In Parque Nacional Cajas is a weather station next to the ranger station at Laguna Toreadora (3860 meters a.m.s.l). The following figures are based on data collected at this station in 2000.
The daily temperature variation in Cajas is more pronounced than the seasonal or annual variation. This is a common property of low latitude ecosystems (four seasons in a day). The average, minimum and maximum daily temperature are respectively 5 ℃, –1 ℃ and 15 ℃. The temperature does not show much seasonal variation as a result of the constant radiation throughout the year at the equator). Maximum relative humidity of 95 percent (minimum of 40%, average of 80 %) and maximum wind speed of 17 m/s (average of 4.5 m/s), windy and humid, is typical for the Páramo.
Maximum solar radiation of 1350 Watt per square meter is an extreme value for men, animal and plant. Use headwear and cover your body to protect from direct sunlight.
Cajas National Park compared to other Páramo has a relative high precipitation. This high precipitation is caused by the position of the mountain range. The northeast orientation of the mountains is a severe obstacle for the west moving Amazonian born clouds. The rainfall intensity is rather low, the occurrence and duration is high. Summarised can be stated that the climate is extreme oscillating in the day but constant extreme through the year. Wear waterproof warm cloths.
The photo at the bottom is taken from tres cruces in the direction of Laguna Toreadora. The clouds are coming up from the valley at a very high speed and take away your view. As the sun disappears behind the clouds orientation becomes even more difficult. Always bring a compass or GPS and a map.
The atomospheric pressure at the ranger station Laguna Toreadora is around 635 mbar (sea level is around 1 bar). Water boils at this altitude at around 86 degrees celcius, cooking eggs, pasta or patatos takes therefor much longer than at sealevel. The temperature on the other hand is around the same as your fridge at home. Your fresh (persihable) food will stay fresh. The water in Cajas is clean.
