The Andes Mountains are the most ambitious mountain system on the planet. They stretched for eight thousand kilometers along the entire South American continent.
Location
The Andes mountains on the map cross a wide three-hundred-kilometer strip seven states. Among them are the largest: Peru, Chile, Argentina, Colombia. The entire north and west of the mainland cover the Andes, where there are active volcanoes and the highest point of two American continents.
The highest mountain system occupies an honorable second place in the world. Despite the fact that the mountains are millions of years old, they continue to grow.
Geographically, this mountain system is divided into three massifs: Northern, Southern and Central. These are the massifs that make up the Andes, where, in turn, there are three climatic zones: subtropical, tropical, subequatorial. They determine the unprecedented species and climate diversity of the system. At the same time, the Andes are the most ambitious climatic barrier on the planet, determining the climate on the whole continent.
The highest peak of two Americas
Mount Aconcagua, which is located in the western part of Argentina, almost on the border with Chile, is the highest mountain of the continent. Its height is 6.96 km. 32.65 S, 70.01 W - the geographical coordinates of the mountain. The Andes, thanks to this peak, have become popular among climbers.
The first recorded ascent occurred in 1897, the conqueror - M. Zurbriggen (Switzerland), at that time it was the highest conquered peak.
Now about three and a half thousand tourists climb Aconcagua annually, of which 75% of climbers are residents of Europe and the United States. Most of them use the easiest route that does not require climbing equipment.
Despite this, people die on the mountain every year. The reason is a sharp drop in altitude, causing
mountain sickness, and adverse weather conditions. Nevertheless, tourists with good health successfully climb to the top, taking with them numerous photographs and unforgettable impressions of a multi-day confrontation with height.
Climbing a mountain will require a tourist about three weeks, including the mandatory stages of acclimatization. To get to the top, you will need to obtain a special permit, which, depending on the season, costs from 300 to 700 US dollars in local currency (Argentine pesos). Permission for shortened routes (not to the very top) will cost much cheaper.
Titicaca
The lake with the exotic name Titicaca is the highest navigable on the planet. It is located in the Andes mountain system, where the borders of Peru and Bolivia are located, at an altitude of 3.8 km. Stretching 190 km long and 80 km wide, it covers an area of more than 8 thousand square kilometers. There are 41 islands on the lake, many of which are inhabited.
Titicaca is one of the most revered islands in the world and the cradle of the mysterious Inca civilization. According to the beliefs of local peoples, their founder ancestor is the legendary Viracochi, who came out of the depths of the lake in order to restore the civilization that died during the Flood. In honor of this and other memorable acts, numerous shrines were erected on the islands of the lake, many of which date back to 500 BC.
Colca Canyon
One of the most impressive attractions of the Andes is the Colca Canyon. Surpassing the Grand Canyon almost twice as deep , it crashes into the surface of the planet for four kilometers. From the observation deck of the canyon, amazing views of the Andes open, including active volcanoes such as Ampat, Ualka-Ualka, Sabankaya.
The most famous observation deck of the area is the Condor Cross, named so because you can watch eagles diving at this height, looking out for prey. Another attraction of the canyon is the highest mountain plantations (even the name of the canyon translates as "barn").
Tourist features
Due to the incredible length, diversity and identity, the Andes mountains are able to find a response in the soul of almost any tourist. Lovers of outdoor activities will find here a variety of horse and hiking routes of different lengths. Connoisseurs of exotic food will be able to try the cuisine of seven states and the many nationalities inhabiting them. By the way, by European standards, prices will seem very modest. All who are able to appreciate the distinctive cultures will be struck by the contrast of quite modern cities with millennia-old stone palaces and ancient temples, the stones of which still remember the warmth of human hearts thrown at them by gloomy priests.
Among the many cities of this region that deserve a visit, one can single out the picturesque La Paz, located at an altitude of three and a half kilometers, and the city of Arequipa, famous for its volcano. The huge El Misto, towering over the city, about 6 kilometers high, is one of the highest volcanoes on the planet. Despite the fact that the last eruption of El Misto took place in the 80s of the last century, this does not scare away the crowds of tourists attracted by the beauty of this place.