Andes

The Andes are a vast mountain chain in South America. They extend from Chile to Venezuela through Colombia, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador.

For other places with the same name, see Andes (disambiguation).

The Andes

Cities

Other destinations

Understand

Talk

Almost everyone you encounter will be able to communicate in Spanish. Quechua and Aymara are also major languages in the region, and there are some lesser-known tribal language.

English is spoken by most people in the tourism industry, at least in major destinations.

Get in

Get around

See

• Aconcagua, the highest peak of the Andes, rises to 6,962m above sea level, making the Andes the highest mountain range outside Asia. Climbing expeditions for Aconcagua usually set out from the Argentinian city of Mendoza
• Ojos del Salado in Northern Chile is a comparatively easy to climb peek, still 6,893m.

Do

• Many ski centers operate in the Andes during the winter months.
• Hike the Inca Trail.

Eat

Drink

Stay healthy

Obviously, the Andes include some high-altitude destinations. To avoid headaches and potentially worse symptoms, it's a good idea to acclimate to the altitude slowly; see altitude sickness for more details.

Go next

• The Rocky Mountains in North America