6 Myths About South America Debunked

Being a Colombian living in North America means that many, many times I have to listen to some of the most ridiculous myths about South America. This post originally appeared on Hayo Magazine and this is the short version of it. Here are some of the myths I've had to debunk myself:

1. All South American food is spicy

WRONG. Just because Mexico, which is not in SA, has spicy food doesn't mean that the rest do too. As a general rule, you'll have to ask for a bottle of Tabasco sauce if you'd like to spice it up.

2. Not all Spanish is the same

Every country in South America has a different accent and there are different accents even in the same country. In countries like Argentina or Uruguay the accent is not the only different thing.

3. We don't live in a jungle

"Do you have cities in Colombia?", a common questions I've had to answer to some very oblivious people that have never seen at least some pictures. Too many Mr. and Mrs. Smith's movies.

4. There's no beach in Buenos Aires

I don't know who was the genius behind How I Met Your Mother's location scout, but that person clearly never traveled to Argentina. Check this five second video to laugh about it.

5. You don't dance salsa in every country

Samba, Tango and Salsa are some of the rhythms that have come out from South America, but you don't dance salsa in Argentina, Samba in Colombia, or Tango in Brazil.

6. All South America is dangerous

Not true. There are some areas that are better to be avoided, but South America in general is pretty safe. You need to have the same precautions as you would when traveling to a new place.

Do you have more stories you have discovered while traveling in South America? Or are you a South American and have been asked any hilariously questions like these? Share them with me!