Peru:

Geographic Facts: Slightly smaller than Alaska Tropical climate in the East, Dry desert to the West; Temperate to Frigid in the Andes. Much of their land is forest, followed by agriculture use. Market Economy with a GDP of $12,300 on average. They are a leading producer of many agriculture products including: Quinoa, Coffee, Sugarcane, Plantains, Medicinal plants, Palm oil and Marigold’s.

Land Use:

History: Once the seat of the famous Inca civilization. Famous cities of Machu Picchu (believed to be a ‘treasure city’ and Cusco (capital of their empire). Ruled by the Sapa Inca … Famous Inca warrior … Tu Pac Amaru Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizzaro conquered the Inca in 1534.

Incan Trails: Some built before the 1400’s: Steps: Trail from Machu Picchu to Cusco, 50 miles:

Machu Picchu Cathedral in Cusco

Sacsayhuaman: Valley of Volcanoes:

Nazca:

Issues facing Peru: Deforestation: Road Building

Peruvian Culture:

Khipu:

Bolivia:

Geographical Facts: Three times the size of Montana Humid and Tropical to Cold and Semi-arid. Much of their land is forest, followed by agriculture use. Lowland plains in the Amazon Basin, highland plateau (Altiplano) and rugged Andes mountains. Market Economy with a GDP of $6,500 on average. They are a producer of many agriculture products including: Quinoa, Coffee, Sugarcane, Brazil Nuts, Rice, Potatoes and Chia ?.

History: Named for independence fighter, Simon Bolivar, they broke away from Spain in 1825. Their history of government consists of over 200 coups d'état and other changes. Democracy was first established in 1982. Resource rich country ~ Petroleum, Tin, Zinc, Iron, Gold… One of the least developed countries in Latin America, due to restrictive government policies.

Bolivian Barrios Bolivian Miners Salt Flats: Balsa Boats On Lake Titicaca

Tierra Del Fuego:

Tierra Del Fuego Region of Glaciers, Forests, Volcanoes shared between Chile and Argentina. Seen from the I.S.S.: Cape Horn:

Glacier Sunset: Coastline: Roadways: Glaciers at Night:

Perito-Moreno Glacier:

Brazil:

Geographical Facts: Slightly smaller than the United States Largest and most populated country in South America Climate – Mostly tropical; Terrain – mostly flat, some plains, hills and mountains. Much of the land makes up the Amazon Rain Forest, though this forest is shrinking yearly. Agriculture accounts for the second largest segment of land use. GDP is set at $15,800. They produce: Coffee, Soybeans, Wheat, Rice, Sugarcane, Cocoa, Citrus Fruits and Beef.

History: Brazil was claimed by Portugal following the Treaty of Tordesillas in the 15th century. It was ruled by Portugal for over 300 years. Today Brazil is a regional leader as well as the largest economy in South America. Brasilia, the current capital was relocated into the rainforest to encourage development

Size Comparison:

San Paulo Brasilia Jesus on the hill, Rio de Janeiro

Amazon:

Rainforest: Before: 2010:

Forest Loss:

Venezuela:

Geographical Facts: Slightly twice the size of California Tropical hot and humid climate, more moderate in the highlands. Like many other countries most of their land is forest, with about one quarter dedicated to agriculture: Corn, Sorghum, Sugarcane, Rice, Bananas and Coffee. Natural resources are: Petroleum, Iron Ore, Gold, Bauxite and Diamonds. GDP is $16,100.

Vegetation:

Economic Activity:

History: Originally part of Gran Colombia which dissolved in 1830. For much of the later 20th century it was ruled by Hugh Chavez and since 2013, by his hand-picked successor, Nicholas Maduro. Though Democratic, the government is really Authoritarian and it is doing nothing to solve the nations problems which include Violent crime, Widespread shortages of foodstuffs and High inflation.

Population:

Caracas Caracas Barrio

Tourism vs. Mining:

Issues: Limited Shopping: Political Rally: