Attractions in South American Capitals Quiz

Answer: Obelisk

The Obelisco de Buenos Aires was built by a German company in 1936, as a commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of the city by Spanish sailors. Then-mayor Mariano de Vedia y Mitre, who held the position between 1932 and 1938, asked prestigious architect Alberto Prebisch to design the monument. The obelisk, which has an elevation of 235 feet/71.5 meters, is often decorated to honor special celebrations or events (much like the Eiffel Tower), including World AIDS Day and the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics.

Argentina is one of the biggest countries in South America, and it is located in the southern part of the continent. It borders Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and of course, soccer archrivals Brazil.

Answer: Pichincha

Fittingly located in the Pichincha province of Ecuador (though the name actually comes from the volcano), the Pichincha famously erupted in 1660 and again in 1999. Throughout the years, several explosions in the area have put Ecuadorian authorities in high alert, because of the potential damage that another eruption could cause. In 2015, Ecuador's Instituto Geofísico began examining the volcano and its caldera after seismic activity was detected. The Pichincha is just one of many volcanoes that can be found in the "Cordillera de los Andes" or the Andean Mountains. The name is also used for Banco Pichincha, a bank founded in 1906.

Ecuador is a South American country named after the Equator (the imaginary line that divides Earth's Northern and Southern hemispheres). The country, once part of Colombia, also controls the Galapagos Islands, where scientist Charles Darwin famously made observations that led to his theory of evolution.

Answer: Ski resort

Valle Nevado's history can be traced back to 1988, when French entrepreneurs were inspired by the French ski resort Les Arcs and decided to take a similar endeavor to Chile. In order to promote tourism, Valle Nevado has formed partnerships with several area hotels, and offers a ski and snowboard school and even real estate options that locals sometimes use as a weekend getaway. There are more than 20 ski slopes of varying difficulty levels that users can choose from, and there are also some restaurants and pubs. The resort is similar to Crans-Montana, one of Switzerland's many ski resorts.

Chile is a country that, as many other South American nations, was colonized by Spain until the 19th century. Chile is home to the Atacama Desert and is a region that is prone to earthquakes.

Answer: Uruguay

According to Uruguayan government information, Pocitos began as a small stream in the middle of a barely populated area. Eventually, local women started going to the stream to wash clothes, and more and more people joined with time. At the beginning of the 20th century, wealthy Uruguayans and Argentine tourists crowded the area with both chalets that they owned and hotels. Since then, the beach is one of Montevideo's most popular vacation spots. The beach is also commonly used as a venue for several international sport competitions, such as the South American U-20 Beach Soccer Championship in 2017.

Montevideo is by far the largest city in Uruguay, a small South American country that borders both Argentina and Brazil. Uruguay has earned a reputation as a very progressive country in comparison to many of its neighbors, due to actions such as the legalization of cannabis/marijuana.

Answer: Park

The Parque Nacional El Avila (El Avila National Park) is a popular attraction in Caracas both because of its natural features and its historical significance. Prussian naturalist Alexander von Humboldt conducted observations about geographical features and vegetation, which led to the opening of the Humboldt Hotel in 1956, in his honor. Also known as Waraira Repano, the national park (designated as such in 1958) features several rivers, mountain peaks, and rich vegetation.

Since 1973, Venezuela has greatly benefited because of how rich the country is in resources like oil. In 1998, Hugo Chavez was elected president and remained in that position until his death in 2013. He was replaced by then Vice-President Nicolas Maduro.

Answer: Suriname

The Republic of Suriname, similar to many countries in Latin America, was originally populated by indigenous groups but were colonized by European powers (in their case, the Dutch and the English both wanted the territory but it was ultimately controlled by the former). Suriname did not officially gain independence from the Netherlands until 1975, and made Johan Ferrier their first-ever president.

The country has remarkable biodiversity, an example being the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists in Paramaribo, Suriname's capital city, can enjoy colonial Dutch architecture by walking Waterkant.

Answer: Huaca Pucllana

The Huaca Pucllana is now a museum that showcases one of the main administrative centers of the Lima culture, a prehispanic tribe that made important distributions to ceramics and architecture. Huaca Pucllana was allegedly used to perform several rituals, such as human sacrifices and breaking large vases. Archaeologists believe that the Lima culture worshiped animals like sharks, since they were frequently featured in the decorated vases.

Peru is one of the largest countries in South America, and is known for the Incas, and its alpacas and cuys.

Answer: Monserrate

Monserrate is one of the most famous natural landmarks of Bogota, although it has been made equally famous by the eponymous distinctive white shrine that can be found on top of the hill. As you could see in the picture, most of Bogota can easily be seen from Monserrate. Though people frequently use cable cars to reach the top, many prefer to make their way up by climbing. The sanctuary on top of the hill was built in the mid-1650s by pilgrims who carried bricks up the mountain in order to build the shrine.

Colombia has cities like Medellin and Cartagena, and is the birthplace of writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez, an icon of Latin American literature.

Answer: Sparkling water

The Brasilia National Park, otherwise known as Parque Agua Mineral, is one of the biggest metropolitan parks in the world! Tourists and locals alike enjoy visiting the park for its pools and its rich biodiversity. Many species of birds can be found in the park, and it is a nice, relaxing spot where nature-lovers can have a wonderful time. Brazilians love the place because many feel the cement nicely contrasts with the multiple other natural features around the park.

Brazil is a Portuguese-speaking country known for the Amazon River, coffee production, and talented soccer players. Brazil is home to a variety of different ecosystems.

Answer: Guyana

The Iwokrama Forest is known for its rich flora and fauna, which is partly attributable to the tropical climate. It is in close proximity to other tropical nations, like Brazil. The forest lent its name to the Iwokrama International Center for Rain Forest Conservation and Development, an organization that works to promote conservation of Guyana's forests.

Guyana means "land of many waters" and actually has English as the official language, which is different from its other South American counterparts. The country has historically had border disputes with countries like Venezuela.