Culture seekers looking for the creme de la creme ought to look to Quito, Ecuador, which has recently been named the 2011 American Capital of Culture.
Quito, a 320-acre historic treasure chest is packed with 130 monuments and 5,000 heritage properties. The 16th-century city is enriched with Andean volcanoes and is rich with cultural activity. In honor of its bestowed title, the city has conjured up a calendar's worth of events.
May 19-20: International Biennale of Guitars
June 20-26: International Festival of Singers
June 1-15: "The Song of the Festival" Exhibition
July 20-26: Frankenstein, the Musical
August 4: Exhibition of Manuel Cholango
August 17-20: Fair of Quito's Sweets and Traditions
September 12-18: Ecuador's Jazz Festival
October 17-23: International "Music of the World" Festival
November: Urban Art Happenings
December: Tribute to Ecuadorian Artists
December: Christmas Concert
For more information visit www.quito.com.ec.