A simple guide to South America’s highest peaks
Home to the tallest mountains outside of the Himalaya, South America is jam-packed with prominent peaks and stunning high-altitude landscapes. From the jaw-dropping slopes of Aconcagua to the diverse Andes climate, this exciting continent is an adventurer’s paradise.
Breathtaking trekking routes combined with a vibrant culture make South America a must-visit destination for budding mountaineers and intrepid travellers alike.
Imagine walking amongst towering peaks and through remote valleys, while discovering hidden communities and learning about the unique way of life high in the mountains. Here you’ll find adventures for days, with a new experience around every corner.
Let us help plan your next big trip by taking a closer look at the highest mountains in South America, and where to find them.
What is the highest mountain in South America?
The highest mountain peak in South America is the mighty Aconcagua, standing at an impressive 6,960m tall.
Aconcagua is a dormant stratovolcano, which means it’s made up of layers of hardened lava, and has a crater basin atop its steep-sloped sides.
You don’t need technical mountaineering skills to summit Aconcagua via the Normal Route, although experience of trekking at high altitude is essential.
Despite arguably being the highest non-technical mountain in the world, climbing the tallest peak in South America is no easy feat! The high altitude, unpredictable weather and fast-changing conditions make climbing this massive mountain particularly challenging, whichever route you use.
Just look at some of the heavy-weight statistics this lofty behemoth boasts:
- Highest mountain in the western and eastern hemispheres
- Second most topographically prominent peak in the world (after Mount Everest)
- Highest mountain in the Americas
- Highest mountain outside of Asia
- One of the Seven Summits – the highest peaks on each continent
- Highest non-technical mountain in the world to summit
Where is the highest mountain in South America, and which country has it?
Argentina and Chile are both in the southern part of South America. The Andes mountain range (including Aconcagua) runs north to south along the western side of the continent.
Located in the Principal Cordillera area of the Andes Mountains mountain range in South America, Aconcagua sits in the Mendoza Province of Argentina, a region famed for its wine.
It’s possible to climb the mountain from either Argentina or Chile. However, the most popular routes to Aconcagua venture up the Argentinian side of the mountain.
What is the highest mountain range in South America?
The highest mountain range in South America is the Andes Mountains.
Stretching 8,900 kilometres (5,500 miles), the Andes are the longest continental mountain range in the world. The only range longer is deep beneath the sea and formed of tectonic ridges.
Crossing seven countries, the Andean Mountains form a backbone along the southern part of South America, dividing the east and west of the continent. The mountain range extends north from Argentina and Chile in the south through Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela.
Rather than a single line of peaks, the Andes contain several differing mountain ranges, separated by depressions and plateaus.
A particular highlight is the Patagonian Andes mountain range, which are dramatic glaciated mountains spanning the southernmost part of Chile and Argentina. Trekking through the mountains in Patagonia is a unique experience and a bucket list destination on many hikers’ lists.
What are the highest mountains in South America?
The 3 highest mountains in South America are Aconcagua in Argentina, Ojos del Salado in Chile and Monte Pissis in Argentina.
There are a staggering hundred 6,000m+ and nine hundred 5,000m+ peaks in the Andes in total.
Here’s a list of the highest mountains in South America, alongside its country and mountain range:
1. Aconcagua – Argentina, Principal Cordillera (6,961m)
2. Ojos del Salado – Chile, Cordillera Occidental (6,893m)
3. Monte Pissis – Argentina, Cordillera Frontal (6,793m)
4. Huascarán – Peru, Cordillera Blanca (6,768m)
5. Cerro Bonete – Argentina, Cordillera Frontal (6,759m)
6. Nevado Tres Cruces – Chile, Cordillera Occidental (6,748m)
7. Llullaillaco – Argentina, Cordillera Occidental (6,739m)
8. Mercedario – Argentina, Cordillera de la Ramada (6,720m)
9. Walter Penck/Cazadero – Argentina, Cordillera Occidental (6,658m)
10. Incahuasi – Argentina, Cordillera Occidental (6,621m)
2. Ojos del Salado – Chile, Cordillera Occidental (6,893m)
3. Monte Pissis – Argentina, Cordillera Frontal (6,793m)
4. Huascarán – Peru, Cordillera Blanca (6,768m)
5. Cerro Bonete – Argentina, Cordillera Frontal (6,759m)
6. Nevado Tres Cruces – Chile, Cordillera Occidental (6,748m)
7. Llullaillaco – Argentina, Cordillera Occidental (6,739m)
8. Mercedario – Argentina, Cordillera de la Ramada (6,720m)
9. Walter Penck/Cazadero – Argentina, Cordillera Occidental (6,658m)
10. Incahuasi – Argentina, Cordillera Occidental (6,621m)
Side note: Debates over prominence, official elevations and evolving measurement methods mean rankings vary slightly. Having said that, the top ten highest mountains in South America are generally agreed as the peaks in the list above.
