Experience the Cooking Traditions of Ecuador

The biological mega-diversity of Ecuador transcends its many ethnic groups and their traditional cooking styles.

In Ecuador we can find one of the largest variety of soups in the world. For their preparation, a great amount of products is normally used among which we count the quinoa, maize, barley, green plantain, different varieties of beans, manioc or potatoes considered as king of tubers. These items when cooked together with different kinds of meat or fish or simply using dairy products and a great variety of legumes, fruits or vegetables can be deliciously combined to produce nutritious, tasty soups.

The chroniclers from the time of the Spanish Conquest tell us about a dish prepared by the Indians of the “Puna Island” in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of the Province of El Oro where fish was “cooked” or marinated in a lemon juice. This special variety of lemon grows in the coastal region and the dish is known at present times as Ceviche. This typical dish has spread to other coastal provinces and can be prepared in many different ways using different types of seafood as its main ingredient.

The various geographical zones and climates allow the production of native fruits and vegetables in addition to the exotic plants introduced by the Conquistadores. Certain fruits are restricted to small areas such as Naranjilla, a juicy tart orange coloured fruit in the family of tomato that only grows in the surroundings of the Cloud Forests on the slopes of the Andes. The great diversity and contrasts of the Ecuadorian cuisine is the result of merging the local products of the traditional cooking styles under the influence of the outside world. Explore this cuisine on our 9-day Ecuador gastronomic tour.

Day 1: Arrival in Quito and transfer to your Quito hotel.

Day 2: Visit a local food market and marvel at the great variety of products the capital has to offer. Continue with a tour to the historical center of Quito

Day 3: Travel North to the province of Imbabura.  Have a look at the preparation and taste the famous “bizcochos con queso de hoja” (biscuits and mozzarella like cheese rolls) in Cayambe, stop by at Chaltura for some guinea pig degustation and later on take part in the elaboration and refresh ourselves with some “helado de Paila” – a very special ice cream made in the Ibarra region. There is also a chance to visit a local cheese factory close to Ibarra, capital city of Imbabura province.  Accommodation at Hosteria Pantavi

Day 4: Travelling from the Ecuadorian highlands to the coastal area to San Lorenzo we will have the chance to notice the different agricultural products being cultivated in this area. For lunch we will have a delicious “Encocado” (seafood prepared with coconut milk) in one of the excellent local restaurant close to the ocean in Esmeraldas or Atacames village. Continue journey to Mompiche and accommodation at Hotel Decameron

Day 5: Mid morning leave to Pedernales to relish a traditional “cebiche manabita” – nowhere else as delicious as here. Later we continue the journey southward along the coastal line to the fishing village of Puerto Lopez. Accommodation at Hosteria Mandala.

Day 6: As part of our today’s breakfast, we taste the famous plantain dumplings (bolones de verde) before travelling to Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil. Accommodation in Guayaquil.

Day 7: Morning City Tour and a typical “Guayaquilanian lunch” at the best restaurant in town. In the afternoon we travel to the southern highlands of Ecuador to Cuenca, Ecuador’s most beautiful historical city. Accommodation in a Cuenca hotel. (Option 1) Stay in Guayaquil for overnight and flight to Galapagos next morning on day 8.

Day 8: Cuenca City tour and travel to the famous Gualaceo food market where we can appreciate all the gastronomic treasures of the region. Visit to Chordeleg (silversmiths) and return to Cuenca for overnight.  (Option 2)

Day 9: Early morning flight from Cuenca to Quito or Guayaquil and connection flight to Galapagos.

• Location: Mainland Ecuador
• Style: Special Interest Tours
• Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
• Start / End: Quito / Quito
• Activities: Taste and learn about regional foods and dishes, explore various regions of Ecuador
• Highlights: Regional food and dishes, Ecuadorian countryside
• Season: All year
• Included: Accommodation, local bilingual guide, all transfers and transport as detailed on itinerary, meals as stated on the itinerary
• Not Included: Tips, meals not stated in the itinerary, drinks, personal expenses
• Prices: Priced upon request