Into the Heart of the Andes: A Journey Through the World's Longest Mountain Range

There’s something magical about the Andes. Spanning seven countries and stretching over 7,000 kilometers, they’re the backbone of South America—a place where ancient history and wild beauty collide. Marc and I had already caught glimpses of these majestic mountains from Cusco and Machu Picchu, but now it was time to experience the Andes up close.

We were ready to embrace the rugged landscape, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and discover why the Andes have been at the heart of countless stories, myths, and traditions.

A Mountain Range Full of History

The Andes aren’t just mountains—they’re the cradle of Inca civilization and home to ancient cultures long before the Spanish arrived. These peaks were considered sacred by the Incas, symbols of powerful gods that watched over the people and provided life-giving water.

Standing among these mountains, you can feel the weight of history. Villages dot the valleys, where farmers still work the land using traditional methods, and ancient terraces climb the hillsides like green staircases, echoing the ingenuity of those who came before.

Exploring the Landscape

The Andes are as varied as they are vast. We passed everything from towering, snow-capped peaks to fertile valleys and high-altitude plains where herds of llamas and alpacas roam freely. Every turn revealed a new landscape—some wild and untamed, others surprisingly lush and peaceful.

One of my favorite moments was meeting a local farmer tending his alpacas. He told us about life in the mountains, how his family has lived there for generations, raising alpacas for their wool. Marc couldn’t resist taking about a hundred photos of the fluffy herd while I learned how to tell the difference between an alpaca and a llama. (Pro tip: alpacas are smaller, with adorable, fluffy faces!)

The Air Up Here: Dealing with Altitude

Altitude is no joke in the Andes. At times, we found ourselves over 3,500 meters above sea level, and you definitely feel it. Even walking uphill for a few minutes left us out of breath. Luckily, we were prepared—plenty of water, taking it slow, and sipping coca tea worked wonders.

Despite the challenge, there was something exhilarating about being that high up, surrounded by peaks that seemed to touch the sky. It gave us a whole new appreciation for the toughness of the Andean people, who thrive in these extreme conditions.

Cultural Treasures in the Mountains

Beyond the jaw-dropping landscapes, the Andes are full of cultural treasures. We visited traditional markets where women in brightly colored skirts and hats sold everything from handwoven textiles to fresh fruit. The stalls were a feast for the senses—vibrant patterns, the scent of roasted corn and freshly baked bread, and the sounds of Quechua being spoken all around us.

We even got to try some local Andean dishes, like rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers) and chupe de quinua (quinoa soup), both hearty and delicious. Marc’s favorite? Freshly made empanadas, baked right there in a clay oven.

A World Above the Clouds

The Andes have a way of making you feel small—in the best possible way. There’s a sense of freedom that comes from being surrounded by such raw, untamed beauty. Standing on a ridge, with the wind in our faces and nothing but mountains stretching out before us, we felt completely alive.

We took a hike up to a high-altitude lake, its waters a surreal shade of turquoise. It was freezing cold, but so peaceful and still that we found ourselves just sitting on a rock, soaking in the view. The lake reflected the surrounding peaks like a giant mirror, and for a moment, it felt like we were the only people in the world.