Discovering Cusco’s Flavors: Cooking Class and Market Tour with a Local Chef

If you’re looking to turn your time in Cusco into a flavorful adventure, this cooking class combined with a market tour offers an authentic glimpse into Peruvian cuisine. Led by a local chef born in Cusco, this four-hour experience is designed to introduce you to the city’s vibrant market scene, traditional ingredients, and homegrown recipes. For $56 per person, you’ll get a full hands-on cooking session, a guided walk through the bustling San Pedro Market, and a chance to learn dishes that are both delicious and steeped in local culture.

What makes this experience truly special are two things: First, the knowledge and warmth of your guide and chef, Ronald, who combines expert culinary skills with storytelling about Cusco’s history and food traditions. Second, the opportunity to prepare and taste authentic dishes like ceviche, rocoto relleno, and lomo saltado—each bite infused with local flavors that you wouldn’t easily find elsewhere.

One consideration is that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point. Also, while the class is flexible enough to accommodate dietary restrictions—including vegetarian options—it’s worth noting that the tour involves walking through a busy market environment, which some travelers might find overwhelming or less accessible with mobility issues.

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy hands-on experiences, culture, and delicious food. It suits those wanting to go beyond sightseeing and truly connect with Cusco’s culinary roots, especially if you’re eager to learn local recipes and meet a knowledgeable, personable guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic Experience: Combines a market tour with a cooking class led by a native Cusco chef.
Cultural Insights: Learn about Peruvian ingredients, dishes, and local food traditions.
Customizable: Dietary restrictions like vegetarian options are accommodated.
High-Quality Food: Prepare and enjoy dishes like ceviche, rocoto relleno, and lomo saltado.
Small Group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personal attention.
Value for Money: For $56, you get a comprehensive, engaging cultural and culinary experience.

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A Deep Dive Into the Cusco Cooking Experience

The Location and Meeting Point

The tour begins at 264 San Juan de Dios Street, directly in front of the Aranwa Boutique Hotel. The entrance is subtle—a glass and wooden door across the road—so keep an eye out. This unassuming spot hides a lively, well-equipped kitchen perfect for the hands-on fun ahead.

Being centrally located makes this spot convenient for many travelers staying in Cusco. Since transportation isn’t included, you’ll want to plan how you’ll get there—walking, taxi, or perhaps a quick ride from your hotel.

The Market Tour: A Feast for the Senses

Your adventure kicks off with a guided walk through San Pedro Market, arguably Cusco’s most famous local market. Here, your guide Ronald, who was born in Cusco, shared his enthusiasm for local produce, cheeses, and fruits. As one reviewer put it, “Ronal has such a great personality and he really made it a night to remember. He was personable, funny, and super knowledgeable.”

In the market, you’ll see the staggering variety of potatoes—over 4,000 varieties—a fascinating fact that comes up frequently in reviews. You’ll also sample some local cheeses, fresh fruits, and perhaps even get a taste of exotic meats or spices. The market’s vibrant atmosphere gives you a real sense of everyday life in Cusco, far from touristy trappings.

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The Cooking Class: Making Food That Tells a Story

Back in the kitchen, you’ll be introduced to Peruvian dishes that are as colorful as the market. You get to choose your main dish—either Lomo Saltado or Ceviche—and a cocktail, with vegetarian options available. The starter is rocoto relleno—a spicy chili stuffed with meat or vegetables—and we loved the way the chef explained the traditional methods and ingredients used.

The dishes aren’t just about the taste; they’re about understanding the culture too. For example, Ceviche, a dish of trout, mango, avocado, lime, and spices, showcases Peru’s fresh seafood and tropical produce. The Lomo Saltado combines beef tenderloin with soy sauce and native potatoes, reflecting the fusion of indigenous and Chinese influence.

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The Chef and Teaching Style

Ronald, the guide and chef, receives consistent praise for his knowledge, humor, and ability to explain techniques clearly. One reviewer mentioned, “Chef Ronald provided an excellent hands-on class with clear guidance and explanations.” He balances professionalism with warmth, making you feel comfortable whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete novice.

