Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems
Quito, Ecuador

Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems

Outty Ranking 68 4.9 · 22 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $86
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Outty Ranking

68/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems worth booking?

Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems is a 3-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $86 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 22 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
68 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (22)
Duration
3 hours
From
$86 per person

Join us and savor Quito’s culinary treasures like a local! Embark on an unforgettable food tour, where authenticity and genuine Ecuadorian flavors take center stage. Our carefully curated tour leads you to hidden gems in the most beautiful part of Quito, ensuring an immersive culinary adventure. We prioritize visiting traditional establishments, where you'll get a true taste of authentic Ecuadorian dishes. All the while, you’ll feel completely safe as we walk through secure areas. Engage with the locals, learn about their food traditions, and feel like part of the community. The tour includes 6 delicious spots within walking distance: starting with fritada and juice, followed by an empanada with coffee, then a pernil sandwich with juice, and canelazo spirit. We’ll also try Quito sweets and finish with Ecuadorian cacao and chocolate. We also offer food tours in 8 cities in Europe and 2 in South America, bringing you a delicious experience. Are you ready for a delicious adventure?

What you get

    About this experience

    Join us and savor Quito’s culinary treasures like a local! Embark on an unforgettable food tour, where authenticity and genuine Ecuadorian flavors take center stage. Our carefully curated tour leads you to hidden gems in the most beautiful part of Quito, ensuring an immersive culinary adventure. We prioritize visiting traditional establishments, where you'll get a true taste of authentic Ecuadorian dishes. All the while, you’ll feel completely safe as we walk through secure areas. Engage with the locals, learn about their food traditions, and feel like part of the community. The tour includes 6 delicious spots within walking distance: starting with fritada and juice, followed by an empanada with coffee, then a pernil sandwich with juice, and canelazo spirit. We’ll also try Quito sweets and finish with Ecuadorian cacao and chocolate. We also offer food tours in 8 cities in Europe and 2 in South America, bringing you a delicious experience. Are you ready for a delicious adventure?

    What's included

    Included

    • Dinner
    • Tea and coffee
    • Carbonated beverages
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Lunch

    Not included

    • Tips and Gratuities!

    What you'll see and do

    1. Firts, travelers will enjoy a delicious plate of fritada—tender, crispy pork—served with mote (hominy), yapingacho (savory potato pancake), and other traditional sides. This feast takes place in a true hidden gem—a small, local bodega loved by locals. To complement the meal, guests can choose from a variety of fresh, natural juices made from Ecuador’s world-famous fruits, such as maracuyá (passion fruit), guanábana (soursop), or naranjilla. This is the perfect way to start discovering the authentic flavors of Quito!

      36 minutes here

    2. At our next stop, travelers will indulge in a delicious empanada of their choice—either morocho or verde (green plantain). A morocho empanada is made from a special Andean white corn, giving it a unique texture and slightly sweet flavor. They can customize their empanada with a filling of cheese, chicken, or beef, all perfectly crispy on the outside and flavorful inside. This tasty bite is paired with a cup of Ecuador’s finest coffee from Zaruma, known as one of the best in the world. For those who prefer a caffeine-free option, we also offer a soothing aromatic herbal tea. A true taste of Ecuador’s rich flavors!

      36 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Next, travelers will enjoy the best pernil sandwich in the world, made with slow-cooked, tender pork, served on freshly baked bread, and paired with their favorite Ecuadorian fruit juice. The sandwich de pernil has a rich history tied to Quito, where it’s been a beloved dish for generations. This savory sandwich is the perfect way to continue exploring the authentic flavors of Ecuador while learning a bit about the city’s culinary traditions. A delicious experience all around!

      36 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Next, you will have a beverage recognized by National Geographic as one of the top exotic spirit drinks—canelazo with naranjilla and cinnamon. This warm, flavorful drink combines the tangy taste of Ecuador's beloved naranjilla fruit with the rich spice of cinnamon. It’s traditionally made with sugar cane distilled alcohol, but for those who don't drink, other options will be available. This drink is a must-try in Quito and a perfect way to immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Ecuador while enjoying one of its most iconic beverages!

      20 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Next, we’ll treat travelers to a quick taste of Quito’s famous sweet, known as "dog’s poop" (a quirky name locals use, though it has nothing to do with that!). This beloved treat is made from rich chocolate, caramel, and nuts, creating a delicious flavor that locals can't get enough of. It’s a fun and tasty way to dive into the quirky side of Quito’s culinary traditions!

      10 minutes here · Admission included

    6. Yumbos Chocolate

      To finish off this delicious journey, we’ll treat travelers to a variety of Ecuadorian cacao and chocolate, which has been awarded as the best in the world. Ecuador’s cacao is renowned for its rich flavor, and you’ll get to try it in different forms—like cacao with exotic fruits or in varying concentrations (from rich dark cacao to smooth milk chocolate). We'll also serve you milk chocolate or almond milk chocolate and a delicious brownie made with Ecuadorian cacao. A true "icing on the cake" to your Ecuadorian food adventure!

      36 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Quito

    We will meet at the fountain in Plaza San Francisco. The fountain is located in the square, near the main entrance of the San Francisco Church. It is also a metro stop, making it easy to reach by any mode of transportation.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    We will meet at the fountain in Plaza San Francisco. The fountain is located in the square, near the main entrance of the San Francisco Church. It is also a metro stop, making it easy to reach by any mode of transportation.

