Quito: Cooking Class & Central Market Tour with Pickup

Summary

Shop Quito’s bustling market then cook classic dishes in a colonial home

You’ll wander Quito’s Central Market with a local guide, pick out fresh ingredients from friendly vendors, then cook classic Ecuadorian dishes inside a colonial home kitchen. Expect hands-on help from your chef host and plenty of stories along the way — plus a long lunch where you get to taste everything you made together.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell — ripe guanábana and those little limes, sharp and sweet at the same time, right as we ducked into Central Market. Andres met us at our hotel (he’s got this easy smile) and we walked over since we were close enough. The streets were just waking up, vendors setting out buckets of flowers, and I kept tripping over my own Spanish. At the market, Andres seemed to know everyone — he’d wave or nod, sometimes stop for a joke. There was this lady selling herbs who pressed a sprig into my hand and told me it was for “good dreams.” I didn’t expect to taste so many things before we even started cooking — tiny pieces of fruit I’d never seen before, some tart, some almost creamy.

After the market tour (and honestly more snacks than I’d planned), we headed to this old colonial house in Quito’s Old Town. The kitchen felt lived-in — you know when there are pots that look like they’ve seen real life? Our chef was Andres’ friend’s mom (her name is María), and she had this way of telling stories while showing us how to make locro de papa. She laughed when I tried to slice onions her way (“más despacio!”), but didn’t let me off easy. We made empanadas too — my dough looked sad but tasted fine. The shrimp ceviche was bright with orange juice; I still think about that flavor combo.

Lunch happened around a big wooden table, sunlight coming through old windows onto our plates. Everyone shared what they’d made (some more proud than others). María poured us fresh juice from the market haul — I couldn’t remember half the fruits’ names by then. There was chocolate soup for dessert, which sounds weird but works — especially with all that laughter still bouncing around the room. It wasn’t fancy or staged; just felt like being welcomed into someone’s family for a day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Market tour and cooking class in Quito

• Meet Andres at your hotel
• Travel to Central Market
• Tour market and buy fresh ingredients
• Head to Colonial house in Old Town
• Attend cooking class with local chef
• Prepare three traditional dishes
• Enjoy the meal you cooked

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Quito cooking class?

Yes, hotel pickup is included if your hotel is near the market; otherwise transportation is provided.

How long does the cooking class in Quito last?

The experience includes both the market tour and cooking session; plan for several hours total.

What dishes will we cook during the class?

You’ll make traditional Ecuadorian dishes like locro de papa, empanadas, shrimp ceviche, and more depending on preferences.

Is this Quito cooking class wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and locations are wheelchair accessible.

Are vegetarian or dietary options available?

Yes, menus can be adapted for vegetarians or dietary needs—just let them know in advance.

Who teaches the cooking part of the tour?

The class is led by Andrés’ friend’s mom—a local chef who shares recipes and stories.

Is lunch included after the class?

Yes, you’ll eat everything you cooked together as lunch in the colonial house.

Will we visit only Central Market or other places too?

You’ll explore Central Market plus some surrounding specialty vendors nearby with your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup or comfortable SUV transport if needed, a guided walk through Central Market to shop for fresh ingredients with locals who know their stuff, use of an apron and chef hat during your hands-on cooking class in a colonial home kitchen led by a local chef (with recipes to take home), plus plenty of fruit juice from the market and a full lunch featuring all your creations before heading back out into Quito’s Old Town streets.