Good vacation spot to get away from homogeneous consumer culture?

[Jara sang]

I'm looking for a spot preferably in Central or South America that still has it's culture "intact". What I mean by intact is a place that when you get there you aren't a.) surrounded by luxury hotels where western tourists fly in to be serviced by the local population, b.) you aren't surrounded by westernized media ads for Coke-cola etc. at every turn on the street. I would like to experience an authentic culture that hasn't been ruined by globalization. Does such a place still exist?

[Squeech]

1. Good question

Probably Cuba.

I love Brazil, but (if I may generalize) the Brazilians are pretty devoted to emulating the consumerist luxuries we have in the north, tempered of course by their joie de vivre.

The first time I went there, ten years ago, a Brazilian friend warned me about how brand-conscious they were, and how I'd better wear Ray-Bans if I wanted anybody to take me seriously. I discounted his analysis, but it turned out to be largely true. Then, at a bus stop, I saw some guy wearing a T shirt that said (on the back) "Nao importe na marca"-- the brand name doesn't matter. I was vindicated! Except I had to see what was on the *front* of his T shirt. It turned out to be the logos of a dozen brands of Brazilian beers, with the text "Bebo todos"-- I drink them all, the brand doesn't matter.

[mcscajun]

2. From what I hear...you might check out Patagonia...

...the place, not the store. :)

[readmylips]

3. Apalachia....

not much civilized-Americanized progress there, and you don't have to leave your country.