Potatoes Were First Domesticated in the Andes
Farmers near Lake Titicaca began cultivating potatoes around 8,000 years ago. The region still grows thousands of native varieties in many colors and shapes.
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Machu Picchu Sits at About 2,430 Meters in the Andes
The Inca citadel was built in the mid-1400s. It was brought to worldwide attention in 1911 by the explorer Hiram Bingham.
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Ojos del Salado Is the World's Highest Volcano
On the Chile–Argentina border, Ojos del Salado rises to roughly 6,893 meters, making it the tallest active volcano on Earth.
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The Inca Built a Road Network of About 40,000 Kilometers Through the Andes
The Qhapaq Ñan linked the empire's mountains, deserts and coasts. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.
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The Andes Are the Longest Continental Mountain Range on Earth
Running about 7,000 kilometers down South America's western edge, the Andes cross seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.