Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito
Quito, Ecuador

Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito

Outty Ranking 63 5.0 · 3 traveler reviews11 hoursFrom $135
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Outty Ranking

63/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito worth booking?

Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito is a 11-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $135 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
63 / 100
Rating
5/5 (3)
Duration
11 hours
From
$135 per person

This tour will have you feeling like a true local. You will visit the market, cook Ecuadorian food, visit the Guayasamin Museum, shop till you drop at the Artisanal Market, visit the Panecillo Virgen Statue and have a wonderful dinner at Pims restaurant with the best views of Quito. You will be accompanied by Andres the owner of the company. Andres is a true local who loves showing his native town to travelers. It's truly an amazing tour and experience you can't miss!

What you get

    About this experience

    This tour will have you feeling like a true local. You will visit the market, cook Ecuadorian food, visit the Guayasamin Museum, shop till you drop at the Artisanal Market, visit the Panecillo Virgen Statue and have a wonderful dinner at Pims restaurant with the best views of Quito. You will be accompanied by Andres the owner of the company. Andres is a true local who loves showing his native town to travelers. It's truly an amazing tour and experience you can't miss!

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Entrance to Guayasamin Museum
    • Lunch
    • Cooking Class in Old Town Quito
    • Dinner reservations at Pim´s Restaurant Panecillo

    Not included

    • Dinner
    • Additional Food and Drinks
    • Tips for the guide and driver
    • Pick-up at or close to the airport incurs a $35 USD surcharge for roundtrip.

    What you'll see and do

    1. Mercado Central

      Our first stop is at Mercado Central or Central Market. This is one of the oldest markets in Quito and my favorite. We will explore the market, have a local fruit juice, learn about the immense variety of fruits and vegetables available, meet market vendors, and have a traditional snack "mote con fritada". After this fun-packed adventure, we will head to our cooking class.

      75 minutes here

    2. Quito Old Town

      Following the market visit we will head to the Historic Center to our cooking class venue. The class takes places inside a colonial house with open space for cooking and having a great time. We will meet the chef here and you will learn Ecuadorian cooking techniques to create a delicious meal. The entire experience is fantastic and a whole lot of fun!

      150 minutes here

    3. Casa Museo Guayasamin

      After our wonderful cooking class, we head to the Casa Museo Guayasamin (Guayasamin Home and Museum). This is an amazing experience. You get to visit and explore the last home of Guayasamin and his art studio. All while learning about this incredibly talented art genius. Next, is a tour of the Guayasamin Museum. Here you get to see some of Guayasamin's largest and most impressive paintings. Truly an amazing experience.

      150 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal

      We will make a stop at the Mercado Artesanal (Artisanal Market) for souvenir shopping. Here you can find great stuff for gifts for your loved one back home. Alpaca jackets and blankets, ponchos, Panama hats, and Ecuadorian chocolate and coffee are available for purchase here.

      75 minutes here

    5. La Virgen del Panecillo

      After a quick stop at your hotel, we head to El Panecillo to visit the statue and get the best views of Quito at night. We have reservations at the Pims restaurant for dinner with a spectacular view.

      150 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Galapagos Connoisseur

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Getting our juice on at the Central Market, Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in QuitoVisiting the best fruit stand at the Central Market, Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in QuitoReady for the cooking class!, Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in QuitoCooking like pros!, Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in QuitoTime to Eat!, Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in QuitoCheers!, Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    The guide

    1 mention

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Good for families

    1 mention

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Small groups

    1 mention

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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    Kris H · May 2026

    A fun way to spend a day in Quito

    My husband and I were given a full day private tour by Andy around Quito prior to our departure to the Galápagos Islands. It was a great way to spend the day, and our tour was personalized for us and professional. We enjoyed the fun and educational experience of the Intiñan Equator Museum (which included fun equator-related experiments, learning about how chocolate is made, learning about the history of Ecuadorian indigenous people and how they lived, animals of the rain forest, and so much more!), the city views from The Virgin of El Panecillo, and chocolate tasting in the old town square (which included a tasting of brownies and hot chocolate). Lastly, Andy took us to a very great spot to enjoy some delicious empanadas!

