Llama racing in the clouds - in pictures

Unique competition takes place on the Llanganates paramo in Ecuador

Child riders participate in the 'Llamingada', a race in which children between the ages of 8 and 13 compete with their llingos (llamas), in the Agualongo Pamba sector, in Salcedo, Cotopaxi province, Ecuador, 11 February 2023. A group of llamas from the Ecuadorian Andes, divine beings in the country's indigenous worldview, carry children from the Llanganates paramo on their backs, in a unique competition that seems to go to the clouds. EPA / Jose Jacome

A group of llamas from the Ecuadorian Andes, divine beings in the country's indigenous worldview, carry children on their backs, in a unique competition that seems to go to the clouds

Children taking part in the Llamingada

A rider in the Llamingada

The Llamingada

Erick Javier Chicaiza, nine, with his llama 'Rayo McQueen'

Ritual before the child riders participate in the Llamingada

Children taking part in the race

Nine-year-old Erick with his mother, Fanny Guanotuna

Erick prepares for the race

Erick poses for a picture before the race

Child riders in the Llamingada

Erick riding his llama 'Rayo McQueen'

The National