The Andes span over seven thousand kilometers of the western coasts of South America. They encompass parts of Argentina, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile and Tierra del Fuego. Such a vast area offers huge variations in climate and nature to be enjoyed by those fortunate enough to be travelling in the Andes.
Many tourists holiday in this mountainous region to enjoy the deep history of early civilizations. A great deal of pre-Columbian archaeology remains to be discovered nowadays. The enormous Incan empire extended over the area, from Columbia, across central Chile and into north-western Argentina. These regions are still strewn with the relics of the temples and cities of the Incas.
The prevailing language in most Andean nations is Spanish. These mountains are known locally as the "Cordillera de los Andes". Andes derives from "Anta", the Quecha word meaning copper. English is very rarely spoken by the indigenous people of these mountains, and the enterprising adventurer needs rudimentary Spanish in dealings jeep drivers, muleteers, and the natives who accommodate hikers and trekkers in cabins and camp sites.
All varieties of terrain are in store when on tour in this region. The lowlands of the Amazon consist of deserts, forests and grasslands. Mountains scale a succession of high crests, volcanoes, high-altitude lakes and glaciers, peaking with Mount Aconcagua, at Salta in the province of Mendoza, Argentina. These snow-capped heights reach nearly twenty-three thousand feet (or almost seven thousand meters) above sea level, the highest points of the entire western hemisphere.
Hiking, mountaineering, trekking and many other forms of adventure-tourism are popular in the region. Visitors must be aware of the risks of high altitude sickness in these soaring, majestic mountains. If climbing above 4,000 meters, it is advisable to take a few days to gradually acclimatise. Drinking plenty of water, local Coca leave tea, or any hot, sweet tea is recommended. It is best to avoid tap water, ice, seafood and unwashed fruit to minimize the risk of stomach upsets.
Travellers wanting to encounter the most possible Andean attractions will have to cover enormous expanses. Local rail services are generally slow. Bus trips can be wearisome; however in Chile, Brazil and Argentina you can take an overnight sleeper bus (or Salon Cama). Car rental is relatively expensive throughout the region. Air travel is the optimum means of traversing such distances.
Local restaurants are dependable but somewhat uninspiring. Staple fare is often simply chicken and chips. Steaks are a speciality in Argentina and Chile, and in rural Peru you may sample the local delicacy of roast guinea pig.
Your doctor can provide details of any required immunizations for US nationals travelling in the Andes. The American Bureau of Consular Affairs advises on safety concerns and visas. Confirm with the American FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) that regional CAAs (Civil Aviation Authorities) fulfill ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) criteria. Internal flights as well as those linking with bordering Andean countries may be limited. Cancellations and delays occur regularly; sometimes as a result of strikes, protests and other public demonstrations. On the whole though, the dangerous reputation of the South American sub-continent, and especially the Andes, is unfounded.
Many tourists holiday in this mountainous region to enjoy the deep history of early civilizations. A great deal of pre-Columbian archaeology remains to be discovered nowadays. The enormous Incan empire extended over the area, from Columbia, across central Chile and into north-western Argentina. These regions are still strewn with the relics of the temples and cities of the Incas.
The prevailing language in most Andean nations is Spanish. These mountains are known locally as the "Cordillera de los Andes". Andes derives from "Anta", the Quecha word meaning copper. English is very rarely spoken by the indigenous people of these mountains, and the enterprising adventurer needs rudimentary Spanish in dealings jeep drivers, muleteers, and the natives who accommodate hikers and trekkers in cabins and camp sites.
All varieties of terrain are in store when on tour in this region. The lowlands of the Amazon consist of deserts, forests and grasslands. Mountains scale a succession of high crests, volcanoes, high-altitude lakes and glaciers, peaking with Mount Aconcagua, at Salta in the province of Mendoza, Argentina. These snow-capped heights reach nearly twenty-three thousand feet (or almost seven thousand meters) above sea level, the highest points of the entire western hemisphere.
Hiking, mountaineering, trekking and many other forms of adventure-tourism are popular in the region. Visitors must be aware of the risks of high altitude sickness in these soaring, majestic mountains. If climbing above 4,000 meters, it is advisable to take a few days to gradually acclimatise. Drinking plenty of water, local Coca leave tea, or any hot, sweet tea is recommended. It is best to avoid tap water, ice, seafood and unwashed fruit to minimize the risk of stomach upsets.
Travellers wanting to encounter the most possible Andean attractions will have to cover enormous expanses. Local rail services are generally slow. Bus trips can be wearisome; however in Chile, Brazil and Argentina you can take an overnight sleeper bus (or Salon Cama). Car rental is relatively expensive throughout the region. Air travel is the optimum means of traversing such distances.
Local restaurants are dependable but somewhat uninspiring. Staple fare is often simply chicken and chips. Steaks are a speciality in Argentina and Chile, and in rural Peru you may sample the local delicacy of roast guinea pig.
Your doctor can provide details of any required immunizations for US nationals travelling in the Andes. The American Bureau of Consular Affairs advises on safety concerns and visas. Confirm with the American FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) that regional CAAs (Civil Aviation Authorities) fulfill ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) criteria. Internal flights as well as those linking with bordering Andean countries may be limited. Cancellations and delays occur regularly; sometimes as a result of strikes, protests and other public demonstrations. On the whole though, the dangerous reputation of the South American sub-continent, and especially the Andes, is unfounded.
About the Author:
If you are searching for free information on Aracari travel take a look at the recommended homepage right away! Read the interesting Peru travel blog by reviewing this site now.
