Ecuador Food Journey
New
Begin in Quito and end in Guayaquil on a flavour filled journey over nine days. You’ll explore the capital’s cafes and cobbled streets – sip speciality coffees, sample empanadas and sweet Andean treats, and try chicha in a traditional fonda. Expect to see Cotopaxi’s volcano landscapes with optional hiking, biking or horse riding – plus a relaxed hacienda stay. You’ll visit highland markets, share a Pamba Mesa in Guamote, join an Andean cooking class and uncover the Ingapirca ruins. Continue to charming Cuenca – rooftop cocktails and UNESCO beauty – then roll down to the coast for cacao experiences and a vineyard tour with tastings before departure.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
9 daysHotel Rating
star hotelsStarts
QuitoEnds
GuayaquilMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Ecuador that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
EcuadorMeals Included
Breakfast: 8, Lunch: 7, Dinner: 1Passengers
R 111 805,00
R 9 999,00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Quito
Your Ecuador and Galapagos Gastronomic Tour begins today. On arrival at Quito Airport, we transfer privately to your hotel in the city. Depending on your arrival time, we enjoy a welcome cocktail on the hotel rooftop.
Day 2 - Quito Food Private Tour
This morning, we set out on a private food tour of Quito. Our first stop is a coffee lab in the Mariscal area, where we learn about Ecuador’s many coffee varieties and enjoy a tasting.
We then continue to Quito’s historic centre, stopping at a local restaurant to try a traditional empanada. After a short walk around the main square, we enjoy a typical Andean lunch, sampling some of the region’s distinctive flavours.
In the afternoon, we discover Quito’s sweet traditions, with the chance to try favourites such as garrapiñada, caramel-coated peanuts, pristiños, fried pastries served with raw sugar syrup, or quesadillas, a sweet pastry topped with frosting. The day ends at a traditional fonda, where we can taste local beer, chicha, a fermented corn drink, or Ecuadorian cocktails.
Day 3 - Cotopaxi Day Tour
After breakfast, we travel to Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of Ecuador’s most iconic volcanoes. During our visit, you can choose from activities such as horse riding, mountain biking or hiking, depending on your interests.
We enjoy a traditional picnic in the park before continuing in the afternoon to a local country house, where we can see alpacas and take in the mountain scenery.
Day 4 - Cotopaxi to Guamote
After breakfast, we travel towards Chimborazo Province. Along the way, we may visit towns such as Lasso, try the famous Salcedo ice cream, and explore local markets in Latacunga or Saquisilí, where colourful fruit, vegetables and everyday Andean life are on display.
On arrival in Guamote, we enjoy a traditional Pamba Mesa, an ancestral communal meal, followed by local lodge activities such as a visit to the nearby community.
Day 5 - Guamote to Ingapirca
This morning, we spend time with the Inti Sisa community, learning about local projects and daily activities such as farming, school initiatives and handmade crafts. We also take part in an Andean cooking class.
After lunch, we drive to Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important Inca archaeological site. In the evening, we enjoy a local hacienda dinner featuring potato soup and pork.
Day 6 - Ingapirca and Cuenca Exploration
In the morning, we visit the Ingapirca ruins before continuing to Cuenca, one of Ecuador’s most attractive colonial cities. On arrival, we explore the historic centre, visit the Turi viewpoint and stop at the local market.
Lunch is at one of Cuenca’s well-known restaurants. The city was named South America’s Leading City Break Destination in 2018, and its historic centre is recognised by UNESCO for its well-preserved architecture and cultural heritage.
In the evening, we visit a rooftop bar for cocktails and views over the city.
Day 7 - Cuenca to Hacienda La Danesa
After breakfast, we leave Cuenca and travel towards Ecuador’s coastal region. Along the way, we enjoy views of Cajas National Park and changing Andean landscapes.
We arrive at Hacienda La Danesa for a local lunch, followed by an afternoon of hacienda activities. Depending on the programme, you may have the chance to enjoy tubing, a chocolate-making experience or other activities on the estate.
Day 8 - Dos Hemisferios and Guayaquil
Early this morning, we travel to the Progreso area to visit Dos Hemisferios vineyard. Here, we learn how high-quality wine is produced in an unexpected setting, with grapes grown and harvested in Ecuador’s coastal climate.
We tour the vineyard and visit the production area to learn about the winemaking process. Afterwards, we return to Gran Samán for a tasting of wines such as Bruma Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay, Enigma, Travesía Cabernet Sauvignon and Paradoja, accompanied by a three-course picnic lunch.
Later, we transfer to Guayaquil.
Day 9 - Depart Guayaquil
After breakfast, your journey through Ecuador’s landscapes, communities and flavours comes to an end. The hotel shuttle transfers you to Guayaquil Airport for your onward flight.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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