The Delicious Side of Quito

Quito, the vibrant capital of Ecuador, offers a delightful culinary adventure for those eager to explore its rich gastronomic heritage. At the heart of this epicurean journey lies the bustling Mercado de San Francisco, where visitors can indulge in a tantalizing array of traditional Ecuadorian dishes. From savory empanadas to thick, indulgent hot chocolate, the market’s diverse offerings promise to captivate the senses and leave taste buds yearning for more. For those seeking an intimate and authentic experience, guided tours provide an opportunity to savor the flavors that define Quito’s culinary landscape. What secrets might this market hold for the discerning traveler?

Good To Know

• Discover Quito’s vibrant culinary scene, featuring traditional Ecuadorian dishes like empanadas, hot chocolate, and unique ice cream flavors.
• Explore the bustling Mercado de San Francisco, where vendors sell fresh produce, dairy, and medicinal plants for an authentic experience.
• Savor the distinct tastes of Quito’s food culture through a guided tour, including snacks, bottled water, and chocolate tasting.
• Enjoy an intimate, small-group tour (max 16 participants) for a personalized exploration of the city’s gastronomic heritage.
• Choose from tour options available in English, Italian, and Spanish to cater to diverse international travelers.

Quito’s Culinary Highlights

Exploring Quito’s vibrant culinary scene, the food tour offers a delectable taste of Ecuador’s traditional dishes.

Travelers can sample Benditas Carnes empanadas, Yumbos Chocolate, classic encebollado, and Palia Ice Cream.

The tour also includes a visit to Mercado de San Francisco, where 150 merchants sell a variety of produce, vegetables, and medicinal plants.

Travelers can expect snacks, bottled water, and a chocolate tasting during the tour, which is available in English, Italian, and Spanish.

With a maximum group size of 16, the tour provides an intimate and immersive experience for those seeking to explore the flavors of Quito.

Exploring Mercado De San Francisco

As visitors stroll through the bustling Mercado de San Francisco, they’ll discover a vibrant hub of activity. The market operates daily from 7 AM to 4 PM, offering a diverse array of vendors.

Sections showcase an abundance of fresh produce, dairy products, medicinal plants, and prepared foods. Travelers can enjoy the local culture, exploring the stalls and sampling traditional Ecuadorian delicacies.

The market’s lively atmosphere and wide selection of goods make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic culinary experience in Quito.

Whether browsing the vibrant displays or engaging with the friendly merchants, the Mercado de San Francisco promises to delight the senses and provide a glimpse into the city’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Sampling Traditional Ecuadorian Dishes

The food tour’s culinary explorations introduce travelers to a mouthwatering array of traditional Ecuadorian dishes. Sampling local specialties is a highlight, from savory empanadas filled with meat to rich chocolate and refreshing ice cream. The tour provides an opportunity to savor the flavors that define Ecuadorian cuisine.

Traditional Dish	Description
Benditas Carnes Empanadas	Savory pastries filled with seasoned ground meat
Yumbos Chocolate	Thick, indulgent hot chocolate made with local cacao
Encebollado	A classic fish soup with onions, tomatoes, and spices
Palia Ice Cream	Creamy, refreshing ice cream in unique Ecuadorian flavors

The guided experience showcases the distinct tastes and textures that characterize Quito’s vibrant food culture.

Tour Logistics and Information

Navigating the tour’s logistics is straightforward, with the meeting point conveniently located at Plaza de las Conceptas in Quito.

The tour concludes at Plaza San Francisco, with a start time of 10:00 am. Group size is capped at 16 travelers, and the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are allowed.

The Mercado de San Francisco, the tour’s focal point, operates seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering sections for:

1. Vegetables
2. Dairy
3. Medicinal plants
4. Prepared foods

The tour is priced starting at $85.00, with no refunds for cancellations. Confirmation is provided upon booking.

