Medellin: Learn to make Colombian empanadas from scratch

If you’re visiting Medellin and want a taste of local life, this empanada-making tour offers a wonderful blend of culture, cuisine, and warm hospitality. For $51 per person, over 2.5 hours, you’ll get to roll up your sleeves and craft authentic Colombian empanadas alongside passionate hosts. They welcome small groups of up to nine people, making it an intimate and engaging experience.

What we love most about this outing is how it combines culture with the simple pleasure of creating and eating delicious food. The guides’ warmth and enthusiasm make you feel like part of the family, and the chance to customize your empanadas with preferences like vegetarian fillings or meat options keeps everyone engaged. Plus, the opportunity to taste your own handiwork fresh from the pan is truly satisfying.

One consideration to keep in mind—this activity is relatively short, so if you’re craving a full-day culinary adventure, you might want to pair it with other tours. Also, you’ll be expected to pay a cash remainder of around $100,000 COP on the day, which is typical for many local experiences but worth noting for budgeting.

This tour suits those who love hands-on activities, cultural exchanges, and authentic food experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to connect with locals or a seasoned traveler looking for a unique culinary snapshot, you’ll find this experience both fun and meaningful.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Learn to make traditional Colombian empanadas directly from locals in their home.
• Cultural Connection: Enjoy a warm welcome and friendly conversation while cooking.
• Customization: Choose fillings that suit your taste, including vegetarian options.
• Value for Money: At $51, you get a hands-on activity, a welcome drink, and delicious empanadas.
• Small Group: Limited to 9 participants ensures personalized attention and interaction.
• Flexible Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Location and Meeting Point

The adventure kicks off at Casa 201, a cozy spot that feels more like a friend’s home than a tourist office. The tour concludes back at the same meeting point, making logistics simple. Knowing the location in advance helps you plan your day, especially if you’re exploring other parts of Medellin afterward.

What the Tour Includes

Your ticket covers a welcome drink and a brief history of empanadas—a great way to set the stage for the culinary adventure ahead. The hosts, Natalia and Marisol, are fluent in English and Portuguese, which smooths communication and adds a friendly vibe. They’re not just cooks but passionate storytellers, sharing insights into Colombia’s culinary traditions along the way.

The main event is the preparation and cooking of empanadas. You’ll learn how to make these iconic snacks from scratch, with guidance on shaping, filling, and frying. The fillings are adaptable: options include meat, chicken, or a monthly-changing special for meat lovers, plus vegetarian fillings like broccoli, corn, cheese, and potato with hogao. The hosts pride themselves on leaving you with crispy, bubbly empanadas—nothing soggy here.

The Cooking Process

You’ll start with a welcome drink, which helps relax the group and break the ice. Then, the hosts provide a short history of empanadas, giving you context about this beloved Colombian snack. Following that, it’s time for kneading, filling, and folding—an activity many find more engaging than it sounds.

Throughout the process, the hosts share tips for achieving the perfect crunch and flavor. The experience is interactive; you’ll get to customize your fillings based on your preferences or dietary needs. The guides’ enthusiasm and patience shine through, making it easy for beginners to feel confident.

More Great Tours Nearby

Tasting and Sharing

Once your empanadas are fried to perfection, you’ll enjoy eating them fresh, paired with another drink. Several reviews mention how tasty the empanadas turn out—some describe them as delicious, crispy, and bubbly. Many say the experience is special because you’ve made these yourself, adding a personal touch to your meal.

Authenticity and Local Flavor

What sets this tour apart is the authentic setting—you’re in a local family’s home, rather than a touristy restaurant. This environment fosters genuine cultural exchange and makes the experience feel more personal. As one reviewer put it, “Being in their home allowed us to see what the life of a Colombian looks like,” which adds a layer of authenticity that many travelers seek.

The Guides and Their Passion

Guests consistently praise the guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and patience. They’re eager to share stories and answer questions, helping you understand more than just how to cook but also about Colombian traditions. The guides speak some English and Portuguese, making the experience accessible for travelers from different backgrounds.

Pricing and Value

At $51, this experience offers great value for those looking for a cultural activity that’s both fun and delicious. It includes a welcome drink, the cooking lesson, and your handcrafted empanadas. The only additional cost is the cash remainder (~$100,000 COP), payable on the day, which is typical for local guided experiences.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This activity is perfect for food lovers, families, couples, or solo travelers eager for a new skill and a taste of local life. It’s especially suited to those who enjoy interactive, hands-on experiences where they can learn, laugh, and share a meal with locals. If you’re curious about Colombian cuisine or want a memorable story to tell, this tour fits the bill.

Final Thoughts

This empanada-making tour in Medellin offers a rare opportunity to connect with local culture through food. You’re not just eating Colombian snacks but actively participating in a tradition that’s part of daily life here. The guides’ warmth makes you feel like family, and the process of making and sharing empanadas is both fun and satisfying.

While it’s a relatively short activity, the experience leaves you with a deeper appreciation for Colombian cuisine and a new skill you can try at home. It’s excellent for travelers who love authentic cultural exchanges, enjoy cooking, or simply want to try something different from the usual sightseeing.

If you’re after a genuine, personable, and flavorful experience that won’t break the bank, this tour should definitely be on your list. Just remember to bring your appetite, a good attitude, and maybe some Spanish practice—your hosts will appreciate it.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the tour offers vegetarian fillings like broccoli, corn, cheese, and potato with hogao, so vegetarians can enjoy making and eating empanadas too.

Do I need to know how to cook?
Not at all. The hosts are patient and will guide you step-by-step. This activity is designed for all skill levels, including complete beginners.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 2.5 hours, which is enough time to learn, cook, and enjoy your empanadas without feeling rushed.

Where does the activity take place?
The meeting point is Casa 201 in Medellin, a cozy setting that feels like home. The tour ends back at this same location.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers a welcome drink, a brief history of empanadas, the hands-on cooking experience, and your freshly made empanadas with another drink.

Is there anything I should bring?
Just your good mood, a smile, and a hearty appetite! Everything else—ingredients, tools, and guidance—are provided.

How do I pay the remaining fee?
The remainder (~$100,000 COP) is paid in cash on the day of the activity, so plan accordingly.

Is this experience family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for all ages, especially if your family enjoys interactive cooking and cultural activities.

This tour offers an engaging, authentic taste of Medellin’s culinary soul. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or simply curious about Colombian traditions, making empanadas from scratch is a delightful way to connect, learn, and savor.

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