Andes Travel Guide (South America)

Introduction to Andes

Andes is a stunning mountain range that stretches through seven South American countries, making it the longest continental mountain range in the world. The range covers nearly 4,500 miles and houses some of the most spectacular natural wonders of South America. Trekking in the Andes has become a popular adventure activity for tourists worldwide. There is no shortage of unique cultural experiences, landmarks, and adventures to be had in Andes.

List of Places to Visit in Andes

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Andean history has a lot of cultural treasures as the region was home to many indigenous civilizations before the colonization by the Spanish. The museums and historical sites allow you to explore the rich history and culture of the region. Some of the must-visit sites are:

Museo de Oro Precolombino is situated in Cusco and displays the best of Inca metalwork, jewelry, and pottery.
San Francisco Church in Quito, features some of the most detailed and impressive colonial architecture in South America, and historical religious artifacts.
Museo de La Plata in Argentina showcases the region’s natural history including fossils, rocks, minerals, and taxidermy.

Natural Attractions of Andes: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Andes is home to several world-famous natural wonders such as the Amazon Rainforest, Lake Titicaca, Iguazu Falls, Patagonia, and Machu Picchu which are incredible to explore. Here are some natural attractions that are worth your time:

Colca Canyon in Peru is a natural wonder, which is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. It’s ideal for hiking, and you can spot rare Andean condors.
Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador offers a scenic landscape with the Cotopaxi Volcano, the world’s highest active volcano.
Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina is a glacial wonderland at the bottom of the continent. It boasts of stunning mountain ranges, azure-blue glacial lakes, and much more.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Andes

Andes is a world-famous destination for trekking and hiking routes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, you’ll find a hike that is suitable for you. These are some of the best hiking/biking routes that you must include in your itinerary:

Inca Trail in Peru is a four-day hike through the mountains to reach the Machu Picchu complex. It’s a must-do for hikers worldwide.
Torres Del Paine Circuit in Chile requires around 10 days, and it covers the circuit of the stunning Torres del Paine National Park. You will see different landscapes throughout the hike, from glaciers to forests.
Avenida de los Volcanes in Ecuador is an easy 2-hour hike that connects a chain of glaciers volcanoes.

Best Things to Do in Andes: Activities and Tours

Andes is rich in culture, natural wonders, and adventure potential. We recommend the following activities and tours to take while in Andes:

Rafting In Peru, you can experience the class IV rapids of the Urubamba River during a day-long rafting trip.
Canoeing in the Amazon Jungle to learn about the diverse wildlife of the region.
Stargazing in Chile, as it’s known to have some of the world’s clearest skies making it an ideal environment for stargazing tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Andes

Andes requires sufficient time to explore thoroughly to experience the different landscapes, adventures, and cultures it offers. Here is a week-long itinerary that will allow you to have a great time on your next trip to the Andes:

Day 1	Arrive in Cusco and visit the historic center
Day 2	Explore Machu Picchu
Day 3	Take the train to Lake Titicaca
Day 4	Visit the floating islands of Uros and Taquile
Day 5	Travel via airplane to Puerto Montt and explore the scenic landscape
Day 6	Hike and experience the beauty of Torres del Paine National Park
Day 7	End the trip with a day trip to Chiloé Island

Food and Drink Scene of Andes

One of the most significant joys of travelling to Andes is experiencing the region’s unique culinary scene. Here are some must-tries:

Must-Try Dishes

Ceviche from Peru and Ecuador, are a seafood staple made from raw fish cured with lime juice
Humitas is a classic Ecuadorian dish that’s similar to tamales filled with cheese, onion, and fresh corn.
Locro is a Chilean dish made from squash, beans, potatoes, and corn.

Local Beverages

Pisco Sour is the celebrated cocktail in Peru and Chile, made with clarified lime juice, fresh egg whites, and Pisco brandy.
Coca tea is a popular tea in the Andean region made from Coca leaves and helps counteract altitude sickness.

