The Andes: The Longest Mountain Range on Earth¶

The Andes run the entire length of South America — the longest continental mountain range on Earth. Home to Aconcagua (the highest peak outside Asia), ancient Inca ruins, active volcanoes, and the driest desert on Earth, the Andes offer an extraordinary diversity of mountain experiences. This guide covers the full range from tropical north to glacial south.

Introduction¶

7,000 Kilometers of Mountains¶

Northern Andes¶

Venezuela — Pico Bolívar¶

Colombia — Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta¶

Ecuador — Avenue of Volcanoes¶

Central Andes¶

Peru — Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash¶

Bolivia — Illimani and the Altiplano¶

Southern Andes¶

Aconcagua — The Colossus¶

Patagonia — Torres del Paine and Fitz Roy¶

Tierra del Fuego¶

Volcanic Andes¶

Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Active Giants¶

Cultural Significance¶

Inca Mountain Worship¶

Andean Communities Today¶

Practical Planning¶

Best Seasons by Region¶

Altitude Challenges¶

Permits and Access¶

Key Statistics Table¶