# South American culinary festivals

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-american-culinary-festivals
> Updated: 2026-08-06T16:53:27.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026 Bolivia launched the second edition of the Quinta Esencia & Conversabor gastronomy festival in La Paz, showcasing Bolivian ingredients through curated tasting menus and a forum on culinary entrepreneurship. The event, backed by the vice‑minister of gastronomy, aims to boost tourism, investment and job creation.

A few weeks later, in early August 2026 Ecuador hosted the fifth Hueca Fest in Quito, featuring 150 traditional food stalls and 70 entrepreneurial spaces. Organisers sought a Guinness World Record for the most dishes sold in a continuous 12‑hour period, positioning the festival as a driver of cultural pride, tourism and local economic activity.

Both festivals illustrate a growing trend across the Andes region where governments and industry groups use high‑profile culinary events to promote national cuisine, attract visitors and stimulate related businesses.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-06: Quito's Hueca Fest Aims for Guinness World Record in Ecuadorian Cuisine

Hueca Fest in Quito (Aug 7‑10, 2026) seeks a Guinness World Record for most Ecuadorian dishes sold in 12 hours, featuring 150 food stalls, 70 entrepreneurs, and national music acts, backed by the city mayor.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/quitos-hueca-fest-aims-for-guinness-world-record-in-ecuadorian-cuisine

### 2026-07-20: Bolivia rolls out Quinta Esencia gastronomy festival to attract tourists

Bolivia’s Quinta Esencia festival (31 July‑1 Aug) brings 20 top restaurants, 800+ participants and a gastronomy forum to boost tourism, investment and jobs.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oruro-district-summits-set-priorities-for-the-2027-municipal-plan

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Cite as: South American culinary festivals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-american-culinary-festivals