Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour in Hidden Gems
Discover authentic Ecuadorian flavors through six local stops in the heart of Quito
This Quito food and cacao tasting tour takes you beyond tourist menus and into the traditional eateries and bodegas that locals have treasured for generations. Over three hours on foot, you will sample six distinct stops spanning savory pork dishes, Andean empanadas, a legendary pernil sandwich, a warm canelazo spirit, regional sweets, and award-winning Ecuadorian chocolate.
Every location has been selected for its authenticity and culinary significance, offering a genuine window into the daily food culture of one of South America's most historic capitals. The walking route passes through safe and scenic areas of Quito, making the experience as comfortable as it is flavorful.
Local guides share the stories behind each dish, from the Andean agricultural roots of fritada to the cacao traditions that have earned Ecuador recognition on the world stage. This tour is designed for curious travelers who want to understand a city through its food, not just its landmarks.
Whether you are visiting Quito for the first time or returning to explore more deeply, this culinary walk offers a perspective that no restaurant menu alone can provide. The pace is relaxed, the portions are generous, and the conversations with vendors and locals add a layer of context that transforms each bite into a cultural experience.
Tour Highlights
Taste Ecuadorian cacao and chocolate recognized among the finest in the world, served in multiple forms including dark, milk, and almond milk varieties.
Sip canelazo, a warm naranjilla and cinnamon spirit cited by National Geographic as one of the top exotic drinks globally.
Visit a true hidden-gem bodega beloved by Quito locals, where fritada and fresh tropical fruit juices are served the traditional way.
Try both morocho and verde empanadas paired with single-origin coffee from Zaruma, one of Ecuador's most celebrated coffee-growing regions.
Walk through the most beautiful and secure areas of Quito's historic district, discovering culinary landmarks within easy strolling distance of one another.
Engage directly with local vendors and learn about food traditions that have shaped Quito's identity across multiple generations.
Finish with Quito's beloved regional sweet, nicknamed by locals in a tongue-in-cheek fashion, made from chocolate, caramel, and nuts.
Tour Itinerary
The tour opens at a small, family-run bodega where fritada — slow-cooked, crispy pork — is served alongside mote, yapingacho, and traditional sides. Guests choose a fresh juice made from Ecuadorian fruits such as maracuya, guanabana, or naranjilla to accompany the plate.
At the second stop, travelers select a morocho or verde empanada, filled with cheese, chicken, or beef, and pair it with a cup of coffee sourced from Zaruma. An herbal tea alternative is available for those who prefer a caffeine-free option.
Considered one of Quito's most iconic street foods, the sandwich de pernil features slow-cooked pork served on freshly baked bread alongside a choice of fruit juice. The guide shares the historical connection between this dish and the city's culinary heritage.
Guests sample canelazo, a warm drink combining naranjilla, cinnamon, and sugar cane distilled alcohol, highlighted by National Geographic as one of the world's top exotic spirits. Non-alcoholic alternatives are provided for those who do not drink.
A quick tasting of the locally nicknamed sweet made from chocolate, caramel, and nuts offers a playful and delicious detour into Quito's confectionery traditions. The guide explains the quirky local name and the treat's place in everyday Quito life.
The tour concludes with a curated tasting of Ecuadorian cacao and chocolate in several forms — dark, milk, almond milk, and a brownie made with local cacao. Ecuador's cacao has received international recognition, and this final stop contextualizes that reputation through direct taste experience.
What Is Included
Included
- Fritada plate with mote, yapingacho, and traditional sides
- Fresh Ecuadorian fruit juice at two stops
- Empanada of choice with Zaruma coffee or herbal tea
- Pernil sandwich with fresh fruit juice
- Canelazo spirit or non-alcoholic alternative
- Quito regional sweet tasting
- Ecuadorian cacao and chocolate tasting including brownie
- Local guide throughout the entire tour
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Additional food or beverages beyond the six tasting stops
- Gratuities for the guide
- Personal travel insurance
Important Information
Ready to Taste Quito?
Secure your place on this culinary walk through Quito's most authentic neighborhoods and discover the flavors that locals have celebrated for generations.
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