Andenes

Andenes is the plural form of andén, a term used in Spanish to denote a platform at a railway or metro station where passengers board and alight from trains or buses. Andenes are typically level with the tracks and may include shelters, seating, signage, and accessibility features to facilitate safe and efficient passenger movement. The word is widely used across Spanish-speaking countries, with regional variations in design and infrastructure.

In addition to its use for transportation facilities, andenes also refers to agricultural terraces found in the Andean region of South America. These stepped, flat surfaces are built into hillsides and are often reinforced with stone walls. They were developed in pre-Columbian times to increase arable land, help control runoff, and create microclimates favorable for crops. Today, andenes remain a notable feature of the Andean landscape, with well-known examples in Peru and Bolivia. They are studied in archaeology and geography for insights into ancient terrace farming systems and land management, as well as for their historical and cultural significance.