Cusco: San Pedro Market and Peruvian Cooking Class

Experience Cusco’s Gastronomy and Culture in a Single Tour
For travelers eager to see authentic Cusco beyond its historic sites, the San Pedro Market and Peruvian Cooking Class offers a fantastic window into local life and cuisine. For $129 per person, you’ll spend around four hours exploring the bustling market, interacting with vendors, and then rolling up your sleeves in a real kitchen to prepare a full Peruvian meal, including the iconic Pisco Sour.
What we especially loved about this experience are two key aspects: first, the guided market tour that reveals the colorful array of produce, herbs, and artisanal cheeses—giving you a true taste of daily Cusqueñan life. Second, the hands-on cooking class that not only teaches you new skills but also ends with a delicious meal you helped create.
A possible consideration is that this tour is best suited for those who enjoy interactive experiences and are prepared for a lively, sometimes fast-paced market environment. It’s perfect for food lovers, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a genuine taste of Peruvian culture. If you’re after a fun, authentic, and educational activity that combines local flavor with practical skills, this tour is a great fit.

Key Points

• Authentic Market Experience: Shop for fresh, local ingredients with guidance from a knowledgeable chef.
• Cultural Insight: Meet and interact with Cusqueñan vendors, gaining insight into everyday life and regional specialties.
• Hands-On Cooking: Prepare a traditional Peruvian meal, including the famous Pisco Sour and classic dessert.
• All-Inclusive Price: Covers transportation, ingredients, utensils, and a full meal, offering excellent value.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personal, engaging experience.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance allows for peace of mind.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Cusco’s Gastronomic Heart: San Pedro Market and Cooking Class

Getting to Know the San Pedro Market
The San Pedro Market is more than just a marketplace; it’s the heartbeat of Cusco’s daily life. This vibrant hub is where locals buy their fresh produce, herbs, spices, breads, and cheeses—many of which are unique to the region. As we walk through, you’ll notice the exotic fruits and vegetables that might be unfamiliar yet fascinating—think of unusual roots, colorful peppers, and fragrant herbs. Our guide, often a local chef or expert, will clarify the significance of these ingredients, explaining how they’re used in traditional dishes.
One reviewer noted, “The market was alive with colors, smells, and sounds I never experienced before. It really felt like stepping into daily Cusco.” This authentic setting is a far cry from touristy spots, offering genuine interaction with vendors who are eager to share their stories and products.

Why Visiting the Market Matters
Exploring San Pedro Market isn’t just about shopping; it’s about understanding local customs. You’ll see families shopping together, pick up some ingredients, and get a sense of how Peruvian cuisine is rooted in indigenous ingredients and traditions. The chef leading the tour will teach you about local ingredients used in Peruvian cooking, making this more than a simple shopping trip. It’s an educational peek into regional flavors and culinary techniques.

Transitioning to the Kitchen
After about three hours at the market, it’s time to head to a local kitchen—an authentic setting where you’ll cook alongside a professional chef. The environment is friendly and informal, perfect for beginners or seasoned cooks alike. Expect to start by preparing the Pisco Sour, Peru’s famous cocktail, learning the proper way to shake and balance the flavors. Next, you’ll cook a traditional dish, which could be anything from ceviche to a hearty stew, depending on the day. The final step is creating a classic Peruvian dessert, often a sweet treat that closes your meal on a high note.

What You’ll Actually Cook & Eat
Not only do you learn techniques, but you also get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. The full meal typically includes an appetizer, main dish, and dessert—an excellent value considering everything else included. We loved how the instructor explained every step, making the process accessible even if you’re new to cooking. As one guest put it, “It was fun to see how simple ingredients can turn into such flavorful dishes.”

Practical Details & Comfort
Transportation is included from the hotel (within the city center), making logistics easy. The small group size (up to 10 people) ensures everyone gets attention and can ask questions. The class is conducted in English, making it accessible for international travelers.

