The Andes Mountains, the longest continental mountain range in the world, forms a continuous highland along the western edge of South America. Extending approximately 8,900 km (5,500 mi) or over 7,000 kilometers from Venezuela to Patagonia, it traverses seven countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. The range's width varies from 200 km to 700 km. The Andes are not just one mountain range but a collection of numerous mountain chains. The average height of the Andes is about 4,000 m (13,000 ft).
The Andes are known for their biodiversity and dramatic landscapes, encompassing the world's highest volcanoes and various climate zones. Key attractions and features include Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and the Sacred Valley with Inca ruins like Machu Picchu. The Andes are a critical source of freshwater, feeding major rivers like the Amazon, and are home to diverse flora and fauna, with many species found nowhere else. Recent studies highlight the impact of climate change, including warming temperatures, glacier shrinkage, and altered precipitation patterns, which threaten water supplies and ecosystems. In early 2026, severe wildfires burned through the Andean foothills of central-southern Chile and across northern Patagonia in Argentina. Restoration projects are underway to restore native Andean forests.
