, a short-term business visit or visiting friends and relatives for a period not exceeding 90 days do not require a visa.
The country's monetary unit is the Brazilian Real.
Brazil has a real abundance of natural and historical attractions. Here are some of them:
Rio de Janeiro ("January River") - former capital and the most visited city in Brazil.
Sao Paulo is the largest industrial centre not only Brazil, but all of Latin America. The Museum of Modern Art, the Pakaembu stadium, where the “king of football” Pele often performed, as well as the Butantan snake reserve, are of interest there.
Brasilia is an “airplane city”: the center of the “fuselage” occupies the Three Powers Square, the “wings” are residential areas, and in the very “nose”, away from the center, is the Aurora Palace - the residence of the President of the Republic.
Manaus is the capital of the Amazon state. Museum of the Indians, Municipal Theater (1896), the colossal Palacio Negro, the Church of San Sebastian, the Museum of Man, the Museum of Numismatics, the Teatro Amazonas Opera House, numerous floating markets, as well as many magnificent houses decorated with blue ceramics " azulejos."
Iguazu Falls are a real wonder of the world, they are located in the Iguazu National Park at the meeting point of the Parana and Iguazu rivers, on the border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, and are an impressive sight of cascades of water falling from a height of 72 m up to 3 km wide. The sound of the waterfall can be heard for many kilometers, and huge whirlwinds of spray create a rainbow of extraordinary beauty. A little less known is the Guaira waterfall (or Seti-Kedas) on Paran.
The city of Salvador is famous for the richness of its churches and the beauty of its historical buildings, crazy festivals and rich history. The sights of the city include the historic quarter of Pelourinho, the old port of Barra (Vila Velha), the Afro-Brazilian Museum, the Museum of Carlos Costa Pinto, the Museum of the Carmelite Order, the Medical Memorial, the Museum of Abelardo Rodriguez.
Recife, the capital of the state of Pernambuco, is located 835 km north of Salvador. This city is often compared to Venice. Olinda is located 7 km from Recife, one of the best preserved colonial cities in Brazil, famous for its old quarter, which is under the protection of UNESCO.
Belo Horizonte is the first city in the country that was created from scratch, thus paving the way for the modern capital. Here are interesting historical Museum Abilio Bareto, the Palace of Liberty and the religious center of Congonhas do Campo, 80 km from the city with the famous "cross road" of 78 statues.
Brazilian beaches.
Copacabana is the most famous beach historically, on Sundays traffic is blocked along the avenida along it, turning it into a footpath along which jogging, rollerblading and just walking with combed dogs. They play volleyball on the beach and it's mostly locals and not tourists. It is here that the Copacabana Palace Hotel is located - one of the pearls of the Orient Express chain.
Ipanema - known throughout the world thanks to a song about a girl from Ipanema. This beach is the most prestigious - best hotels, restaurants and boutiques are located here, and the most high prices for real estate in this part of Rio.
Leblon - located behind Ipanema, a little more calm, it is believed that this is the best beach in Rio for families with children.
The best surfer beaches in Rio de Janeiro are Barra de Tijuca and Recreo, there are surf schools here, and there are almost always waves, even small ones.
The best beach for swimming in Rio is Urca, near the Sugar Loaf, there are almost no waves.
Dominican Republic
The capital is Santo Domingo.
The time difference with Moscow is t−7 hours. For citizens of Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan visa-free entry v Dominican Republic for up to 30 days.
The monetary unit of the country is the Dominican peso.
All hotels in the Dominican Republic are classified and have an official "star rating". As a rule, it corresponds to the list of services provided. Almost all hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis, which means Three meals a day, snacks at any time, local drinks, soft drinks in the minibar and beach "non-motorized" entertainment. At hotel complexes- large green areas, mini-trains usually go through them, since walking to the pool or the beach is sometimes quite far, there is animation. All hotels are not high-rise (maximum 4 floors), mostly "four" and "five".
Dominican beaches.
Punta Cana beach. The most popular with family tourists with a well-groomed coastline, a chain of five-star hotels, excellent fish restaurants and amazing nature. Nearby are three national parks with lush vegetation and exotic inhabitants.
Puerto Plata beach is 120 km picturesque beaches resorts of Cabarete, Sosua and Playa Dorada. The first is a paradise for windsurfers: the waves here are spectacular. Young people come here in search of new acquaintances and adventures. Although it is better to go to Sosua for acquaintances: this small town with a lively beach is full of clubs and bars that beckon thrill-seekers. And Playa Dorada consists entirely of all-inclusive hotels and entertainment outlets: there is a golf course, a casino, and excellent shops and restaurants.
