We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Geography

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Andes?

Michael Anissimov
By
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 18,468
References
Share

The Andes are the world's longest exposed mountain range, with a length of 4,400 miles (7,000 km), 125 miles (200 km) wide, and an average height of 13,000 ft (4,000 m). In comparison, the world's longest submerged range is the mid-ocean ridge, which is 40,400 miles (65,000 km) long. The Andes are famous as the largest mountain range in South America, extending for most of the west coast of South America. The mountains were formed during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, when the Antarctic Plate and the Nazca Plate caused extensive uplifting as they pushed east into the South American Plate.

As the most important mountain range in South America, the Andes are rich both in biodiversity and cultural diversity. People have lived in the mountains for over 10,000 years, and 6,000 years ago developed irrigation techniques they used to grow maize and potatoes. During the 1400s, the Inca Empire developed in the northern Andes, and expanded southwards, terracing parts of the mountains and using them as territories to expand their empire.

andes

One of the most famous sites in the Andes is Machu Picchu, the ruins of an Incan city at 7,874 ft (2,400 m), sometimes called "the Lost City of the Incas." Machu Picchu is one of the only Incan cities that was not discovered by the Spaniards when they conquered the Incan Empire in the early 1500s, hidden in the Andes high above the Amazon Rainforest. This means that it was never plundered or destroyed, unlike most other Inca sites. However, it was forgotten for almost 400 years, only being called to the attention of the western world in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, a lecturer at Yale University. Today, the site receives over 400,000 visitors annually.

The Andes stretch through seven countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. The tallest peak is Aconcagua, at 22,841 ft (6,962 m), the world's tallest mountain outside of Asia. As the tallest mountain on the continent of South America, it is part of the Seven Summits. Another notable mountain in the Andes is Mount Chimborazo, the spot in the world farthest from the center of the Earth (due to the planet's equatorial bulge). Like many other mountains in the Andes, Chimborazo is a volcano, though it last erupted over 1000 years ago. As a volcanically active region, the Andes are part of the "Ring of Fire" that surrounds the Pacific.

andes
Share
CulturalWorld.org is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Michael Anissimov
By Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov is a dedicated CulturalWorld.org contributor and brings his expertise in paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism to his articles. An avid blogger, Michael is deeply passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. His professional experience includes work with the Methuselah Foundation, Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and Lifeboat Foundation, further showcasing his commitment to scientific advancement.
Discussion Comments
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov is a dedicated CulturalWorld.org contributor and brings his expertise in paleontology, physics,...
Learn more
Share
https://www.culturalworld.org/what-are-the-andes.htm
Copy this link
CulturalWorld.org, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

CulturalWorld.org, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.