Private Famous Food Tour of Historic Old Town in Quito

Quito’s historic Old Town offers a captivating culinary experience for adventurous foodies. On this private tour, a knowledgeable guide leads guests through vibrant plazas and bustling markets, revealing the city’s rich gastronomic heritage. From classic quesadillas and ceviche to refreshing fruit juices and traditional canelazo, the tour promises a delightful taste of Ecuadorian flavors. As visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere and browse artisanal shops, they’ll uncover the unique blend of cultural influences that have shaped Quito’s beloved cuisine. What delectable discoveries await those who embark on this flavorful journey?

Key Points

• Explore Quito’s historic Old Town through a private food tour featuring classic Ecuadorian dishes like quesadillas, mote, empanadas, ceviche, and canelazo.
• Sample local delicacies, such as seco de chivo (goat stew) and empanadas de morocho, at popular eateries and cafes showcasing the city’s culinary heritage.
• Discover unique fruits and fresh juices at the bustling Central Market, as well as artisanal chocolates and aromatic coffee.
• Immerse in Quito’s vibrant plazas and artisanal shops, blending indigenous and colonial influences in the city’s cultural tapestry.
• Enjoy a highly-rated, flexible experience led by a bilingual local guide, with snacks, lunch, and optional alcoholic beverages included.

Tour Overview

Offering a private food tour of Quito’s historic Old Town, this highly-rated experience allows visitors to enjoy the diverse culinary landscape of Ecuador’s capital city.

Led by a local bilingual guide, the 5-star tour offers the chance to sample classic Ecuadorian bites like quesadillas, mote, empanadas, ceviche, canelazo, chocolate, and coffee.

The itinerary highlights include a vintage shop for unique sweet and fluffy quesadillas, the Central Market for local fruit juice and quirky fruits, and a visit to popular eateries, cafes, plazas, and artisanal shops.

With snacks, lunch, and optional alcoholic beverages included, this immersive food tour promises an authentic taste of Quito’s culinary traditions.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights a diverse array of culinary experiences.

Guests begin by visiting a vintage shop for a taste of the unique and fluffy local quesadillas.

Next, they explore the bustling Central Market, where they’ll sample fresh fruit juices, discover quirky fruits, and indulge in mote surtido – a traditional dish of hominy with grains and pork.

Throughout the tour, participants visit popular eateries, cozy cafes, lively plazas, and artisanal shops, savoring a range of beloved Ecuadorian specialties like ceviche, seco de chivo (goat stew), and empanadas de morocho.

Food and Drink Inclusions

The food and drink inclusions on this tour provide a delightful sampling of Quito’s diverse culinary offerings. Guests can enjoy classic bites like the unique, sweet, and fluffy quesadillas, refreshing local fruit juices, and the hearty mote surtido. For the main meal, they have the option between the tangy ceviche or the savory seco de chivo (goat stew) paired with empanadas de morocho. To cap off the experience, the tour includes a traditional Canelazo, a local hot cocktail, at the historic La Ronda street.

Snacks	Lunch	Optional Beverages
Quesadilla	Ceviche or Seco de Chivo	Canelazo
Fruit Juice	Empanadas de Morocho
Local Fruits
Mote

Quito’s Culinary Landscape

Quito’s culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry, weaving together the rich cultural heritage and diverse natural bounty of Ecuador. From the iconic quesadillas to the tantalizing ceviche, the city’s eateries and markets offer a tantalizing taste of the country’s gastronomic diversity.

Visitors can savor the sweet and fluffy quesadillas, explore the bustling Central Market for local fruit juices and unique produce, and indulge in the comforting flavors of mote surtido.

The tour also introduces guests to the region’s artisanal chocolates and aromatic coffee, showcasing the depth and complexity of Ecuadorian cuisine.

With each stop, travelers are immersed in the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors that make Quito’s culinary scene truly exceptional.

