THE ANDES MOUNTAINS OF SOUTH AMERICA

                                                                   Andes Mountains

Where are the Andes Mountains located?

The Andes Mountains are located along the western coast of
South America. Described as the longest range of mountains 
in the world and stretch for about 4,500 miles from north to
south. 

The Andes mountains extend over seven countries in South
America. They originate as far north as Venezuela, then continue 
through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. 

Life in the Andes mountains

There are over eighty million people living in the Andes
mountains. Scattered throughout the Andes are cities of
different sizes.
     

  This wonderful range of mountains has many lakes and rivers.
  The Amazon river extends from the Andes mountains to the  

coast of Brazil.There are many other rivers like Pilcomayo
Maule and Cauca.                                                                  

The indigenous people of the Andes

There are different groups of people who make up the Andean culture.

        These include: Quechua, Aymara, Atacama, Uru, Maina, Muisca and more. 

Machu - Picchu , located in Peru, is a famous and frequently visited
landmark. It is over 7,000 feet above sea level and was once known
as the Inca Empire.It is no longer inhabited.

Llamas vs. alpacas

Llamas are used as a means of transportation. They are
found mainly in Peru, but also in Bolivia and Argentina.

Llamas are by far, larger than alpacas. Llamas are said to weigh
between 200-300 lbs., while alpacas are about 100 lbs. lighter.

Llamas are taller than alpacas and tend to stay isolated. 
On the other hand, alpacas tend to move in packs.

What fascinating mountains!