Latest fromSouth America

Ecuador: Animal magic in the mountains
Jim Eagles avoids a guinea pig lunch but is charmed by a fortune-telling bird.

Brazil: Life on the other side of Rio's streets
Slum tours can improve locals' lives, writes Karen Phelps.

'Illiterate' clown may be denied seat in Brazil's congress
For mostly practical reasons the Brazilian constitution requires all of the nation's politicians to be able to read - even celebrity clowns.

<i>Avatar</i> for real
You wait all these years for James Cameron to make a 3D film about a peaceful tribe whose pastoral existence is threatened by greedy developers, then, like the proverbial bus, three come along in quick succession.

Soccer: Nelsen confirms availability
All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen has confirmed his availability for New Zealand's two home soccer internationals next month.

South America: So Machu more
Peru's attractions extend far beyond a mountain-top Inca ruin, writes Chris Reed.

World on a Plate: Brazil (+recipe)
As head chef at Auckland's Savour & Devour restaurant, Jaqueline prepares Mediterranean and traditional French cuisine.

33 Chilean miners trapped underground
Photos of relatives, friends and rescue workers making contact with the 33 trapped miners in the San Jose mine in Copiapo, Chile.

South America: Backpacking with baby
David King and Bec Johnston discover the special joys of taking a 10-month-old girl on a six-month journey round South America.

Aussie driller helps rescue Chile miners
An Australian has played a part in helping to reach 33 miners trapped underground in Chile.