Discover Lima with a Full-Day Cooking Class & City Tour

If you’re looking to truly get a taste of Lima, this full-day experience offers a unique blend of culinary immersion and city exploration. For around $102 per person, you’ll enjoy hotel pickup, guided visits to bustling markets, a hands-on cooking class, and visits to Lima’s most iconic landmarks—all wrapped into an eight-hour adventure.

What we love most is how this tour combines authentic Peruvian flavors with rich stories from your knowledgeable guides, making the city’s history come alive while you learn to cook delicious local dishes. The use of traditional ceramic pots during the cooking class adds a genuine touch of history to the culinary experience. On top of that, the comprehensive sightseeing itinerary, including the San Francisco Monastery and Plaza Mayor, gives you a well-rounded insight into Lima’s cultural tapestry.

A potential consideration is the packed schedule, which means you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a full day. Also, the tour is designed for small groups—maximally 10 travelers—which keeps the experience intimate and personal, though it does mean booking in advance is wise.

This experience perfect suits food lovers eager to learn authentic Peruvian recipes, history buffs interested in Lima’s landmarks, and travelers who enjoy guided small-group tours with a local flavor. Whether you’re here for a quick introduction or a deeper dive into Peruvian culture, this tour offers a genuinely engaging day.

Key Points

Authentic Culinary Experience: Create traditional Peruvian dishes under the guidance of a professional chef.
Cultural Sightseeing: Visit Lima’s most notable landmarks with expert commentary, from San Francisco Monastery to Plaza Mayor.
Local Market Visit: Explore the Surquillo market to see and buy local ingredients—an essential part of Peruvian cuisine.
Historical Insights: Discover Lima’s colonial past through sites like the Catacombs and the Presidential Palace.
Convenient Logistics: Round-trip private transport and hotel pickup simplify your day.
Small Group Atmosphere: Intimate tours with a maximum of 10 travelers enhance personal attention and interaction.

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A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting with the Market in Surquillo

Your day kicks off at the Market No. 2 Surquillo, a lively hub filled with vendors selling fresh Peruvian produce. A professional chef and guide—possibly someone like José, based on reviews—lead this part of the tour, taking you through the stands full of colorful fruits, vegetables, spices, and local products. You’ll get to see the ingredients that form the backbone of Peruvian cuisine, and even buy the ones you’ll cook with later. As one reviewer noted, “My guide asked me to pick one of three appetizers and one of three entrees,” highlighting the personalized touch and the interactive nature of this part of the tour.

Hands-On Cooking Class

Next, you’ll move to a dedicated kitchen area, where the real magic happens. Here, the focus is on healthy, flavor-rich cooking methods—using ceramic pots, just like traditional recipes call for, to preserve the natural flavors of the ingredients. The dishes prepared include appetizers, a fruit festival, starters, and a main course, with lunch served as part of the session. Expect to participate in chopping and preparing ingredients, guided step-by-step by your expert chef.

Many travelers have raved about this part, mentioning the delicious dishes they made and the engaging, friendly atmosphere. As one review states, “We chopped all the ingredients and cooked with traditional pots,” emphasizing the authentic experience. The combination of learning and tasting makes this segment both fun and tasty.

Exploring Lima’s Historic Heart

Post-lunch, the tour transitions into a cultural exploration of Lima’s most significant sites. Strolling through Plaza San Martin, you’ll enjoy gardens and a vibrant local atmosphere, with your guide offering insights into Peru’s history, culture, and daily life. Just a few steps away, Jirón de la Unión provides a sweeping view of beautifully preserved architecture, wooden balconies, and lively street scenes full of shops and local music.

The visit to Museo Convento San Francisco and its Catacombs is a highlight, offering a glimpse into Lima’s colonial past. Descending into the underground tunnels, you’re transported back centuries, learning about how residents of Lima lived, buried, and honored their dead during the 16th to 18th centuries. As one reviewer put it, “The Catacombs are fascinating and memorable,” making this stop a must for history buffs.

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Iconic Landmarks and Local Flavor

The tour continues with a panoramic view of the Presidential Palace and a quick visit to Restaurante Cordano, Peru’s oldest bar, where you can soak in the atmosphere and try local dishes like Aji de Gallina or ceviche. The Lima Cathedral adds to the sensory overload, with impressive architecture and interior art.

Finally, the grup visits Pasaje Santa Rosa, a lively street where locals gather, and Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, the oldest in South America, offering a quick peek inside if open. The grand Plaza de Armas caps off the day, surrounded by colonial architecture and historic palaces, with a brief stop at the “Happy Inka Market” to buy souvenirs and local art.

Practical Aspects and Value

Thanks to private transportation and hotel pickup, you won’t waste time figuring out logistics. The price of $102 includes all entrance tickets (like the Catacombs), snacks, bottled water, and a professional guide—a fair value considering the depth of experience and variety of sites covered. The small group size ensures you get plenty of personalized attention, and the full-day format means you’ll walk away with not just memories but new culinary skills.

Authenticity and Learning

One of the praised aspects is how guides like José share stories and insights, making history engaging without overwhelming. The local markets, traditional cooking methods, and historic sites all contribute to a deeply authentic experience, not just a tourist checklist.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits foodies eager to learn genuine Peruvian recipes and culture seekers interested in Lima’s history. It’s ideal for those who appreciate small-group tours, want convenience, and enjoy interactive activities. If you prefer a relaxed pace, this might feel a bit full-on, but overall, it’s a well-balanced blend of culinary discovery, sightseeing, and cultural storytelling.

Final Thoughts

For those wanting to experience Lima beyond just sightseeing, this tour offers a memorable day of hands-on cooking and exploration. It’s a fantastic way to understand the city’s culinary traditions and see its most famous landmarks with friendly guides. The focus on authentic dishes and local stories makes this a standout choice for travelers seeking a genuine and engaging introduction to Peruvian life.

If you’re a traveler who loves delicious food, cultural history, and small-group experiences, this tour is well worth considering. It combines the best of Lima’s gastronomy and heritage in a single, well-organized day—delivering both fun and insight in equal measure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from your Lima accommodation, making logistics simple and stress-free.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Are vegetarian options available during the cooking class?
Yes, a vegetarian option is available, but it’s best to advise when booking to ensure your preferences are accommodated.

What kind of transportation is used?
The tour includes private transport, which ensures smooth and comfortable travel between sites and the meeting point.

What are the key sites visited during the city tour?
You’ll see the San Francisco Monastery and Catacombs, Plaza San Martin, Jirón de la Unión, Presidential Palace, Lima Cathedral, Pasaje Santa Rosa, Basilica of Santo Domingo, and Plaza de Armas.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers, fostering a more personal experience and interaction with guides.

Is it suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but consider walking involved at each stop and the full-day schedule.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers professional chef guidance, lunch, guided tours of key sites, entrance tickets (like to the Catacombs), snacks, and bottled water.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This full-day Lima experience balances culinary delights with history and culture, making it an enriching choice for a memorable introduction to Peruvian life. Whether you’re eager to cook, explore, or simply learn about Lima’s past, this tour delivers authentic, engaging, and practical insights in a friendly setting.