The Andes Mountains in the Atacama Region

The Andes of Atacama: p.1 | p.2

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In the Atacama Region, there are 22 peaks with a height of more than 6000 meters. (This number is variable according to the count mode. It is not always clear where a new mountain begins)

The highest peaks in the Atacama Region are the Ojos del Salado with 6893 m above sea level, followed by the Tres Cruces with 6748 m, Macizo Tres Cruces (6629 m) and Incahuasi with 6621 m. In addition, the Nevado el Muerto (6488 m), Cerro del Toro (6168 m), Cerro Colorado (6080 m).

Interesting are the isolated mountains that are not part of the border chain: especially Co. Azufre or Copiapó with its 6052 meters, the Co. Ermitano with its 6146 meters, the hills of Barrancas Blancas with 6119 meters, Co. Vicuñas (6067m) and Peña Blanca (6030m) stand out for this phenomenon. In a generalized way, it can be concluded that towards the south of the region, the main chain's heights are diminished.

For about one hundred years, the main mountain range's real dimensions in the Atacama sector have been known. Until the 1870s, there was only a little geographical information. Of course, the excellent work of Philippi, Bertrand and Burmeister was the first seed in the discovery of the mountain ranges. But it is also worth mentioning that there were always roads between Argentina and Chile that crossed the Atacama sector's mountain ranges. Burmeister describes the use of three passes, especially by muleteers with their cattle and traders.

Photo information:
During melting snow forms strange figures. The wind and the direction of the sun make some parts more affected than others. A labyrinth of sloping ice pillars remains..