Cuenca food tour
CUENCA FOOD TOUR - Our Cuenca evening tour explores the city through the markets, small eateries, and hole-in-the-wall spots beloved by locals. Over four hours and 14+ tastings, youβll experience a different side of Cuencaβs food culture, shaped by the ingredients of the Andes.
Youβll start with classic snacks like bolΓ³n de queso, fried green plantain stuffed with cheese, and corviche, plantain-based fish fritters, before moving into more substantial dishes such as encebollado, a Ecuadorian coastal tuna soup served with pickled onions, and hornado, slow-roasted Andean pork.
As the evening continues, youβll explore the importance of corn in the region, trying dishes like mote, tortillas, and steamed cakes such as chumal and tamal de zambo. There are also richer plates, including seco de chivo, a slow-cooked goat stew, and mote pata, a traditional soup made with corn and pork.
Along the way, youβll pause for drinks that are part of everyday life here, from Ecuadorian cafΓ© pasado drip coffee and lesser known local refreshments like colada morada.
The experience concludes on sweet notes including espumilla de guayaba guava meringue, and local helado.
Join our moveable Cuenca food feast for a crash course in Andean cuisine.
Coming in April 2026
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 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 $55 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
- Dietary Coming soon
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