DESCRIPTION
Enjoy a unique and authentic culinary experience with our Peruvian cooking classes in Cusco, a perfect half-day activity for those who want to immerse themselves in Peru’s gastronomic and cultural riches. The day begins with a fascinating visit to the traditional San Pedro Market, the heart of Cusco, where the aromas, colors, and sounds will envelop you from the very first moment. Accompanied by an expert local chef, you’ll walk through the aisles filled with fresh produce and learn about the country’s most iconic ingredients: the many varieties of native potatoes, different types of corn, the intensely colored chili peppers, tropical fruits, and Andean herbs that give life to Peruvian cuisine.
After the market visit,
You’ll head to a fully equipped kitchen, where you’ll get to work under the chef’s guidance. You’ll learn to prepare some of Peru’s most iconic dishes, including classic ceviche, lomo saltado, ají de gallina, and even pachamanca, an ancient recipe cooked underground that combines meats, tubers, and aromatic herbs. During the class, the chef will share with you secrets, traditional techniques, and short stories about the evolution of Peruvian cuisine, considered one of the most diverse and renowned in the world.
Once the preparation is complete, you’ll be able to taste the dishes you created yourself, accompanied by a traditional drink such as the refreshing chicha morada or the traditional pisco sour. This tasting session is also an opportunity to share with other travelers, enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, and appreciate the culinary art that blends native ingredients with ancient cultural influences.
More than just a cooking class
This experience will allow you to deeply connect with the identity of the Peruvian people, their customs, and their hospitality. You’ll discover how each dish tells a story that unites Andean nature, the creativity of its chefs, and a love of tradition. Ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends, this gastronomic tour in Cusco will leave you not only with unforgettable recipes, but also with an experience full of flavor, culture, and emotion that you’ll treasure as one of the best memories of your trip to Peru.
ITINERARY
🕓 Detailed Itinerary – Peruvian Cooking Class in Cusco (Half Day)
🕘 Hotel Pickup and Meeting with the Chef
Our tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in the historic center of Cusco. You’ll be greeted by an expert local chef who will accompany you throughout the experience, sharing their knowledge of Peruvian cuisine and their passion for the flavors of the Andes.
🛍️ Visit to San Pedro Market
We’ll head to the San Pedro Central Market, one of the most authentic places in Cusco. Here you’ll learn about the staples of Peruvian cuisine: the many varieties of native potatoes, Andean corn, yellow chili pepper, tropical fruits, and aromatic herbs that bring traditional dishes to life. The chef will explain how to select the best ingredients, and you’ll gain a close look at the daily life of the people of Cusco.
👨🏻🍳 Transfer to the culinary workshop and preparation of Peruvian dishes
We’ll head to a kitchen specially equipped for the class, where you’ll begin the guided preparation of your Peruvian menu. You’ll learn step-by-step how to prepare some of the country’s most iconic dishes, such as traditional ceviche, lomo saltado, ají de gallina, or pachamanca, depending on the season and the chef’s approach. You’ll learn ancient techniques, uses of chili peppers, flavor combinations, and the perfect balance between Creole and Andean flavors.
🍹Preparation of Peruvian Drinks
Before tasting the dishes, you’ll prepare a typical Peruvian drink. You can choose between a pisco sour, the national cocktail, or a refreshing and natural chicha morada, made with purple corn, fruit, and cinnamon. The chef will show you how to achieve the ideal balance of flavor and texture.
🍽️ Tasting of Your Preparations
The most anticipated moment arrives: tasting your own culinary creations. You’ll enjoy the dishes you prepared, accompanied by a careful presentation and a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for sharing with other travelers passionate about food.
🏁 Closing the Experience and Delivery of a Recipe Book
We conclude the class with the delivery of a digital or printed recipe book, so you can replicate the flavors of Peru at home. In addition, you will receive a brief talk about the evolution of Peruvian cuisine and its worldwide recognition as one of the most diverse on the planet. Return to the hotel or meeting point.
INCLUDES
✅ Includes (detailed)
✔️ Pickup from your hotel or meeting point
The tour includes pickup from your accommodation located in the historic center of Cusco or from a nearby meeting point. This guarantees a comfortable and punctual start to the experience.
✔️ Professional bilingual chef (Spanish/English)
Throughout the experience, you will be accompanied by an expert local chef fluent in both Spanish and English. He will be your culinary guide, sharing with you the history, techniques, and secrets of Peruvian cuisine.
✔️ Guided tour of San Pedro Market
You will take a comprehensive tour of one of Cusco’s most iconic markets, where you will learn about traditional products such as native potatoes, Peruvian chili peppers, Andean corn, and aromatic herbs used in local cuisine.