    Response from the operator: Hi Kris thanks again for the wonderful review. I had a great time meeting y'all and we had a fantastic day.

    via Tripadvisor

    D4225OTmaryf · May 2025

    Quito from top to bottom.

    Andres is a fantastic guide, especially for Americans since his English is impeccable. He took us to all the important places to see around Quito and we spent time in the old town and he explained the history of Quito and Ecuador to us. He’s a great driver and we did a lot of driving. I would definitely give him a call and use him as a tour guide if I go back to Quito, Ecuador.

    Response from the operator: Hi guys, thanks for the azing review. We had a great time exploring Quito, you guys were great. Hope to see you back soon. And hope your time in Ecuador was amazing. Cheers!

    via Tripadvisor

    J6744IXdavidh · December 2023

    Delicious day in Quito

    On our way to the Galapagos, as recommended, my wife and I arrived a day early in Quito and decided to spend the day with Galapagos Connoisseur cooking and walking through the historic area. Our experience was exceptional. The morning began with Andres picking us up at our hotel a driving to the central market. We spent time walking through the market learning about and tasting the many fruits and vegetables which we don’t see in our typical American markets. We then drove a short distance to the cooking school where Magdalena and Sylvia spent the next few hours teaching us how to prepare several Ecuadorian dishes including Potato Soup, Shrimp Ceviche, Fried Plantain, a delicious Ecuadorian cocktail and juice. This was a very hands-on, participatory experience and we learned ways that we could recreate these dishes at home. Throughout the morning, we were able to converse about Ecuadorean family life and culture easily, as Magdalena and Sylvia speak excellent English. We also booked the afternoon experience, so we did not return to our hotel and rather just continued to talk and relax. Overall, we had a delicious meal and learned much about Ecuadorean cuisine. Our afternoon experience began by first walking through the historic district, where the local residents were celebrating the Fiestas de Quito so the squares and streets were quite full. On our own, particularly after the cautions from our State Department, we might have felt uncomfortable. However, with Magdalena and Sylvia, it became a relaxing and exciting experience. We stopped to sample some fresh Ecuadorean ice cream and eventually visited the Minka Chocolate Experience where we sampled over a dozen different chocolate bars after a brief lecture on the production of chocolate from seed to table. Then we walked back to the cooking school where we prepared Empanadas, Quimbolitas, and coffee. Magdalena and Sylvia taught us the traditional Ecuadorean way to cook these and we look forward to trying them in the USA. Spending a whole day with Andres, Magdalena and Sylvia was an extraordinary and delightful way to experience Quito and we recommend it without any reservation.

    Response from the operator: Hi David, thanks for the amazing review! I really enjoyed meeting you guys and Im so happy you had a great time in Quito with us! Cheers!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    11 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Galapagos Connoisseur, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.5.

    See everything Galapagos Connoisseur runs

    Why this scores 63

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)25
    Booking momentum (14% weight)15
    Value for money (12% weight)75
    Listing quality (10% weight)74
    Local standing (8% weight)52
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.

    How much does Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito cost?

    +

    Prices start at $135 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quito usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito take?

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    Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quito is not rushed.

    Is Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Quito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito?

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    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quito can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quito and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quito within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Quito?

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    On Outty we rank every Quito experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotopaxi Volcano full day tour with all the entrances, every day, Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Quito?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Quito?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito?

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    Included: Private transportation; Entrance to Guayasamin Museum; Lunch; Cooking Class in Old Town Quito; and Dinner reservations at Pim´s Restaurant Panecillo. Not included: Dinner; Additional Food and Drinks; Tips for the guide and driver; and Pick-up at or close to the airport incurs a $35 USD surcharge for roundtrip. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 149 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito offered in?

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    It is offered in English, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Quito. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Full-Day Private Tour Explore the Food, Art and Culture in Quito?

    +

    Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

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