Awamaki Cooking Class

Comprehensive Review of the Awamaki Cooking Class in Ollantaytambo

If you’re craving a meaningful taste of Peruvian culture, the Awamaki Cooking Class offers an engaging, hands-on experience in the heart of Ollantaytambo. For $68 per person, you’ll spend around three hours learning to prepare traditional dishes with local guides Jenny and Ruth, in a warm home setting. This tour is perfect for foodies, families, and those seeking a deeper connection to Andean culinary traditions.

What we love most about this experience is the market visit, which allows you to pick out fresh ingredients alongside a local guide—an authentic insight you won’t get from a touristy restaurant. Plus, the personal attention you receive in a small group (max six travelers) makes the class feel intimate and special. A potential drawback is that this tour doesn’t include transportation, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to Ollantaytambo, but the effort is well worth it for the rich experience.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy culture, delicious food, and learning new skills. If you’re staying in Ollantaytambo or nearby in the Sacred Valley, it’s a fantastic way to connect with local life and bring home new recipes.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience with a cooking class in a Peruvian home.
• Market tour enhances understanding of regional ingredients.
• Hands-on cooking of iconic dishes like Rocoto Relleno and Papa a la Huancaina.
• Includes a recipe book to recreate your meal back home.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and cultural exchange.
• Perfect for families and food lovers wanting an interactive experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Awamaki Cooking Class Experience

Location and Setting: A Warm Home in Ollantaytambo

The tour begins in a cozy setting in Ollantaytambo, a town well-known for its Incan ruins and scenic streets. Meeting at La Esquina Plaza de Armas, you’ll step into a local home where Tina or Ruth hosts the class, making you feel like a guest rather than a tourist. The intimate environment allows for genuine interaction and shared laughter while preparing traditional dishes.

The Market Visit: A Cultural and Culinary Introduction

The first part of the experience takes place at the Ollantaytambo Market, a lively hub bursting with local produce. Your guide (Jenny or Ruth) helps you navigate the stalls, pointing out regional ingredients and explaining their significance. This is especially valuable if you’re unfamiliar with Andean foods, as it overcomes language barriers and highlights products you might otherwise overlook.

Reviews emphasize this aspect: “The market visit was both culturally immersive and loads of fun,” says one traveler, highlighting how this step enriches the overall experience. Expect to see fresh potatoes, spicy rocoto peppers, cheeses, and vibrant purple corn—all essential for the dishes you’ll cook.

Hands-On Cooking: Authentic Peruvian Dishes

Back at the home, the real fun begins. You’ll learn to prepare Rocoto Relleno, a spicy stuffed pepper, or Papa a la Huancaina, a classic dish of potatoes smothered in a creamy cheese and pepper sauce. The choice depends on availability and your preference, but either way, you’ll be guided step-by-step by Tina or Ruth.

Alongside these mains, you’ll prepare an appetizer and traditional drinks like Chicha Morada (purple corn drink) or Limonada—a refreshing citrus beverage. The hands-on nature means you’re actively involved every step, from chopping to seasoning, making this more than just a demonstration.

The Teaching: Friendly Guides and Cultural Insights

The guides, Jenny and Ruth, are praised for their warmth and patience. One reviewer called Tina “incredibly warm,” and many mention how knowledgeable and approachable the hosts are. They not only teach recipes but also share stories about their community and traditions, adding a personal touch that elevates the experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes all ingredients, an online recipe book, and your dinner, which you’ll enjoy together at the end. The guide and local cooking teacher are fluent in English, ensuring smooth communication. However, transportation to Ollantaytambo isn’t included, so plan accordingly—this is worth considering if you’re staying elsewhere in the Sacred Valley.

The Value and Authenticity of the Experience

At $68, this class offers excellent value, especially considering the personalized instruction, market exploration, and the chance to cook and eat a full Peruvian meal in a local home. It’s a memorable cultural activity that blends learning, tasting, and socializing—all in a cozy setting.

Past Travelers’ Impressions: Authenticity and Fun

Reviewers consistently highlight the delicious food and warm hosts. One wrote, “Melissa was the liaison and translator, and Tina hosted in her home. It was a wonderful and very special evening,” emphasizing the personal and authentic atmosphere. Another mentioned how the experience exceeded expectations, calling it “fantastically fun and very educational.”

Practical Details and Tips for Your Visit

• Timing: The class starts at 4:00 pm and lasts about three hours. Arriving promptly ensures you get the full experience.
• Group Size: Limited to six travelers, ensuring plenty of hands-on time and personalized attention.
• Price: $68 per person, which covers ingredients, instruction, and dinner—an excellent deal for a cultural cooking class.
• Meeting Point: La Esquina Plaza de Armas, Ollantaytambo—easy to find and near public transportation.
• Transportation: You will need to arrange your own transport to Ollantaytambo; the tour does not include hotel pick-up or station transfers.
• Accessibility: Service animals are allowed, and the tour is operated in English, with potentially multilingual guides.
• Cancellation: Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re passionate about food, culture, and authentic experiences, this class is a perfect fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to understand Peruvian culinary traditions firsthand and enjoy dynamic, interactive activities. Families or small groups looking for a memorable activity in the Sacred Valley will find this both educational and fun.

Final Thoughts: The Value of a Homemade Meal

This class delivers more than just a cooking lesson; it’s a chance to step into a local home and experience daily life in Ollantaytambo. You’ll learn the stories behind traditional dishes, taste regional flavors, and leave with recipes to recreate the meal at home. The warmth of Tina and Ruth, combined with the lively market visit, creates a genuine connection that many travelers cherish.

Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or simply curious about Andean cuisine, this tour offers a meaningful, well-priced way to deepen your understanding of Peruvian culture. It’s an authentic, engaging activity that leaves you with new skills, delightful memories, and a taste of local life.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Awamaki Cooking Class

Is transportation to Ollantaytambo included?
No, transportation is not included. You will need to arrange your own way to Ollantaytambo to join the class.

What does the tour cost?
The price is $68 per person, which covers ingredients, instruction, and a dinner of traditional dishes.

How long does the class last?
The experience lasts approximately three hours, starting at 4:00 pm.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, the small group size and interactive nature make it perfect for families and food lovers alike.

Are guides fluent in English?
Yes, the guides and local cooking teachers speak English, ensuring smooth communication.

What dishes will I learn to make?
You can expect to prepare Rocoto Relleno (spicy stuffed pepper) or Papa a la Huancaina (potatoes with cheese-pepper sauce), plus appetizers and drinks.

Will I get a recipe to take home?
Absolutely, you’ll receive an online recipe book to recreate your meal.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the class is limited to six travelers for a more personalized experience.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes suitable for cooking; all ingredients are provided. No special gear is needed.

In the end, this Awamaki Cooking Class offers a genuine slice of Peruvian life, full of flavor, stories, and community. It’s a delightful way to turn a simple meal into a memorable cultural adventure—perfect for those eager to connect deeply with local traditions while enjoying a delicious meal.