Once a prehistoric salt lake, Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is now a vast salt desert. It stretches over 4,633 square miles and during the rainy season, it reflects all around it like a mirror.
With 1,500 miles of coastline, Peru is a hot spot for surfers. The waves off the country's northwest coast are among the world's longest, often stretching over a mile.
The Andean condor, which lives exclusively in the mountains and valleys of the Andes. It is the largest raptor in the world and the largest flying bird in South America.
In July, people throughout South America celebrate Día del Amigo (Friend's Day). The holiday is so popular that the amount of well-wishing pals calling each other has disrupted phone service.