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Central Andes
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Physical map of northern and central South America highlighting the Andes Mountains along the continent's western edge and the Amazon River basin and drainage network spanning Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and surrounding countries. The map uses color shading to show elevation, marks major rivers, cities, international and political boundaries, and features a small locator map of South America in the corner. Physical map of the Southern and Central Andes and Patagonia, highlighting elevation with color gradients from lowlands to high mountain peaks. The Andes mountain range runs along the western edge of South America through Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and parts of Peru, with major peaks and volcanoes labeled. Key cities, rivers, lakes, and international boundaries are marked, and a locator map in the corner shows the region's position in South America.
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Central Andes

mountains, South America
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Physical map of northern and central South America highlighting the Andes Mountains along the continent's western edge and the Amazon River basin and drainage network spanning Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and surrounding countries. The map uses color shading to show elevation, marks major rivers, cities, international and political boundaries, and features a small locator map of South America in the corner.
Central and Northern Andes and the Amazon River basin and drainage network

The Andes Mountains are a young, formidable mountain system stretching along the western edge of South America, forming a continuous barrier from north to south. This range is the longest continental mountain range in the world, second only to the Himalayas in average elevation, with many peaks exceeding 20,000 feet (6,100 meters).1

The Andes are geologically active, formed by the collision of the South American and Nazca plates. This process, which began around 25 million years ago, has resulted in significant volcanic activity and frequent earthquakes. The mountain system is broadly divided into the Northern, Central, and Southern Andes, each with distinct geological and physiographic characteristics.23

The Central Andes, encompassing Peru and Bolivia, are known for the vast Altiplano, a high plateau situated between two major ranges. This region experiences a wide range of climates due to varying altitudes, from hot rainforests and deserts to tundralike puna and polar conditions at the highest elevations. The diverse environments support a variety of plant and animal life, with distinct altitudinal bands of vegetation and fauna.1345

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7 Britannica Sources
  1. South America - The Andes Mountains
  2. Andes Mountains - Geology
  3. Andes Mountains - Physiography of the Central Andes
  4. South America - The Central Andes
  5. Andean peoples
  6. Andes Mountains - Climate
  7. Andes Mountains - Plant and animal life

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