Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito
Quito, Ecuador

Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito

Outty Ranking 63 5.0 · 10 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $180
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Outty Ranking

63/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito worth booking?

Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito is a 5-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $180 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 10 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 (10)
Duration
5 hours
From
$180 per person

Embark on a culinary adventure where sweet meets savory, sour meets umami—and Ecuador’s incredible regional diversity shines through every bite. From the Amazon to the Andes and the Coast, we bring the country’s best flavors together in one unforgettable half-day experience, all without leaving Quito. Led by your friendly local guide, this isn’t just a food tour. Visit vibrant local markets, hidden gems, and top culinary spots in a celebration for your tastebuds and your soul. And give back—all net profits support Awaken Foundation, funding programs in education, health, and sustainable bioeconomy in Amazonian, Andean, and Coastal communities. Good to Know: - Please inform us of allergies or dietary restrictions asap - Come hungry—you’ll enjoy 7 curated tasting stops - Tour includes walking and short drives; comfortable shoes recommended ***For an additional charge (80$pp) elevate your tastebuds and partake in a fine dining experience at Casa Samos.

What you get

    About this experience

    Embark on a culinary adventure where sweet meets savory, sour meets umami—and Ecuador’s incredible regional diversity shines through every bite. From the Amazon to the Andes and the Coast, we bring the country’s best flavors together in one unforgettable half-day experience, all without leaving Quito. Led by your friendly local guide, this isn’t just a food tour. Visit vibrant local markets, hidden gems, and top culinary spots in a celebration for your tastebuds and your soul. And give back—all net profits support Awaken Foundation, funding programs in education, health, and sustainable bioeconomy in Amazonian, Andean, and Coastal communities. Good to Know: - Please inform us of allergies or dietary restrictions asap - Come hungry—you’ll enjoy 7 curated tasting stops - Tour includes walking and short drives; comfortable shoes recommended ***For an additional charge (80$pp) elevate your tastebuds and partake in a fine dining experience at Casa Samos.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Entrance fees
    • Snacks
    • Dinner

    Not included

    • Tips
    • Alcoholic beverages

    What you'll see and do

    1. Mercado Central

      Kick things off with a colorful fruit tasting featuring produce from all corners of Ecuador: tropical fruits from the Amazon, coastal delights, and highland specialties.

      45 minutes here

    2. Yumbos Chocolate

      Experience one of Ecuador’s finest cacao & learn about its rich history, as well as Yumbos ethical community practices!

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Mercado Inaquito

      From the Old Town, we will make our way to another neighborhood, learning a little about the Capital City closest to the Equator. Dive into Quito’s busy local scene with toasted corn & nuts, juicy hornado (roasted pork with potatoes), and fresh-squeezed tropical juices.

      60 minutes here

    4. Quito

      La Floresta: In this artsy, up-and-coming neighborhood, we’ll enjoy soft humitas and quimbolitos, followed by a short walk to a bar that highlights the Andean spirit Chawar with a locally-crafted cocktail.

      60 minutes here

    5. Parque Jose Navarro

      Named one of the top global street food destinations by Anthony Bourdain, sample Ecuadorian street eats like morocho, empanadas, and tripa mishki for the adventurous palate.

      45 minutes here

    6. Dinner Experience (2 Options) Depending on your group’s preferences (reflected in pricing): Option 1: Indulge in a refined tasting menu at Casa Samos, showcasing creative Ecuadorian fine dining. Option 2: Enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian feast with sweeping views of Quito at Soreno Moreno.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Awaken

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito, photo 2Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito, photo 3Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito, photo 4Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito, photo 5Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito, photo 6Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

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

    Traveler reviews

    10 verified traveler reviews for Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    10
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    514LauraM · June 2025

    The best!

    We spent 2 days with Vinny touring Quito and Banos and had the best time! We saw beautiful churches, climbed towers and a waterfall, saw a horse show, ate some fruits and took flight on a swing. On our drives, Vinny shared his experience, knowledge and passion for Ecuador and we are so grateful to him for an incredible tour. We will definitely return to Ecuador and use Awaken.

    Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your review. It was amazing working with you and guiding you around Ecuador. Youa have a friend in me. Hope to see you soon again. Vinnie.

    via Tripadvisor

    elizabeths409 · January 2025

    Otavalo Market, Rose farm

    What a great day! Our guide, Edison, is committed to sharing his culture with guests. He always seems to have wonderful background information to share that enhances the experience. Otavalo was a fun market to visit, the largest indigenous market in Latin America. We also visited a rose farm and the Condor Restoration Cen ter nearby. All definitely worth seeing. Edison is the founder of Awaken, a foundation focused on helping lift impoverished Ecuadorian communities of poverty by encouraging and facilitating education. It provides medical clinics multiple times a year in different communities and is staffed by mostly volunteers. THe money from the guiding trips helps fund the foundation!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for you review, it means a lot. We are glad that you really enjoy the tour and the history behind every places ! We are looking forward to see you again in Ecuador !

    via Tripadvisor

    LucyLane_F · September 2023

    Otavalo and Peguche

    We enjoyed the family experience in Peguche and the Otavaleñan young woman's demonstration of traditional instruments. A young male family member also played a stringed instrument. In the end a large number of women joined in their music room. We were made to feel welcome by the family into their home. Our guide Edison explained local customs thoroughly. We liked swimming in the waterfall. Recommend this tour

    via Viator

    dreilly53 · August 2023

    Cultural Trip Experience

    Edison was a great guide. He is very friendly and knowledgeable about his Country and is passionate about his job. Even on a rainy day we were able to see and explore many places. It was nice Interacting with family home experiences of Music and Weaving. A real chance to see how Ecuadorian people lived and how they did their crafts. We learned a lot about Ecuador and enjoyed the tour.

    via Viator

    cindysO469WQ · June 2023

    Excellent Experience

    This was an amazing experience. Edison is very knowledgeable about the city and it’s history. It was something I’ll never forget. This was interactive, informative, and fun! I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to learn more about the city and culture.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $180 to $220
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 63

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)94
    Review evidence (18% weight)42
    Booking momentum (14% weight)35
    Value for money (12% weight)13
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)56
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito cost?

    +

    Prices start at $180 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 Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito take?

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    Plan for about 5 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 Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through 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 10 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 Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through 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 Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito?

    +

    Around 4 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through 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?

    +

    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 Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito?

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    Included: Private transportation; Entrance fees; Snacks; and Dinner. Not included: Tips; and Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 201 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito offered in?

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    It is offered in English 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 Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through 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.

    What happens to Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through 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 Taste Ecuador: A Culinary Journey Through Quito?

    +

    Across 10 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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