South America is one of those continents that will guarantee that one gets the best adventurous experience. In South America, there are just so many mountains that you can explore, and all of these mountains are accessible to adventurers and adrenaline junkies. One cannot help but cherish the beauty of the South American mountains when they are here.
Not only are there some of the tallest mountains in the world, but South America is also home to the longest chain of mountains. The magnificent mountains all have unique features and qualities of their own, which makes them special in the hearts of mountaineers all around the world. There is just so much to learn about these mountains. Hence, stay tuned till the end of this article to learn more about the top 15 highest mountains in South America.
1. Aconcagua
Mount Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in South America at a height of 6,962 meters (22,841 feet). This mountain is situated in Argentina and is very close to Chile. The mountain is the tallest in both the Southern and Western hemispheres. Similarly, the Aconcagua National Park takes the cake on this list for making the mountain all the more fascinating among visitors. There is also a wide variety of wildlife residing in the area.
Aconcagua is a volcanic mountain. And the rocks and the elements found in the mountain prove their volcanic origins. The glaciers in the southern face of the peak add up to the beauty of it. The glaciers extend up to 15 km. The mountain is one of the most nontechnical mountains in the world, which makes it one of the simplest to climb. However, one must keep in mind that this tall mountain has been fatal to over 100 people to this day. And, the fatality number of human beings in the mountain happens to be three on average every year.
2. Ojos Del Salado
The Ojos Del Salado is one of the flattest and tallest volcanic mountains in South America. The mountain is quite difficult to climb, but the end result of the climb is likely to mesmerize you like no other. This peak stands tall at the height of 6,891 meters (22,608 feet), and it is located between Argentina and Chile. In Spanish, Ojos Del Salado suggests holding the meaning of salty flats.
Furthermore, it is known as the highest volcano in the world and the tallest mountain in Chile. And the mountain can be climbed from both Argentina and Chile.
3. Monte Pissis
Standing tall at the height of 6,795 meters (22,293 feet), Monte Pissis is situated in Argentina’s La Rioja Province. If you want to become a part of the expedition of some of the most beautiful peaks in the Andes, you just can’t miss out on this one. The peak is possibly one with the most panoramic view.
The height of the mountain has been a debate for several years as there have been three points switching the highest point throughout the years. Whatsoever, it remains the second tallest volcano in South America. Mount Pissis might be a little tougher to expedite in comparison to the aforementioned two mountains due to the ruggedness, but mountaineers have always found joy in climbing through the rough mountain as a part of their adventure through the Andes.
4. Huascaran
Huascaran is situated in the Cordillera Blanca mountain Range of Peru and stands at a height of 6,768 meters (22,205 feet) above sea level. While the peak is the highest in Peru, it is the fourth-highest mountain in South America. Huascaran truly serves as an adventure to the mountaineers as they will be climbing through the most beautiful glaciers, water bodies, and deep valleys when here!
Furthemore, Huascaran also has a very low technical difficulty which makes it easier to climb even for mountain climbers who have less experience.
5. Cerro Bonete
Cerro Bonete is the 5th tallest mountain in South America and is located in Argentina at a height of 6,759 meters (22,175 feet). While the height of this mountain is shorter in comparison to the other mountains above, this mountain is no exception when it comes to climbing difficulty. The steep nature of the peak makes it fairly technical rather than non-technical. And one needs to be extra careful with his foot placement when he is climbing the mountain.
6. Tres Cruces
Tres Cruces comes in 6th place among the highest mountains in South America. It is situated in Argentina. The height of Tres Cruces is 6,749 meters (22,142 feet). The mountain is between Argentina and Chile, and it makes for one of the highest mountains in both countries. The summit of Tres Cruces is intersected by three peaks. Hence, even the name Tres Cruces in Spanish translates to Three Crosses.