Boca Chica Beach - a cozy lagoon protected from the outside world coral reef. It is good to combine a beach holiday with all sorts of activities: diving or tennis, windsurfing or horseback riding, sailing or water skiing.
Juan Dolio beach. It is better to stay there for those who plan to visit the capital often: the resort is located just 50 km from Santo Domingo.
Bayahibe beach is famous clean beaches, calm sea and a variety of underwater world.
Samana beach. Many secluded corners in the environment untouched nature, and dolphins, manatees and even humpback whales look into the local waters.
La Romana beach. Absence historical monuments compensated by the developed tourist infrastructure.
Sights of the Dominican Republic.
Santo Domingo. Its central streets, elegant and solemn, are rightfully included in the list of UNESCO treasures. The symbol of the city is Santa Maria la Menor, America's oldest cathedral. It is built of golden coral limestone and combines baroque and gothic elements in its appearance. Osama Fortress is the oldest surviving military fort in America, built in 1508 in the style medieval castle. The Alcazar de Colon Palace was created for the son of Columbus, Diego, and for a long time served as the residence of viceroys, but was plundered by Francis Drake. And the remains of the legendary discoverer rest in the Columbus Lighthouse, which is not a lighthouse at all, but a monumental museum with a collection of ancient artifacts.
La Romana. The key attraction of La Romana is Altos de Chavon, the city of artists. This is a carefully recreated copy of a medieval village with limestone houses, the Church of St. Stanislaus, the "Greek" amphitheater and the Archaeological Museum.
Puerto Plata. In Puerto Plata you can visit the fortress of San Felipe, the cathedral and the lighthouse of Fortaleza, as well as the Amber Museum and local production: a rum factory and a chocolate factory.
"Los Aitises" - endless expanses on the Samana Peninsula. Mangrove swamps, caves with rock paintings, thickets of palms and cotton - a paradise for lovers of ecotourism.
Cuba
Mexico
The capital is Mexico City.
The time difference with Moscow is -8 hours. Citizens of Russia and Ukraine have the opportunity to obtain an electronic Mexican visa.
Hotels in Mexico are fully consistent with their stardom.
The monetary unit of the country is the Mexican peso.
Mexican beaches.
Cancun. One of the most popular resorts, whose coast is divided into long and short parts. The first is famous the cleanest sea and excellent conditions for surfing, the second is ideal for family vacation: the nearby Isla Mujeres reliably protects from waves (by the way, on the “island of women” itself, you can swim only on the crowded Playa Norte). Pearl Beach is famous for its impeccable cleanliness, Playa Linda - for a wide range of sports entertainment.
Tulum. best beach on the Yucatan Peninsula with amazing scenery and rich underwater world accessible to the naked eye.
Riviera Maya. The main resorts of the Riviera Maya are Playa del Carmen, equally loved by both wealthy tourists and broken young people, and the island of Cozumel with a narrow but very beautiful coastal strip(on Paradise Beach - children's play areas, on Palankar - a trendy restaurant), a giant coral reef and a national park.
Acapulco. In Acapulco off the coast Pacific Ocean notable are the beaches of Caleta, Caletilla and Pi de la Cuesta. The well-equipped Condeza was chosen by representatives of the LGBT community, and the wild Revolcadero was chosen by desperate surfers.
Los Cabos is a paradise for lovers: Playa del Amor can only be reached by boat, and there you can enjoy the views of rocks and caves, the diversity of coastal fauna and the pleasant company of each other.
Puerto Vallarta. The most famous beaches of Puerto Vallarta are Los Muertos with extraordinary sunsets, La Manzanilla and Destiladeras with developed infrastructure and Conchas Chinas with pristine nature.
Landmarks of Mexico.
Teotihuacan ("The place where the gods are born") - it is still unclear when the first people began to settle here and why the city was abandoned, but it architectural monuments stagger the imagination. The pyramids of Teotihuacan are located about 40 km northeast of the capital, Mexico City. Taxco, a picturesque mountain town under the auspices of UNESCO as a monument of world culture, has retained the layout and buildings with typical cobbled streets and houses characteristic of the colonial period.
Puebla is located about 100 km east of Mexico City at the foot of the Popocatepetl volcano and was founded in 1531. Here, outstanding religious buildings have been preserved, such as Cathedral 16-17 centuries, beautiful buildings, similar to the old palace of the archbishop, as well as a number of residential buildings with walls lined with colored tiles - "azuleijos".
Oaxaca is located in the southeast of Mexico and is the capital of the state of the same name. The city was founded in 1532 by Spanish settlers who came after Hernan Cortes. The special charm of Oaxaca lies in the combination of Indian traditions and colonial splendor. It is also famous for what is produced there. special kind tequila - "Mescal".
