Quito

Population: 1,400,000

Climate: Because of Quito's altitude, at 9250 feet, and it’s location near the Equator it enjoys mild days and cool nights almost year-round. The climate in the Andes varies according to the altitude and the time of the year. In Quito the temperature ranges from 55°F at night to 78°F at noon, and averages 64°F. There are two seasons, wet and dry. The wet season is called winter and the dry is considered summer. Quito's summer lasts about 4 months, from the end of June to September while in the months from October through May Quito receives most of it’s rainfall.

 

Tena

Population: 14,000

Climate: For a rainforest city, Tena's climate is surprisingly comfortable, it's cooler, due to its elevation, and drier than most people expect. Due to its location near the equator the temperature remains fairly constant all year.  There is rainfall year-round and the heaviest rains come in June, July, and August, but even in this very wet time it doesn't necessarily rain every day or all day when it does rain the rain is pleasant and warm, like the rain that those of us from the northern hemisphere only get in the sweltering heat of summer. 

 

Otavalo

Population: 31,000

Climate:  Because Otavalo also sits quite high in the Andes Mountains it shares a very similar climate to Quito.  Otavalo’s climate is also characterized by a wet season (October to May) and a dry season (June to Sepetember).  The temperature generally hovers in the 60°s and 70°s although nights can get a bit chilly.

 

Baños

Population: 20,000

Climate: Baños has a temperate climate with an average temperature of 65°F and is at an altitude of 6000 feet above sea level on the slopes of Tungurahua Volcano Because Baños is a sierra town it is subject to the weather in this area which has a relatively dry season from April to November, which is sometimes interrupted by heavy rainfalls that my take you by surprise. Generally at this time of year you will find the mornings somewhat cold, but as the day goes on, the temperature may rise to 80°F, descending again in the evening.

Side Trips