The Andes as Transport Space

Abstract

In terms of physical geography, high mountains are seen as obstacles to (modern) traffic. Such a view depends, however, on the type of economy and the level of the civilization. In the Alps the population has come to view transport as their enemy in the wake of highway development and ensuing heavy transit and tourist traffic. This is in stark contrast to the Andes, where transport is seen as an essential development factor because it enables access to central places as well as to remote areas (Fig. 8.1). Many regions, villages and farmsteads, however, still have no access, not even by dirt roads.