The trek is a homecoming of sorts for Estefan, who was a superstar in Latin countries long before she ever broke out on U.S. charts.

“It’s beautiful to come full circle; Latin America was the first place that our music became a hit even before we had huge international success with ‘Dr. Beat,’” the singer explained.

“Latin American countries were big fans already, so it’s going to be a beautiful opportunity to go back thirty years in our career and do something that I haven’t done anywhere in the world. This tour is very special and exciting for me.”

Thanks to our friends at Terra.com, we’ve got a two-part interview with Estefan, where she discusses her South American tour, her long career, her fans and her future.

Here’s part one:

And part two:

The folks at Terra have also provided us with a couple of behind-the-scenes clips from Estefan’s April 9 kick-off show at the Conrad Resort in Punta del Este, Uruguay. The clips were taken with hand-held cameras by Estefan, her band and her crew.

Over the next week, we’ll be posting highlights from each show on Estefan’s South American trek, as well as photos and lots more behind the scenes footage.

For a look at all things Gloria, including her top fashion moments and her greatest videos, visit Terra.com/Musica/GloriaEstefan.