Tallest Mountains in South America

Tallest Mountains in South America

Because South America is home to the Andes, the longest continental mountain range in the world, its tallest peaks are all located within this massive chain. Every mountain on this list is a “6,000er”—exceeding 6,000 meters in elevation—and they are all located in Argentina, Chile, Peru, or Bolivia.

The following table lists the 25 tallest mountains in South America.

• Aconcagua: The “Colossus of America.” It is the highest mountain outside of Asia and the highest point in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres. Despite its height, it is often considered a “non-technical” climb if the normal route is followed.

• Ojos del Salado: The highest active volcano in the world. It is located in the hyper-arid Atacama Desert, meaning that despite its massive elevation, it often has very little snow cover.

• Huascarán: The highest point in Peru and the highest mountain in the tropics. Its South Peak is the fourth highest in the continent and is notoriously difficult due to glacier movement and avalanche risk.

• Chimborazo: Although it ranks #25 in total elevation above sea level, its summit is actually the closest point on Earth to the Sun. Because the Earth bulges at the equator, Chimborazo’s peak is further from the Earth’s center than the summit of Mount Everest.

• Llullaillaco: Famed not just for its height, but for its archaeology. In 1999, the remarkably preserved “Children of Llullaillaco”—Inca sacrifices—were found near its summit, making it one of the world’s highest archaeological sites.