DK - WOW! The Visual Encyclopedia of Everything

Rich in history, language, and culture, South

America is a vibrant place. Nature has made its mark

SOUTH AMERICAin the trees of the Amazon rainforest, while ancient civilizations have left theirs in the city of Machu Picchu in the Andes Mountains. The influence of Spanish and Portugese colonization remains in the languages, while samba sounds and traditional tangos resonate at the festivals.

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FOODMaize is a staple food used in bread and cakes stuffed with meat or cheese. Potatoes, squash, rice, and different types

of beans are also meal-time favourites. Peruvians love spicy foods, so hot chilli peppers are often on the menu.

INCASThe Incas were the last

great civilization to emerge in South America. During the 12th century,

expert architects created their capital at Cusco. By

the 15th century, their empire had spread from Equador through Peru

to Chile. Hearing of great riches, the Spanish arrived in 1532 to set up colonies

and ended the Inca reign.

TREES AND PLANTS

A large part of the

continent is pampas

(grassy plain), which is

one of the richest grazing

areas in the world. Variety

comes from the Amazon

rainforest, where about

40,000 species of plants

flourish. Unique plants

grow in Venezuela’s

sandstone hills and Chile’s

Atacama Desert, where

species have adapted

to survive the lack

of water.

Hippeastrum

is a

colourful plant that thrives in Peru and Chile, and produces flowers up to 25 cm (10 in) across

Yerba mate leaves are used to make a popular tea, drunk from a hollow gourd (shell)

This ear ornament was made by the Chimu, a

people who were

eventuallly conquered

by the Incas

Peruvian dolls were

hand made from llama

or alpaca wool

Beef is a key

component of

Argentine cuisine

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BOLIVIA

PARAGUAY

I C AP

AE C O^ CI F

N

E LI HC

NI T N E G R A

A

URUGUAY

Tropic of Capricorn

A

T

L

A

N

T

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O

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E

A

N

FalklandIslands(to UK)

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