The climate in the northern Andes of Ecuador is said to be somewhat milder than that of the southern and central sections of Andes, but visitors should still be prepared for all conditions.

The weather generally fluctuates as a result of the constantly changing altitudes. At any time of year, high temperatures average around 61 degrees Fahrenheit and lows around fifty degrees, but the actual temperature often does little to reflect the feel of the conditions. The sun in this area of Ecuador is extremely powerful because it is close to the Equator. The hills are typically warmer and sunnier in the morning, and cool and damp in the afternoons and evenings. Fog, mist and rain are common afternoon occurrences. Lower down, the cloud forests of the northern Andes are hot and humid, with alternating bouts of heavy rain and blistering sun with cooler temperatures at night.

How to wear

Lightweight, breathable attire and sweaters, scarves, and gloves are necessary. For trekking trips through Fuya Fuya, Imbabura, Cotacachi and Chiles or small villages, comfortable hiking boots, lightweight pants and a waterproof raincoat are certainly recommended. Travelers that choose to stick to major cities can get by in jeans and any comfortable footwear.

Skin protection

Other travel essentials in the Northern Andes include high SPF (50 or more) sunscreen, a lightweight backpack, a first aid kit, a waterproof raincoat, hiking boots, sunglasses, extra toilet paper, antibacterial hand gel, extra zip-lock bags, and bug repellent (for the cloud forest), and hiking sandals.

Health Tips

Health wise, it’s recommended that travelers bring along anti-diarrhea pills (just in case), allergy medications and pain-relievers to help combat altitude headaches. It takes at least two weeks for the body to fully acclimatize to a higher altitude, so travelers should never try to ascend too quickly. Altitude sickness is a serious matter and should be treated accordingly. If a person exhibits serious drowsiness, breathlessness or confusion, he or she should immediately move to lower ground.

Travel Planning

Lodging options in the northern Andes range from the luxurious to the extremely bare and minimal. Except to find more options in larger cities like Otavalo, Cotacachi, Ibarra and Tulcán. Smaller villages will only likely offer a few accommodation options with limited amenities. Many places do not have listed phone numbers or websites, so the best thing to do is to show up without reservations.

A great way to explore the Andean highlands is through an arranged tour. The best guides and agencies are located in Quito, and most require reservations only a few days in advance. Whether you’re looking for a weeklong climbing and trekking expedition to the peak of Cayambe or a two-day cultural excursion to Otavalo, it’s easy to find a package suited to your needs. Know that private tours will be significantly more expensive than larger group tours. Although some prices will include meals, lodging and transportation, others may not, so be sure to ask about such things as you shop for the right tour. A safe bet would be to follow the advice of the travel guidebooks that list the best, most trusted and well-certified agencies in the city. Never book a tour with an agency that hasn’t been recommended to you by a friend, certified by Ecuador Ministry of Tourism of City Tourism Board or by a trusted guide.