Food & Markets

Quito Free Food Tour

Exotic fruit, cacao and coffee in Quito's working markets

4.9 (14) · Bookable via Civitatis

Ecuador grows some of the world's best cacao and coffee, and this tour tastes its way through both, starting at the Mercado Santa Clara, a working neighborhood market rather than a tourist stop. Your guide walks you past stalls piled with fruits most visitors have never seen — naranjilla, pitahaya, tree tomato, guanábana — before moving on to Ecuadorian chocolate and coffee tastings.

Over three and a half hours you'll snack your way through several stops with a local guide who explains what you're eating and why it matters here — note that some tastings along the route are paid directly by guests on the spot, on top of the free tour itself.

Tour highlights

Mercado Santa Clara
Exotic Andean fruit tasting
Ecuadorian chocolate tasting
Ecuadorian coffee tasting
Local market culture

Meeting point

Mercado Santa Clara

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This tour is free — there's no charge to join. At the end, tip your guide whatever you feel the experience was worth. 100% of tips go directly to them.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Quito Free Food Tour really free?

Yes — there is no ticket and no upfront cost. You reserve a free spot, join the tour, and at the end tip your guide whatever you feel it was worth. Most travelers tip the equivalent of €10–20 per person, but the amount is entirely up to you.

Where does the Quito Free Food Tour start?

The tour meets at Mercado Santa Clara (Mercado Santa Clara). Look for the guide with the FreeTour sign; the exact meeting point is confirmed in your booking.

How long is the tour, and what languages is it in?

It lasts around 3h30 and is guided in Spanish, English. Groups are capped at about 6 people so the experience stays personal. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.