South American Sights Trivia Quiz

Answer: Argentina, Andes

Aconcagua, at 22,841 feet, is the highest mountain in South America, the Western Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. Mountaineer Edmund Fitzgerald first ascended it in 1897.

The Andes are 4,300 miles long and about 120 miles to 430 miles wide. The range averages 13,000 feet high. They rise in Colombia and extend to lower Argentina.

Answer: Corcovado

Paul Landowski, Heitor da Silva Costa, and Albert Caquot share the creation of the statute that was completed in 1931. Landowski, a Jew, according to legend converted to Catholicism as a result of the moving experience of constructing the statue that has become not only the symbol of Rio but Brazil as well. It can be seen from nearly all parts of the city and provides a magnificent platform to view the city.

Christ the Redeemer is 98 feet tall and stands on a 26 feet pedestal, with arms 94 feet wide. It was constructed in France and the pieces fitted one by one. It weighs 635 tons.

It is a difficult drive up the curving road up Corcovado. When parking a polite local will ask you if you would like him to have watch your car. It is best to say yes and provide a generous tip as you may find some mischief may have happened to your vehicle upon your return.

Answer: Saint Paul

Sao Paulo in 2013 had a population of 11,244,369. Formally agricultural, Sao Paulo has developed into a financial center. It is also known as a center for luxury goods. Such companies as Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and Tiffany have stores in Sao Paulo.

Answer: Chile

Chile rests on the western slope of the Andes mountain range and faces the Pacific Ocean on its western coast. Chile is one of the world's chief producers of copper. Agriculturally, Chile is limited as only 2.6% of its land is arable. The majority of the population live in the central area, the north being desert and the south has been described as "labyrinth of fjords, inlets, canals, twisting peninsulas, and islands".

Source: Library of Congress website.

Answer: Peru

The true source of the Amazon has puzzled geographers. The fairest thing to say is that five large tributaries contribute to the main flow. Research indicates that the Mantaro River in southwestern Peru is the most likely candidate.

It is difficult to grasp how imposing the Amazon is. Its discharge is greater than the next seven largest independent rivers combined. It is the longest river in South America and the largest drainage basin. It contains a fifth of the world's river flow, as well a wealth of flora and fauna.

Answer: Colombia

Galeras Volcano rises (14,029 ft) above sea level in the Andes Range. The first recorded eruption was in 1580. In 1993 it erupted killing nine people including six scientists who were studying it. In 2006 and 2010 thousands of people were evacuated as a safety precaution making it one of the most dangerous volcanoes in South America. Minor tremors have been observed, often as many as a hundred in a year.

Answer: Bolivia

To say the flats yield salt is an understatement. The Salar di Uyuni contains large amounts sodium, potassium, borax, and magnesium as well as table salt (NaCl). Of all the chemicals that can be mined here, probably the most important is lithium, a key component of electric batteries. It is estimated that Bolivia possesses 43% of lithium reserves.

The Salar itself is devoid of animal and plant life. There are 'islands' made up of rocky projections. Occasionally, some birds breed on those. The pink flamingo returns each year to mate.

Answer: Ecuador

Charles Darwin did much of his research aboard the HMS Beagle in the Galapagos Islands. He said, "I was much struck with certain facts in the distribution of the inhabitants of South America, and in the geological relations of the present to the past inhabitants of that continent. These facts seemed to me to throw some light on the origin of species-that mystery of mysteries."

The tortoise is an endangered species. Only about 3000 exist down from 250,000 a couple of centuries ago. They are found in the Galapagos Islands. They are an example of a surviving prehistoric animal, and have long lives--some living to up to 170 years. Darwin called them antediluvian and monsters.

His book "The Origin of Species" was written as a scientific paper but became notorious among theologians as it challenged traditional beliefs.

The Galapagos consist of 18 main islands, three smaller islands, and 107 rocks and islets. Isabela, the largest island, makes up three-quarters of the total land area.

Although rich in unique plants and wildlife, the islands had no indigenous population.

Answer: Sinkholes

The larger sinkhole is called Sima Humboldt after a famous explorer. It lies in a remote area hundreds of miles from a road. A Norwegian expedition in 1990s found it could only make about a thousand feet a day in some areas. The upper rim is 1,155 feet wide and 1,647 feet deep. Inside were found exotic black minerals called litiophorite, and the beginnings of the formation of opals. Because Sima Humboldt is not vulnerable to known plants and wildlife, it has developed its own unique ecosystem with plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth.

The 1976 crew had to be dropped by helicopter into the area. Much time was spent felling primeval trees to create a landing spot for the return flight.

In simplest terms, a sinkhole is the result of water eventually working its way through rock and soil and causing a collapse at the surface.

Answer: Ipanema

Just above Ipanema Beach rise two peaks called the Two Brothers. Copacabana is the longest beach stretching eleven miles. Much of Rio de Janeiro's beaches have severe undertow so only the skilled or adventurous should try to swim in the water.

Ipanema Beach is named for the south Rio neighborhood it adjoins. Travel guides classify it as one of the safest beaches as Ipanema is in upper economic status surroundings.

During the day and particularly on weekends the beaches are crowded with sun bathers, volleyball nets, and soccer goals. If you venture very late at night (not recommended) you may see voodoo women with small lean-to tents telling fortunes and dispersing magic amulets for a price.