The aim of this article is to analyze the current situation of AIDS in Latin American countries. Specifically, to compare their situation with other geographic areas of the planet, the prevalence index per countries, distribution per sex and age and, finally, the main ways of transmission in each country. The most recent data published by OMS and demographic data obtained from the Latin American and Caribean Demographic Center (CELADE) was used. This analysis reflects that in Latin America it is impossible to talk about AIDS in a homogeneous way since the differences between countries are remarkable (Rev Méd Chile 2001; 129: 944-54).