Q & A

Thursday, June 19, 2008

What are some of the weather patterns of Ecuador that you have experienced? A 5th grader from Dixon Elementary in New Hanover County

Our weather and temperatures are continually changing.  We dress in layers to cope with the changes.  People often think that because Ecuador is situated at the equator, it is continually hot.  This is not the case.  The seasons in Ecuador are divided into wet and dry, unlike the four seasons in North Carolina.  Right now, it is 60 degrees and we are huddled in our sweatshirts in the middle of a rain cloud. 

One of the conditions that has influenced the trip thus far is the altitude.  The Sierra region of Ecuador is a high-altitude belt dominated by the Andes Mountains.  The city of Quito is at an elevation of 9200 feet and many of our hikes will be completed above 11,000 feet.  Participants on the trip often complain of headaches, dizziness, sunburns, and shortness of breath.  It is important at these altitudes to drink plenty of water, apply lots of sunscreen and take lots of rest stops when exercising.

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