Mountain Ranges

The Sierra Nevada de Güicán, El Cocuy, and Chita is a breathtaking range within the Andes Mountains of Colombia. This range, known for its stunning snow-capped peaks and glacial landscapes, is Colombia's largest glacial mass and the largest in South America north of the equator. This range holds deep cultural significance for the indigenous U'wa people and is a haven for biodiversity. Its awe-inspiring beauty and ecological and cultural importance make it one of Colombia's most treasured natural landmarks.

The Massif de la Selle is a prominent mountain range in southwestern Haiti on the island of Hispaniola. This mountainous region, known for its rugged terrain and abundant biodiversity, boasts the highest elevation in Haiti at its pinnacle, Pic la Selle. Its geographic, ecological, and socio-economic significance is profound, making it a critical area for natural preservation and human development.

The Massif de la Hotte, situated in southwestern Haiti on the Tiburon Peninsula, represents one of Hispaniola's most ecologically and historically significant regions. It is renowned for its rugged terrain, unique biodiversity, and critical ecological role. The La Hotte Biosphere Reserve, encompassing terrestrial and marine areas, further highlights the region's importance as a biodiversity hotspot and a center for conservation efforts.

The Massif du Nord, also known as the Northern Massif, is a prominent mountain range in northern Haiti. This significant geographic feature is crucial to the country's topography, ecology, and cultural heritage. As the western extension of the Cordillera Central that traverses the Dominican Republic, the Massif du Nord is a testament to Haiti's rich natural and historical landscape. It includes diverse ecosystems, unique biodiversity, and historical landmarks.

The Parima Mountains, located on the border of Venezuela and Brazil, are a remote and ecologically rich region. They are part of the Guiana Shield and are significant due to their untouched beauty, biological diversity, and role as the source of the Orinoco River. The mountains hold deep cultural significance as the homeland of Indigenous peoples, particularly the Yanomami, yet they remain largely hidden from the world's view.

Running parallel to the Pacific Ocean, the Peninsular Ranges System is a remarkable series of coastal mountain ranges that form the backbone of the Baja California Peninsula in northwestern Mexico. This rugged geological feature spans from the international border with Southern California to the peninsula's southern tip, showcasing diverse ecosystems, geological formations, and endemic species.

The Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico's most extensive mountain range, is one of the country's most significant geographical, ecological, and cultural landmarks. Stretching from the U.S.-Mexico border in Sonora and Chihuahua to the western states of Jalisco and Michoacán, this dramatic range is a defining feature of the nation's landscape. With its towering peaks, deep canyons, rich biodiversity, and deep cultural roots, the Sierra Madre Occidental shapes Mexico's environment, history, and identity.

The Sierra Madre Oriental runs parallel to Mexico's Gulf Coast and is crucial to the country's geography, ecology, and culture. It stretches from Coahuila near the U.S.-Mexico border to Puebla, forming part of the Sierra Madre Mountain System, alongside the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre del Sur. Known for its steep slopes and diverse ecosystems, the Sierra Madre Oriental significantly shapes Mexico's eastern landscape.

Stretching across northwestern Argentina, the Sierras Pampeanas, also known as the Central Sierras, present a mesmerizing tapestry of geographical features, flora, and fauna. This expansive mountain range rises abruptly from the surrounding Pampas region, extending parallel to the towering Andes Mountains. Encompassing seven Argentine provinces, the Sierras Pampeanas region is characterized by its rugged terrain, diverse ecosystems, and rich biodiversity.

Stretching along Venezuela's northern coast, the Venezuelan Coastal Range, known locally as the Cordillera de la Costa, forms a natural boundary between the Caribbean Sea and the country's northern plains. Extending from Sucre in the east to Zulia in the west, this mountain range is more than just a physical barrier—it is a region of rich biodiversity, deep cultural history, and significant economic importance. Though sometimes called the Maritime Andes, it is a distinct geological formation with unique characteristics.