Quito Free Food Tour
Description
Discover the gastronomic treasures of Quito through this complimentary food tour. This journey will take you to a local market, historic homes, and a traditional confectionery, showcasing the most genuine Ecuadorian flavors. A delightful sensory adventure awaits!
Tour Overview
At the designated meeting point, we will gather at the Mercado Santa Clara, renowned as one of the largest and oldest markets in Quito, to kick off our complimentary food tour. Are you prepared to explore the city’s essence through its culinary offerings?
Our journey begins with a stroll through various sections of the market, spanning from the fresh produce zone to vendors offering traditional foods, natural remedies, and dry goods. You will then have 30 minutes of leisure time to further investigate the market at your own pace and try dishes such as encebollado, ceviche, tigrillo, locro de papa, or fritada, each providing an authentic taste of local cuisine!
Subsequently, we will board the metro to reach Quito's historic heart. Here, we will visit a heritage residence where, should you choose, you may partake in a brief coffee tour. This segment will allow you to observe both the production and roasting processes while savoring a cup of high-altitude Ecuadorian coffee.
Next, we will progress to a 17th-century mansion that houses a small artisan chocolate factory. You'll learn about the cocoa journey, from bean to bar, and have the opportunity to taste various percentages and flavors made from fine aroma cocoa, a coveted Ecuadorian variety. A true indulgence!
Continuing the adventure, we will arrive at a traditional candy shop where you can explore classic treats like the renowned caca de perro, a chocolate and peanut confection that piques the curiosity of many visitors. Additional options include paila ice cream, mistelas, pristiños, and empanadas.
To conclude our journey, we’ll taste a Quito-style canelazo on the colonial terraces of San Francisco Square, providing splendid views of the historic area.
At the end of our culinary exploration, we will part ways at this square after spending approximately 3 to 3.5 hours immersed in Quito's food culture.
Group Size
This complimentary tour accommodates a maximum of 6 participants. For those traveling in larger groups, we suggest booking an alternative street food tour.
What's included
- English–speaking guide
- Tastings mentioned
What's not included
- Tips
- Metro ticket: 0,45USD per person
- Coffee tour: 3USD per person
- Fruit at the market: from 0,50USD
Cancellation policy
Cancellazione gratuita
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Important information
On the day of the activity, the guide will be waiting for you with a straw hat and a burgundy backpack at the main entrance to the Mercado Santa Clara, located on calle Versalles y Darquea. Please be there at least 10 minutes beforehand.
You might also like
Private Day Trips from Quito
Discover the exuberant nature that surrounds the Ecuadorian capital with these Private Day Trips from Quito. Choose a...
Yanacocha Reserve Tour
Discover magnificent Andean forests and fascinating species of mountain birds on this trip to the Yanacocha Reserve f...
Quito Street Food Tour
With this street food tour of Quito we'll discover the most delicious flavours of the capital of Ecuador as we walk t...
Antisana National Park Tour
Discover Ecuador's most spectacular fauna and flora on this excursion to Antisana National Park from Quito and get lo...