Best Cooking Classes in Cusco

If you are a lover of the culinary world, you cannot miss the opportunity to taste Peruvian cuisine in its place of origin. Cusco is a city full of culture and history, but it is also renowned for its delicious gastronomy, which has been influenced by its rich history and the different civilizations that have passed through here. If you are looking for something different to do during your trip to Peru, taking a cooking class is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Cusco.

In these cooking classes, you will have the opportunity to learn about the ingredients and culinary techniques used in the preparation of the most iconic dishes of the region. Not only will you learn how to cook, but you will also be able to immerse yourself in the local culture and meet new people. A cooking class in Cusco is a great way to experience Peruvian culture and take a little bit of it home with you - read on!

This traditional Peruvian cooking class begins with a tour of the Central Market of San Pedro, one of the most popular and busy places in the city. Here you can find a wide variety of fresh produce, such as fruits, vegetables, meats and spices. It is a fascinating place to explore and learn about the ingredients used in Peruvian cuisine.

Once you have explored the market, the actual culinary experience begins. You will learn how to prepare some traditional Peruvian dishes, following the original recipes and always guided by a local chef. You'll get to learn about the technique and ingredients used in the preparation of these dishes and, best of all, you'll get to sit down and savour them.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 59 euros per person.
• Duration: the experience lasts about 4 hours in total.
• Advantage of this option: includes vegetarian options.
• Disadvantage of this option: it does not include drinks, but you can buy them on the spot.

In this experience, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant San Pedro market, where a local guide will show you a variety of local and ancient products and tell you about their history, impact and evolution in modern Peruvian gastronomy.

After exploring the market, you 'll head to a cosy cooking studio located inside a colonial house for a modern Peruvian cooking class led by a professional chef. During the class, you'll learn how to prepare gourmet adaptations of classic Peruvian dishes, such as ceviche and quinoa risotto, all with fresh, local ingredients.

In addition, you'll have the opportunity to prepare and taste a passion fruit Pisco Sour starter, as well as a delicious local fruit parfait dessert. This experience will culminate with a full high-level meal that includes all the dishes you have prepared in the class.

If you are interested in the experience, counted among the top 10 best activities in Cusco, make sure to book in advance, as it is one of the most requested. Also don't forget to mention if you have any dietary restrictions, as fortunately this class can be adapted to any type of diet.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 55 euros per person.
• Duration: the activity takes about 4 hours in total.
• Advantage of this option: includes vegetarian options.
• Disadvantage of this option: it is not adapted for wheelchair users.

If you love chocolate, this class is for you, as it takes place at the ChocoMuseo in Cusco. In this two-hour hands-on workshop, you will learn how to make your own chocolate, and you will find out about the process of obtaining this food, from the cocoa tree to the bar. You will discover the history of cocoa in Peru and learn why this country is one of the main producers of chocolate in the world.

Led by an expert chocolatier, you will start the workshop by learning about the chocolate making process, the guide will tell you everything from harvesting to fermentation and drying. Then, you'll put what you've learned into practice and make your own chocolate bar.

This workshop is perfect for all ages and skill levels, and is a fun and educational experience not to be missed if you're in Cusco. For all of the above, this place can be considered among one of the best museums in Cusco.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 25 euros per person.
• Duration: the experience lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes in total, approximately.
• Advantage of this option: you can take the chocolate produced in the class with you.
• Disadvantage of this option: coffee and drinks are not included.

To discover the delicious richness of flavours and culinary culture of Peru, this cooking class at Marcelo Batata 's restaurant in Cusco is ideal. Accompanied by your guide and a small group of participants, the experience begins at the San Pedro Market where you will buy fresh ingredients and taste exotic fruits.

You will then go to the restaurant of this famous Peruvian chef, where you will learn how to prepare typical Peruvian dishes, such as ceviche, lomo saltado and aji de gallina. You'll also receive tips and advanced techniques so you can impress your friends and family back home.

To complete the experience, you will enjoy a delicious homemade dinner tasting the various dishes prepared in class, and as if that wasn't enough, accompanied by a classic pisco sour cocktail. After this experience, I recommend you to take one of the best tours to tour Cusco, as you will get to know other iconic local restaurants while touring the city.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 90 euros per person.
• Duration: the experience lasts about 4 hours in total.
• Advantage of this option: Adapts to any type of dietary restriction: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.
• Disadvantage of this option: it is not adapted for wheelchair users.

In this class you will learn how to prepare two main dishes of Peruvian cuisine while discovering the traditions and history of the country's cuisine. Even if you are vegetarian or celiac, this workshop can be adapted without any problem for you to enjoy it to the fullest.

In general the dishes prepared in this class include, a practical ceviche starter, which integrates fresh fish with a variety of ingredients, lomo saltado al wok, and cocktail preparation. The latter features a typical drink of passion fruit and pisco.

