Private Cooking + Market with Maido’s Former Creative Chef (+trasportation)

A Private Culinary Journey in Lima: Cooking with a Michelin-Experienced Chef

Imagine spending a few hours in the company of a chef who’s cooked for the top restaurants in South America. For $230 per person, this private cooking class with transportation in Lima offers just that. Led by Hector Aguilar, Maido’s former creative chef (ranked best in South America 2024 and 5th globally), you’ll venture into his home for an intimate, hands-on experience that covers more than just stirring pots. Alongside learning to craft a 3-course Peruvian meal, you’ll visit a local market, learn to make the iconic Pisco Sour, and enjoy your culinary creations with a relaxed meal.

Two standout features make this experience shine: First, the personalized attention from Hector, who shares stories and tips that elevate your cooking skills; second, the combination of market visit and cooking in a private setting, which gives you a true taste of local ingredients and traditional techniques. It’s a great way to connect with Peru’s vibrant food scene through the eyes of a seasoned chef.

One thing to consider is the limited duration—about 3.5 hours—so if you’re looking for a deep dive into multiple dishes or extensive tasting, you might find it a bit condensed. Also, since it is a private tour, group discounts are available, which makes it especially appealing for friends or families wanting a tailored experience.

This tour is perfect for food lovers eager to learn authentic Peruvian recipes, travelers interested in culture, or anyone wanting a memorable, hands-on activity that combines market shopping, culinary skills, and local flavors.

Key Points

• Culinary Expertise: Learn from Hector Aguilar, a chef with Michelin-starred experience and a wealth of stories.
• Authentic Experience: Visit a local market to buy fresh ingredients, gaining insight into Peruvian produce.
• Hands-On Cooking: Prepare a 3-course meal with guidance, ending with a sit-down meal of your own creations.
• Beverage Skills: Master the art of making a Pisco Sour, Peru’s national drink, along with tasting seasonal fruits.
• Personalized Attention: Private setting ensures tailored instruction and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Take-Home Recipes: Receive an e-recipe book and video tutorials for recreating dishes at home.

An In-Depth Look at the Lima Cooking Experience

How the Tour Unfolds

Your day begins at the scheduled pickup point in Miraflores, a lively neighborhood known for its culinary scene and vibrant streets. The transportation provided ensures you arrive comfortably at Hector Aguilar’s private home—an inviting, homey space that immediately sets a warm tone for the experience. The private setting is a major plus, allowing for close interaction and personalized tips from Hector.

Once settled, the class kicks off with a quick market visit. Here, Hector guides you through selecting local, seasonal ingredients—an eye-opening part of the experience for anyone unfamiliar with Peruvian produce. Expect to see fresh fruits, herbs, and seafood, each telling a story about Peru’s rich culinary traditions. You’ll learn authentic shopping tips and gain insight into ingredients that make Peruvian cuisine stand out.

Back at the cooking station, you’ll roll up your sleeves to prepare your chosen menu—usually one of the four options with five dishes. Hector’s teaching style is friendly and informative, sharing culinary tricks that elevate your dishes beyond everyday cooking.

The highlight? Making your own Pisco Sour from scratch, learning the proper technique and proportions, which has reviewers raving about their newfound cocktail skills. Alongside, you’ll taste seasonal fruits, often described as a delightful refreshment that connects the meal to local flavors.

As the cooking concludes, it’s time to sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor. The meal is typically a well-balanced three courses—think ceviche, a hearty main, and a flavorful side—paired with Hector’s expert advice on presentation and flavor balancing. Reviewers mention how delicious and authentic the dishes turn out; one said, “The food you make is also amazingly delicious at the end!”

The Value of This Experience

When you factor in the personal instruction, market visit, all ingredients, and a full meal, the total value becomes clear. Compared to dining out, this hands-on experience offers a more genuine taste of Peruvian cuisine and culture, with added memories you’ll carry home. The recipe e-book and video tutorials are handy tools for recreating these dishes later, ensuring the learning lasts beyond your trip.

What Prior Guests Say

Reviewers consistently highlight Hector’s engaging teaching style and his anecdotes, making the experience feel like a culinary adventure rather than just a cooking class. Davin C mentions, “Hector has lots of anecdotes about his previous time in Australia and around the world,” adding a personal touch that makes the class memorable. Meghan R notes, “We did this on our first day in Peru and kept talking about the dishes throughout our trip,” reflecting how impactful and enjoyable the experience is.

Practical Details

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, which is enough time for market shopping, cooking, and eating without feeling rushed. The pickup service (located at Ca. Gral. Borgoño 742 in Miraflores) makes the start seamless, and as it’s a private activity, your group will enjoy undivided attention.

The price of $230 per person might seem high, but when you consider the expert instruction, market visit, all ingredients, and the meal itself, it’s a solid investment in both learning and authentic experience. Plus, the included recipe e-book and tutorials mean the value extends well beyond the day.

Accessibility and Flexibility

You can contact the provider for last-minute bookings, and requests for special dietary needs are possible if informed ahead of time. The tour is suitable for anyone interested in hands-on cooking, from culinary novices to seasoned foodies.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who valued personalized instruction and want to go beyond just tasting food—they want to learn to cook authentic Peruvian dishes. It’s perfect for those eager to understand local ingredients, master the art of the Pisco Sour, and bring home recipes that impress friends and family.

If you’re traveling with children or a group, the private nature and group discounts make it a flexible option. Food lovers who appreciate a relaxed, engaging atmosphere will find Hector’s class especially rewarding.

Final Thoughts

This private cooking class with Hector Aguilar offers much more than a typical food tour. It combines market shopping, expert guidance, authentic recipes, and cultural insights, all in a cozy home setting. The ability to learn from a chef with Michelin-starred experience makes it stand out among culinary activities in Lima.

For anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Peruvian cuisine or simply enjoy a fun, hands-on activity, this tour delivers. The memorable flavors, personal stories, and take-home recipes turn a short class into a lasting culinary memory.

In short, it’s a well-balanced, authentic experience that offers genuine value for your culinary curiosity and love of good food. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious traveler eager to get your hands dirty, this class will leave you with new skills, tasty recipes, and a better appreciation of Peru’s vibrant food culture.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from a specified location in Miraflores, making it easy to start without worrying about logistics.

Can I do this tour last-minute?
Absolutely, you can contact the provider directly via their website, phone, or WhatsApp to inquire about last-minute availability.

What is the duration of the class?
The entire experience lasts around 3.5 hours, covering market visit, cooking, and dining.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Requests can be catered for if informed prior, though this depends on availability and specific needs.

Is this a group or private experience?
It’s a fully private activity, meaning only your group will participate, allowing for personalized attention.

What dishes will I learn to prepare?
Hector guides you through one of the four menu options with five dishes, including a classic Peruvian three-course meal and Pisco Sour.

Will I get recipes to take home?
Yes, an e-recipe book and video tutorials will be provided for you to recreate the dishes later.

What is included in the price?
All ingredients, market visit, instruction, a sit-down meal, and the recipe book are included.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the private and relaxed setting makes it suitable for families and groups with children interested in cooking.

This thorough, hands-on cooking experience offers a genuine slice of Peruvian culinary life, guided by one of the best in the field. If you’re looking to learn, taste, and enjoy without the crowds, Hector’s class is a delightful choice.