Llama racing in Ecuador - in pictures

  • Children take part in the 'Llamingada', a race in which children between the ages of eight and 13 compete with their llamas, in Salcedo, Ecuador. All photos: EPA
    Children take part in the 'Llamingada', a race in which children between the ages of eight and 13 compete with their llamas, in Salcedo, Ecuador. All photos: EPA
  • 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
    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
    Children taking part in the Llamingada
  • A rider in the Llamingada
    A rider in the Llamingada
  • The Llamingada
    The Llamingada
  • Erick Javier Chicaiza, nine, with his llama 'Rayo McQueen'
    Erick Javier Chicaiza, nine, with his llama 'Rayo McQueen'
  • Ritual before the child riders participate in the Llamingada
    Ritual before the child riders participate in the Llamingada
  • Children taking part in the race
    Children taking part in the race
  • Nine-year-old Erick with his mother, Fanny Guanotuna
    Nine-year-old Erick with his mother, Fanny Guanotuna
  • Erick prepares for the race
    Erick prepares for the race
  • Erick poses for a picture before the race
    Erick poses for a picture before the race
  • Child riders in the Llamingada
    Child riders in the Llamingada
  • Erick riding his llama 'Rayo McQueen'
    Erick riding his llama 'Rayo McQueen'