About South America

South America is the southern continent of the Americas,situated in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east by the Atlantic Ocean; North America and the Caribbean Sea lie to the northwest.

America was named in 1507 by cartographers Martin Waldseemüller and Matthias Ringmann after Americo Vespuccio, who was the first European to suggest that the lands newly discovered by Europeans were not India, but a New World unknown to Europeans.

South America has an area of 17,840,000 square kilometers (6,890,000 sq mi), or almost 3.5% of the Earth's surface. As of 2005, its population was estimated at more than 371,090,000. South America ranks fourth in area (after Asia, Africa, and North America) and fifth in population (after Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America).

Why book a holiday in South America

This 'New World' contains amazing contrasts: its ancient civilizations lie alongside great modern metropolises, whilst arid deserts, steamy jungles, soaring mountains, great forests and arctic tundra all provide some of the most diverse and rich animal habitats on the planet. In high profile destinations like the Galapagos and the Inca Trail there are strict rules, which we abide by; in other areas such as Costa Rica, and the jungles of Peru we actively seek out lodges that run on eco-friendly lines and employ local people. We also feature a range of Cuba holidays designed to show you Cuba away from the resorts.