Monte Alban is the ritual center of three civilizations. Inhabited for more than 1.5 thousand years by successive peoples - the Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs - the Monte Alban complex, with its terraces, dams, canals, pyramids and artificial hills, was literally carved out of the mountains, becoming a masterpiece of sacred topography. The Yucatan Peninsula is the cradle of the Maya civilization and the center of a huge number of archaeological sites.
Mexican Entertainment Center KidZania (Kidzania) is a small copy of a real city for children. It includes buildings, shops, theaters and urban transport. Younger guests can spend the whole day here, choosing any of the 70 professions.
Uxmal ("Three Times Built") is another important Mayan ceremonial center in the Yucatan. The local historical monuments are simply countless - great pyramid, the Magician's Pyramid ("House of the Dwarf") 38 m high, the building of the ruler's palace with its famous "throne of the two-headed jaguar", the Temple of the Phalluses, the Turtle House, the quadrangle of the Monastery of the Nuns and the Pyramid of the Old Sorceress.
Palenque is a historical mystery of the country. This famous city Maya is located in the mountain selva and is surrounded on all sides by tropical vegetation. More than 1400 of its beautifully preserved buildings cover an area four times the size of any known Mayan city.
Merida is the capital of the state of Yucatan. The city was founded in 1542 on the ruins of one of the Mayan cities. Merida is famous for one of the best traditional markets in Mexico. It is here that you can buy a hammock for every taste (family, for two, for one, colored and just white), all of them are of excellent quality.
Chichen Itza is sacred place was one of the greatest Mayan centers in the Yucatan Peninsula. Over a thousand years of history various peoples left their mark on the city. The ideas of the Maya, Toltecs and Itza about the world and the universe were reflected in stone monuments and works of art.
Jamaica
The capital is Kingston.
The time difference with Moscow is -8 hours.
Citizens of Russia do not need a visa to Jamaica if the period of stay on the island does not exceed 30 days, and the purpose of the visit is tourism.
The monetary unit of the country is the Jamaican dollar.
Beaches of Jamaica.
White House Bay Beach is located on the southwest coast of Jamaica, an hour and a half drive from Montego Bay. This is the hottest tropical coast with pristine beaches, jungles and the only but luxurious Sandals Whitehouse 5 * hotel built in the style of a Caribbean village.
Runaway Bay is a 20-minute drive from Ocho Rios. This resort, surrounded on all sides by green hills and mountains, offers a serene rest. It is very quiet and calm here.
Montego Bay (or simply Mo Bay) is the second largest city in Jamaica, one of international airports and the center of a huge resort area in the northwest of the island. Almost half of the luxury hotels with excellent sandy beaches. The center of gravity is the never-ending Gloucester Ave, which is the birthplace of the hip-strip area. Most of the hotels, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops of the resort are neatly lined up along the beach.
Negril is the westernmost and fastest growing resort area, located 80 km from the airport and Montego Bay. This resort is famous for its almost 11-kilometer strip of white sandy beaches, great hotels and exceptional ecology. There is not a single industrial enterprise around, and all the buildings are no taller than palm trees. In addition, Negril is considered the best place for diving on the island.
Ocho Rios is located in the center of the northern part of Jamaica, on the shores of Discovery Bay, 105 km from Montego Bay Airport. Resort area consists of a chain of beaches, coves, capes, small old towns and fishing villages. Here you can choose accommodation for every taste and budget.
Port Antonio is a quiet town where the wealthy part of the country's population lives. The resort is very calm, completely devoid of fuss; it is surrounded by virgin jungle, home to exotic birds and butterflies. Also, the surroundings of Port Antonio are famous for beautiful waterfalls, many of which fall directly into the sea. The waters of the ocean off the coast have been declared a marine reserve, and the world-famous film of the same name is filmed in the famous Blue Lagoon of Port Antonio.
Runaway Bay. Here is the world-famous nudist resort "Hedonism III" (Hedonism III), which is part of the chain of hotels "Super Clubs" - Super Inclusive Resorts. Runaway Bay is popular place for beach holiday- the city has gained fame among lovers of diving and water and horseback sports, and it is also a real paradise for golf lovers.
Landmarks of Jamaica.
Dance River Falls - visit resort town Ocho Rios and Jamaica's main attraction, Dance River Falls.
Kingston — a tour of the historical part of the capital (Spanish Town), to the residence of the Chief Ruler, a visit to the house-museum of Bob Marley.
National park and waterfalls - an excursion to the southern part of Jamaica to the banks of the Black River, a boat trip to national park, a trip to the waterfalls at the foot of Mount Nassau.
Blue Mountains - visiting the highest point on the island (2147 m), as well as the estate of a coffee planter with a tasting of freshly brewed coffee.
