ECUADOR FOOD EXPEDITION
WITH LINDA MILLER
ECUADOR IS NOT JUST A COUNTRY; IT IS A UNIVERSE OF FLAVORS.
Throughout this gastronomic journey, you'll discover how Ecuador's diverse ecosystems from the arid coastal regions to the misty highlands, the lush Amazon rainforest, and the fertile lowlands produce an astonishing variety of ingredients that come together to create a culinary adventure unlike any other. The Amazonian region, with its vibrant biodiversity, adds a whole new layer to Ecuador’s gastronomic palette. Here, the flavors are earthy and exotic, with ingredients like guayusa and the rich, dark chocolate made from cacao grown in the jungle. The Amazon isn’t just a place of incredible biodiversity, but also a treasure trove of unique ingredients, harvested sustainably by local communities who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries.
However, it’s not only the rainforests and lowlands that make Ecuador's cuisine special; the country's highlands and coastal regions also play a critical role. The intense sunlight that bathes the country at all altitudes contributes to a richer flavor profile in everything from highland potatoes to tropical fruits. Ecuador’s geographic location on the Equator means it gets a steady dose of sunlight year-round, helping to concentrate the sugars and intensify the flavors of its produce. The combination of the sun, elevation, and fertile volcanic soils creates a unique environment for growing ingredients that burst with freshness and flavor.
Whether you’re indulging in a savory cuy (guinea pig) from the Andes, savoring a fresh ceviche along the coast, or enjoying a rich chocolate made from the finest cacao in the world, Ecuador’s cuisine is a celebration of its people’s ingenuity, respect for nature, and a deep connection to the land. The cooler nights in the highlands allow for a slow maturation of crops like maize and tomatoes, giving them a unique sweetness and depth of flavor that is further enhanced by the intense sunshine during the day. In contrast, the warmth of the coast ripens fruits like mangoes and pineapples, making them extra juicy and aromatic.
Ecuador’s rich history, culture, and agriculture come together in every bite, offering an unforgettable sensory experience that is as much about the food as it is about the people, the stories, and the land that makes it all possible. As you embark on this culinary journey, you’ll not only taste the flavors of Ecuador, but you’ll also connect with the very essence of the country itself—a place where the warmth of the sun, the depth of the rainforest, and the hospitality of its people shine through in every dish. The sun, the soil, and the altitude combine to give Ecuador’s ingredients a flavor you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
LINDA MILLER NICHOLSON
Linda Miller Nicholson is an internationally-recognized pasta powerhouse, who has been featured on The Today Show, Food Network, Vogue, Bon Appetit, Buzzfeed, and the BBC, to name a few.
She has made pasta art for Gigi Hadid, Reese Witherspoon, Katy Perry, Camila and Matthew McConaughey, & even Snooki. She’s been the subject of several documentaries, has a popular cookbook called Pasta, Pretty Please, and regularly appears on national television. Experiential travel is a huge passion for Linda, and she adopts an “all-in” approach to exploring different cultures.
She has a particular love for Ecuador because of the people, the food, the Pachamama spirit coursing strongly throughout the country, and the otherworldly magic of the beautiful terroir. Sharing Ecuador with like-minded travelers has become one of Linda’s great joys.
On a personal note, Linda loves mountain running, her mom, hip hop, flour, flowers, alpine lakes, remote trails in the rain, salty watermelon, and cooking over apple wood. She thrives outside.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN QUITO
(Tuesday May 19)
Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, you will be greeted by our team for a transfer to the Hampton by Hilton.
Include: Accommodation and transfer, do not include meals.
