Central and
South America

Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Costa Rica Cuba Ecuador El Salvador Galapagos Guatemala Honduras Mexico Nicaragua Panama Paraguay Peru Uruguay Venezuela

Playing cards had been introduced to the Americas with explorers such as Columbus or Cortés. Cards were imported from Spain since the 16th century alongside local production which usually imitated Spanish cards. Native Indian cards, also modelled on the Spanish pack, are a curious spin-off. Designs have also been influenced by cards imported from Belgium, and by foreign manufacturers such as Dondorf,  Goodall, Grimaud  Muller and USPCC.

Further information: Spanish Colonial affairs  Insurrection

© 2003 The World of Playing Cards.