In spite of frequent cloud cover, temperatures are higher and rainfall is lower in this area than it is around Saraguro. The Jubones valley is a desert region with a sparse covering of xerophytic vegetation including various cactus species and thorny mimosa trees.
Agriculture is possible only in irrigated areas and in small patches of flood plain.
Donkeys and goats, set loose to wander rough terrain in search of whatever forage they could find have probably contributed much to the desertificaiton of this region.