Background Epidemiology in Latin America, as in the rest of the world, has been developed for the purpose of contributing towards understanding the causes and determinants of the phenomena of health and disease in specific contexts. However, in that continent it has specific characteristics. Methods The paper explores epidemiology in the Latin American continent, emphasizing on the one hand epidemiology as a knowledge-producing, scientific discipline, and on the other hand, epidemiology in praxis, with its firm commitment to contributing towards transforming the health of the population. Results It has been possible to identify at least eight idiosyncrasies that characterize epidemiology in Latin America. It is being forged with a strong connection to the evolution of the discipline in an international context; however, it has its feet firmly planted in reality, seeking to extract from that reality elements that may contribute towards diminishing the serious health problems in that society. Conclusions This paper presents a picture of the development of epidemiology in Latin America. It is very clear that as well as a lively, intense, intellectual debate, there is a frantic search for alternatives that will increase Latin American populations' possibilities of survival. However, one important aspect is that these two elements—theory and praxis—present consistent dialectic relationships and feedback; this is the main wealth of Latin American epidemiology.