Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market in Cusco

Discover the Flavors of Cusco with a Peruvian Cooking Class, Market Tour, and Cocktails

If you’re looking to dive into Peruvian cuisine beyond just eating, this 4-hour cooking class and market tour in Cusco offers an engaging, authentic experience. For $58 per person, you’ll visit the bustling San Pedro Market, then step into a cozy local cooking studio to learn how to prepare three traditional dishes—ceviche, causa limeña, and quinoa tamal—plus two classic Pisco cocktails. Led by friendly guides like Jesús, many travelers rave about how much they learn and how delicious everything turns out.

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of a lively market tour with hands-on cooking—giving you an insider’s look at Peruvian ingredients and culinary traditions. Plus, the chance to practice cocktail-making with fresh local fruits adds a fun, social element. It’s a great choice for those wanting to take home not just photos but actual skills and recipes to impress friends back home.

For some, the length and structure might feel a bit tight—especially if you’re not keen on long walks through markets or prefer a more straightforward cooking session. Also, a few reviews mention issues like ceviche food safety concerns, so it’s worth being mindful if you have dietary sensitivities. This tour suits curious food lovers, cultural explorers, and anyone wanting to truly connect with Cusco’s vibrant food scene.

Key Points

• Authentic Market Tour: You’ll start your journey at San Pedro Market, learning about local ingredients directly from vendors.
• Hands-On Cooking: Prepare three iconic Peruvian dishes and learn the techniques behind them.
• Cocktail Experience: Get creative with Pisco and fruits to make two refreshing drinks.
• Expert Guidance: Led by knowledgeable and friendly local chefs like Jesús, ensuring an engaging learning experience.
• Memorable Souvenirs: Take home recipes and new skills to recreate your favorites.
• Value for Money: For $58, it includes market insights, cooking, drinks, and a full cultural experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Cusco Cooking Class Experience

Starting Point: San Pedro Market

Your adventure kicks off at Cascaparo s/n, Cusco, a lively hub where locals shop for everything from potatoes and corn to fresh cheeses and exotic fruits. Walking through this open-air market gives you a real taste of Peruvian daily life. Your guide, often Jesús, will introduce you to the diverse ingredients—potatoes, quinoa, corn, local fruits, and traditional Peruvian foods—and explain their cultural significance. Several reviews highlight how educational and fun this part is: one reviewer noted, “He showed us all the different sections, went over all the ingredients we would be using, and let us try a bunch of local foods.”

This market visit isn’t just a quick stroll; it’s a mini cultural lesson. You’ll see local vendors at work, learn about regional specialties, and get to sample some native flavors. It’s a wonderful way to set the scene for what’s to come and brings a layer of authenticity that’s often missing in typical tourist food tours.

Transition to the Cooking Studio

After the market, you’ll walk to a centrally located cozy cooking studio in Cusco, which many reviewers describe as charming and well-organized. It’s here that the true hands-on fun begins. Under the guidance of a professional chef and barman, you’ll learn how to prepare three favorite dishes: ceviche, causa limeña, and quinoa tamal.

Cooking the Classics: Dishes and Techniques

Ceviche is perhaps Peru’s most famous dish, featuring fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice with onions, chili, and herbs. While some reviews mention concerns about food safety—specifically food poisoning from ceviche—it’s worth acknowledging that proper handling and freshness are key. When prepared correctly, ceviche is a delightful, zesty appetizer.

Causa Limeña involves mashed potatoes seasoned with lime, chili, and mayonnaise, layered with avocados, chicken, or seafood. It’s a hearty yet refreshing dish. Many reviewers appreciated learning to make this dish, noting how easy it was to replicate at home.

Quinoa Tamal, a traditional Andean staple, is a savory steamed dish made with quinoa, often filled with cheese or vegetables. It’s a good example of how local ingredients are woven into everyday cuisine.

Cocktails and Drinks

The class isn’t just about food; it’s also about drinks. You’ll make two cocktails—likely involving Pisco, Peru’s national spirit, and local fruits—offering a taste of Peru’s renowned Pisco Sour and other regional favorites. Guests enjoyed the playful, interactive aspect of mixing drinks, with some reviewers praising the guidance from Jesús and his team.

Recipes to Take Home

One of the standout features is that after the class, you’ll receive recipes. This means you can recreate these dishes and cocktails at home or share them with friends, extending the experience beyond your trip. Several guests found this particularly valuable, as it provides lasting souvenirs in the form of skills and knowledge.

Group Sizes and Atmosphere

The tour is limited to 12 travelers, which strikes a good balance—small enough for personalized attention but lively enough to share the fun. Many reviews highlight the personable guides, with comments like “Chef Jesús was the best” and “He was great with my child.” This friendly, approachable atmosphere makes learning enjoyable rather than intimidating.

Practical Details and Considerations

The price of $58 covers all the essentials: market tour, cooking class, cocktails, recipes, and a memorable cultural experience. Given the depth and authenticity, this represents good value—especially when compared to more superficial culinary experiences elsewhere.

The tour begins at San Pedro Market and ends back at the same spot, making logistics straightforward. It’s suitable for vegetarians and those with food allergies, with advance notice, which many reviews confirm as a plus.

However, some guests mention that the market tour can feel lengthy—expect to spend some time wandering and trying samples—so if you prefer quick visits, this might be a consideration. Also, a few reviewers noted that the ceviche might carry a risk of food poisoning if not prepared properly; it’s best to communicate any sensitivities beforehand.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers eager to go beyond just tasting Peruvian food—those who want to learn techniques, understand local ingredients, and have fun making cocktails. It’s ideal for culinary enthusiasts, curious cultural explorers, and anyone wanting a memorable, interactive evening in Cusco. It’s also perfect for families and small groups, as many reviews mention how accommodating Jesús and his team are.

If you’re after an authentic, well-organized, and immersive way to connect with Cusco’s food scene, this tour checks all those boxes.

The Sum Up

This Peruvian cooking class, market tour, and cocktail experience offers a well-rounded glimpse into Cusco’s vibrant food culture. The combination of a lively market walk with a relaxed, hands-on cooking session makes it more than just a meal—it’s an educational adventure. For $58, you get not only delicious dishes and drinks but also a deeper appreciation for the ingredients and traditions that make Peruvian cuisine so special.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who want to learn new skills, try local flavors, and take home memorable recipes. Whether you’re a foodie, a curious traveler, or someone looking for a fun evening activity, this tour delivers value, authenticity, and genuine hospitality.

Just keep in mind that if you’re sensitive to raw seafood or prefer shorter market visits, you might want to plan accordingly. With small group sizes and enthusiastic guides, it’s a warm, friendly way to spend an afternoon or evening in Cusco.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, including both the market visit and cooking class.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at San Pedro Market, located at Cascaparo s/n, Cusco, and ends back at the same location.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options and other food restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice.

What dishes will I learn to make?
You’ll learn to prepare ceviche, causa limeña, and quinoa tamal, plus two cocktails with pisco and local fruits.

Can I get the recipes afterward?
Absolutely, the tour provides recipes so you can recreate your dishes at home.

How many people are in the group?
The group is limited to 12 travelers, providing a personal and interactive experience.

Is food safety a concern?
While most guests enjoy fresh, delicious ceviche, a few reviews mention food poisoning concerns, so ensure proper handling and freshness are emphasized.

In all, this cooking class offers a genuine taste of Cusco’s culinary vibe—informative, fun, and full of flavors. It’s a must-try for anyone wanting to bring home more than just souvenirs but a little bit of Cusco’s soul through its food.