What are the highest mountains in South America by country?
Of the twelve countries in South America, only seven of the highest mountains are in the Andes. Here are the tallest mountains in South America by country, alongside their elevation, mountain range and region.
- Highest mountain in Argentina: Aconcagua – Argentinian Andes, Principal Cordillera (6,961m)
- Highest mountain in Chile: Ojos del Salado – Chilean Andes, Central Volcanic Zone (6,893m)
- Highest mountain in Peru: Huascarán – Peruvian Andes, Cordillera Blanca (6,768m)
- Highest mountain in Bolivia: Nevado Sajama – Bolivian Andes, Cordillera Occidental (6,542m)
- Highest mountain in Ecuador: Chimborazo – Ecuadorian Andes, Cordillera Occidental (6,264m)
- Highest mountain in Colombia: Pico Cristóbal Colón – Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (5,730m)
- Highest mountain in Venezuela: Pico Bolívar – Northern Andes, Cordillera de Mérida (4,978m)
- Highest mountain in Brazil: Pico da Neblina – Serra do Imeri, Guiana Highlands (2,994m)
- Highest mountain in Guyana: Mount Roraima – Pacaraima Mountains, Guiana Highlands (2,810m)
- Highest mountain in Suriname: Julianatop – Wilhelmina Mountains, Guiana Highlands (1,230m)
- Highest mountain in Paraguay: Cerro Tres Kandú – Ybytyruzú Range, Paraguayan Highlands (842m)
- Highest mountain in Uruguay: Cerro Catedral – Cuchilla Grande, Uruguayan Highlands (514m)
How do the highest mountains in South America compare to other continents?
Each of the seven continents offers something different for trekkers. From the icy tundra of Antarctica to the rich red landscapes of Australasia, the highest mountains on each continent look starkly different!
- Those who love hiking will crave the epic mountains of the Himalayas with their sheer faces, rocky ridges and snow-capped summits. Deeply influenced by the spirituality of these countries, trekking in Nepal and Bhutan boasts unrivalled high-altitude adventures.
- Outside of the Himalayas, the Andes rank as the second highest mountain range in the world and offer a whole different kind of experience. With strong traditions, exciting cuisine and a more varied climate, trekking in South America is a great alternative.
- Visitors to Europe will enjoy the unique terrain here. There are plenty of destinations to explore, each offering a unique trekking experience. With less dramatic seasonal change than the Himalayas and Andes, the mountain ranges here draw travellers year-round to its distinctive alpine meadows, lofty spires and close proximity to each other.
- North America boasts the Rocky Mountains as well as Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, which is in the Alaskan Mountain Range. There are plenty of other multi-day hikes to be found as well as world-famous trekking routes through wonderfully varied terrain.
- Africa isn’t famed for its hiking (outside of Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro and Uganda’s biggest peak, Mount Stanley), but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. Climbing to the roof of Africa up this isolated conical peak is an incredible challenge and an achievable trek for adventurers to bag one of the seven summits.
Overall, trekkers seeking adventure will find it on all seven continents, although infrastructure, opportunities and cost will vary hugely. It’s always a good idea to research your destination thoroughly and seriously consider using an experienced and reliable trekking provider so you don’t have to worry about logistics.
Climb Mountains in South America with Kandoo Adventures
For almost two decades, Kandoo has been journeying to South America to trek the iconic Andes Mountains. We know firsthand that there’s so much to love about this continent.
Warm hospitality and vibrant cultures make hiking in South American countries truly unforgettable. The Andes combine a rich cultural history with remote, spectacular peaks, earning a well-deserved reputation as a destination for adventurers that rivals the Himalayas.
Check out our South American itineraries for your next big adventure. With adventures for all levels of experience, there’s no better time to explore this fascinating continent.