Exploring the Central Market

Exploring the vibrant Central Market in Quito’s Historic Old Town, visitors encounter a bustling hive of activity. Wandering through the stalls, they discover a rich tapestry of local produce, from exotic fruits to fragrant herbs. The market offers a sensory feast, with vendors enthusiastically showcasing their wares and inviting guests to sample their specialties.

Local Fruits	Savory Snacks	Eclectic Drinks
Babaco	Empanadas	Fresh Juices
Granadilla	Mote Surtido	Canelazo Cocktail
Taxo	Quesadillas

This immersive experience provides a glimpse into the heart of Quito’s culinary culture, where visitors can delight their palates and gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Local Eateries and Cafes

Dotting the historic streets of Quito’s Old Town are an array of local eateries and cafes that beckon visitors to savor the flavors of Ecuador.

From cozy family-run spots to vibrant plazas, these establishments showcase the diversity of Ecuadorian cuisine.

Visitors can indulge in:

• Empanadas, savory pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables
• Seco de chivo, a hearty goat stew served with rice and avocado
• Canelazo, a warm, spiced alcoholic beverage made with cinnamon and citrus
• Artisanal chocolates, showcasing the country’s renowned cacao

These local gems not only offer delectable dishes but also provide a window into the rich cultural heritage of Quito, making them a must-visit for any food enthusiast exploring the city.

Plazas and Artisanal Shops

Amidst the bustling streets of Quito’s historic Old Town, visitors are drawn to the captivating plazas and artisanal shops that showcase the city’s vibrant cultural heritage. These lively squares serve as the heart of the community, hosting colorful markets, street performances, and ancient monuments. Interspersed throughout the area are artisanal shops brimming with handcrafted textiles, pottery, and jewelry, each piece a testament to the skilled artisans who preserve traditional techniques. A closer look reveals the fusion of indigenous and colonial influences that shape Quito’s unique identity. Exploring these enchanting spaces offers a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

Plaza	Description	Notable Features
Plaza de la Independencia	Main central plaza in Quito’s Old Town	Presidential Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, Carondelet Palace
Plaza San Francisco	Historic square adjacent to the San Francisco Church	Franciscan monastery, indigenous market, colonial architecture
Plaza Santo Domingo	Lively plaza near the Santo Domingo Church	Bustling market, street performers, eclectic artisanal shops

Logistics and Accessibility

The tour pickup point is from any hotel in urban Quito, with an extra charge for the airport area.

The tour starts at 11:00 am, allowing ample time to explore Quito’s diverse culinary landscape.

The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, providing flexibility for participants.

• The tour pickup point is conveniently located within the city, with an additional fee for those staying near the airport.

• The tour begins at 11:00 am, ensuring enough time to savor the local cuisine and cultural insights.

• The experience isn’t suitable for those with limited mobility, as it requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

• Participants can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance without any penalties, offering peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Guide a Local Resident of Quito?

The tour guide is a local Quito resident who provides insights into the city’s diverse culinary landscape. They offer a bilingual, authentic experience, allowing guests to sample classic Ecuadorian bites and enjoy the local culture.

Can I Request Dietary Accommodations for the Tour?

Dietary accommodations can be requested for the tour. The tour provider is generally able to cater to various dietary needs, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options, with advance notice from the participants.

How Long Does the Tour Typically Last?

The tour typically lasts around 3-4 hours, allowing ample time to explore Quito’s diverse culinary landscape. Guests can expect a comprehensive experience featuring a variety of local snacks, a hearty lunch, and optional alcoholic drinks.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Recommendations for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s recommended for travelers in good physical condition. Children are welcome, though the pace and content may be more suitable for older participants.

Can I Purchase Additional Food or Drinks During the Tour?

Yes, participants can purchase additional food or drinks during the tour. The tour includes selected tastings, but guests are welcome to buy extra items from the vendors and eateries visited along the way.

Recap

Indulge in the rich flavors of Ecuador on this private food tour through Quito’s historic Old Town. Savor classic local bites, refreshing juices, and traditional drinks as you learn about the city’s vibrant culinary landscape and explore its cultural heritage. From bustling plazas to the Central Market, this unforgettable journey promises a true taste of Quito’s unique character.