Geography
The
western part
of the province
is located
in the foothills
of the eastern
cordillera
of the Andes, difficult
to access.
The rest of
the vast plain
is unindated
with rivers
originating
from the cordillera;
in the eastern
zone is the
Shuar civilization,
with its small
but numerous
communities.
The
principle
mountain is
Sangay with
an altitude
of 5230 metres, a permanently
active volcano
which has
captured the
attention
of tourists
and scientists
alike. Towards
the south
are cordilleras
Boliche,
Zapote Naida,
Manga Urcu,
Yupaiqui and
Condor, one
of the most
troublesome
spots with
regards to
conflict with
Peru.
Since
1975 Morora
Santiago has
formed part
of the Sangay
National Park
along with
Chimborazo
and Tungurahua.
The park measures
517,725 hectares
and has been
declared a
worldwide
heritage site.
The area also
houses Los
Tayos Ecological
Reserve and
Cutucu.
(See
National Parks
for further
information)
The
hydrographical
system has
many rivers
with strong
currents,
beneficial
for the conservation
of the area
and the Amazon
vegetation.
River Pastaza
runs towards
the northern
border of
the province:
from south
to north runs
the river
Chiguaza.
Other rivers
include Macumba,
Morona (discovered
in 1860 by
General Victor
Proano) which
runs towards
the south
to join up
with River
Amazonas.
River Yaupi,
which joins
with river
Zamora and
finally, river
Upano.
GEOGRAPHICAL
ALTITUDE ABOVE
SEA LEVEL
| Canton |
Capital |
Altitude |
Morona |
Macas |
1070 |
Taisha |
Taisha |
600 |
Gualaquiza |
Gualaquiza |
994 |
Huamboya |
Huamboya |
1.600 |
Limon Indanza |
G. Plaza |
1.200 |
Palora |
Palora |
900 |
S. Juan Bosco |
S.J. Bosco |
1.750 |
Santiago |
Mendez |
600 |
Sucua |
Sucua |
910 |
Logrono |
Logrono |
700 |
Climate
The
climate depends
on the altitude
of the terrain.
There are
no snow-capped
peaks nor
extremely
cold areas
with the exception
of the summit
of Volcano
Sangay.
In
the valleys
of Palora,
Upano, Indanza
y Bomboiza,
the temperature
ranges between
18 and 24
degrees centigrade.
In the valleys
of Santiago
and Yaupi
the temperature
increases,
becoming quite
hot and further
increasing
in the zones
of Morona
and Huasaga.
Seasons are
not well-defined
and are mainly
distinguished
by rainfall.
Climatic
Classification
- Temperatures
between 14
and 37 degrees
centigrade.
Microclimates
- Humid subtropical
climates
Ecological
Life Zone
- Pre-montane
and montane
forest
Altitude
- From 600
to 2200 metres.
Average
annual temperatures
-
From 14 to
37 degrees
Centigrade
Average
annual rainfall
- From 1500
to 4000mm.
Last Updated
22nd August
2006 (DLW)