Where to Stay in Andes: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Andes is home to several affordable yet unique accommodation options such as comfort-based hotels and guesthouses. Some of our recommended places to stay are:

La Casona de la Ronda in Quito is an upscale colonial bed-and-breakfast.
Hostal La Posada del Kuraka in Peru is a cosy and comfortable hostel.
Hospedaje El Descanso Del Inca in Argentina offers a homely experience in Patagonia.

What to Buy in Andes: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Andes offers a wide range of souvenirs and local products to bring home that reflect the region’s culture. The items to buy while you’re visiting the Andes include:

Alpaca Wool clothing and blankets
Hand-painted pottery, including the Mudéjar style pottery in Argentina.
Traditional Andean musical instruments such as panpipes and charangos.

Local Culture and Customs of Andes

The Andean culture is a mix of indigenous traditions with European customs that is unique and diverse. While exploring the region, consider the following:

Respect the Andean peoples and their traditions, including dress and dances.
Learn some basic Spanish or Quechua beforehand and communicate politely with locals.
Try to support the local communities by buying souvenirs or taking tours run by communities.

Best Time to Visit Andes

The best time to visit the Andes depends on what you hope to see, and the weather conditions in different regions. The general recommendation is that the best time to visit the Andes is during its dry season, which lasts from May to September, making most of the treks, tours and outdoor experiences feasible and safe.

Do’s and Don’ts of Andes

While traveling to Andes, there are few Do’s and Don’ts that you must consider:

Do:

Try local food and drinks.
Learn about the Inca Empire before visiting Machu Picchu.
Dress appropriately as Andes has a lot of traditional customs and etiquette.

Don’t:

Travel alone to remote locations after dark.
Ignore the impact of high-altitude on your body
Take pictures of indigenous people without their permission.

Safety and Health

The Andes region is one of the safest in South America for travellers. Nevertheless, some general safety tips to follow are:

Safety in Andes

Travelling in groups is safer than travelling alone.
Carrying a copy of your documents at all times is essential.

Health in Andes

Altitude sickness can affect travellers visiting the Andes. Consult a medical professional before your trip and follow precautionary measures.
Make sure you carry necessary medication with you.

Getting to Andes: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Andes

The principal airports in the region include:

Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, Peru
Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco, Peru
Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador
Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago, Chile

Bus Stations Near Andes

If you are on a budget, travelling by bus is a great option. Here are some of the major bus stations in the region:

Lima Bus Station in Peru
Quito Bus Station Sur in Ecuador
Santiago Bus Station in Chile

Other Options

You can hire a private driver for a comfortable ride.
Internal flights are frequent and quick and often the most convenient way to travel within the region.

How to Get Around in Andes

Travelling around the Andes is relatively easy, and you can use various means of transportation, including:

Buses are the cheapest and most popular form of transportation in the region.
Trains allow you to experience the scenic landscape
Taxis/Uber/Didi are available in most cities and offer a fast and convenient option

Where to Go Next from Andes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The Andes is large, and there are many other destinations and excursions, so plan accordingly. Here are some options to consider:

Galapagos Islands: while in Ecuador, explore the Galapagos Islands for a unique wildlife experience.
Valparaiso and Viña del Mar: are excellent places to see stunning beaches and Andean views in Chile.
Lake District: if you’re looking for stunning views and outdoor adventures, Chile and Argentina’s Lake District is a perfect place to go.

Conclusion

Andes is one of the most stunning regions in South America, and it provides an excellent opportunity for visitors interested in adventure, culture, and natural wonders. This guide covers just the tip of the iceberg of everything the Andes region has to offer. Hopefully, it has provided you with everything you need to plan a wonderful trip to the Andes. Plan your trip to Andes today and have the experience of a lifetime.

Andes Image Gallery

The location of the Andes in South America

Mount Aconcagua (that rises to 6,964 meters above the sea level) is the highest mountain in the Andes