The class is designed for those who want to know and taste the best of Peruvian cuisine, but don't have much time. So if you want to get to know the traditional cuisine of Cusco without losing time for other activities, this short class is ideal for you, as it lasts just 90 minutes.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 36 euros per person.
• Duration: the experience lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Advantage of this option: the activity is simple and short to make the most of your day.
• Disadvantage of this option: the activity is only available in English.

In this virtual Peruvian cooking class, you will delve into the rich culinary culture of Peru with the guidance of an expert online instructor. During the session, you will learn about some of the historical and cultural facts of Peruvian cuisine.

Before the session, you will receive a list of ingredients so you can prepare and cook together online. During the class, the instructor will guide you through the preparation of a delicious Pisco Sour, Peru's national drink, and also a Lomo Saltado, the most representative Peruvian dish made of beef, vegetables, rice and fried potatoes. Plus, if you're vegetarian, the chef will offer options for you.

So if you want to get a head start on your trip to Cusco, or back home you've been left wanting more, this virtual class will bring a little piece of Peruvian culture straight to your table, giving you an authentic and culturally enriching cooking experience.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 25 euros per person.
• Duration: the experience lasts about 2 hours in total.
• Advantage of this option: the group is small so that the experience is more intimate.
• Disadvantage of this option: if you decide to participate from outside Peru, it may be difficult to obtain some of the country's own ingredients.

If you want to learn more about the Peruvian national drink, this workshop is perfect for you. In this class, you will learn about the history and production of pisco, and you will discover all the secrets to prepare the most exotic and delicious cocktails.

To start with, you will enjoy two types of cocktails made with pisco: the famous pisco sour or the chilcano, but you will also taste other flavours such as sour passion fruit or sour coca, which are typical from the Peruvian Andean region.

Moreover, during the workshop, you will be taught how to prepare these drinks with techniques and tricks that only Peruvians know. They will also explain how to choose the best type of pisco for each cocktail and how to combine the flavours to create a unique experience for your palate.

And if you are a food lover, don't worry you won't stay hungry, the class includes the preparation of some Peruvian dishes that pair perfectly with pisco.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 32 euros per person.
• Duration: the experience lasts about 2 hours in total.
• Advantage of this option: ideal to learn about Peruvian culture. All drinks are included.
• Disadvantage of this option: minors are not allowed.

This is the perfect experience for you to immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of Peru and learn how to cook authentic dishes in the home of a local chef. The expert chef in charge of the class will guide you through the preparation of classic Peruvian dishes using Andean and natural ingredients.

Get ready to have fun and enjoy a delicious pisco sour while learning about the unique history of Peruvian cuisine and sharpening your culinary skills. From preparing traditional dishes like ceviche and aji de gallina to making delicious desserts like suspiro a la limeña, the native chef will guide you every step of the way.

Enjoy a complete culinary experience, where you will cook your menu of choice, enjoying the authentic flavours of Peruvian food. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, you will spend a day cooking, eating and learning about Peruvian culture. At the end of the class, you'll be able to take away printed recipes to share with your family and friends at home.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 105 euros per person.
• Duration: the experience lasts between 2 hours and 30 minutes and 3 hours in total.
• Advantage of this option: experience that will make you feel like a local. Recipes are included and you will be able to eat all the food prepared.
• Disadvantage of this option: not adapted for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility.

In Urubamba, a beautiful valley located just 90 minutes drive from Cusco, you can take a 2-hour cooking class at a local B&B to learn the most delicious Peruvian dishes.

During the class, you will have the opportunity to prepare some of the country's most delicious dishes, such as ceviches, tacu-tacu, lomo saltado, chifa and much more.

Once you've prepared your meal, you'll enjoy sitting at the table with your hosts and other class participants. You can also enjoy an ice-cold drink to accompany the delicious food you created with your own hands. This is one of the best all-day tours from Cusco.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 95 euros per person.
• Duration: the experience lasts about 2 hours in total.
• Advantage of this option: you get to know a new location just outside Cusco.
• Disadvantage of this option: pick up and drop off in the centre of Cusco is not included.

This is a tour specially designed for those who want to experience Cusco and Sacred Valley gastronomy in an authentic and enriching way. The day will begin with a trip to the local community, where you will learn about local agricultural resources and biodiversity, while meeting the locals.

After visiting the Interpretation Centre, you will explore the local farms where a variety of crops are grown, such as potatoes, tarwi, quinoa and beans. You will learn about traditional farming techniques and taste some of the local produce depending on the time of year of your visit.

After the walk through the countryside, the hosts will share with you their traditional recipes and teach you how to prepare a nutritious lunch typical of the region. This class is very enriching, as it combines a unique experience in the countryside, with local gastronomy and cultural interaction.

Details of interest:

• Price: from 200 euros per person.
• Duration: the experience lasts about 5 hours in total.
• Advantage of this option: offers pick-up from the place where you are staying.
• Disadvantage of this option: Unfortunately, this option is not adapted for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility.