South America’s Andes mountain chain stretches all the way from Colombia to the southern tips of the continent in Chile and Argentina.
The mountains in the Andes are the highest in the world outside of the Himalayas.
There are dozens of peaks over 5,000 meters. The tallest being Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, which stands at 6,962 meters (22,841 feet) above sea level. The range strethces more than 7,000 km (4,400 miles) and the average height is about 4,000 meters (13,000 feet).
These are the home of the Inca civilization, which remnants of can still be seen. While other civilizations stayed towards the coast and lowlands, the Incas stayed firm at high altitudes. When the Spanish conquered the Incas, they quickly moved their capital to the coast of Peru and founded Lima.
High altitudes are not necessarily empty. There is abundant wildlife throughout the Andean chain. Alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas, relatives of the camel, thrive above 4,000 meters. Pumas and condors are found throughout the chain. In the Andean foothills lay much of the world’s most biologically diverse regions. The cloud forests of places like Manu National Park in Peru and Podocarpus National Park in Ecuador are literally the most diverse places on earth.
Important Andean Cities
Huaraz and Cusco, Peru - While Huaraz is South America’s mountaineering and overall adventure capital, Cusco is the continent’s tourist capital thanks to its access to nearby Machu Picchu and a wide array of hiking, rafting, and adventure activities.
La Paz, Bolivia -La Paz is the world’s highest capital and its relationship with the surrounding mountains and volcanoes make it one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Quito and Baños, Ecuador -Quito is Ecuador’s capital and one of the largest cities in the Andes. It’s sprawling population and access to volcanoes, snow covered mountains, and diverse forests make it one of the most popular and accessible capitals in South America.The much smaller town ofBaños is better known for its Andean lowlands, waterfalls, volcanoes, rafting, hiking, and canyoning.
Pucón and Puerto Natales, Chile - Pucón gives great access to climbing a volcano, skiing, wind surfing, and hiking in chile’s Lakes district. Puerto Natales in Southern Patagonia sits near the incredible hiking and kayaking destination of Torres del Paine National Park, where the Andean chain is at it’s most majestic.
Mendoza, Bariloche, and Salta, Argentina - While Mendoza is better known for it’s wine, it is also has some of the best hiking, skiing, and horsebackriding in the Andes.Bariloche and Salta are more centered around their Andean scenery and numerous treks, hikes, climbs, and ski resorts are accessible.
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