The Andes Mountains, the longest continental mountain range in the world, form a continuous highland along the western edge of South America. Extending approximately 8,900 km (5,500 mi) from Venezuela to Patagonia, the range traverses seven countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. The Andes are more than 50 million years old, formed by the collision of the South American and Pacific tectonic plates. The average height of the mountain range is about 4,000 m (13,000 ft).
The Andes are known for their dramatic impact on the region's climate, acting as a barrier between the Pacific Ocean and the continent. They are split into the Tropical Andes, the Dry Andes, and the Wet Andes. The mountains are home to diverse ecosystems and an abundance of wildlife. Key attractions include the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the Sacred Valley. The highest peak in the Andes is Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, reaching an elevation of 6,961 m (22,838 ft). However, the peak of Chimborazo in Ecuador is the point farthest from the Earth's center due to the planet's equatorial bulge.
Recent studies indicate that climate change is significantly impacting the Andes, with glaciers thinning at an alarming rate. The Andean glaciers are thinning by 0.7 meters a year, 35 percent faster than the global average. This is threatening the water supply for approximately 90 million people. There are efforts to restore native Andean forests.
