Quito, the gastronomic, cultural and natural destination of 2026

Quito reinforced its international positioning as a leading gastronomic destination after being recognized as the second “Most Authentic Gastronomic Destination in the World” in an index that analyzed 1.3 million reviews on Google Maps and compared culinary experiences in more than 140 cities.

This recognition wasn't limited to a ranking: Quito put it into practice at Madrid Fusion 2026, one of the world's most influential gastronomic congresses, held from January 26 to 28 at IFEMA. The event arrived backed by record figures from its previous edition, with 1,874 participants from 63 countries and 26,104 visitors, reflecting the reach and global exposure this platform offered.

From a global index to a live experience: Quito at Madrid Fusion

In Madrid, the Ecuadorian capital presented its identity "in bites," with a menu focused on traditional Quito and Andean cuisine, emphasizing local products, culinary heritage, and innovative presentation. The offerings included dishes such as:

Potato locro,
Espumimilla,
Potatoes with pork rind,
Mote with pork rinds,
Canelazo,
Rice pudding,
Figs with cheese,
Cevichocho,

Cevichocho

Quito, capital of four regions on a single table

Quito was the capital of a diverse country—coast, highlands, Amazon, and the Galápagos Islands—and, as such, served as a meeting point for cultures, techniques, and ingredients. This convergence resulted in a cuisine that maintained Andean roots, with traditional methods, market-fresh seasoning, and popular fare, while also engaging with contemporary trends in gastronomic tourism, such as traceability, sustainability, storytelling, and experiential learning.

This seal of “authenticity” was precisely what the international study highlighted: Quito ranked second in the Gastronomic Authenticity Index, with 79.2 points, only behind Bogotá.

Public-private partnership: a strategy that amplified results

Quito's international boost was not accidental: it resulted from a collaboration between the municipal administration and private sector partners that allowed for a consistent, competitive, and attractive proposal for international markets.

Within this framework, Quito Tourism worked with key stakeholders to showcase flagship products and local talent, such as Paccari cocoa and chocolate, recognized as the best in the world, traditional beverages, and a cuisine represented by chefs like Carlos Tituaña through the gastronomic offerings of the GO Quito Hotel, combining hotel excellence with culinary heritage.

Municipal management to sustain global appeal

Beyond the event itself, the international standing was maintained through effective management. In Madrid, the Municipality of Quito, through Quito Turismo, presented a relationship-building agenda and standards for competing in an increasingly demanding tourism sector. A recent milestone was obtaining the Smart Tourist Destination (DTI) distinction, after meeting 97 requirements and 261 indicators across areas such as governance, innovation, technology, accessibility, and sustainability, in a process supported by SEGITTUR.

Key data

Quito: second most authentic gastronomic destination in the world (79.2 points) in an index based on 1.3 million reviews.
Madrid Fusion 2026: January 26-28, IFEMA (Hall 14).
Event size (previous edition): 1,874 participants from 63 countries and 26,104 visitors.
Strategy: public-private partnership to showcase product, tradition, and innovation (Paccari, GO Quito Hotel, and popular cuisine).

Source: Quito Tourism.