Cusco: Cooking Class and San Pedro Market Tour — A Flavorful Journey into Peruvian Cuisine

If you’re visiting Cusco and looking for a way to truly connect with Peruvian culture, this Cooking Class and San Pedro Market Tour offers a fantastic mix of sights, tastes, and hands-on experiences. For $92 per person, you’ll spend about four hours exploring one of Cusco’s most vibrant markets and then rolling up your sleeves in a nearby kitchen, learning how to prepare authentic Peruvian dishes.

What we really love about this experience is how it balances local market vibrancy with culinary craftsmanship. The San Pedro Market is a feast for the senses, full of fresh produce, cheeses, and handcrafts, giving you a taste of daily life in Cusco. The cooking class, led by a professional chef, is a chance to learn specific techniques—like preparing ceviche or stuffing rocoto peppers—that you can hopefully recreate at home. Plus, tasting your own creations in a group setting adds a warm, communal feel.

One possible drawback is the activity’s physical demands, such as walking through the market and standing during the cooking class, which might be tiring for some at altitude. Also, since the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the starting point near San Pedro Market.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy exploring markets, want a deeper understanding of Peruvian cuisine, and appreciate hands-on experiences in authentic settings. It’s ideal for foodies, culture seekers, or anyone eager to learn local cooking techniques in a friendly, relaxed environment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Vibrant Market Exploration: You’ll get an inside look at San Pedro Market, a bustling hub that’s been serving Cusco since 1925.
Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides and professional chefs make the experience educational and fun.
Authentic Cuisine: Prepare and sample traditional dishes like ceviche, stuffed rocoto peppers, and lucuma desserts.
All-Inclusive Ingredients: No hidden costs—ingredients and drinks like Chicha Morada are included.
Flexible and Convenient: Four hours of engaging activity, with options to see start times when booking.
No Hotel Pickup: You’ll need to make your way to the meeting point, but it’s within walking distance from Plaza de Armas.

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A Deep Dive into the Cusco Culinary Experience

Starting Point: San Pedro Market — A Historic Food Hub

Our journey begins at Gate 1 of San Pedro Market, a lively, colorful place that’s been a key part of Cusco life since 1925. As we step inside, the air is filled with the aroma of fresh herbs, roasted corn, and exotic fruits. Our guide, María (if she’s the one mentioned in reviews), points out the variety of stalls—cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products—each offering a glimpse of local life.

What makes San Pedro special is its history as part of the Inca Trail, connecting to the Plaza de Armas, and its role as a primary supply point for residents and visitors alike. Walking through its corridors feels like stepping into a living museum of Cusco’s culinary traditions.

The Market Tour: A Feast for the Senses

During the market walk, you’ll see a vast array of Peruvian ingredients—unique tubers like mashua, high-altitude cheeses, tropical fruits like tumbo and cherimoya, and perhaps even some high Andean algae (kushuro). The guide explains the significance of these foods, such as mashua’s nutritional benefits and the cultural importance of ceviche variations.

One reviewer remarked, “We loved the way the guide explained the traditional ingredients, making the market visit more than just shopping—more of a cultural lesson.” You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Peruvian food’s diversity and why these ingredients are staples in local cuisine.

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Transition to the Cooking Studio

After about an hour in the market, a short walk brings you to a cozy cooking studio nestled near the historic center. The space is warm and well-equipped, perfect for learning. Here, the fun begins as you start with a classic Pisco Sour, learning the correct way to shake and serve this iconic Peruvian cocktail.

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Step-by-Step Cooking: From Market to Plate

Your chef guides you through preparing a 4-course menu featuring ingredients sourced from the market. Here’s what you can expect:

First Course: A Mashua Cream served with purple corn chips. Mashua, a high-altitude tuber similar to potatoes, provides a hearty, nutritious start. We loved the way the chef explained its benefits, making it clear why it’s a Peruvian staple.
Second Course: Three ceviche styles—classic with onions and cilantro, ancestral with tumbo juice, and a high-altitude ceviche with kushuro, tarwi, and camu camu. Tasting these side by side offers a real appreciation for regional flavors and techniques.
Third Course: A rocoto pepper stuffed with mushrooms and vegetables, accompanied by a garden salad and a smooth potato pie made with three different types of potatoes. The spicy kick of rocoto peppers adds excitement, balanced by the creamy potato pie.
Desserts: Aromatic fruit-based sweets featuring lucuma, cherimoya, and goldenberries. These exotic fruits are a highlight, revealing the sweetness and freshness of Andean produce.

Throughout the class, you’ll taste each dish, getting immediate feedback and sharing a convivial moment with fellow travelers. The host explains cooking techniques in simple terms, making it accessible whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner.

The Value of Hands-On Learning

The inclusion of all ingredients and drinks like Chicha Morada (a sweet purple corn beverage) enhances the experience. You don’t need to worry about extra costs, and you’ll leave with a new set of skills—and probably a few recipes to try back home.

Unbiased Perspective

While the experience offers a taste of Cusco’s culinary culture and is highly praised for the guides’ knowledge, be aware that the tour’s physical aspects—walking in high altitude and standing during cooking—might not suit everyone. Also, the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so planning your transport is your responsibility.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for foodies eager to learn authentic Peruvian recipes, culture lovers interested in local markets, or adventurous travelers who enjoy interactive activities. It’s not suited for very young children or those with mobility issues, given the walking and standing involved.

Final Thoughts

The Cusco Cooking Class and San Pedro Market Tour offers a genuine taste of local life, combining culture, history, and cuisine into a memorable four-hour experience. It’s a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of Cusco’s food traditions, especially if you appreciate hands-on learning and authentic flavors.

You’ll come away not only with new recipes but also with stories of the ingredients that make Peruvian cuisine so unique. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just curious about local ingredients, this tour provides meaningful insights in a friendly, engaging setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
The tour includes a ceviche with fish and a stuffed rocoto with mushrooms and vegetables, so it’s suitable for vegetarians, but it’s best to specify dietary restrictions when booking to ensure accommodations.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring your passport for check-in, comfortable shoes for walking, and any dietary restrictions you have when making the reservation.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, transportation to the meeting point at San Pedro Market is not provided, so you’ll need to make your own way there.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately four hours, with start times available depending on availability.

What languages are available for the tour?
Tours are offered in Spanish and English, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

Are children allowed?
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 6 years old, mainly due to walking and activity levels.

Is there an age limit?
While no strict maximum age is specified, the physical demands mean it’s best suited for those capable of walking and standing comfortably.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s the best way to prepare for high altitude?
Arrive well-rested, stay hydrated, and have a light meal before the activity to help with acclimatization.

This culinary adventure in Cusco promises a mix of market discovery, cultural insight, and practical cooking skills—perfect for those wanting to taste and learn about genuine Peruvian flavors.