<P> El Güegüense is a satirical drama and was the first literary work of post-Columbian Nicaragua . It is regarded as one of Latin America's most distinctive colonial - era expressions and as Nicaragua's signature folkloric masterpiece combining music, dance and theater . The theatrical play was written by an anonymous author in the 16th century, making it one of the oldest indigenous theatrical / dance works of the Western Hemisphere . The story was published in a book in 1942 after many centuries . </P> <P> The Andes Region comprises roughly much of what is now Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, and was the seat of the Inca Empire in the pre-Columbian era . As such, many of the traditions date back to Incan traditions . </P> <P> During the independization of the Americas many countries including Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador and Panama formed what was known as Gran Colombia, a federal republic that later dissolved, however the people in these countries believe each other to be their brothers and sisters and as such share many traditions and festivals . Peru and Bolivia were also one single country until Bolivia declared its independence, nevertheless both nations are close neighbors that have somewhat similar cultures . </P> <P> Bolivia and Peru both still have significant Native American populations (primarily Quechua and Aymara) which mixed Spanish cultural elements with their ancestors' traditions . The Spanish - speaking population mainly follows the Western customs . Important archaeological ruins, gold and silver ornaments, stone monuments, ceramics, and weavings remain from several important pre-Columbian cultures . Major Bolivian ruins include Tiwanaku, Samaipata, Incallajta, and Iskanwaya . </P>

Which country has the greatest effect on latin american culture