OtterKnow Kids EncyclopediaThe Andes are the longest mountain range in the world. They stretch over 4,300 miles along the west side of South America, through seven countries. That is like driving from New York to Los Angeles and then halfway back again!
The tallest peak is Aconcagua in Argentina. It stands 22,841 feet tall, making it the highest mountain outside of Asia. Some of the Andes mountains are volcanoes, and a few are still active today. People have lived in these mountains for thousands of years.
- Llamas and alpacas live in the Andes and have thick, woolly coats to stay warm.
- The Andean condor also lives here.
- It is one of the largest flying birds in the world, with wings that stretch over 10 feet wide!
- The ancient Inca people built roads and cities high up in these mountains.
