Cooking Class
Half Day
Group our private
3,400 m.s.n.m
Easy
Discover the soul of Peru through its extraordinary cuisine with our Peruvian Cooking Class in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Designed for food lovers, curious travelers, and anyone who believes that the best way to understand a culture is through its flavors, this experience transforms you from tourist to chef in one unforgettable session.
Begin your culinary journey at the vibrant San Pedro Market — Cusco’s oldest and most iconic marketplace — where you’ll explore stalls bursting with exotic fruits, native potatoes, fresh Andean herbs, and ingredients that have shaped Peruvian gastronomy for millennia. Then, step into a charming colonial-era cooking studio or a local chef’s outdoor kitchen, where you’ll learn to prepare iconic dishes under the guidance of a professional Peruvian chef.
From mastering the perfect Pisco Sour to crafting your own Ceviche and Lomo Saltado, every technique, every spice, and every story shared brings you closer to understanding why Peruvian cuisine has been recognized as one of the world’s finest. This is not just a cooking class — it’s a cultural immersion through flavor, history, and the warm hospitality that defines the Andes.
Tour Highlights
Experience:
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Guided tour of San Pedro Market (Cusco) or Urubamba Market (Sacred Valley).
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Hands-on cooking class with professional Peruvian chef.
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Pisco Sour making class and tasting.
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Ceviche preparation masterclass.
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Lomo Saltado or Ají de Gallina cooking session.
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Exotic fruit tasting.
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Colonial-era cooking studio or outdoor kitchen setting.
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Three-course meal enjoyed restaurant-style.
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Recipe cards to take home.
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Small-group or private experience.
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Vegetarian and vegan options available.
Itinerary
Day 1: Culinary Adventure in the Heart of the Andes
Your experience begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Cusco, or you may meet directly at the designated starting point.
Market Tour: San Pedro Market (or Urubamba Market in the Sacred Valley)
Your culinary adventure starts at the bustling San Pedro Market — Cusco’s oldest marketplace, a sensory feast of colors, aromas, and flavors. Accompanied by your professional bilingual chef and guide, you’ll explore the market’s vibrant stalls and discover:
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Exotic Andean fruits: Taste lucuma, cherimoya, granadilla, and other tropical treasures unique to Peru.
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Native potatoes and corn: Learn about the thousands of potato varieties and the giant Cusco corn that has sustained Andean civilizations for centuries.
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Fresh seafood and meats: Understand how coastal ingredients travel to the highlands and meet local vendors selling fresh trout, alpaca, and traditional meats.
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Andean herbs and spices: Discover huacatay (Peruvian black mint), ají amarillo, ají panca, and the peppers that give Peruvian cuisine its distinctive character.
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Local cheeses and breads: Sample fresh queso fresco and traditional Andean breads.
Your chef will explain the historical significance of each ingredient and how ancient Inca, Spanish colonial, African, Chinese, and Japanese influences have blended to create one of the world’s most diverse cuisines.
Cooking Session: Colonial Studio or Outdoor Kitchen
After purchasing fresh ingredients at the market, travel to the cooking studio — typically located in a beautifully restored colonial-era house just minutes from the market, or to a local chef’s outdoor kitchen in the Sacred Valley.
Receive a warm welcome and a brief introduction to the day’s menu before donning your apron and stepping up to your cooking station.
Under the expert guidance of your chef, you’ll prepare a complete three-course Peruvian meal:
Welcome Drink — Pisco Sour:
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Learn the art of making Peru’s national cocktail: the perfect balance of pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters.
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Raise your handmade Pisco Sour in a toast to your culinary adventure.
Starter — Ceviche:
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Master the technique of “cooking” fresh fish in citrus juice.
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Learn to balance the flavors of lime, red onion, cilantro, and ají with precision.
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Vegetarian option available using “sweet cucumber” (pepino dulce) or mushrooms.
Main Course — Choose Your Signature Dish:
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Lomo Saltado: The iconic Peruvian-Chinese (chifa) stir-fry of marinated beef, onions, tomatoes, and french fries, cooked in a flaming wok.
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Ají de Gallina: Shredded chicken in a creamy, spicy yellow pepper sauce with walnuts and Parmesan cheese, served over boiled potatoes and olives.
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Alternative options: Causa Rellena (layered potato terrine), Arroz Chaufa (Peruvian fried rice), or Papa a la Huancaína.
Dessert:
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Enjoy a traditional Peruvian dessert, often featuring local chocolate or lucuma.
Throughout the session, your chef shares fascinating stories about the origins of each dish, cooking techniques passed down through generations, and tips you can easily replicate at home.
The Feast
Once all dishes are prepared, sit down with your fellow cooks to enjoy the meal you created — served restaurant-style in a warm, convivial atmosphere. Savor every bite knowing you crafted it with your own hands, paired with refreshing chicha morada (purple corn drink) or additional Pisco Sour.
Receive a recipe card or digital copy to take home, ensuring you can recreate the magic of Peruvian cuisine long after your journey ends.
Return to your hotel with a full stomach, new skills, and unforgettable memories.
End of services.
Included
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Hotel pickup and drop-off (or meeting point coordination).
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Professional bilingual chef and guide.
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Guided market tour with ingredient exploration and tasting.
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All fresh ingredients and cooking equipment.
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Hands-on cooking class (approximately 3 hours).
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Pisco Sour preparation and tasting.
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Three-course meal with beverages.
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Recipe cards or digital recipes.
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Permanent assistance throughout the experience.
Not Included
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Additional alcoholic beverages beyond the Pisco Sour.
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Travel insurance.
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Personal expenses.
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Tips for chef and guide.
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Transportation from Sacred Valley locations (unless specified).
Recommendations
To fully enjoy this culinary experience, we recommend:
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Come with an appetite — you'll be tasting and eating throughout the session.
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Wear comfortable clothing suitable for a kitchen environment.
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Inform us of any dietary restrictions, allergies, or vegetarian/vegan preferences at least 24 hours in advance.
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Bring a notebook or phone to capture tips and techniques from your chef.
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Stay hydrated — Cusco's altitude can affect your palate and energy.
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Bring cash for any market purchases or tips.
Important Information
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No previous cooking experience is required — classes are designed for all skill levels.
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Classes are available in English and Spanish.
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Schedule:
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Lunch Class: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (Monday – Saturday)
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Dinner Class: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm (Monday – Saturday)
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Sunday Class: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm (lunch only)
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Group size: 2 to 10 participants for shared classes; private classes available upon request.
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Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available with advance notice.
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The market tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and navigating crowded stalls.
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The itinerary may vary slightly depending on market availability, seasonal ingredients, and group preferences.
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Children are welcome; family-friendly sessions available.
Packing list
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Original passport or ID.
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Comfortable casual clothing.
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Closed-toe shoes (kitchen safety).
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Small notebook or phone for recipe notes.
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Camera for market and cooking photos.
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Water bottle.
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Personal medication.
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Cash for tips and optional purchases.
- Trips Managed by Local Experts
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