The Andes mountain range is the world’s longest continental mountain range, and while second in height outside of Asia, the range contains the highest volcanoes in the world.

Consensus currently supports the idea that the Andes derive their name from the Quechua word “anti” which can be translated to “high crest.”

Running over 4,000 miles long (7,000km), the range runs through Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

Chile and Peru benefit from copper deposits making them the first and second largest exporters of copper in the world, and the range is home to the iconic Inca site Machu Picchu. Climate ranges from desert to rainforest.

The highest point in the Andes is Aconcagua in Argentina, which sits at a height of 22,841 ft, only 6,188 ft below Mount Everest. It is the highest peak in the Americas.