7. Llullaillaco
At the height of 6,739 meters (22,109 feet), Llullaillaco makes for the 7th highest mountain in South America. The mountain is located in Chile. One of the most interesting facts about the mountain is “Children of Llullaillaco” were found mummified in the mountain. The mountain serves as volcanic, and the lands are very dry and barren. Likewise, there are several species of wildlife in Llullaillaco which makes it all the more mesmerizing to visitors.
This mountain is one with the richest culture in all of South America. It is a dormant volcano, and the last activity of the mountain was last found in the 19th century.
8. Mercedario
Mercedario lies at a height of 6,720 meters (22,047 feet). It is located in Argentina. The nature of the land in the mountain is pretty rugged, which not only leads to difficulty in the climb but also adds up to the beauty of the mountain. This is the 8th tallest mountain in all of South America. Moreover, this peak happens to be quite easy to climb in comparison to the mountains with excessive glaciers in the continent.
9. Incahuasi
In the 9th place of the tallest mountains in South America, we have Incahuasi, which stands at a height of 6,638 meters (21,778 feet). This mountain is located in Argentina. This is one of the easiest routes to summit in this list, and the risk of suffering at the time of climb is also fairly low here. Besides this, Incahuasi has always served as a great place for archaeologists to do their findings. And the climb is likely to take you only 3 days to the summit and back.
10. Nevado Sajama
Nevado Sajama is located in Bolivia in South America. This peak is 6,542 meters (21,463 feet) tall. The mountain is not for everyone as it is quite tough to make the climb here. Moreover, the peak also serves nothing but difficulty to even the most experienced skiers. And summiting the peak through a walk really isn’t all that easy either.
11. Chimborazo
Chimborazo is the eleventh highest mountain in South America. This mountain stands tall at a height of 6,263 meters (20,548 feet). You will be able to find the most advanced and diverse wildlife here, most of them being native South American animals. There is lots of beauty in the area, given the fact that the mountain not only has wildlife diversity but also gives the viewers the best possible view of the panoramic mountain glaciers. These are the reasons why many mountaineers and trekkers have been so inclined to travel here.
12. Pico Simón Bolívar
Pico Simon Bolivar is located in Bolivia at a height of 5,775 meters (18,947 feet). This mountain overpowers Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta skyline. One of the most interesting facts about this mountain is that it has been named after Simon Bolivar, a figure well-praised to this date for having fought for the independence of Venezuela from Spanish rule.
On top of that, Pico Simon Bolivar serves as one of the most scenic routes for mountaineers and trekkers who visit South America.
13. Pico Bolívar
At a height of 4,981 meters (16,342 feet), Pico Bolivar is situated in Bolivia. This mountain also is named after a courageous fighter of independence for Venezuela, Simon Bolivar. The mountain is used to signify the bravery and strength of the legendary freedom fighter. This peak stands as the second-highest mountain in Bolivia and has been one of the most tough yet worthiest mountains to summit in South America.
14. Pico da Neblina
Pico da Neblina lies at a height of 2,994 meters (9,823 feet) and is situated in Brazil. The summit is one of the hardest to climb due to its geographic make. But, when a person is successful in making up to the topic, he will get one of the best views he can possibly get in his life. Pico da Neblina is truly a dream come true for the best mountaineers in the world. And the ecological diversity of this mountain is worth praising. One can find some of the rarest plants and animal species in this peak. There is nothing to regret when you make an attempt to climb this beautiful mountain.
15. Mount Roraima
Mount Roraima is the 15th tallest mountain in all of South America, and it is located in Brazil. The height of this mountain is 2,810 meters (9,219 feet). Coming to this mountain will not be any less than a fantasy for the climbers. The peak towers, even the clouds, and there is nothing that will stop one from being taken aback by the scenic and unrealistically magical view from the top. Mount Roraima is possibly one of the best places to visit for trekkers and mountaineers when they are in South America. You might also get a chance to interact with indigenous people when you are here. Roraima truly has the possibility to be your “once in a lifetime” experience.
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