    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
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Enjoy&Live Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    "Golden, Crispy, and Delicious – Savor Authentic Empanadas in Quito’s Hidden Gems!", Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems"Savor the Perfect Bite – Authentic Empanada de Verde or Morocho from Quito’s Hidden Gems!", Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems"Passionate Guides, Unforgettable Experiences – Meet the Heart of Our Food Tour!", Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems"Discover the Flavors of Ecuador – Taste a Variety of the World's Finest Cacao!", Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems"Authentic Quito Delight – Savor Crispy Fritada with Fresh Ecuadorian Juice!", Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems"Perfect Pairing – Savor a Delicious Empanada with the Best Coffee in the World!", Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    9 mentions

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

    The guide

    8 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    22 verified traveler reviews for Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    21
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Daydream580351 · August 2026

    Yummy and Yumbo in Quito

    Wonderful tour which combined history with food. Our guide, Sol, spoke excellent English and explained the importance of the various foods and drinks we were consuming. She also told us about Ecuadorian history and brought us to some lovely historical sites. A real highpoint was the chocolate tasting at Yumbo chocolates. Highly recommend.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted you enjoyed our Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour and the combination of Ecuadorian food, cacao, drinks, and local history. We’re also happy to hear Sol helped make the experience enjoyable. We’re especially glad the chocolate tasting was a highlight! Thank you for recommending Hidden Gems, and we hope to welcome you again for another food adventure in one of our 16 cities!

    via Tripadvisor

    Juan M · April 2026

    Delicious food, a very friendly guide! Amazing experience!

    Delicious food, a very friendly guide, and a beautiful downtown made this a really enjoyable experience.

    via Tripadvisor

    ra0805 · April 2026

    Good food- needed guide to be more fluent in English

    The food stops were what we expected, especially the chocolate tasting at the end. The guide gets an A for effort and his choice of stops. Unfortunately, his English fluency made conversations difficult many times.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the food stops and especially the chocolate tasting. We’d also like to mention that your guide is a highly qualified local expert from Quito, born and raised in the city, with university studies in tourism, which allows him to offer an authentic and professional experience. We appreciate your comments about his English fluency and will continue improving our language training to ensure even better communication for future guests.

    via Tripadvisor

    Tim_S · April 2026

    Good Tastes Quito

    Maria Sol did a terrific job blending food, cultural and historical discussions. The food was really interesting and tasty and she catered to one of our groups vegetarian needs for the most part. We also had some good laughs. Finally, Maria left us with some good ideas on how to fill the rest of our day.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 😊 We’re really happy to hear Maria Sol did such a great job blending food, culture, and history, and that you enjoyed the tasting experience, the laughs, and her thoughtful recommendations for the rest of your day. It’s great to know she was able to accommodate your group’s needs as well! We’d also love to welcome you in another city. Just search on Viator: “City + Food Tour in Hidden Gems” and you’ll find us in Porto, Lisbon, Madrid, Amsterdam, Milan, Krakow, Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Mexico City, Cuenca, and Berlin.

    via Viator

    Kimberly_R · April 2026

    Delicious sampling of Ecuadorian Food with a Spectacular Guide

    As our first day in Quito we chose this tour to ease into the trip and better understand what we can expect. Wilson was our guide and communicated in advance of the tour starting in where to meet. He took great pride in not only sharing about the food we were eating (and delicious fruit drinks and coffee), but also places to visit in Quito and elsewhere in Ecuador. We were very fortunate to have a 1 on1 tour with him. The food was spectacular; fresh and delicious. Each stop provided a different experience. Highly recommend coming hungry because it is a lot of food. We ended up splitting a pernil sandwich at the last food stop. Topping it off was the cacao tasting. Some very unique cocoa combinations we’d never tried. Ended up buying nearly every flavor to take home with is. Overall, we highly rate this tour and would do it again.

    Response from the operator: We’re really glad to hear you chose this tour as your first experience in Quito and that it helped you settle into the trip. It’s great that Wilson could guide you so personally and share not only the local food and drinks, but also useful insights and recommendations for exploring Ecuador. The cacao tasting sounds like a real highlight, and we love that you enjoyed such a variety throughout the stops. We’d also love to welcome you in another city. Just search on Viator: “City + Food Tour in Hidden Gems” and you’ll find us in Porto, Lisbon, Madrid, Amsterdam, Milan, Krakow, Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Mexico City, Cuenca, Athens and Berlin.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    8
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Enjoy&Live Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.8.

    See everything Enjoy&Live Tours runs

    Why this scores 68

    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)55
    Booking momentum (14% weight)48
    Value for money (12% weight)26
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)52
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems cost?

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    Prices start at $86 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 Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems take?

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    Plan for about 3 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 Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 22 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 Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems?

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    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 Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems?

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    Around 8 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?

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    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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems 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?

    +

    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 Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems?

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    Included: Dinner; Tea and coffee; Carbonated beverages; Alcoholic beverages; and Lunch. Not included: Tips and Gratuities!. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems?

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    We will meet at the fountain in Plaza San Francisco. The fountain is located in the square, near the main entrance of the San Francisco Church. It is also a metro stop. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems 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 Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems?

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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 Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems if the weather is bad?

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    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 Quito Food and Cacao Tasting Tour of Hidden Gems?

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    Across 22 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

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