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The Chota Valley is an inter-Andean valley in northern Ecuador, stretching along the border between the provinces of Imbabura and Carchi. In contrast to Ecuador’s generally humid and lush Andean highlands, the Chota Valley has a semi-arid microclimate. It is hot and dry all year round. The valley is one of the most important settlement areas for the Afro-Ecuadorian community in the Andes. The inhabitants are descendants of African slaves who were brought to the region by Jesuits during the colonial era to work on sugar cane plantations. – 1977

The Chota Valley is a region steeped in tradition in the north of Ecuador. The region is best known for its Afro-Ecuadorian community, which has preserved a culture that is unique within Ecuador. The population is descended from enslaved Africans, who were brought to the region by Jesuits in the 17th century. The ‘Bomba del Chota’ is the region’s best-known style of music and dance. It is characterised by the bomba drums. Traditionally, women dance to this rhythm with great skill whilst balancing a bottle perfectly on their heads. – 1972