Most of the volcanoes in the Central Volcanic Zone are located at over elevation where the climate is cold with frequent freezes. Most precipitation falls between January and March, at Tutupaca it amounts to . In the Western Cordillera, altitudes between are dominated by vegetation such as cacti, herbs, Peruvian feather grass, and yareta, but also lichens and mosses. Wetlands, called bofedales, display a diverse plant life. Above elevation plant life diminishes and in 2003-2012 by there was perpetual snow.