Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito With Tastings

Quito’s vibrant food scene comes alive on this gastronomic and cultural walking tour. Travelers can enjoy the city’s culinary heritage, savoring traditional sweets, chocolate, and the beloved canelazo drink. Led by knowledgeable guides, the small-group experience promises a hassle-free exploration of charming streets, from Parque Gabriel García Moreno to Plaza San Francisco. With tastings and covered gratuities, this tour offers a rich introduction to Ecuador’s culinary delights. But the best part? There’s more to discover beyond the initial overview.

Key Points

• A 3-hour walking tour through Quito’s historic center with tastings of traditional Ecuadorian sweets, chocolate, canelazo, and local snacks.
• Highly recommended tour with a 99% traveler recommendation rate and priced at $45 per person for a small group of up to 15 travelers.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, with gratuities covered for a hassle-free experience.
• Guided by knowledgeable and engaging local experts, providing insights into Quito’s vibrant food culture and history.
• Starts at Parque Gabriel García Moreno and ends at Plaza San Francisco, with easy access to public transportation.

Tour Overview

This Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito has amassed 498 reviews, with a remarkable 99% traveler recommendation.

Priced from $45.00 per person, this small-group tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers. Operated by Fernando Gualoto of TuristiK, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

This small-group tour led by Fernando Gualoto of TuristiK is priced at $45 per person and allows free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

The tour’s itinerary includes tastings of traditional sweets, chocolate, canelazo, and local snacks, culminating with a lunch.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation, allowing most travelers to participate.

Itinerary and Tastings

The tour begins at Parque Gabriel García Moreno in Quito, with participants then exploring the city’s gastronomic and cultural offerings as they make their way to the tour’s endpoint at Plaza San Francisco.

Tastings include traditional sweets, a chocolate tasting, the local canelazo drink, and a selection of savory snacks like empanadas, pristiños, or sandwiches.

The tour culminates with an included lunch. Gratuities are also covered, making this a hassle-free experience to take in Quito’s vibrant food culture and learn about its history and customs.

Meeting and End Points

The tour begins at Parque Gabriel García Moreno in the heart of Quito. This centrally-located meeting point provides easy access to the city’s historic center.

From there, the walking tour winds through the charming streets, leading participants to the iconic Plaza San Francisco, the tour’s end point.

Along the way, travelers enjoy Quito’s rich culture, sampling local delicacies and exploring architectural gems.

The seamless transition from the starting to ending locations ensures a comprehensive and well-organized gastronomic and cultural experience for all participants.

Traditional Sweets and Drinks

Travelers begin their culinary journey with a sampling of traditional Ecuadorian sweets.

They’ll indulge in melt-in-your-mouth treats like dulce de leche, suspiro de moca, and the iconic humitas – steamed corn cakes wrapped in banana leaves.

Next, they’ll savor the rich flavors of locally-sourced chocolate during a tasting session led by an expert guide.

An expert-led tasting session where travelers savor the rich flavors of locally-sourced Ecuadorian chocolate.

To cap off the sweet experience, they’ll sip on a warm, spiced canelazo – a beloved citrus-based alcoholic beverage enjoyed throughout the Andes.

These quintessential tastings provide an authentic introduction to Ecuador’s vibrant food culture.

Snacks and Lunch

After indulging in the sweet treats, participants then savor a selection of savory snacks representative of Quito’s street food culture.

This includes:

• Empanada: A popular pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.

• Pristiño: A fried, doughy pastry dusted with powdered sugar.

• Sandwich: A traditional sandwich made with local ingredients.

• Canelazo: A warm, spiced alcoholic beverage made with cinnamon, citrus, and aguardiente.

These snacks provide a well-rounded tasting experience, allowing visitors to sample the diverse flavors and textures of Quito’s vibrant culinary scene.

The tour then culminates with a satisfying lunch, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the city’s gastronomic heritage.

Accessibility and Participation

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it can be enjoyed by most travelers as it’s located near public transportation.

The walking route covers a moderate distance, making it suitable for participants with average fitness levels.

The guide provides accommodations for those who may need extra assistance or have mobility limitations.

Guide Experience and Reviews

The tour is led by a team of experienced guides, including Vivi, Malena, Kevin, Daniel, and Tify, who consistently receive high praise from participants.

Travelers commonly describe the guides as:

Knowledgeable and engaging, fun and accommodating, excellent local cuisine experts, providing an enjoyable and enriching experience.

• Knowledgeable and engaging

• Fun and accommodating

• Excellent local cuisine experts

• Providing an enjoyable and enriching experience

Review highlights emphasize the guides’ ability to offer great insight into Quito’s history and culture, while leading a fantastic tour with delectable tastings.

Guests recommend requesting specific guides, like Vivi or Kevin, for an enhanced experience.

Recommendations and Tips

Why is this walking tour of Quito recommended for first-time visitors?

It provides an excellent introduction to the city’s history, culture, and local cuisine. The variety of tastings, from traditional sweets to the signature canelazo drink, allows visitors to enjoy Quito’s gastronomic delights.

The tour also grants insights into the city’s notable architecture and customs. Visitors are advised to come hungry, as the tour includes a hearty lunch.

For an enhanced experience, it’s recommended to request specific guides like Vivi or Kevin, praised for their knowledgeability and engaging personalities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Language Is the Tour Conducted In?

The tour is conducted in English. The overview states that the tour is operated by Fernando Gualoto – TuristiK, and reviews indicate the guides are knowledgeable and engaging, suggesting the tour is designed for English-speaking travelers.

Is the Tour Suitable for Vegetarians or Those With Dietary Restrictions?

The tour provides a range of tastings, including traditional sweets, chocolate, and snacks. However, it doesn’t specify if vegetarian or dietary options are available. Travelers with restrictions should check with the operator before booking to ensure their needs can be accommodated.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a moderate amount of walking through Quito’s historic center. Guests can expect to cover several city blocks over the course of the experience, though the pace is leisurely and allows time for tastings and sightseeing.

Can I Purchase Additional Food or Drinks During the Tour?

The tour includes several tastings, but participants can purchase additional food or drinks during the experience if they wish. However, the cost of any extra items would not be covered by the tour price.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

The tour doesn’t have any specific age restrictions. Children are welcome to participate, though the tour’s content and pace may be more suitable for older kids and adults. Ultimately, it’s up to the parents’ discretion.

The Sum Up

The Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito provides an immersive experience into the city’s vibrant food scene. Participants can enjoy tastings of traditional sweets, chocolate, and the warming canelazo drink, as well as a hassle-free experience with covered gratuities. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour offers a rich introduction to Ecuador’s culinary heritage, making it a highly recommended experience for visitors to Quito.