Andinoamérica

Andinoamérica is a term used in Latin American studies to describe the geographic, cultural, and historical space formed along the Andes in western South America. The concept highlights the Andes as a unifying axis that shapes landscapes, mobility, economies, and social life in the region. While definitions vary, it commonly encompasses Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, with discussions often extending to northern Chile and northwestern Argentina where Andean identity remains influential.

Geography and population. The region is defined by the Andean cordillera and highland ecosystems such as the altiplano, with major urban centers including Bogotá, Quito, Lima, La Paz, and Cochabamba. Indigenous communities—especially Quechua- and Aymara-speaking populations—play a central role in regional culture, politics, and economies alongside Spanish-speaking communities and other linguistic groups.

History and culture. The area was the core of pre-Columbian civilizations such as Tiwanaku, Wari, and the Inca. After Spanish conquest, administrative centers and extractive economies shaped development. In the late 20th century, indigenous movements and social actors contributed to a renewed sense of Andean identity, preferring regional cooperation and visibility within broader Latin American debates.

Politics and economy. The Andean Community (CAN) is the most prominent formal regional bloc linking some Andean states for tariff and trade cooperation. The region is rich in mineral resources, including copper, silver, and lithium, and relies on agriculture, hydrocarbon production, and increasingly on tourism and cultural industries. As a scholarly and political concept, Andinoamérica serves to analyze shared histories, cultural production, and cross-border collaboration beyond national boundaries.