Ecuador AdventureEcuador Adventure

La SierraLa Sierra(the highlands)(the highlands)

Climate and VegetationClimate and Vegetationby:Rebecca Bradleyby:Rebecca Bradley

La SierraLa Sierra

Consists of 2 major chains of the Andes’ Consists of 2 major chains of the Andes’ mountains, and the intermontane basin mountains, and the intermontane basin between them.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) Most of the rivers rise (snowmelt and rain)

in this region and flow east toward the in this region and flow east toward the Amazon or west to the Pacific.Amazon or west to the Pacific.

The central belt of EcuadorThe central belt of Ecuador

OutlineOutline Climate and VegetationClimate and Vegetation

AttractionsAttractions DisturbancesDisturbances

Concerns/DangersConcerns/Dangers What to bringWhat to bring

Map of La SierraMap of La Sierra

ClimateClimate InsolationInsolation: Ecuador lies on the equator : Ecuador lies on the equator

receiving almost vertical sun.receiving almost vertical sun. TemperatureTemperature: based on elevation: based on elevation

• Tropical levelTropical level 400-1,800m ranges from 20-25 400-1,800m ranges from 20-25 degrees C.degrees C.

• Subtropical levelSubtropical level 1,800-2,500m ranges from 15-20 1,800-2,500m ranges from 15-20 degrees C.degrees C.

• Temperate levelTemperate level 2,500-3,200m ranges from 10-15 2,500-3,200m ranges from 10-15 degrees C.degrees C.

• Temperate zoneTemperate zone to 4,600m ranges from 3-9 degrees C. to 4,600m ranges from 3-9 degrees C.• Above 4,600m “frozen level” ranges from below 0-3 Above 4,600m “frozen level” ranges from below 0-3

degrees C.degrees C.

Climate cont.Climate cont.

Precipitation: Rainfall is abundant-varies Precipitation: Rainfall is abundant-varies on location. Highest precipitation on on location. Highest precipitation on exposed locations at lower altitudes.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 The dry season, lasts July-Dec. Short rainy

period in October. period in October. Tropical levelTropical level Subtropical levelSubtropical level Temperate level Temperate level Temperate zone to 4,600mTemperate zone to 4,600m Above 4,600mAbove 4,600m

VegetationVegetation

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

AttractionsAttractions Natural diversityNatural diversity Mountain lakesMountain lakes Active volcanoesActive volcanoes Cloud forestsCloud forests Waterfalls and RiversWaterfalls and Rivers HotspringsHotsprings

La Sierra or the Highlands is Ecuador’s most visited region in the area La Sierra or the Highlands is Ecuador’s most visited region in the area and has the most developed tourist industry.and has the most developed tourist industry.

**(backpacker’s $3 per night hostel)**(backpacker’s $3 per night hostel)

DisturbancesDisturbances VolcanoesVolcanoes Earthquakes-frequent landslides (montane Earthquakes-frequent landslides (montane

forests)forests) Mudslides and AvalanchesMudslides and Avalanches DeforestationDeforestation Lightening induced fires (dry months)Lightening induced fires (dry months) Grass pa’ramos burned annuallyGrass pa’ramos burned annually Introduction of non-native species (aloe-vera, Introduction of non-native species (aloe-vera,

pines, rice, sugar cane, eucalyptus, etc…)pines, rice, sugar cane, eucalyptus, etc…) Depletion of native species (Quinine-malaria).Depletion of native species (Quinine-malaria).

Concerns/DangersConcerns/Dangers

Use common sense-don’t expose Use common sense-don’t expose valuables and always carry a copy of valuables and always carry a copy of passport.passport.

Snakes/insects (Malaria)Snakes/insects (Malaria) Dangers associated with climbing, Dangers associated with climbing,

kayaking and biking.kayaking and biking. VaccinationsVaccinations

What to bringWhat to bring

Safety equipment for climbing, biking Safety equipment for climbing, biking and or kayakingand or kayaking

Insect repellent/Sun screenInsect repellent/Sun screen Appropriate gear for rain, snow and Appropriate gear for rain, snow and

sun depending on location.sun depending on location. Extra socks and hiking shoes for Extra socks and hiking shoes for

excursions.excursions. MedicationsMedications