✔️ Transportation from the market to the workshop kitchen
Includes comfortable transportation from San Pedro Market to the kitchen where the practical class will be held, ensuring safety and punctuality.
✔️ Practical Peruvian cooking class
You will learn step-by-step how to prepare Peru’s most famous dishes under the chef’s guidance. Modern utensils and traditional techniques are used for a complete and participatory experience.
✔️ Fresh, high-quality ingredients
All ingredients used are selected directly from the local market. Organic and Cusco-origin products are prioritized to ensure authentic flavors.
✔️ Preparation of typical Peruvian drinks
During the class, you will be able to make traditional drinks such as the refreshing pisco sour, Peru’s signature cocktail, or chicha morada, made from purple corn and Andean fruits.
✔️ Lunch and tasting of your prepared dishes
At the end of the class, you’ll enjoy the dishes you prepared yourself, accompanied by your chosen traditional drink, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
✔️ Digital or printed recipe book
You’ll receive a recipe book with the dishes and drinks prepared during the class, so you can easily replicate them at home and share them with family or friends.
✔️ Personalized assistance throughout the experience
Our team will ensure you enjoy a safe, entertaining, and enriching day from pick-up to the end of the tour.
NOT INCLUDED
❌ Not Included (itemized)
✘ Voluntary tips
Tips to the chef or support staff are not included and are at the discretion of each participant.
✘ Transportation from hotels outside the historic center
Hotels located outside of Cusco’s city center (for example, in Urubamba or San Blas Alto) may require additional transportation at an extra cost.
✘ Additional or alcoholic beverages not mentioned
Only one traditional drink (pisco sour or chicha morada) is included. Any additional drinks must be paid by the participant.
✘ Souvenirs or personal purchases at the market
During the visit to the San Pedro Market, you can purchase local products, but these are not included in the package.
✘ Personal expenses or extras not specified
Any other expenses not expressly mentioned in the itinerary or list of inclusions are the responsibility of the traveler.
RECOMMENDATIONS
💡 Recommendations (detailed)
🔸 Wear comfortable, cool clothing
The class includes activities in both the market and the kitchen, so it is recommended to wear light clothing and comfortable closed-toe shoes.
🔸 Bring sunscreen
Cusco is located at over 3,300 meters above sea level, so the sun can be intense even on cloudy days. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses if you take the tour in the morning.
🔸 Avoid carrying valuables
During the market visit, the area is crowded. Bring only the essentials (cash, camera, and cell phone).
🔸 Indicate your dietary restrictions
If you are vegetarian, vegan, or have allergies (such as gluten or nuts), please inform us at the time of booking. The chef will adapt the recipes so you can fully enjoy the experience.
🔸 Participate actively
The experience is designed for you to cook and learn. Feel free to ask questions, try ingredients, and participate in every step.
🔸 Hydrate well before the tour
The altitude can cause mild fatigue if you are not acclimatized. It is recommended to drink enough water and avoid heavy meals before the activity.
🔸 Arrive early and in a good mood
Punctuality is essential to make the most of the experience. Also, coming with energy and enthusiasm will make you enjoy the culinary journey even more.
FAQs
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Detailed FAQs)
1. Can I participate if I have no cooking experience?
Yes, absolutely. The classes are designed for both beginners and amateur cooks. The chef guides each step and adapts the pace of the group so that everyone can learn and enjoy themselves.
2. What dishes are prepared during the class?
The menu varies depending on the season and the availability of fresh ingredients, but generally includes a starter (such as ceviche or causa rellena) and a main course (such as lomo saltado, ají de gallina, or pachamanca).
3. Where does the cooking class take place?
The class takes place in a fully equipped and certified kitchen in downtown Cusco, with all the necessary amenities and hygiene measures.
4. How long does the entire experience last?
The total duration is approximately 4 hours, which includes the visit to San Pedro Market, transfer to the kitchen, the practical class, and the final tasting.
5. Are vegetarian or vegan options offered?
Yes, we offer vegetarian and vegan options at no additional cost. Just inform us when booking so the chef can adapt the menu.
6. Can I bring my children?
Yes, children 8 years and older can participate under adult supervision. It is a fun and educational activity for the whole family.
7. What type of drink is included?
During the class, you can choose between preparing a pisco sour, Peru’s iconic cocktail, or a chicha morada, made with purple corn and Andean fruits.
8. Will I receive the recipes at the end?
Yes, you will receive a digital or printed recipe book with detailed preparation steps and tips for recreating the dishes at home.
9. Is it necessary to reserve in advance?
Yes, we recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance, as groups are small (maximum 10 people) to ensure personalized attention.
10. What happens if it rains on the day of the tour?
The experience is hassle-free, as classes are held indoors. In case of heavy rain, transportation from the market to the kitchen is covered to ensure your comfort.