South America is a fascinating continent known for its breathtaking nature, rich culture and diverse history. With an area of more than 17 million square kilometres, South America is the fourth largest land mass in the world and offers a wide variety of landscapes, from the majestic Andes and the Amazon rainforest to the endless beaches of the Caribbean and the Pacific.

The culture of South America is diverse and rich, characterised by indigenous traditions, colonial influences and modern developments. Before the arrival of the Europeans, there were numerous indigenous peoples (e.g. Inca, Mapuche and Guarani) whose customs and languages are still important today. Colonisation led to a mixture of European, African and indigenous cultures, which is reflected in music (e.g. samba, tango) and dance.

The Andes are the longest mountain range in the world and stretch along the west coast of South America for around 7,500 kilometres through seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. The mountain range is characterised by an impressive geological diversity with high peaks such as the Aconcagua (6,959 m), the highest mountain in South America. In addition to their altitude, the Andes are known for their active volcanoes, their unique ecosystems and their diverse flora and fauna.

The Amazon is the largest rainforest area in the world and stretches across nine South American countries: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. The rainforest covers around 5.5 million square kilometres and is home to an immense variety of species, including many globally unique plant, animal and insect species. The Amazon rainforest plays a crucial role for the global climate, as it stores large amounts of CO₂ and produces oxygen. It is named after the river, which is considered one of the longest rivers in the world and is a vital source of water for the region. Many indigenous communities live in this ecosystem, some of which are isolated and live in harmony with nature according to centuries-old traditions.

The Darién Gap (Tapón del Darién) is an extremely dangerous rainforest and swamp area around 100 kilometres long on the border between Panama and Colombia. It is one of the last natural barriers on the Panamericana, the longest road link in America, and cannot be accessed by road due to the dense vegetation, inaccessible geography and numerous dangers. In addition to the diverse flora and fauna, the region is also known for the presence of criminal groups and smuggling networks that control the area. Despite the dangers, many migrants cross the Darién Gap on their way from South America to North America.