A Visual Voyage Trivia Quiz

Answer: Chile

Torres del Paine National Park, located in southern Chilean Patagonia, is one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in South America. It is famous for its dramatic granite peaks, the Torres ('Towers'), which rise sharply above glaciers, rivers, and turquoise lakes. Visitors are often amazed by the contrasting scenery of snow-capped mountains, windswept plains, and dense forests, making it popular with hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.

The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including guanacos, foxes, Andean condors, and the elusive puma. Its trails range from short day hikes to multi-day treks, allowing adventurers of all levels to explore its unique ecosystems. Recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Torres del Paine is not only a natural wonder but also a symbol of Chile's commitment to protecting its extraordinary landscapes.

Answer: Punta del Este

La Mano, or 'The Hand', is a striking sculpture located on the beach at Punta del Este, Uruguay. It was created by artist Mario Irarrázabal in 1982. The giant hand appears to emerge from the sand, symbolising human presence in nature and warning swimmers of the ocean's dangers. Its unique design and beachside location make it one of Uruguay's most recognisable and photographed landmarks.

The sculpture has become an iconic symbol and a must-see for tourists visiting the region. Over the years, La Mano has also inspired similar works in other countries, but the original continues to capture the imagination with its surreal and playful appearance. It represents both art and culture, standing as a memorable landmark on Uruguay's Atlantic coast.

Answer: Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi is one of the world's highest active volcanoes and is located in central Ecuador within Cotopaxi National Park. Its nearly symmetrical cone, often capped with snow, rises dramatically above the Andean highlands, which makes it a renowned landmark for both locals and visitors. The surrounding landscape includes grasslands, lakes, and rivers, creating striking contrasts with the volcano's stark slopes.

The volcano and its park are popular for hiking, climbing, and wildlife observation, including species such as Andean foxes, wild horses, and condors. Cotopaxi is not only a natural wonder but also a hallmark of Ecuador's volcanic landscape, combining ecological diversity, and breathtaking scenery in one remarkable site.

Answer: Rio de Janeiro

The Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was created by French sculptor Paul Landowski. The statue's construction was a collaborative effort: the Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa designed the overall structure, while the French engineer Albert Caquot handled the technical engineering aspects. The statue's distinctive outer layer was sculpted by Landowski and assembled between 1922 and 1931.

It is a famous statue of Jesus Christ located atop Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Standing 30 meters (98 feet) tall with outstretched arms spanning 28 meters (92 feet), it overlooks the city and has become an emblem of both Rio and Brazil. The statue is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, combining impressive engineering with artistic design.

It attracts millions of visitors annually, offering panoramic views of Rio's beaches, mountains, and urban landscapes and is recognised as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Answer: Chile

The Atacama Desert, in northern Chile, is one of the driest places on Earth, with vast stretches of salt flats, sand dunes, and volcanic landscapes. Its unique scenery, often compared to another planet, draws photographers, travellers, and adventure seekers from around the world. Bright salt deposits, colourful rock formations, and dramatic canyons make it one of South America's most visually striking deserts.

Despite the harsh conditions, the Atacama has rich cultural and scientific significance. Indigenous communities once inhabited the region, leaving behind archaeological sites and petroglyphs. Today, its clear skies make it a global hub for astronomy, with world-class observatories studying the stars.

Answer: Brazil and Paraguay

The Itaipu Dam, located on the Paraná River along the border between Brazil and Paraguay, is one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world. Completed in 1984, it was built to harness the river's flow to generate electricity, supplying a significant portion of both countries' energy needs. It provides electricity to millions of people.

The dam spans nearly 8 kilometres (4.97 miles) and stands 196 (642.7 feet) metres tall, creating a massive reservoir that helps regulate water flow and support local agriculture and ecosystems. Its construction was a remarkable feat of engineering, involving thousands of workers and years of careful planning.

Beyond its role in energy production, the dam also includes efforts to protect local wildlife and maintain ecological balance around the reservoir.

Answer: Venezuela

Angel Falls, located in Venezuela's Canaima National Park, is the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall, plunging 979 meters (3,212 feet) from the Auyán-Tepui mountain. Its dramatic drop creates mist and rainbows, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, making it one of the most spectacular natural sights on the planet. The falls are named after Jimmy Angel, a U.S. aviator who helped bring international attention to the site in the 1930s.

Reaching Angel Falls requires river trips and jungle treks, adding to the sense of adventure for visitors. The surrounding park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to unique ecosystems and endemic wildlife. Angel Falls is a natural wonder and showcases Venezuela's extraordinary landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Answer: Argentina

Aconcagua Provincial Park, located in the Andes of western Argentina, is home to Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas at 6,961 meters (22,838 feet). It features rugged mountain landscapes, glacial valleys, and high-altitude trails that attract climbers and hikers from around the world. Its dramatic scenery of snow-capped peaks against clear skies makes it one of South America's most celebrated natural landmarks.

The park also protects diverse flora and fauna adapted to the harsh mountain environment, including condors and hardy native plants. Visitors can explore trekking routes of varying difficulty, from day hikes to multi-day climbs. Aconcagua Provincial Park combines adventure, natural beauty, and ecological significance, making it a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and mountaineers alike.

Answer: Colombia

Ciudad Perdida, or 'The Lost City', is an ancient archaeological site hidden in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains of Colombia. Believed to have been founded around 800 CE, it predates Machu Picchu and was once a thriving city of the Tayrona civilisation. The site features terraces, stone paths, and ceremonial platforms, all interconnected by a network of steep stairs and walkways through dense jungle.

It is now accessible via multi-day treks, attracting adventurers and history enthusiasts from around the world. Its remote location and rich cultural heritage make it a remarkable glimpse into pre-Columbian life. Surrounded by lush forests and rivers, the Lost City remains both a natural and archaeological treasure of Colombia.

Answer: Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni is located in southwestern Bolivia and is the world's largest salt flat, stretching over 10,000 square kilometres. Its vast, white expanse creates a surreal landscape that looks almost otherworldly, especially after rainfall when it becomes a giant natural mirror reflecting the sky. The salt flat is dotted with unique features like the cactus-covered Incahuasi Island and colourful lagoons nearby, making it a favourite destination for photographers and travellers seeking dramatic scenery.

Beyond its beauty, Salar de Uyuni has economic and scientific importance. It contains large reserves of lithium, a key component in batteries, and its flat, reflective surface is used to calibrate satellites. Wildlife such as flamingos can be spotted in the surrounding areas, adding to the region's ecological diversity.