The Andes Mountains

The Andes Mountains are a huge chain of mountains in South America. They stretch for about 4,300 miles. That makes them the longest mountain range on Earth. The Andes pass through seven countries. These countries are Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Many tall peaks, deep valleys, and active volcanoes are found here.

How the Andes Formed

The Andes were made by moving pieces of Earth's crust. These pieces are called tectonic plates. When two plates pushed against each other, the land was squeezed up. Over millions of years, the rocks rose higher and higher. This created the tall mountains we see today. The Andes are still growing a tiny bit each year.

Animals and People

Many special animals live in the Andes. Llamas and alpacas are used by people for wool and to carry loads. Condors are big birds that fly high over the peaks. Spectacled bears live in the forests. Long ago, the Inca people built a great empire in the Andes. They made roads and stone cities like Machu Picchu. Many people still live in the mountains today.

Fun Facts

• The highest peak in the Andes is Mount Aconcagua. It is almost 23,000 feet tall.
• The Andes have more than 50 active volcanoes.
• Lake Titicaca, high in the Andes, is the highest lake in the world that big boats can sail on.

Did You Know?

Potatoes were first grown by people in the Andes Mountains thousands of years ago. Today, there are over 4,000 kinds of potatoes in the Andes!