Tastings in Ecuador

If you love food and drink, Ecuador is a place that’ll keep you curious , and your taste buds working overtime. Cacao is serious business here, especially around the north in places like Mindo or on the coast near Guayaquil, where you can spend hours walking through lush plantations sampling different chocolate varieties right off the pod.

But tastings don’t stop at chocolate. Ever tried the local fruit wines made with naranjilla or taxo? Or sampling artisanal beers in Quito’s La Mariscal? Believe me, Ecuador’s craft beer scene took a surprising leap in the last decade. And if you’re in Cuenca, don’t miss an authentic chicha tasting , that fermented corn drink that might remind you a little of cider, but with a local twist.

Markets are also a low-key way to taste your way through Ecuador without paying a fee. Head to Cuenca’s Mercado 10 de Agosto or Otavalo Market, try freshly squeezed guava or passion fruit juice, or sample empanadas stuffed with cheese and toasted peanuts. And one tip: if you can, schedule your tastings in the morning when everything is freshest and vendors are more chatty. It’s a treat to learn the stories behind each flavor directly from the makers themselves.