Between gorges and flavors: tasting Cuenca (food tour)

Key Points

• Exclusive Food Tour in Cuenca, Spain, only offered by this operator.
• Duration of 3 hours with visits to four restaurants.
• Tastes include ajoarriero, morteruelo, and regional desserts.
• Includes local wine at multiple stops, with options for non-alcoholic drinks.
• Starts at El Pilón fountain in Plaza Mayor and features stunning views of Cuenca.
• Guided in Spanish and English, with an emphasis on local gastronomy, history, and views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover Cuenca’s Unique Food Scene in Four Stops

This 3-hour tasting tour offers a chance to experience Cuenca’s culinary heritage firsthand. It is a one-of-a-kind experience, as it is the only tour of its kind available in the city, focusing on sampling dishes at four carefully selected restaurants. The tour is perfect for those who want to combine gastronomy with local sights, providing not just food but also insights into Cuenca’s history. It’s especially suitable for adults over 18, with options for non-alcoholic drinks, and emphasizes authentic regional flavors.

Starting at the fountain “El Pilón” in Plaza Mayor, the tour begins with a brief presentation about the plan for the next three hours. The guide then leads visitors through Cuenca’s historic streets toward key sights and flavors, offering a comprehensive taste of the city. The focus is on local dishes, regional wines, and spectacular views of Cuenca’s landscapes, making this a well-rounded experience for food lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Visiting the Plaza Mayor and the Manganas Tower

The Plaza Mayor is the meeting point, right in front of the Cathedral and next to a Globalcaja ATM. Here, the guide provides an overview of Cuenca’s culinary roots before heading to the Plaza de Mangana. This spot is renowned for its panoramic views of the city and the Mangana Tower. The guide shares stories about Cuenca’s religious and cultural history, highlighting how the area’s diverse past influences its culinary traditions today. The 15-minute guided walk through this area sets the tone for a delightful journey into Cuenca’s flavors and stories.

Tasting Cuenca’s Signature Dish: Ajoarriero at Mangana Restaurant

The first restaurant stop is Mangana Restaurant, located in Cuenca’s historic center. Here, visitors taste ajoarriero, a typical regional dish. This dish is served with local wine, enhancing the flavors of the garlic, cod, and paprika-based recipe. The restaurant’s central location offers a cosy ambiance that complements the authentic taste of the dish. This initial tasting is designed to introduce visitors to Cuenca’s traditional cuisine, setting the stage for subsequent culinary experiences.

Sampling Morteruelo at Savbia Restaurant with River Gorge Views

Next, the tour moves to Savbia Restaurant, which offers magnificent views of the Huécar River gorge. At this stop, morteruelo is the featured dish, a hearty pâté-like regional specialty. It is served with white or red wine, chosen based on personal preference. The gorge views from Savbia provide a beautiful backdrop for learning about the local ingredients and culinary techniques. The historic setting behind the 14th-century wall adds an extra layer of authenticity to this tasting experience, and the guide explains how traditional Cuenca cuisine reflects the city’s geography and history.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring the Casa Manzar and the Composer’s Home

The last restaurant stop is Casa Manzar, once home to José Luis Perales, a renowned Cuenca composer and singer-songwriter. Visitors tour the four floors of the house, gaining insight into his life and connection to Cuenca. The visit concludes in the wine cellar, where local wine is served alongside a typical Cuenca dish. From the house, there are spectacular views of the Cathedral and the Hoz del Huécar, making for a perfect photo opportunity. The guide shares stories about Perales and the musical heritage intertwined with Cuenca’s cultural landscape.

Climbing to San Pedro Church and Learning Its History

Following the house tour, visitors walk up to San Pedro Church. Here, the guide explains the history of the church and the castle ruins that once stood in the background. This cultural stop offers a deeper understanding of Cuenca’s medieval past. As the tour descends along the street of the same name, the journey continues with learning about the city’s past rulers and architectural evolution.

Tasting Resolí and Alhajú: Cuenca’s Famous Liqueur and Dessert

The tour’s grand finale is at an atmospheric spot where resolí, the region’s famous local liqueur, is tasted. Alongside, alhajú, a regional dessert, is served. Both are quintessential to Cuenca’s culinary identity and leave a lasting impression of the city’s sweet and spirited traditions. The guide emphasizes that if there are allergies, these must be communicated in advance, to ensure safety. The tour closes with this flavorful and cultural culmination, leaving participants with a deep appreciation for Cuenca’s regional flavors.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour includes live guides speaking both Spanish and English and lasts approximately three hours. It is designed for adults aged 18 and over, with alternatives for non-alcoholic drinks if desired. The meeting point is precisely at the fountain “El Pilón” in Plaza Mayor (coordinates: 40.07874, -2.13005). It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as the tour involves walking through Cuenca’s streets and some uphill sections.

The tour involves four restaurant stops, each offering a tasting, with a photo stop along the way. The itinerary also includes guided explanations about the city’s history, architecture, and culinary traditions. The full experience balances tastes, stories, and views, making it both an educational and flavorful journey.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Food Tour?

This experience is ideal for those interested in regional Spanish cuisine and Cuenca’s history, especially if they enjoy small-group dining experiences with guided commentary. It suits adults over 18 who want a relaxed pace with plenty of local food and wine. Non-drinkers have options for beer, water, coffee, or soft drinks. It is not suitable for children under 18 or those with severe allergies unless special arrangements are made.

Final Thoughts on the Cuenca Food Tasting Tour

“Between gorges and flavors” offers a specialized look into Cuenca’s culinary traditions, served alongside stunning city views and historical insights. Its exclusive nature, visiting four top restaurants with local wines and desserts, makes it a valuable experience for food lovers wanting to understand Cuenca beyond the landmarks. The guided format ensures that participants gain both knowledge and taste, making it a well-rounded cultural outing.

While the tour is short and focused, the variety of stops and stories leaves a lasting impression of Cuenca’s flavorful and historical character. It is a great choice for adults seeking a relaxed, intimate exploration of the city’s culinary soul with spectacular views along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does the tour last?
  The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

• Where does the tour start?
  It begins at the fountain “El Pilón” in Plaza Mayor in Cuenca.

• What dishes are tasted during the tour?
  The tour features ajoarriero, morteruelo, and regional desserts like alhajú.

• Are drinks included?
  Yes, local wine is served at two stops, with non-alcoholic options available, such as water, beer, or soft drinks.

• Is the tour accessible for non-drinkers?
  Absolutely, non-alcoholic beverages are offered as alternatives.

• Can children participate?
  No, the minimum age is 18.

• What should I wear?
  Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, as walking through the city is involved.

• Is this tour suitable for people with allergies?
  Yes, but all allergies must be communicated at the time of booking.

• Is the tour available in multiple languages?
  Yes, the tour is conducted in Spanish and English.

• Do I need to reserve in advance?
  Yes, booking is recommended with options to reserve now and pay later or cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

  You can check availability for your dates here:
  More Great Tours Nearby