Food Tasting in Cuenca: 32 Local Dishes & Drinks Explained

Thirty-two flavors that explain how Cuenca actually eats

A three-hour guided tasting of up to 32 authentic Ecuadorian foods and drinks in a small group inside a local Cuenca home, led by a knowledgeable host who explains the cultural context and daily role of each item. The experience includes regional wines, local spirits, vegetarian and non-alcoholic options, and a five-star money-back guarantee. Live guides speak English and Spanish.

The experience

You'll start in a carefully selected local setting where food is treated as part of everyday life, not as spectacle. After meeting your host and a small group of fellow travelers, you move through up to 32 traditional Ecuadorian dishes and paired local drinks. The menu spans street bites like llapingachos and chicharrón from Cuenca's markets, Andean corn classics such as humitas and tamales, artisanal cheeses and fresh herbs from family dairies, and lighter plates built around lupini beans and native herbs. Drinks include canelazo, chicha, and regional wines that carry the stories of the Andes, finishing with sweet traditions like espumilla and local candies made with guava and seasonal fruit.

The pace is relaxed and social, built for questions and conversation rather than rushing between stops. Your host explains what each item is, when locals eat it, and why it matters culturally: details that rarely appear on menus or in standard food tours. You'll leave with a working knowledge of Ecuadorian cuisine far beyond what restaurants teach, real memories to share, and the confidence of a five-star money-back guarantee if the experience doesn't deliver.

What’s included

• Guided tasting of up to 32 authentic Ecuadorian dishes and drinks.
• small-group setting inside a local Cuenca home with a maximum of 10 guests.
• regional wines, Gancia, Fernet and Vermut.
• vegetarian and non-alcoholic options available upon request.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday and FridayDeparts at 18:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 85 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 9 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Cook in Fiesta

Is this one for you?The session runs three hours at a relaxed pace with plenty of time for questions and conversation, so you'll absorb the cultural context of each dish without feeling rushed through a checklist of stops.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (2 to 9 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What kinds of foods will I taste during the session?

The menu includes up to 32 items spanning street comfort foods like llapingachos and crispy chicharrón, Andean corn dishes such as humitas and tamales, artisanal cheeses and fresh herbs from local dairies, fresh plates built with lupini beans and native herbs, regional wines and spirits like canelazo and chicha, and sweet treats made with guava, panela and seasonal fruits. Your host explains the cultural role and daily context of each one.

Is this experience suitable if I have dietary restrictions?

Vegetarian and non-alcoholic options are available upon request. You can list any food restrictions or allergies when you book, and the host will accommodate them during the session.

How many people will be in the group?

The group stays small, with a maximum of 10 guests. This keeps the experience personal and social, with time for real conversation and questions.

What happens if I'm not satisfied with the experience?

The five-star money-back guarantee means if the tasting session doesn't deliver a five-star experience, you don't pay for four. The operator stands behind the quality of the session.