For those with dietary restrictions, Ronald adapts recipes seamlessly. “All special requests were handled beautifully,” said one traveler. This flexibility makes the class accessible to vegetarians and others with allergies or preferences.

The Food, Cocktails, and Tasting

Each participant gets to prepare and sample their creations, which are then enjoyed together. You’ll love the Peruvian cocktails—Pisco Sour and Passion Fruit Sour—that are part of the experience, adding a festive touch to the meal. One review mentioned, “The ceviche we made was the best I had in 8 days in Cusco.”

The focus on fresh ingredients and high-quality produce means that the dishes are flavorful and authentic. Many reviewers noted they learned new techniques and recipes they plan to recreate at home, elevating their culinary repertoire.

Duration, Group Size, and Overall Value

The experience lasts about 4 hours, which is ample time for a relaxed, unhurried activity. Since the group is limited to 10 participants, you get plenty of personal attention from Ronald. The price—$56 per person—offers superb value considering the comprehensive nature of the experience, the quality of the food, and cultural insights gained.

Additional Perks

Water, kitchen utensils, aprons, and some digestive teas or altitude sickness remedies are included, making sure you’re comfortable and well-cared-for. The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food lovers, culture seekers, and curious travelers. If you enjoy hands-on cooking, learning about local ingredients, and tasting authentic dishes, you’ll find this class rewarding. It’s especially suited for those wanting a small, intimate group setting where questions are encouraged, and the guide feels more like a knowledgeable friend.

Travelers with special dietary needs will appreciate the flexibility, and anyone eager to bring home new recipes and a deeper appreciation of Peruvian cuisine will leave with plenty of inspiration.

FAQ

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation isn’t provided, so you’ll need to arrange your own way there. The meeting point is centrally located, which makes walking or taking a taxi straightforward.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes, the tour can adapt to all dietary restrictions, including vegetarian options. Mention your needs when booking to ensure a smooth experience.

What dishes will I learn to make?
You’ll prepare two main dishes—either ceviche or lomo saltado—and a starter of rocoto relleno, plus two cocktails: Pisco Sour and Passion Fruit Sour. All recipes are designed to be authentic and representative of Peruvian cuisine.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
The experience is limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

How long does the class last?
The tour is valid for approximately 4 hours, from start to finish. Check availability for specific starting times.

Does the price include food and drinks?
Yes, the price covers all ingredients, dishes, utensils, water, and one cocktail per person. Additional drinks or extras are not included.

Is this activity suitable for children?
While it’s family-friendly, children under 2-6 years, and those with altitude sickness or significant mobility issues, may find it less suitable. Always check with the provider if you’re unsure.

Final Thoughts

This Cusco cooking class and market tour stands out as a genuine, engaging way to connect with Peruvian culture through its food. Led by a local expert, Ronald, it offers a perfect blend of culinary education, cultural storytelling, and delicious tasting. The small-group setting guarantees personalized attention, making the experience more intimate and memorable.

You’ll love the fresh ingredients, the variety of dishes, and the chance to learn recipes that will remind you of Cusco long after your trip ends. Plus, the insights into local ingredients like potatoes and tropical fruits make it an educational highlight. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just someone eager to try something new, this class offers real value for your time and money.

If you’re after a fun, authentic, and tasty Cusco experience, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s a fantastic way to spend part of your trip, especially if you want to take a piece of Peruvian cuisine home with you—literally and figuratively.

Summary

For travelers seeking an authentic culinary adventure, this experience offers a well-rounded journey into Cusco’s food scene. With a knowledgeable local chef guiding you through market treasures and cooking techniques, you’ll come away with new skills, tasty dishes, and a deeper understanding of Peru’s rich flavors. Its affordability and small-group vibe make it a smart choice for those who want more than just sightseeing, but an immersive cultural experience.

Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or simply curious about Cusco’s culinary traditions, this class is likely to be a highlight of your trip. It’s an engaging, educational, and delicious way to spend a few hours in this fascinating city.