Quick Links

The Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world - forming the backbone of South America. The only mountains that are taller are in Asia (China, Kazakhstan, India, Pakistan, and Nepal have taller mountains). As one of the greatest mountain ranges in the world, it is not possible to go into detail here, but two of the most popular areas to explore are the Inca region of Peru and Patagonia in Chile and Argentina.

The Andes have just about everything one can imagine - from tropical rainforests at their feet in the north to awe-inspiring glaciers in the southern Patagonia region. Travelers are hard-pressed to find other places in the world, the grandeur, and majesty of the Andes.

The Andes - A Mountain Range Of Superlatives

These are massive mountain ranges with an average height of around 4,000 meters or 13,000 feet. They run in a north-south direction through seven South American nations. Naturally, the Andes are subdivided into many ranges (much like the greater Rockies).

They are also part of the greater American Cordillera - the colossal chain of mountains running from Canada down to Antarctica (including the Rockies).

  • Length: 5,530 miles or 8,900 kilometers
  • Width: 124 to 435 miles or 200 to 700 kilometers
  • Highest Mountain: Mount Aconcagua At 22,838 feet or 6,961 Meters

Perched on the high plateaus of the Andes are a number of major South American cities - like the capital cities of La Paz, Quito, and Bogotá, as well as Cali, Medellín, Merida, El Alto, and more. Additionally, the ancient Inca Empire stretched into the Andes.

  • Countries: Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina
  • Climates: Tropical Andes, Dry Andes, Wet Andes
  • Capitals: La Paz, Quito, Bogotá

The world's second-highest plateau (after the Tibetan plateau) is the Altiplano plateau. While Mount Everest is the world's tallest mountain, the peak of the Chimborazo in the Ecuadorian Andes is the farthest point from the center of the Earth (on account of the equatorial bulge). The Andes also have the highest volcanoes in the world.

Related: This Is Where You Can See Bariloche's Most Stunning Landscapes, Some Of The Best Parts Of Patagonia

The Deep Inca Connection To The Andes

There are far too many regions and civilizations in the Andes to go into here, but perhaps the most famous civilization was the Incas. The Incas are inseparable from the Andes. The very word "Andes" is believed to derive from the Quechua (Inca) word "anti," meaning "east." "Antisuyu" (East Region) was one of the four regions of the Inca Empire.

  • Famous Inca Attractions: Machu Picchu, Cusco, The Sacred Valley

Nestled deep in the Andes is the famous 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (at an elevation of 7,970 feet or 2,430 meters). Machu Picchu has sometimes been called the "Lost City of the Incas" - although the lost Inca capital of Vilcabamba would have a better claim to that title. The homeland of the Inca (the Sacred Valley and Cusco) is also found in the Andes.

The Inca Civilization developed in the northern Andes during the 1400s, helped along by the construction of aqueducts, terraces, roads, and farming.

Today there are countless tours to Machu Picchu and other Inca attractions. One of the most popular ways to hike through the Andes is to hike the trails to Machu Picchu.

Related: The Complete Guide: How, Why, And When To Visit Argentina's Awe-Inspiring Patagonia

Patagonia Region - A Magically Dramatic World

Apart from the historic Inca region of Peru with Machu Picchu, perhaps the most visited and best-known region of the Andes is Patagonia.

Patagonia occupies the southern part of the Andes and is part of both Argentina and Chile. This region is famous for glaciers, temperate rainforests, eye-catching fjords, and dramatic mountain ranges. The region also has steppes, tablelands, and deserts.

  • Countries: Chile & Argentina

Torres del Paine National Park is famous for being one of the most visually stunning national parks in the world. One of the best ways to explore Patagonia is with a multi-day tour. One example of a tour of Torres del Paine is:

  • Price: $3,650
  • Age Range: 16 to 80
  • Duration: 10 Days

National parks in Chilean Patagonia include Torres del Paine, Pumalin, Bernardo O’Higgins, Queulat, and Patagonia National Park. On the Argentine side are the Los Glaciares National Park, Tierra del Fuigo, and Nahuel Huapi National Park.