Lima: Peruvian Cooking Class and Tour of Surquillo Market

Imagine waking up in Lima with a craving to understand what makes Peruvian cuisine so unique. For $104 per person, this 4-hour experience offers an engaging mix of market exploration and hands-on cooking, led by friendly chefs and local guides. From vibrant stalls in Surquillo to your own kitchen, you’ll learn not just recipes but also the stories behind Peru’s most celebrated dishes.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines authentic local culture with practical cooking skills. First, exploring the lively Surquillo market gives you a real sense of the ingredients that define Peruvian food — from fresh seafood to colorful vegetables. Second, the personalized option to select fish, chicken, or meat, plus vegan alternatives, makes it flexible for various dietary preferences.

A small potential drawback? The tour’s focus on food preparation and market visits may feel a bit brisk for those wanting a leisurely, in-depth culinary experience. However, for travelers eager to get their hands dirty and taste delicious dishes right after, this format is ideal.

This experience suits foodies eager to cook and taste in an authentic setting, travelers interested in local markets, and anyone wanting a practical, fun way to connect with Lima’s culinary spirit.

Key Points

Authentic Market Visit: Explore Surquillo’s vibrant stalls and meet local vendors.
Cooking Skills: Learn to prepare iconic Peruvian dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, or aji de pollo.
Customization: Choose your preferred protein (fish, chicken, or meat) with vegan options available.
Includes Tasting: Enjoy tasting rounds during the cooking process and at the end of the class.
Takeaway Recipes: Leave with detailed recipes and culinary secrets to recreate at home.
Flexible Options: Morning or afternoon tours with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

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Starting the Day: Picking Up and Heading to Surquillo

The tour begins with your pickup from your hotel—whether in Barranco, Miraflores, or San Isidro—making it a hassle-free start to your culinary adventure. The comfortable transport takes you directly to Surquillo, a neighborhood known for its bustling fresh produce markets. This area is the heartbeat of Lima’s food scene, and walking through its lively stalls immediately sets the right tone.

Market Tour: Interacting with Vendors and Choosing Ingredients

Once at the market, you’ll be greeted by your guide, who will introduce you to various vendors and discuss the significance of local ingredients. This is a highlight for many, as it offers a chance to see Peru’s bounty of fresh seafood, vegetables, and spices. Visitors repeatedly mention how engaging and insightful this part of the tour is; one review notes, “We loved the way our guide explained the different ingredients and even helped us pick the best fish.”

You’ll get the opportunity to select your main protein, with options for fish, chicken, or meat, along with vegan adjustments. This flexibility caters to diverse tastes and dietary needs. The market visit is lively, colorful, and a real window into local life — perfect for those curious about everyday Peruvian culture.

Cooking Class: From Ingredients to Finished Dishes

Back at the modern kitchen, it’s time to cook. The experience is designed to be practical and engaging, with a focus on teaching techniques rather than just following recipes. You’ll prepare three key dishes depending on your choice:

Fish option: Ceviche — Peru’s national dish, with raw fish marinated in lime juice, onions, and sweet potatoes. Then, Pescado a la Chorrillana — fried fish with onions, tomatoes, and broth.
Chicken option: Causa Limeña — organic yellow potatoes seasoned with lime and chili, stuffed with vegetables. And Aji de Pollo — tender chicken strips in a mild yellow chili sauce.
Meat option: Papa Rellena — mashed potato balls filled with meat or vegetables, served with salsa criolla. Followed by Lomo Saltado — beef sautéed with vegetables, served with fries and rice.

The chef will share culinary secrets and techniques, making this more than just a cooking class — it’s an educational experience that helps demystify Peruvian cuisine. As you cook, tasting rounds will be offered, allowing you to savor your creations and see how flavors develop together.

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The Atmosphere and Learning Environment

The tone is relaxed and friendly, with emphasis on practical skills. According to reviews, “We appreciated how quick and lively the class was — no long waits, just hands-on cooking and tasting.” This approach is perfect for those who want to learn efficiently without feeling overwhelmed.

