Climate and Vegetation

Since the Andes stretch from about 10º North latitude to 55º South, there is a wide climatic range. In the low equatorial foothills, temperatures average about 80º F. (27º C.) the year long. In contrast, the cold, wet, almost uninhabitable areas of the extreme south have average temperatures a little over 40º F. (4º C.). The effects of increasing elevation, and consequent lower temperatures, are felt everywhere. The highest mountains are mantled with snow throughout the year even near the Equator.

In the tropical areas, climate and vegetation depend chiefly on elevation. The foothills, up to about 3,000 feet (900 m) above sea level, are called the tierra caliente (hot land), an area of tropical rain forests. Above this zone, extending to about 6,500 feet (2,000 m), is the tierra templada (temperate land), with mixed deciduous trees and grasslands. Still higher, up to about 10,000 feet (3,000 m), is the tierra fría (cold land), with coniferous forests, hardy grasses, and shrubs. Still higher, there are Alpine pastures, called páramos, that extend above the tierra fría to the snow line.