Wherever you go in South & Central America, you'll be met by welcoming locals who enjoy mingling with tourists and even giving directions. Of course, as in any country, you must always exercise caution, but, in general, South & Central Americans are proud, friendly people who are zealous about sharing tales of their historic past and showing off their culture of delicious food and exotic music.

South & Central America has been home to many courageous leaders, famous musicians & sports stars and other intriguing characters, both good and bad. But perhaps one of the most famous was Eva Perón, the First Lady of Argentina. At 15, Eva Duarte came to her nation's capital of Buenos Aires where she enjoyed a career as a stage, radio, and film actress. In 1944, she met Colonel Juan Perón and they married just a year later. After her husband became Argentina's President, Eva, now called "Evita," became fiercely involved in Argentine politics and wildly popular with her countrymen. Sadly, her dream to be Vice President proved too controversial for the times, but before her death, she was given the official title of "Spiritual Leader of the Nation."

Beloved Brazilian football (soccer) star, Pelé, is arguably one of the most famous sports legends of all time. Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, he is considered by many to be the greatest football player of the world. His determination to be a champion helped him to win three World Cups with his National Team of Brazil. Astonishingly, and proof of the sheer enormity of his celebrity, in the late 1960's, the ongoing civil war in Nigeria came to a complete stop for the duration of his visit.  Today he is a United Nation's Ambassador but will always be remembered for the magic he created on the field.

South and Central Americans have contributed greatly to the world's music, including Brazil's Antonio Carlos Jobim. His graceful melodies and harmonies were a stark contrast to other music popular in the 1960's. Jobim's roots were firmly planted in jazz and as a pianist, he kept things simple and smooth, also keeping vocals soft - just above a mere whisper. Slated to be an architect, at 20, the lure of music called him away, and instead he went on to fuel the bossa nova explosion and become one of the most influential composers of the 20th century.