South America

The number varies greatly by continent. Asia has the most high peaks (all fourteen 8,000-meter mountains), while Australia/Oceania has the fewest above 4,000 meters. MountainFYI catalogs featured peaks for each continent including their routes and seasonal conditions.

The continental high points (Seven Summits) are: Asia -- Everest (8,849m), South America -- Aconcagua (6,961m), North America -- Denali (6,190m), Africa -- Kilimanjaro (5,895m), Europe -- Elbrus (5,642m), Antarctica -- Vinson (4,892m), Oceania -- Puncak Jaya (4,884m).

Africa and Europe offer excellent options for beginners. Kilimanjaro (Grade 1-2) is the world's highest walk-up peak. European Alps provide well-maintained hut-to-hut routes with rescue infrastructure. North America's Cascades and Rockies also have many Grade 1-2 peaks.

Most major mountain ranges form at convergent plate boundaries where tectonic plates collide. The Himalayas formed from the Indian plate pushing into the Eurasian plate. The Andes formed from oceanic-continental subduction. Some ranges like the East African Rift mountains form at divergent boundaries.

Yes. Antarctica has extensive mountain ranges including the Transantarctic Mountains (3,500 km long), the Sentinel Range containing Vinson Massif (4,892m), and volcanic peaks like Mount Erebus (3,794m). Most peaks require expedition-level logistics and are Grade 4-5.