Cuenca food tour
CUENCA FOOD TOUR - Our Cuenca lunch tour explores the food of the Andes through the markets, bakeries, and family-run kitchens of the city. Over four hours and 15+ tastings, youβll experience the traditional dishes and snacks beloved by locals.
Youβll begin with classic Andean staples like tortillas made with wheat and choclo (corn), paired with local cheese, before trying baked goods such as butter biscuits with cream and other traditional pastries. Along the way, youβll drink morocho, a spiced corn drink thatβs a staple across the highlands.
The route then opens up into more substantial dishes. Youβll try papas con cuero, a rich pork, potato, and peanut stew, alongside coastal influences like encebollado, a tuna soup served with pickled onions. There are plenty of snacks too, including empanadas de viento and corviche, a fish fritter made with green plantain.
Between stops, youβll sample local drinks like cafΓ© pasado, a traditional Ecuadorian drip coffee, and juices made from regional fruits such as tomate de Γ‘rbol. There are also moments to explore corn in its many forms, from mote to steamed cakes like chumal. The experience finishes with something sweet β a mix of manjar-filled pastries, and sponge rolls.
This is Cuenca's food scene the way locals know it.
Coming in April 2026
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
- 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 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