DAY 2
Cloud Forest Chocolate & Coffee Tour
(Wednesday May 20)
Journey through the lush cloud forests to Mindo, a paradise teeming with biodiversity. Breathe in the crisp mountain air as birds sing and streams flow around you. Delight in a chocolate and coffee tasting, savoring flavors shaped by Ecuador’s volcanic soils and high-altitude conditions. Explore the magical butterfly garden, where colorful wings dance around you, and let your senses awaken to the fragrances of flowers, rustling leaves, and vibrant colors. This immersive day connects you deeply with Ecuador’s natural and culinary wonders. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
DAY 3
Quito: Manabí Culinary Experience
(Thursday May 21)
Return to Quito and explore the culinary richness of Manabí cuisine, one of Ecuador’s most celebrated coastal traditions. Known for fresh seafood, tropical flavors, and comforting dishes, highlights include ceviche, viche (fish and peanut soup), patacones, and maní soup. Enjoy a guided city tour through Quito’s historic streets, then join a hands-on cooking session to prepare and taste these traditional dishes, learning their secrets. This day combines movement, exploration, and gastronomy, a feast for body and soul.
Include: Accommodation in Hampton In by Hilton, breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 4
Quilotoa: Cevichocho & Andean Farms. (Friday May 22)
Journey into the heart of the Andes to the colorful village of Tigua and the stunning Quilotoa Crater Lake. Along the way, visit local chocho and quinoa farms, discovering the traditional Andean crops that have sustained communities for generations. Participate in a cevichocho
cooking class, crafting a delicious dish from fresh, local ingredients while enjoying the crisp mountain air and panoramic views.
Trek through the rolling landscapes surrounding the lake, taking in its turquoise waters and dramatic volcanic rims. This day offers a perfect combination of culinary discovery, active exploration, and breathtaking scenery.
Included: All meals, accomadation in Posada de Tigua
DAY 5
Salinas de Guanranda
(Saturday May 23)
After breakfast, we will travel into the Andean highlands to visit Salinas de Guaranda, a unique place where an entire community has built its future around artisanal production through a pioneering project that began in 1973. During a guided visit to the local cheese cooperative, you will learn how farmers first came together to add value to their locally produced milk, starting with fresh artisanal cheeses made using traditional methods and a strong collective vision. Despite early challenges—such as limited transportation and access to markets—the community persisted, gradually strengthening its dairy production and expanding into a wide variety of fresh, semi-mature, and aged cheeses adapted to the Andean environment. The visit continues to the ancestral salt mines, where the history of Salinas began, followed by a traditional Andean lunch and a curated tasting of signature cheeses. This experience reveals why Salinas de Guaranda is considered one of Ecuador’s most representative and successful models of community-led, sustainable rural development.
Included: Accommodation and all meals.
DAY 6
Alausí: The Devil’s Nose Train
Experience one of Ecuador’s most iconic train rides, the Devil’s Nose, descending zigzag tracks carved into the Andes mountains. Marvel at the dramatic landscapes as the train winds down toward Alausí, with panoramic views of cliffs, valleys, and distant peaks.
In the afternoon, enjoy a hands-on culinary experience learning to make llapingachos, Ecuador’s traditional potato patties stuffed with cheese and often served with peanut sauce or chorizo. Under local guidance, you’ll prepare, cook, and taste these comforting highland delicacies, connecting with Ecuadorian culinary traditions in a fun and interactive way.
Included: Breakfast and lunch.
DAY 7
Cuenca: City Tour & Shopping
Travel to Cuenca, Ecuador’s colonial jewel, famous for its cobblestone streets, colorful markets, and rich cultural heritage. Start the morning with a refreshing run, then embark on a city tour, visiting landmarks, artisan workshops, and local cafes.
The afternoon is free for shopping or simply enjoying the charm of Cuenca. Stroll through vibrant markets and artisan shops, interact with local craftspeople, and admire traditional pottery, textiles, and jewelry.
In the evening, indulge in a culinary experience at a renowned Cuencano restaurant, tasting the best of what Cuenca’s cuisine has to offer the world.
This day perfectly balances activity, cultural immersion, and gastronomic discovery, leaving you with a deep appreciation for the flavors, creativity, and traditions of the Andean highlands.
