posted by Travel Cat on Mar 4
Stunning peaks and the wildest terrain can be found high up in the South American Andes - and it is also breath-takingly beautiful!
So massive that it runs from the tropical Caribbean to the freezing Antarctic, and so expansive that it covers land in 7 countries. It is the longest un-interrupted high barrier in the world, the second highest mountain range after the Himalaya and contains the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere - Aconcagua at 6962m or 22841ft.
These fertile highlands and valleys have been home to the native population for centuries and contain an astounding variety of plant and animal life, including the elusive puma, the flightless rhea and the unusual monkey puzzle tree!! Whatever the season there will be a part of the range suitable for hiking and climbing.
They are however young mountains and as a result are home to frequent volcanic eruptions and devastating earthquakes. The landscape reflects this violent past and allows for some inspiring scenery and challenging mountaineering.
Andean Life.
The cultures found in the Andes are extremely varied due to the distances covered by these mountains, but all share common themes such as colorful traditions and festivals. Traditional clothes abound in the villages and towns you pass through when travelling.
There is also the great opportunity to see the cultures that stretch it’s length, including Quechua and other smaller Indian populations (there are up to 80 different groups in Columbia alone). You will also have the chance to celebrate fiestas with whole communities or share the homes of individual families during your stay.
Much of the population farm the land but there is a rising population involved in the tourist industry - and make sure that you use them for your travels.
Whether you are backpacking alone or using a fully-organised tour group - make sure that you respect the locals and keep the money and the jobs local. There are guidelines for using porters to help with the more difficult climbs - and of course local people know the land, know the wildlife and know how to live off the land should the weather or circumstances change. Travelling with others also increases security.
What Offers What?
Here is a quick summary of the countries you can choose from when exploring the Andes range.
Patagonia- This covers both Argentina and Chile and is wild and desolate. As the most southern part of the range - it is the coldest - but also one of the most popular with the Torres Del Paine National Park and the amazing and unusual landscape of Tierra del Fuego.
With Ice Caps and Glaciers everywhere and volcanic zones so close together, you certainly won’t run out of places to see here and you will be beguiled by the deep blue lakes, waterfalls and thermal springs. Just make sure you bring your waterproofs!
Bolivia- The country of gold mines! First the Incas then the Spanish have come to this region to mine for metals - where infact the Andes get their name. You can get to almost any part of the range from the La Paz/ Lake Titicaca region - and you are right in the heart of the Andes here on the Altiplano.
Bolivia also has the most festival and celebrations of any other South American nation so this location is great for the more cultural trekkers.
Peru- Not only the home of the Inca Trail and the mystical Machu Picchu, but to many varied and exciting treks and ancient Inca sites. Also the home of the mountain city of Cuzco - filled with amazing architecture and a fantastic and friendly culture.
These stunning and dramatic mountains are the source of the mighty Amazon - and also the location of many mines and mountain pathways lined with temples and terraced landscapes.
Ecuador - This is a country of physical extremes. With towering mountains and deep valley jungles, and with 30 active volcanoes the climate is anything but boring!
There is an amazing variation of habitat across the country and the culture is certainly a reflection of their relationship with the very elements themselves. 50% of the population are Indian, and their lives are ruled by the sun and moon - and the weather.
Columbia - Not a country widely visited by travellers, there is still plenty to see if you research your destination carefully and take on a guide. Nearly half of the country is mountains and most of this is covered in jungle - just waiting for those first few visitors to explore.
Columbus never even arrived in the country named after him - and it is still a land of myths and legends. There is an amazing natural and cultural diversity here with over 80 different Indian groups still living in the rain forests. It has had a very turbulant history, but there are areas that are safe to travel through and you would be one of the first to do so.
Venezuela - Where the Andes meet the Caribbean. Although lower and warmer than the rest of the chain, there is still plenty of adventure here. With over 40 National Parks protected in the country, much of the jungle is intact and requires an experience machete-wielding guide to pass through!
The unique geography of the region makes for some unusual treks - and almost a step back in time. The culture here in the highlands is certainly different to what you are used to - but the local people are very welcoming. And you won’t regret that when the weather suddenly changes leaving you out in the cold!
Has it tickled your fancy??
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