what are the andes

The Andes are the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching about 8,900 kilometers (5,500 miles) along the western edge of South America through seven countries: Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. They have an average height of about 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) and include the highest peak outside Asia, Aconcagua, which rises to about 6,961 meters (22,838 feet). The Andes are known for diverse climates and ecosystems, high plateaus such as the Altiplano, and notable geographic and cultural features, making them a significant natural and cultural backbone of South America.