Imagine spending a few hours surrounded by the bustling San Pedro market, tasting exotic fruits, learning how to prepare traditional dishes, and ending with a shared meal and Pisco Sours. This 4-hour experience in Cusco offers a lively, practical immersion into Peruvian culinary traditions for just $65 per person. Led by an experienced chef, you’ll walk through colorful market stalls, pick out local ingredients, and then roll up your sleeves for a fun, informative cooking class.

What we really love about this tour is its authenticity and hands-on approach. You’re not just watching a demonstration—you’re actively involved in crafting dishes like Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, or Ají de Gallina. Plus, the inclusion of a comprehensive market tour helps you understand the ingredients that make Peruvian cuisine so unique. A second highlight is the Pisco Sour tasting, which adds a celebratory touch to your culinary adventure.

That said, a possible consideration is that the duration (around 4 hours) might feel a bit tight for some, especially if you’re slow-moving in the kitchen or want extra time at the market. Also, alcohol isn’t included in the price, so if you’re hoping to sample more local drinks, you’ll need to purchase them separately.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy food and culture in equal measure—especially those eager to learn real, local recipes and understand their ingredients firsthand. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a practical, engaging activity that combines sightseeing, learning, and eating in a friendly setting.

Key Points

Authentic Experience: Hands-on cooking with an expert chef in Cusco.
Market Insight: Guided walk through San Pedro market to discover local fruits and ingredients.
Culinary Skills: Learn to make classic Peruvian dishes like Ceviche and Lomo Saltado.
Cultural Tasting: Enjoy your creations alongside a tasting of Pisco Sours and pisco grapes.
Time & Value: Four hours for $65, offering a rich mix of cultural learning and delicious food.
Accessibility: Suitable for all, with wheelchair access and bilingual guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Cusco Cooking & Market Tour

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Location and Duration: Setting the Scene

This experience is based in Cusco, the historic heart of Peru’s Inca empire and vibrant cultural hub. The tour starts at the water fountain in the main square, a familiar landmark in Cusco’s lively hub. You’ll spend approximately 4 hours exploring, learning, and tasting—an ideal length for a relaxed, informative culinary adventure.

The experience is designed to be flexible, with checkable starting times allowing you to fit it into your schedule. Whether you’re arriving in Cusco for a few days or seeking a meaningful activity on your last day, this tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to connect with local traditions.

The Market Walk: San Pedro’s Bustling Heart

Your journey begins with a guided walk through San Pedro market, lasting about 45 minutes. Here, you witness a kaleidoscope of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and local ingredients. It’s an eye-opening introduction to the local food scene—think of it as a crash course in Peruvian cuisine before you even step into the kitchen.

What makes this part special is the chef’s commentary on how ingredients are sourced and used. You’ll learn to identify exotic fruits and vegetables that are staples in Cusqueña dishes. The lively chatter, colorful stalls, and aromatic smells create a sensory experience you won’t forget.

One reviewer noted, “the chef gave us lots of interesting information and the food was fresh and delicious,” emphasizing how this part of the tour adds both educational and sensory value.

Learning About Pisco: Peru’s Famous Spirit

Back at the restaurant, the tour shifts to the world of Pisco, Peru’s national drink. You’ll get a full explanation about Pisco grapes and their qualities, along with tastings that help you distinguish different types. A toast with your fellow participants sets a convivial tone, making the experience more than just a cooking class—it’s also a social event.

If you appreciate spirits or simply want to understand a crucial part of Peruvian culture, this segment offers both educational insights and enjoyable tasting.

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The Cooking Class: Crafting Peruvian Classics

Now, onto the heart of the experience—the hands-on cooking. Led by a seasoned chef like Ronald (who receives glowing praise), you choose to prepare a dish from a selection that might include Ceviche, Chilcano soup, Lomo Saltado, or Ají de Gallina.

The class is designed to be informative and friendly, not intimidating. The chef explains techniques clearly, and the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced—both crucial for authentic flavors. The reviews describe the class as “well prepared,” with “interesting information” and a focus on traditional methods.

What’s particularly enjoyable is the chance to participate actively—chopping, mixing, and seasoning—rather than passively watching. Afterward, you sit down to enjoy your own creations alongside your Pisco Sours, which adds a celebratory, communal aspect to the meal.

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The Food and Drink: Tasting the Flavors

The culmination of the tour is tasting your self-made dishes. As one review enthusiastically put it, “everything was well prepared, fresh, and delicious.” You’ll get to savor the authentic flavors of Cusqueña cuisine, which is hearty, flavorful, and often a little spicy.

The Pisco Sour, a must-try cocktail in Peru, pairs beautifully with your meal. While alcohol isn’t included in the price, the tasting session provides a solid introduction, and additional drinks can be purchased if desired.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What’s Not

For $65, you receive a bilingual cooking class, all necessary equipment, a tasty lunch, and the market tour. The tour is suitable for wheelchair users, and guides speak both English and Spanish.

Not included are additional alcoholic drinks beyond the Pisco Sours provided, so if you’re eager to try local beers or spirits, those are extra. Also, if you want extra dishes or drinks beyond what’s offered, those are available for purchase.

The Overall Value

Considering the price—$65 for four hours of active, authentic cuisine learning plus market exploration—the value is excellent. You gain practical skills, cultural insights, and a delicious meal in a friendly atmosphere.

Plus, the positive reviews underscore how well-organized and engaging the experience is. One reviewer simply said, “Had an amazing time, chef Ronald was the best,” highlighting the importance of a knowledgeable, personable guide.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves to cook or eat local food, this experience is a perfect fit. It’s especially suitable if you’re interested in learning recipes you can try at home or want a deeper cultural connection with Cusco. It’s also great for travelers who appreciate interactive, social activities and want to meet fellow foodies.

Final Thoughts

This Cusco culinary tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Peruvian cuisine, combining market visits, spirited tastings, and hands-on cooking. It’s an ideal choice for those who want more than just sightseeing—who want to experience culture through its flavors.

The tour’s authenticity and friendly guidance make it stand out, and the opportunity to prepare and enjoy genuine Cusqueña dishes is a memorable highlight. Whether you’re a foodie, a curious traveler, or someone looking to bring home a new skill, this experience delivers real value.

For anyone eager to see the sights, smell the smells, and taste the flavors of Cusco’s food scene, this cooking class and market tour hits the spot.

FAQ

What languages are available for the tour?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, making it accessible for most travelers.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs about 4 hours, including the market walk, cooking class, and tasting.

What is included in the price?
You get a bilingual cooking class, cooking equipment, a lunch, and a market tour.

Are drinks included?
No, alcoholic drinks are not included, but Pisco Sours are part of the experience, and additional beverages are available for purchase.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

What dishes can we expect to prepare?
Possible dishes include Ceviche, Chilcano soup, Lomo Saltado, or Ají de Gallina—you choose what to make.

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

What should I bring?
Bring a camera and wear comfortable clothes suitable for cooking.

In summary, this Cusco cooking and market tour offers a rich, authentic look at Peruvian cuisine that’s as fun as it is flavorful. It’s a fantastic way to connect with Cusco’s food culture, learn new skills, and enjoy a communal meal with fellow travelers.