Editing Andes (section)

== Geography ==
The northern Andes begin near the [[Caribbean Sea]] in Venezuela. In [[Colombia]], the range separates into parallel cordilleras divided by the valleys of the Magdalena and Cauca rivers. Farther south, volcanic ranges cross [[Ecuador]] and enclose elevated basins containing settlements such as [[Quito]].

The central Andes extend through [[Peru]] and [[Bolivia]]. This section contains broad highlands between the eastern and western cordilleras. The [[Altiplano]] forms the largest of these plateaus and lies at an elevation of approximately 3,700 metres. Its interior contains enclosed drainage basins where water collects in lakes or salt flats rather than reaching the sea. The western side of the central Andes borders the dry Pacific coast and the [[Atacama Desert]].

The southern Andes follow the border between Chile and Argentina. Their northern section contains the highest elevations in the range, including Aconcagua. Farther south, the mountains become lower and narrower as they enter Patagonia. Glaciers have cut deep valleys into this section and formed lake basins between the ridges. The eastern slopes supply rivers that flow across Patagonia toward the Atlantic. The [[Colorado River (Argentina)|Colorado River]] is formed by tributaries whose headwaters rise in the eastern Andes.<ref name="colorado-headwaters"/>