Traveling South America: Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay

In 1982, President Ronald Reagan joked with reporters about his recent trip to Latin America “well, I learned a lot…you’d be surprised. They’re all individual countries.”

Indeed, although it surprises some, Latin America is a vast and fascinating place, and many non-visitors and outsiders know astonishingly little about it. Recently, I spent a few weeks in South America, passing through: Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay.

I talked with a lot of people about their country, usually in my (gradually improving) Spanish. Here is what was on people's minds:

Bolivia You hear repeated from many people a fear that Bolivia is “becoming like Venezuela.” This is due to President Evo Morales, who held a failed referendum last year to eliminate executive term limits, went ahead and did so anyway on November 30.

Bolivia is stunning, visually. La Paz, sits at 14,000 feet in the Andes.

Paraguay Had the most unique and tasty cuisine of the four countries I visited. People talk a lot about the preservation of native Guaraní language and culture helping keep the food more distinct than its neighbors (which are more heavily influenced by European food trends).

People talk a lot about frustrations with Paraguay's Colorado party which last April, like in Bolivia, attempted to pass a measure to eliminate presidential term limits. When that happened thousands of people stormed the congress, hurling rocks, smashing windows. The damage is still visible.

Asuncion is among the most distinctive downtowns you’ll find. If you find yourself there, definitely eat at Bar Lido.

Argentina – The people are very divided politically, and have been for a long time, but currently there is a mood of subdued optimism. President Macri is supported by much of the professional classes in the larger cities, who are quite open with their resentment of the previous populist governments.

While there are some overdue changes happening now, such as cheaper flights, there is still many parts of the economy that need fixing, such as inflation.

Iguazu Falls, on the Argentinian side

Uruguay – Easily the most relaxed and "hippie" friendly country in the region (think San Francisco before al the tech wealth). Just a quick one-hour $40 ferry ride from Buenos Aires.

The coastline is amazing (see photos) and easy to navigate by car. Uruguayan’s I met were very welcoming and considerate.

While Uruguayan's would like a few more visitors, they don’t seem to mind being overlooked for their much larger neighbors (Argentina & Brazil).

Countries in the order visited. (Photos are my own)

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