In the South, Argentina and Chile share the breathtaking region of Patagonia; the Andes begin in Ushuaia, where the southern center for scientific research is based; Tierra del Fuego is the southernmost point on Earth located in Argentina.

Running right through South America for 7,500 kilometres, the Andes are the longest mountain range in the world. Ecuador’s capital Quito offers spectacular views of Cotopaxi, the country’s tallest active volcano. Neighbouring Colombia is famous for coffee and Salsa and the Chingaza national park holds a rich biodiversity.

Some Peruvians consider the Andes and their majestic volcanoes as divine, offering sacrifices before each climb. With 16 active volcanoes, locals are kept on their toes but at Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world and the birthplace of Inca culture, all is peace and tranquillity.

The landscape of the Bolivian Andes is one of contrast: Luxuriant forests, vast salt deserts, snowy peaks and the highest capital city in the world, La Paz.

Au Venezuela, l'alpiniste Alfredo Autiero s'apprête à escalader le Pico Bolivar, le plus haut sommet du pays, avec son fils. À Los Nevados, le forgeron Daniel Souto se rend avec sa forge itinérante au fin fond des Andes pour y enseigner son métier.