Ecuador Adventure La Sierra (the highlands) Climate and Vegetation by:Rebecca Bradley

La Sierra Consists of 2 major chains of the Andes’ mountains, and the intermontane basin between them. Consists of 2 major chains of the Andes’ mountains, and the intermontane basin between them. 22 peaks over 4200m in height. 22 peaks over 4200m in height. 30 peaks of volcanic origin-6 still active. 30 peaks of volcanic origin-6 still active. Most of the rivers rise (snowmelt and rain) in this region and flow east toward the Amazon or west to the Pacific. Most of the rivers rise (snowmelt and rain) in this region and flow east toward the Amazon or west to the Pacific.

The central belt of Ecuador Outline Climate and Vegetation Climate and Vegetation Attractions Attractions Disturbances Disturbances Concerns/Dangers Concerns/Dangers What to bring What to bring

Map of La Sierra

Climate Insolation: Ecuador lies on the equator receiving almost vertical sun. Insolation: Ecuador lies on the equator receiving almost vertical sun. Temperature: based on elevation Temperature: based on elevation Tropical level 400-1,800m ranges from degrees C.Tropical level 400-1,800m ranges from degrees C. Subtropical level 1,800-2,500m ranges from degrees C.Subtropical level 1,800-2,500m ranges from degrees C. Temperate level 2,500-3,200m ranges from degrees C.Temperate level 2,500-3,200m ranges from degrees C. Temperate zone to 4,600m ranges from 3-9 degrees C.Temperate zone to 4,600m ranges from 3-9 degrees C. Above 4,600m “frozen level” ranges from below 0-3 degrees C.Above 4,600m “frozen level” ranges from below 0-3 degrees C.

Climate cont. Precipitation: Rainfall is abundant-varies on location. Highest precipitation on exposed locations at lower altitudes. Precipitation: Rainfall is abundant-varies on location. Highest precipitation on exposed locations at lower altitudes. “Winter” or rainy season, lasts from Jan.-June.“Winter” or rainy season, lasts from Jan.-June. The dry season, lasts July-Dec. Short rainy period in October.The dry season, lasts July-Dec. Short rainy period in October. Tropical level Tropical level Subtropical level Subtropical level Temperate level Temperate level Temperate zone to 4,600m Temperate zone to 4,600m Above 4,600m Above 4,600m

Vegetation Semi-deciduous Semi-deciduous Lowland rainforest Lowland rainforest Lower montane forest Lower montane forest Upper montane Upper montane Grassland and quebrada Grassland and quebrada Above 4,000m Above 4,000m

Attractions Natural diversity Natural diversity Mountain lakes Mountain lakes Active volcanoes Active volcanoes Cloud forests Cloud forests Waterfalls and Rivers Waterfalls and Rivers Hotsprings Hotsprings La Sierra or the Highlands is Ecuador’s most visited region in the area and has the most developed tourist industry. **(backpacker’s $3 per night hostel)

Disturbances Volcanoes Volcanoes Earthquakes-frequent landslides (montane forests) Earthquakes-frequent landslides (montane forests) Mudslides and Avalanches Mudslides and Avalanches Deforestation Deforestation Lightening induced fires (dry months) Lightening induced fires (dry months) Grass pa’ramos burned annually Grass pa’ramos burned annually Introduction of non-native species (aloe-vera, pines, rice, sugar cane, eucalyptus, etc…) Introduction of non-native species (aloe-vera, pines, rice, sugar cane, eucalyptus, etc…) Depletion of native species (Quinine-malaria). Depletion of native species (Quinine-malaria).

Concerns/Dangers Use common sense-don’t expose valuables and always carry a copy of passport. Use common sense-don’t expose valuables and always carry a copy of passport. Snakes/insects (Malaria) Snakes/insects (Malaria) Dangers associated with climbing, kayaking and biking. Dangers associated with climbing, kayaking and biking. Vaccinations Vaccinations

What to bring Safety equipment for climbing, biking and or kayaking Safety equipment for climbing, biking and or kayaking Insect repellent/Sun screen Insect repellent/Sun screen Appropriate gear for rain, snow and sun depending on location. Appropriate gear for rain, snow and sun depending on location. Extra socks and hiking shoes for excursions. Extra socks and hiking shoes for excursions. Medications Medications