Tuesday, February 12, 2013

What To Expect When Travelling In The Andes

By Eve Briner


The Andes mountain range spans more than four thousand five hundred miles of the coasts of the west of South America. The range encompasses areas of Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Chile, Colombia and Tierra del Fuego. This immense expanse offers diverse variations of climate, flora and fauna for those privileged enough to be travelling in the Andes to take pleasure in.

Many tourists visit this mountain range for its rich history of ancient civilizations. Much pre-Columbian archaeology is still being discovered today. The great empire of the Incas spanned the region from north-western Argentina, through central Chile and into Colombia, and these areas are still dotted with the ruins of the Incas' cities and temples.

The prevailing language in most Andean nations is Spanish. These mountains are known locally as the "Cordillera de los Andes". Andes derives from "Anta", the Quecha word meaning copper. English is very rarely spoken by the indigenous people of these mountains, and the enterprising adventurer needs rudimentary Spanish in dealings jeep drivers, muleteers, and the natives who accommodate hikers and trekkers in cabins and 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.

Adventure-tourists can indulge in activities including hiking, trekking and hot air ballooning in many parts of the region. Travellers must be conscious of the dangers of high altitude sickness in these towering, magnificent mountains. If mountaineering above 12,000 feet, it is prudent to acclimatize gradually over several days. Drinking lots of water, the Coca leaf tea of the area, or any boiling, sugary tea is advisable. It is wise to shun unwashed fruit, seafood, tap water and ice to diminish the threat of gastric upsets.

To see as many Andean attractions as possible, travellers must cover thousands of miles. Rail services throughout the area are habitually slow. Journeys by bus can be wearying; on the other hand, Salon Cama (overnight sleeper buses) are to be had in Argentina, Chile and Brazil. It is comparatively expensive to hire a car anywhere in this region. Plane travel is definitely the optimal way to traverse 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.




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