Cuenca food tour
CUENCA FOOD TOUR - As the late afternoon and evening falls over Cuenca, the markets begin to hum with a different kind of energy. Soup cauldrons bubble away behind steamed-up windows, vendors fry plantains to order, the scent of roast pork drifts through the cool Andean air and locals crowd into tiny eateries for bowls of comforting highland cooking.
Our Cuenca evening food tour is a four-hour deep dive into the flavours of the Ecuadorian Andes, exploring bustling markets, hole-in-the-wall kitchens and old-school eateries hidden throughout the historic centre. Along the way, youβll weave through the lively markets Mercado 3 De Noviembre and Mercado 10 De Agosto.
There are crisp corviches packed with fish and green plantain, cheesy bolΓ³nes fresh from the griddle and rich bowls of encebollado topped with sharp pickled onions. Youβll dig into slow-roasted hornado with crackling pork skin, hearty mote pata soups and deeply comforting stews like seco de chivo that have fuelled families here for generations.
Along the way, youβll sip strong cafΓ© pasado, try traditional drinks rarely encountered outside Ecuador and discover just how central corn is to everyday Andean life through dishes like mote, chumal and tamal de zambo.
The evening finishes the way all good food tours should; something sweet. Think airy espumilla de guayaba, local helados and the lingering feeling that youβve experienced a side of Cuenca most visitors never get close to.
Why this tour is awesome
Cuencaβs Andean food culture is rich and varied, yet most visitor's miss it entirely. Youβll explore markets and small local spots curated by our tastemakers guides.
The food is rooted in Andean traditions, with a mix of corn-based dishes, soups, slow-cooked stews, and smaller plates and snacks like bolΓ³n and fried Ecuadorian empanadas. Itβs a broad look at this complex cuisine.
Your guide
Born and raised in Cuenca, Martin loves sharing the cityβs charm through its historic streets, markets, and local food culture. With a passion for tradition and everyday life, he enjoys helping guests experience the authentic side of this Andean city.
Your guide
Silvia brings a warm and welcoming approach to exploring Cuencaβs rich culture and cuisine. With a love for local traditions and community, she enjoys showing guests the stories and flavours that make the city so special.
Your guide
A Cuenca native, Gustavo guides with a deep appreciation for the cityβs history, culture, and evolving food scene. He takes pride in introducing travellers to local flavours and hidden spots that reflect the true character of Cuenca.
Join our daily evening 14+ tasting tour of Cuenca
Bolon de queso, fried plantain stuffed with cheese
Andean roasted pork with crisp crackling
Hornado, Ecuadorian roasted pork with Andean fried potatoes
Traditional colada morada, a type of Ecuadorian berry corn drink
Crisp Ecuadorian empanada de viento
Mote mixto, mixed corn dishes
A taste of coastal Ecuador with albacore tuna soup
Mote pata pork and corn soup with steamed chumal corn cake
The food heroes of Cuenca
Traditional Ecuadorian pastries
Includes
- Price US $59 per person
- Language English
- Small group Maximum of 8 guests (private tours or groups of 9+, please contact us)
- Tastings 14+ tastings
- Drinks Bottled water and local drinks
- Duration 3pm - 7pm
- Guides Led by one of our superb Cuenca food hosts
- Cancellation Cancel up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund
- Family friendly Families welcome on all our tours. Children 50% discount.
- Transport Primarily a walking tour
- Instant confirmation Book now to secure your space (before we sell out!)
- Pick up / drop off Our guests come from all over the city, so to save time we have a meeting point. Your guide can help you find transport back at the end of the tour
Dietary information
- General advice Many local eateries specialise in signature menus, and may not have alternatives. It is not always possible to cater for all dietary requests at every stop
- Vegetarian Unsuitable as meat and seafood are used in 5-6 tastings (out of 14 total)
- Vegan Unsuitable as meat, seafood and dairy are used in 12-13 tastings (out of 14 total)
- Pork Possible, though pork is used in 3-4 tastings (out of 14 total)
- Halal Unsuitable for a halal diet as no vendors are certified
- Gluten intolerance / Celiac Possible, though gluten is present in 3-4 tastings (out of 14 total). Not suitable for colieac disease
- Lactose intolerance Unsuitable as milk is used in 7-8 tasting (out of 14 total)
- Tree nut / peanut allergy Possible for mild allergies, though peanuts are used in 1-2 tasting (out of 14 total) and walnuts are used in 1-2 tastings (out of 14 total)
- Seafood / Shellfish allergy Possible, though seafood is used in 1-2 tastings (out of 14 total)
- Severe allergies Due to the nature of street food cooking, we can never guarantee any dish to be 100% free from allergens, as there is always the risk of traces and cross-contamination. It is unsuitable for severe allergies. Contact us: info@achefstour.com
How to book
To join the Cuenca food tour, use the calendar to select your date and secure your tour with your card. For special requests, private bookings, or dietary requirements, pleaseΒ contact us. Safety of our customers is our first priority, so if you have any allergies, pleaseΒ contact usΒ before booking.
What to expect
Our Cuenca food tour is designed for adventurous eaters with an interest in discovering the food that locals eat. Itβs an easy-paced walking tour, where the terrain flat and there are plenty of rest (eating) stops along the way.
Meeting point
This Cuenca food tour departs from theΒ Qumir close to the historical centre. It's easy to reach by taxi from most of the hotels in the city. There will be more details on your booking confirmation.Β
Cancellation Policy
Why you should book with us
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99% 5 star reviews across our tours -
Secure payments through provider Peek
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No hidden charges - all food tastings included in the price
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Authentic food experience, escape the tourist traps