WEATHERBecause of the geographic position of the study areas along the western flank of the northernmost extension of the Andes, the region posses a moderate tropical humid climate with a relative average of 80%. The average annual rainfall is 2960 mm (116 inches) with the summer season occurring from mid-December to mid April and frequent rains during the rest of the year. The temperatures range from 18 C to 29 C (64 F to 84 F), with little variation from month to month.