(annual February/March)

As the first city to be named a World Heritage Cultural Site by UNESCO in 1978, Quito boasts numerous treasures spread throughout a diverse and alluring landscape.

The capital city has much to offer including authentic culture and rich indigenous and Hispanic traditions evident at every corner through its exquisite gastronomy, art, museum, theatres, architecture, boutiques and more.

Set at nearly 10,000 feet above sea level and boasting a rich ecosystem, Quito is surrounded by the Andes mountains and volcanoes, as well as cloud forests and lakes.

Quito's annual Carnival festivities this year commemorate the end of the indigenous solar year in Ecuador.

In Quito, Carnival celebrations are enjoyed outdoors and the streets, plazas and boulevards of the neighbourhoods and parishes of the city become an open-air stage with numerous artistic and cultural events including parades, games and many stalls selling local cuisine.

The Carnival was originally a pagan celebration that consisted of several days of uninterrupted fun and role-playing before the beginning of Lent, and it became customary to dress up with masks of public figures and perform animal dances inspired by the city's wildlife.

Nowadays, locals and visitors who participate in the festivities continue to dress up in costumes and masks that mimic political figures and popular professions such as cobblers, clowns, hairdressers, and bakers, as well as social outcasts.

They also commemorate the indigenous people of Ecuador by painting their faces with flour and throwing around talcum powder, water balloons and carnival foam.

Carnival celebrations in the Andean capital take place in the Historical Centre and La Ronda.

One of the most anticipated festivities is the mascaraed parade or Mascarada that moves slowly through the squares and streets of Quito, reaching its destination at Plaza Grande, where tourists and locals gather to participate in traditional dances, listen to folkloric music and enjoy traditional Ecuadorian food.

Each of the 33 parishes that make up the metropolitan district of Quito enjoy their own festivities and traditions.

The Carnival of Amaguaña is one of the most celebrated featuring the Flores and Serpentina parade, during which crowds with floats march towards the Plaza Principal to the sound of drums and pingullos, a recorder-like instrument, singing ballads and dancing.

In addition to the classic parades, artistic groups, batucadas (a type of dance similar to samba) and village bands join the celebrations, making this party an excellent option to rediscover one of the best destinations in South America.

Useful links

www.quito.com.ec/en/

www.visitquito.ec