Pricing & Value
At $129, this tour offers a lot—an engaging market visit, a cooking lesson, and a full meal plus drinks like Pisco Sour and Chicha Morada. It’s a hands-on cultural experience that goes beyond sightseeing, giving you skills and memories to take home. Many reviews highlight the value, especially for those wanting a genuine taste of Cusco’s daily life.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Morning Pickup & Introduction

The tour begins with a convenient pickup from your Cusco hotel, often within the city center. This ensures a relaxed start and allows the guide to give a brief overview of what’s ahead. The drive to San Pedro Market takes about 15 minutes, during which your guide might share interesting facts about the market’s history or Cusco’s culinary scene.

Market Walk & Ingredient Exploration

Once inside San Pedro Market, the lively atmosphere is immediately apparent. You’ll stroll through stalls brimming with fresh herbs, colorful fruits, and fragrant spices. Your guide points out ingredients you might recognize or find new—like native potatoes, corn varieties, or unique peppers. Vendors are welcoming, and many reviews mention how engaging it is to interact directly with locals.
For example, one reviewer shared, “I loved learning about different herbs and how they’re used in traditional Peruvian dishes—something I never would have known just by eating.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Purchasing & Learning

You won’t be just a spectator; you’ll buy ingredients needed for your cooking class, often with guidance on what to choose and how to select the best produce. This hands-on approach makes the experience more memorable. For vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions, the guide notes that vegetarian options are available, making sure everyone feels included.

Transition to the Kitchen & Cooking

After the market, the group heads to a professional kitchen. Here, the real fun begins. You’ll learn how to prepare Pisco Sour, including the proper shaking technique and balancing flavors. Then, you’ll move on to cooking a signature Peruvian dish, such as ceviche or another regional specialty. The instructor demonstrates each step, explaining the importance of techniques and ingredients.
Finally, you’ll create a traditional dessert—perhaps a sweet pudding or pastry. The process is relaxed, encouraging questions and teamwork, which many reviews praise as “a highlight of the experience.”

Eating Your Creation & Wrap-up

Once your dishes are ready, everyone sits down to enjoy the meal together. The full menu typically includes an appetizer, main, and dessert, all made during the class. The drinks—Pisco Sour and Chicha Morada—are included, allowing you to toast your culinary success. Many guests mention how satisfying it is to eat a meal you’ve prepared yourself, making it a memorable highlight.

End of Activity & Return

The tour concludes around 1 pm with a drop-off back at your hotel or near the main square, depending on your preference. The small group setup ensures a personalized experience and plenty of opportunities for questions or photos.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for foodies eager to understand Peruvian cuisine from the inside out or travelers who want an engaging, interactive experience. It’s suitable for all skill levels—beginners will enjoy the straightforward instructions, and experienced cooks will appreciate the regional insights and hands-on approach. Given its focus on local ingredients and authentic cooking techniques, it’s also perfect for those interested in cultural exchange.

However, if you prefer highly structured, fast-paced tours or have mobility issues, you might want to check the specifics, as the market experience can be lively and involve some walking and standing. Also, those with food allergies or strict dietary restrictions should inquire beforehand, though vegetarian options are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is available from all hotels in the Cusco city center. If your hotel is outside this area, you’ll be directed to a nearby meeting point, typically the Main Square.

How long is the market visit?
The San Pedro Market visit lasts about 3 hours, giving plenty of time to explore, purchase ingredients, and learn from your guide.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation, a guided market tour, ingredients, utensils, a full meal, and drinks like Pisco Sour and Chicha Morada. Vegetarian options are available.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Is this suitable for children or beginners?
The class is friendly and accessible, making it good for beginners. Children might enjoy the interactive aspect, but due to market nature and kitchen activities, consider their comfort with lively environments.

Do I need prior cooking experience?
No, the class is designed for all skill levels, and instructions are clear and step-by-step.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended. Please avoid large bags or luggage, as these are not permitted during the activity.

In the end, this tour offers more than just a meal; it’s a genuine chance to connect with Cusco’s vibrant culture through its flavors and people. Perfect for curious travelers, food lovers, and those wanting a memorable, hands-on experience.

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