The cities mentioned on this list are South America's largest, either by size, population or both. It's not surprising that Brazil, South America's largest country has five cities listed. Not all cities are tourist destinations, but each has its own attractions, history and sightseeing opportunities.
1. Sao Paulo, Brazil
Ron Miller - author of Escape from the Happy Cannibal
São Paulo, being Brazil's center of commerce, a huge sprawling metropolis and the largest city in South America, probably isn't on your list of vacation hot-spots, but when the day's work is done, the visitors and residents of this city of trade and industry like to play as hard as they work.
2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Rio, a cidade maravilhosa, is spectacularly located, and to live up to the scenery, cariocas and visitors enjoy a vivid lifestyle nestled between fabulous beaches and rainforested hills.
3. Bogota, Colombia
©2006 Ron Miller, All Rights Reserved http://www.RonTravel.com
Nestled high in the Andes at 2620 m. (8646 ft), Santafé de Bogotá is a city of contrasts with highrise buildings standing next to colonial churches.It's a city of universities, theaters and shantytowns, and a mixture of influences, Spanish and English and Indian.
4. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Roberto Ingledew
Big. sprawling Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is cosmopolitan and yet retains a neighborhood feel in the barrios. Sightseeing, shopping, dining and nightlife, including the sensual tango, is a must in this sophisticated city.
5. Salvador, Brazil
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An exotic tropical city in a vast country that encompasses everything from deserts to rain forests. Near the equator and nearer the South Atlantic Ocean, Salvador is what Americans are imagining when they think of the place where "The Girl from Ipanema" strolled.
6. Caracas, Venezuela
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Venezuela's capital and largest city is the center of commerce, culture, economics and the base for touring the country's attractions, including Angel Falls and the llanos.
7. Belo Horizonte, Brazil
The name of the city means "Beautiful Horizon," and the inland city was developed along the plan of Washington, DC. It is one of the largest cities in Brazil and a commercial and university city with many cultural opportunities.8. Brasilia, Brazil
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Brazil's capital, Brasilia is a monument to what Brazilians can do and have done. It's a city pointing like an arrow into the future. It's built on a massive scale, with large, innovative buildings, a freedom of spirit and imagination.
9. Guayaquil, Ecuador
©2006 Ron Miller, All Rights Reserved http://www.RonTravel.com
Many travelers zip through Guayaquil on their way to the Galapagos. Those who take the time to explore the city and southern coastal Ecuador might be pleasantly surprised.
