Location
The Andes mountains line the western edge of South America, from Venezuela all the way along Chile to South America's southern tip making them the longest mountain range in the world. Along that route, they cross through Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

Climate and vegetation
Since the Andes stretch from about 10º North latitude to 55º South, there is a wide climatic range. Temperatures average about 80º F. The year long. In contrast, the cold, wet, almost uninhabitable areas of the extreme south have average temperatures a little over 40º F. The effects of increasing elevation, and consequent lower temperatures, are felt everywhere.

FACTS

• The mountain range is at its widest between 18° to 20°S latitude.
• The Andes is believed to have resulted from plate tectonics processes.
• Andes Mountains make up the highest mountain range outside Asia.