Derived from the
Quechua word anti or "high
crest",
the Andes
is
the world's longest continental
mountain range.
Extending north to south through seven
South American countries
(Argentina, Bolivia, Chile,
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela),
this 4,300 mile long range of highlands,
plateaus and intermediate
depressions is a orogenic belt belonging to
the Pacific Ring of Fire.