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 principal language of most Andean countries is Spanish. This mountain range is known as the "Cordillera de los Andes" in the native tongue. Andes is a derivative of "Anta", copper in the ancient Quechan dialect. English is seldom understood by the inhabitants of this mountainous area, and rudimentary Spanish is essential for any enterprising voyager in transactions with drivers, porters, muleteers, and those locals who accommodate mountaineers, trekkers and hikers in cabins and on camp sites.
All kinds of rugged terrains await those exploring this mountainous region. The foothills comprise of grasslands, deserts and forests. Mountains rise in a series of high peaks, glaciers, high-altitude lakes and volcanoes to the summit of Mount Aconcagua in Salta, Mendoza province, Argentina. These snowy peaks are the highest in the western hemisphere at a maximum height of 6,792 meters (or 22,842 feet) above sea level.
Mountaineering, hot air ballooning, skiing and hiking are just a few of the activities available to adventure-tourists in various places in the Andes. The traveller should be wary of the possibility of high altitude sickness at the summits of these immense, wonderful mountains. When mountain climbing at heights in excess of twelve thousand feet, a gradual acclimatization period of several days is prudent. Sufficient quantities of the popular local tea made from Coca leaves, or any boiled, well-sugared tea or simply bottled water must be imbibed.
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 eateries are trustworthy but somewhat undistinguished. Staple fare is frequently merely chicken and fries. Chile and Argentina are famous for their steaks; in rustic Peru, the local speciality is roasted guinea pig.
American citizens travelling in the Andes can get information on necessary immunizations from their doctor. The US Bureau of Consular Affairs gives advice on visas and safety concerns. Check with the US Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that local Civil Aviation Authorities comply with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. Be aware that internal flights and those connecting to neighboring Andean countries can be limited. Delays and cancellations are common, sometimes due to protests, strikes or other civil actions. In general though, South America, and in particular the Andes, are safer than its reputation.
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 principal language of most Andean countries is Spanish. This mountain range is known as the "Cordillera de los Andes" in the native tongue. Andes is a derivative of "Anta", copper in the ancient Quechan dialect. English is seldom understood by the inhabitants of this mountainous area, and rudimentary Spanish is essential for any enterprising voyager in transactions with drivers, porters, muleteers, and those locals who accommodate mountaineers, trekkers and hikers in cabins and on camp sites.
All kinds of rugged terrains await those exploring this mountainous region. The foothills comprise of grasslands, deserts and forests. Mountains rise in a series of high peaks, glaciers, high-altitude lakes and volcanoes to the summit of Mount Aconcagua in Salta, Mendoza province, Argentina. These snowy peaks are the highest in the western hemisphere at a maximum height of 6,792 meters (or 22,842 feet) above sea level.
Mountaineering, hot air ballooning, skiing and hiking are just a few of the activities available to adventure-tourists in various places in the Andes. The traveller should be wary of the possibility of high altitude sickness at the summits of these immense, wonderful mountains. When mountain climbing at heights in excess of twelve thousand feet, a gradual acclimatization period of several days is prudent. Sufficient quantities of the popular local tea made from Coca leaves, or any boiled, well-sugared tea or simply bottled water must be imbibed.
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 eateries are trustworthy but somewhat undistinguished. Staple fare is frequently merely chicken and fries. Chile and Argentina are famous for their steaks; in rustic Peru, the local speciality is roasted guinea pig.
American citizens travelling in the Andes can get information on necessary immunizations from their doctor. The US Bureau of Consular Affairs gives advice on visas and safety concerns. Check with the US Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that local Civil Aviation Authorities comply with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. Be aware that internal flights and those connecting to neighboring Andean countries can be limited. Delays and cancellations are common, sometimes due to protests, strikes or other civil actions. In general though, South America, and in particular the Andes, are safer than its reputation.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment