Cuenca food tour
CUENCA FOOD TOUR - Cuenca is one of those cities that quietly gets under your skin. Beneath the domes, flower markets and cobbled colonial streets lies a deeply traditional food culture shaped by the Andes, where corn steams in giant pots, pork crackles away in market kitchens and bakers still turn out pastries from recipes generations old.
Our Cuenca food tour is a four-hour movable feast through the historic heart of the city, exploring bustling local markets, old-school bakeries and humble family-run eateries while uncovering the dishes that define everyday cuencana cooking. Along the way, youβll weave through the lively aisles of Mercado 9 De Octubre, Mercado 3 De Noviembre and Mercado 10 De Agosto, hopping aboard the city tram as locals do between neighbourhoods and food stops.
There are steaming cups of morocho thick with spiced corn, buttery biscuits filled with cream fresh from traditional bakeries and crisp empanadas de viento dusted with sugar. Youβll dig into comforting bowls of papas con cuero rich with pork and peanuts, discover why encebollado has become an Ecuadorian obsession and snack on golden corviche packed with fish and green plantain.
Along the way, youβll sip cafΓ© pasado and fresh juices made from regional fruits while discovering just how central corn is to life in the Andes, from mote and tortillas to steamed cakes like chumal.
This is Cuenca's food scene the way locals know it.
Why this tour is awesome
Cuencaβs food is rooted in the Andes, and this tour gives you a clear introduction to it. Youβll explore local markets, bakeries, and family-run spots, eating local dishes curated by our tastemakers.
The flavours are simple but varied, from corn-based staples and fresh pastries to hearty stews, coastal soups, and traditional drinks like morocho and cafΓ© pasado. It's a broad look at some of the best Andean cuisine.
Join our tour to try 15+ tastings across the city.
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 15+ tasting lunch tour in Cuenca
Hornado roasted pork, an Andean classic
Crisp Ecuadorian empanada de viento
Traditional colada morada, a type of Ecuadorian berry corn drink
Mote mixto, mixed corn dishes
A taste of coastal Ecuador with albacore tuna soup
The food heroes of Cuenca
Mote pata pork and corn soup with steamed chumal corn cake
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 15+ tastings
- Drinks Bottled water and local drinks
- Duration 10am - 2pm
- 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 6-7 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Vegan Unsuitable as meat, seafood and dairy are used in 13-14 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Pescatarian Unsuitable as meat is used in 7-8 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Pork Unsuitable as pork is used in 6-7 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Halal Unsuitable for a halal diet as no vendors are certified
- Gluten intolerance / Celiac Unsuitable as gluten is present in 5-6 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Lactose intolerance Unsuitable as milk is used in 9-10 tasting (out of 15 total)
- Tree nut / peanut allergy Possible for mild allergies, though peanuts are used in 2-3 tasting (out of 15 total) and walnuts are used in 1-2 tastings (out of 15 total)
- Seafood / Shellfish allergy Possible, though seafood is used in 2-3 tastings (out of 15 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 Centro de Compras 9 De Octubre just north of the capital's 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