Mercado’s Diverse Offerings

Mercado de San Francisco buzzes with a diverse array of offerings, from the vibrant displays of fresh produce to the stalls showcasing a range of medicinal plants. Visitors can explore the market’s various sections, each brimming with unique treasures.

Section	Offerings
Vegetables	Colorful rows of potatoes, tomatoes, and leafy greens
Dairy	Artisanal cheeses, yogurt, and fresh milk
Medicinal Plants	Aromatic herbs, herbal remedies, and traditional cures
Prepared Foods	Sizzling empanadas, hearty soups, and sweet treats

Operating seven days a week, the Mercado de San Francisco offers a rich tapestry of Ecuadorian culture and cuisine, inviting visitors to enjoy the vibrant heart of Quito.

Pricing and Booking Details

Although the tour price starts at $85.00 and varies based on group size, it’s a non-refundable experience. Once booked, there are no refunds if you need to cancel.

However, you’ll receive confirmation of your reservation right away. Here’s what else to know about the logistics:

• The tour meeting point is at Plaza de las Conceptas in Quito, and it ends at Plaza San Francisco.
• It starts promptly at 10:00 am and has a maximum group size of 16 travelers.
• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed.
• The Mercado de San Francisco, a key highlight, is open daily from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Recommended by Travelers

The guided food tour in Quito has won rave reviews from 94% of travelers, earning an impressive 5.0-star rating across 15 reviews.

Travelers praise the tour’s expert guides, who take them on a delightful culinary journey through Quito’s vibrant markets and introduce them to the city’s traditional dishes. From the savory empanadas of Benditas Carnes to the rich, creamy Palia Ice Cream, the tour offers a comprehensive and authentic taste of Ecuadorian cuisine.

Visitors also appreciate the opportunity to explore the bustling Mercado de San Francisco, where they can browse the stalls of fresh produce, medicinal plants, and artisanal goods.

Tour Language Availability

The Quito food tour is available in three languages – English, Italian, and Spanish – catering to a diverse range of international travelers.

This linguistic flexibility ensures that visitors from various backgrounds can fully enjoy the culinary delights of Ecuador’s capital.

The tour includes:

1. Sampling traditional dishes like Benditas Carnes empanadas, Yumbos Chocolate, and Palia Ice Cream.
2. Exploring the vibrant Mercado de San Francisco, home to 150 merchants selling fresh produce and medicinal plants.
3. Enjoying included snacks, bottled water, and a chocolate tasting.
4. A maximum group size of 16 travelers, allowing for an intimate and personalized experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Food Tour Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?

The food tour seems suitable for vegetarians as it includes traditional dishes and a market visit, but may not cater to vegans since the tour details don’t mention vegan-specific options. Travelers should inquire about accommodating dietary restrictions when booking.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, you can book the Quito food tour for a private group. The tour allows for a maximum group size of 16 travelers, so a private booking would be possible to arrange.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Food Allergies to Consider?

The food tour in Quito doesn’t specifically accommodate dietary restrictions or food allergies. However, the tour can likely be customized with advance notice. Travelers should check with the tour operator about any special requirements.

What Happens if I Need to Cancel or Reschedule the Tour?

If you need to cancel or reschedule the tour, there’s no refund as the booking is non-refundable. However, you can try to reschedule the tour, though this may incur additional fees depending on the tour operator’s policies.

Is Photography Allowed During the Market Visit?

Photography is permitted during the market visit, though travelers should be respectful and avoid disrupting vendors’ operations. The tour guide can provide guidance on appropriate times and locations for taking photos.

The Sum Up

The Delicious Side of Quito tour provides an immersive experience for foodies to savor Ecuador’s vibrant culinary heritage. Visitors can indulge in traditional dishes, discover unique flavors, and explore the bustling Mercado de San Francisco. With a small group size and guided expertise, the tour offers an intimate and authentic exploration of Quito’s diverse food scene, leaving travelers with a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich culinary traditions.