Private Famous Food Tour of Historic Old Town in Quito

Quito’s vibrant culinary scene is a must-experience for any traveler. The Private Famous Food Tour of Historic Old Town promises an immersive journey through the city’s charming streets, where visitors can savor iconic dishes and discover local flavors. Led by a knowledgeable bilingual guide, this walking tour takes guests to the stunning Basilica del Voto Nacional and the bustling Mercado Central, offering a taste of the city’s rich cultural heritage. The tour culminates with a warm canelazo on La Ronda street, allowing visitors to soak in the lively atmosphere of this historic area. What awaits those who embark on this delectable adventure?

Good To Know

1. Explore Quito’s culinary heritage through a private walking tour led by a bilingual local guide with 5-star ratings.

2. Sample classic Quiteño dishes like quesadillas, mote, empanadas, and ceviche, while visiting popular eateries, markets, cafes, and artisanal shops.

3. Discover the neo-Gothic Basilica del Voto Nacional and learn about its significance in Quito’s history.

4. Immerse in the vibrant atmosphere of Mercado Central, tasting local fruit juices and endemic fruits.

5. Conclude the tour with a traditional Canelazo, a warm local cocktail, while experiencing the lively street culture of La Ronda.

Tour Overview

This private walking tour offers visitors a deep dive into Quito’s vibrant culinary landscape.

Led by a bilingual local guide, the 5-star rated experience showcases diverse foods defining the city’s culinary identity.

The tour includes stops at popular eateries, bustling markets, charming cafes, historic plazas, and artisanal shops.

Guests can expect to sample classic Quiteño dishes like quesadillas, mote, empanadas, and ceviche, as well as try unique local fruits and a traditional hot cocktail.

The itinerary also incorporates sightseeing highlights such as the Basilica del Voto Nacional.

With hotel pickup and a private, intimate setting, this tour provides an immersive and convenient way to discover Quito’s rich food culture.

Food Sampling

The private food tour offers visitors the opportunity to sample a variety of classic Quiteño cuisine.

Participants can enjoy quesadillas – sweet, fluffy, and crunchy. They’ll also try mote, a dish made with hominy, grains, and pork.

Empanadas, ceviche, and seco de chivo, a goat stew, are other local specialties on the menu.

To finish, guests can savor a canelazo, a local hot cocktail.

Along With the main dishes, the tour includes tastings of local fruit juices and quirky endemic fruits.

This curated food sampling provides an immersive experience into Quito’s diverse culinary landscape.

Quesadilla Tasting

First, the tour begins with a visit to a vintage shop for a quesadilla tasting. Guests will sample the classic Quito-style quesadilla, which is known for its sweet, fluffy, and crunchy texture.

The quesadillas are made with locally sourced ingredients and showcase the city’s unique culinary traditions. As the tour group savors the delicious quesadillas, the knowledgeable guide provides insight into the history and cultural significance of this beloved dish.

This initial stop sets the tone for the rest of the food-filled adventure, whetting the appetites of the participants and piquing their curiosity about the diverse flavors that define Quito’s culinary landscape.

Basilica Del Voto Nacional

Next on the itinerary, the tour group visits the impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional, a prominent landmark in Quito’s historic center.

This neo-Gothic cathedral, begun in the late 19th century, stands tall with its two soaring towers. Guests stop to admire the detailed architecture and take photos of the grand structure.

The guide explains the cathedral’s significance, noting it’s one of the largest basilicas in the Americas.

After exploring the exterior, the group continues on, eager to discover more of Quito’s culinary delights at the next stop, the bustling Mercado Central.

Mercado Central Exploration

Leaving the towering Basilica del Voto Nacional behind, the group makes their way to the vibrant Mercado Central.

This bustling market is a hub of local activity, where vendors peddle an array of fresh produce, meats, and artisanal goods. The guide leads the group through the lively aisles, stopping to sample local fruit juices and quirky endemic fruits.

The group explores the various stalls, taking in the sights, sounds, and aromas that define Quito’s culinary landscape. This immersive experience allows them to connect with the city’s vibrant food culture and gain a deeper understanding of the ingredients that shape traditional Quiteño cuisine.

Lunch Options

Having explored the vibrant Mercado Central, the group is now ready to sit down for a satisfying lunch.

The tour includes a stop at the Historic Center, where guests can enjoy either ceviche or seco de chivo, a traditional Ecuadorian goat stew.

Ceviche, a popular coastal dish, features fresh seafood marinated in citrus juices and seasoned with onions, cilantro, and spices.

Seco de chivo, on the other hand, is a hearty stew made with tender goat meat, potatoes, and a flavorful sauce.

Both options provide an authentic taste of Quito’s culinary heritage and allow participants to savor the diverse flavors that define the city’s gastronomic landscape.

La Ronda Street Canelazo

As the group concludes their exploration of the Historic Center, they head towards the charming La Ronda street, where they’ll have the opportunity to savor the traditional Canelazo – a local hot cocktail. This warm beverage is a signature of Quito’s culinary heritage, blending aguardiente (a type of distilled alcohol), cinnamon, citrus, and sweeteners. The optional Canelazo tasting at the end of the tour allows guests to fully enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of La Ronda, known for its artisanal shops and lively street culture.

Canelazo Ingredients	Flavor Profile	Preparation	Origin	Serving
Aguardiente (distilled alcohol)	Warm, spiced, and citrusy	Heated and mixed with cinnamon, citrus, and sweeteners	Traditional beverage of Quito, Ecuador	Served hot in a mug

Tour Details and Logistics

The tour begins with pickups from any hotel within urban Quito, though there’s an extra charge for airport hotels ($35 USD per way).

The tour starts at 11:00 am and is a private experience, with only your group participating.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

The itinerary highlights include stops at a vintage shop for quesadilla tasting, the Basilica del Voto Nacional for photos, the Mercado Central for snacks and local delicacies, and a lunch stop in the Historic Center featuring ceviche or seco de chivo.

The tour may optionally end with a tasting of canelazo, a local hot cocktail, on La Ronda street.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available on the Tour?

The tour offers a variety of food options, but it’s unclear if there are specific vegetarian or gluten-free choices. Guests should check with the tour operator about any dietary restrictions or preferences prior to booking.

What Is the Recommended Attire for the Food Tour?

The recommended attire for the tour is casual and comfortable clothing. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, as the tour involves walking through markets and historic sites. Light layers are suggested to adjust to the changing weather conditions.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

The tour can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions. Guests should inform the tour operator of any special dietary needs, and the guide will work to modify the food sampling accordingly to meet those requirements.

Is Photography Permitted During the Tour?

Yes, photography is permitted during the tour. The tour guide encourages guests to take photos of the local food, markets, and scenic attractions encountered throughout the experience to capture the vibrant sights and flavors of Quito’s culinary landscape.

Can the Tour Start Time Be Adjusted to Accommodate Our Schedule?

The tour start time can be adjusted to accommodate your schedule. The tour operator is flexible and willing to work with customers to find a suitable start time that fits their needs.

The Sum Up

The Private Famous Food Tour of Historic Old Town in Quito offers an immersive culinary experience. Visitors can savor iconic local dishes, explore the vibrant Mercado Central, and soak in the lively atmosphere of La Ronda Street. Led by a knowledgeable bilingual guide, this tour provides an authentic taste of Quito’s rich cultural heritage.