Taste Cuenca’s best off-the-beaten-path bites on a guided 3‑hour walk through markets and family kitchens. Try encebollado, bolón de verde, pernil sandwiches and pan de yuca while learning the local history and ingredient stories.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the shaded street and the city negotiates its welcome — steam from a pot of encebollado lifts like a promise, a vendor wipes a warm bolón and the Tomebamba River murmurs nearby. The walk moves through narrow cobbled alleys where smoke and citrus pull your attention from colonial balconies to the plates in front of you.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves walking up to 2–3 miles on uneven cobblestones and standing during tastings.
Wildlife
History
Cuenca’s colonial center sits on pre-Columbian Cañari foundations and later flourished under Spanish rule; the city’s cuisine blends indigenous Andean staples with coastal and immigrant influences.
Conservation
Support local sustainability by choosing stalls that source locally, avoiding single-use plastics, and tipping small vendors directly to keep food traditions viable.
Reserve your spot on the Cuenca Food tasting tour of Hidden Gems for Small Groups today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring small bills and cash
Many vendors prefer cash and smaller notes for quick orders; ATMs are available but can be slow—carry enough for extra tastings.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes
Cobblestones and occasional staircases make supportive footwear important for comfort and safety.
Declare allergies ahead of time
Inform the tour operator of dietary restrictions when booking so stops can be adjusted; cross-contamination is possible.
Pace your tasting
Portions are generous at some stops—skip seconds early and save room for a warm canelazo at the end.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides grip and protection on cobblestone streets and occasional steps.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated between tastings—many stops will offer juice but water is best for pacing.
summer
Light rain jacket or layers
Highland weather can shift quickly; layers keep you comfortable in cool mornings and rainy spells.
winter
Cash in small denominations
Useful for vendors and quick purchases where cards may not be accepted.