Private Famous Food Tour of Historic Old Town in Quito

Quito , Ecuador

Private Famous Food Tour of Historic Old Town in Quito

Active

(20 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience the Famous Foods of Historic Quito on this tasty fun-filled tour! Go along with a savvy local bilingual guide to popular Quiteño eateries, markets, cafes, plazas and artisanal shops to sample diverse foods that define Quito's culinary landscape.
We will stop at several locations tasting such classic bites as quesadillas, mote, empanadas, Ceviche, canelazo, and Ecuadorian chocolate and coffee. Along the way, meet locals and learn about Quito's rich culinary history.
- Historic Quito Food Tour
- Sample the best Quiteño cuisine inclusing quesadillas, mote, ceviche and seco de chivo
- Learn about the diverse culinary history of Quito's rich cuisine.
- Explore the Quito culinary landscape along with a local in-the-know guide

Available options

Private Famous Food Tour of Historic Old Town in Quito

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

After the chocolate tasting at San Francisco Church we will head to Cafe Bolivar for the best cup of coffee in Old Town Quito

At lunch time, you will taste Ecuador's tasty local soda - Orangine, which is blackberry flavor and so delicious

Chocolate Tasting

In the know and friendly bilingual guide

We will stop for lunch in the Historic Center. You will have an option between a Ceviche or Seco de Chivo (goat stew) with a side of Empanadas de Morocho

All tasting and snacks mentioned on the itinerary will be included. - Quesadilla - Fruit Juice - Local Fruits - Mote

(OPTIONAL) at the end of the tour we will walk to La Ronda street to taste the best Canelazo (local cocktail served hot) served and prepared in a clay jug

Detailed itinerary

After our first local snack we head down to the Central Market. I truly love this market and here you can find some of the best stalls and vendors offering tasty snacks, fruit juice, and much more! We will tour the Central Market, I will explain and comment along the way and we will taste Quito food essentials such as; local Fruit Juice, quirky and endemic fruits, mote surtido (hominy with a mix of grains and bits of pork) and take in the sights and smells of the market.

Stop 2 Pass by

Our first stop is at a vintage shop where they bake and serve the best Quesadilla in town. Quesadillas in Quito are nothing like Quesadillas in Mexico. Quesadillas in Quito are sweet, fluffy, and crunchy at the same time, a true delight! The neighborhood around the Quesadilla shop is quintessential Quito. We will check out some of the sights and make a quick stop at La Basilica - gothic church in Quito - for some pics.

Stop 3

Our next stop is the Plaza Grande or Independence Square in the center of Historic Old Town Quito. Here we will check out the Presidential Palace, Cathedral and Archbishops Palace hunting down 3 more food essentials. This will be our lunch stop, we will taste the Empanadas de Morocho (my favorite empanada of all time), a Seco de Chivo (goat stew), or a traditional Quito Ceviche at a local cafeteria/ice-cream shop that has been around since 1858. We will pair these traditional foods with our local Mora (blackberry) flavored soda - Orangine.

After some great chocolate, we walk along pedestrian-only streets to find a burned-down theater called - Teatro Sucre. Here on the first floor, they have refurbished a vintage coffee shop where we will sample the best coffee cup in Quito IMHO.

After lunch we head over to San Francisco Church. Here we learn about the legends and myths of the church and plaza and we head for a premium Chocolate Tasting. Ecuadorian chocolate is considered the best in the world and you will be able to enjoy an up close and personal experience with chocolate.

Stop 6

To finish the day, we will walk down La Ronda Street where we will be able to taste the local cocktail served hot - Canelazo. La Ronda street is a very traditional street of Quito and a must-see while visiting. If we are lucky, we will find the local pubs serving Canelazos the old-fashioned way, from a clay pot or jug. (OPTIONAL) And we will be done with the best food tasting tour in Quito!

What's not included

Additional food or drinks not mentioned on the itinerary

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

11 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Quito

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a vibrant city nestled in the Andean highlands. It is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern urban life.

Top Attractions

Historic Center of Quito

The Historic Center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring well-preserved colonial architecture, churches, and plazas.

Historical Half to full day Free to visit the plazas and streets; entry fees for churches and museums

TelefériQo

A cable car that takes visitors to the top of Cruz Loma for breathtaking views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes.

Adventure 1-2 hours Moderate

Mitad del Mundo

A monument marking the equator, where you can stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres at once.

Historical Half day Moderate

Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve

A unique crater reserve with hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and a chance to see local flora and fauna.

Nature Half to full day Budget

Basílica del Voto Nacional

One of the largest neo-Gothic basilicas in South America, offering stunning architecture and panoramic views from its towers.

Religious 1-2 hours Budget

Capilla del Hombre

A museum dedicated to the works of Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, featuring his paintings and sculptures.

Cultural 1-2 hours Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Llocro de Papa

A hearty potato soup with cheese, avocado, and sometimes meat.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Cuy Asado

Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.

Dinner Contains meat

Encebollado

A fish soup with yuca, onions, and tomatoes, often served with pickled onions.

Lunch Contains fish

Empanadas de Viento

Fried empanadas filled with cheese and sometimes meat, dusted with sugar.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Cotopaxi National Park Zip-lining in Mindo Cloud Forest Paragliding over Quito Soaking in Papallacta Hot Springs Visiting La Ronda Street for live music and performances Exploring the Historic Center at a leisurely pace Visiting museums and cultural attractions in the Historic Center Exploring local markets and shopping areas

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the dry season with clear skies and pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) 54°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Quito is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of pickpocketing, scams, and unsafe taxis. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or app-based services for safer transportation.
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Getting there

By air

Mariscal Sucre International Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center

By bus

Quito Bus Terminal (Ofelia)

Getting around

Public transport

Quito has a well-developed bus system, including the Trolebús and Ecovía, which are affordable and efficient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, TaxiApp

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center (Centro Histórico) La Floresta González Suárez El Panecillo

Day trips

Cotopaxi National Park

50 km (31 miles) south of Quito • Full day

A stunning national park featuring the Cotopaxi volcano, hiking trails, and wildlife.

Mindo Cloud Forest

80 km (50 miles) northwest of Quito • Full day

A lush cloud forest with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife.

Papallacta Hot Springs

65 km (40 miles) northeast of Quito • Half to full day

Natural hot springs nestled in the Andes, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Festivals

Fiestas de Quito • Early December Inti Raymi • June 21-24 Semana Santa • March or April (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Historic Center early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Try local street food and snacks, such as empanadas, hornado, and choclo con queso.
Use the Metrocable for a unique and scenic way to reach the historic center and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Be cautious of altitude sickness, as Quito's high elevation can cause headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water, take it easy, and allow time to acclimate.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.