Included: All meals and accomodation
DAY 8
Amazonian Cooking Experience & Evening Flight
Begin the day in Cuenca with a hands-on cooking class focused on Amazonian cuisine, led by a talented chef from the Ecuadorian jungle. Explore the vibrant flavors of the Amazon, learning to work with tropical fruits, native herbs, and unique ingredients, while preparing authentic dishes that showcase the region’s rich culinary heritage. Savor your creations in a communal dining experience, fully immersing yourself in the tastes and aromas of the jungle.
After this unforgettable culinary adventure, take some time to relax and enjoy the charm of Cuenca before your evening 40-minute flight to Quito, taking in breathtaking aerial views of the Andes and Ecuador’s diverse landscapes. This day blends hands-on learning, sensory delight, and scenic travel, leaving you with lasting memories of Ecuadorian gastronomy and culture.
Included: All measl, domestic flight and transfer in.
Who can join this experience?
Anyone with a genuine interest in exploring the world through gastronomy and culture is welcome to join this experience. Ecuador is a magical country rich in flavors, traditions, and biodiversity, and this journey with Linda Miller is designed to immerse you deeply in Ecuador through its food. This is an epic culinary exploration created for curious travelers who want to taste, learn, and experience Ecuador in an authentic and meaningful way. No prior culinary background is required—just an open mind and a love for food, culture, and discovery.
What is the fitness level required for this experience?
The pace of this experience is slow to moderate. While Linda Miller is someone who enjoys running, physical fitness at that level is not required. However, participants should have good mobility, as the itinerary includes walking, short and easy treks, transfers by bus, domestic flights, and time spent exploring markets, towns, and natural areas on foot. As long as you are comfortable walking and moving throughout the day, you will be able to fully enjoy the experience.
Is single occupancy available?
Yes, single occupancy is available for this experience.
Is food included?
Most meals are included as part of the experience and are carefully selected to showcase Ecuador’s diverse and rich cuisine. Alcoholic beverages are not included, unless explicitly specified in certain meals or experiences.
Is the domestic flight between Cuenca and Quito included?
Yes, the transfer between Cuenca and Quito is included. Please note that luggage is limited to 15 kg (33 lbs) per person. Additional luggage may incur extra costs and is subject to airline policies.
Included
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Unforgettable Landscapes & Nature Encounters: Immerse yourself in Ecuador's breathtaking scenery, from majestic volcanoes to the Pacific ocean
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Comprehensive Tour Coverage: This itinerary covers everything you need for a seamless and enriching adventure. All activities and destinations are meticulously planned, ensuring you don't miss a beat.
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Guidance: Our team of passionate and knowledgeable Wild Explorers certified guides will unlock the secrets of each location. Benefit from their local insights and expertise throughout your journey.
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Delicious Meals Included: a memorable gastronomic journey.
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Domestic flights from Cuenca to Quito.
Excluded
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International Flights
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Domestic flights from Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos.
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Snacks
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Extra expenses: souvenirs, massages, spas.
Insurance is highly recommended for all participants and must cover various aspects relevant to outdoor activities, Make sure that your insurance covers trip cancellation (in case of any unforeseen circumstances).
We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, and unforeseeable circumstances.
FAQS:
Arrival and Departure Airport in Ecuador:
Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Quito (UIO)
Participants: Min 4 - Max 12
Cancellation Policy and Payment Options:
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To confirm your booking: A 25% deposit is required.
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After Confirmation: Once your trip is confirmed with 4 participants, the initial deposit becomes non-refundable.
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No refunds: Available if the trip is scheduled to start in 75 days or less.
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Cancellation before confirmation: If you decide to cancel before confirmation, you will be responsible for covering the 3% credit card fees. Any refund will be processed via bank transfer. We will provide a secure link where you can submit your banking details for the refund.
This tour is governed by Terms and Conditions