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Ending with a Feast and Flexibility

After preparing your dishes, you’ll enjoy a satisfying meal, tasting what you’ve made. It’s a delicious way to cap off the experience and really appreciate the flavors of Peru. You’ll also receive the recipes to recreate these dishes at home — a fantastic souvenir.

Post-meal, the group will be returned to your hotel, or you can choose to explore Lima further on your own. The flexible timing and small-group setup mean you’ll get personalized attention without feeling lost in a crowd.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $104, this culinary experience packs in a lot of value. You’re getting a market tour, cooking lesson, tasting, and take-home recipes — all guided by an expert chef. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies logistics, especially in a bustling city like Lima.

Reviews frequently mention how much they appreciated the authenticity of the market visit and the practical tips shared by the guide. The chance to learn the secrets of dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado, then enjoy them immediately, makes this tour a memorable culinary highlight.

Who Will Love This Experience

This tour is perfect for food lovers who want to go beyond just eating and actually learn how to prepare Peruvian classics. It’s also great for travelers interested in local markets and culture, as you’ll see how ingredients are sourced and used daily.

If you’re someone who enjoys interactive experiences rather than passive tasting tours, this option will suit you well. It’s also ideal for those traveling with family or friends who want a lively, hands-on activity that ends with a delicious meal.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup and Transfer: Starting in Barranco, Miraflores, or San Isidro, the transport takes you comfortably to Surquillo. This ensures you arrive fresh and ready to dive into the local scene. The convenience of hotel pickup can’t be overstated, especially after a long travel day or if you’re unfamiliar with Lima’s transport options.

Market Exploration: Once in Surquillo, your guide will walk you through the stalls, explaining the significance of ingredients like choclo (Peruvian maize), ají amarillo (yellow chili), and fresh seafood. You’ll learn how these items are crucial to dishes like ceviche, causa, and saltado. The lively environment, with vendors calling out and locals shopping, offers a real taste of everyday life.

Ingredient Selection: Picking your main protein not only makes the experience personal but also allows you to customize your meal. This choice impacts the dishes you’ll prepare, giving you a sense of ownership. The guide’s tips on selecting the freshest fish or best-quality chicken are invaluable.

Cooking in a Modern Kitchen: After the market, the journey continues to a well-equipped, professional kitchen. The chef will guide you through each step, sharing techniques such as how to marinate fish properly or how to get the perfect stir-fry texture. The focus on practicality means you’ll pick up skills — like chopping onions or making a smooth sauce — that you can replicate at home.

Taste Testing and Final Meal: As your dishes come together, tasting rounds let you appreciate different flavor layers. When it’s time to eat, you’ll enjoy your own creations, often with a side of chicha morada — a traditional purple corn drink. Many reviewers mention how satisfying it is to savor a meal you made yourself.

Recap and Return: The tour concludes with a return to your hotel or free time for sightseeing. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, and the entire experience is designed to be accessible for all skill levels.

Final Thoughts

This cooking class and market tour in Lima offers an authentic glimpse into the heart of Peruvian cuisine. It’s well-suited for those eager to learn, taste, and bring home new skills. The combination of vibrant market exploration with practical cooking makes it a meaningful addition to any Lima itinerary.

With its focus on fresh ingredients, local culture, and delicious dishes, the experience offers good value for the price. Plus, the chance to learn the secrets behind dishes like ceviche or lomo saltado makes it especially rewarding for foodies.

A bonus is how smoothly everything is organized — from hotel pickup to the flexible schedule — which makes for a stress-free, enjoyable day. If you want to connect with Lima’s culinary soul and leave with new recipes in your pocket, this tour deserves serious consideration.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, vegan options are available for all the dishes, and you can choose the protein option that fits your diet.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts around 4 hours, with pickup times depending on your booking.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and casual clothes are best, especially since you’ll walk around the market and cook in a kitchen.

Are there any extras I should prepare for?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and a sense of curiosity. Everything else, including ingredients and recipes, is included.

Can I join if I don’t know how to cook?
Absolutely. The class is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice.

What is included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, market tour, cooking class with a professional chef, tasting rounds, recipes, and your meal.

Will I learn authentic Peruvian recipes?
Yes, you will learn how to prepare iconic dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, aji de pollo, and more, with tips from local experts.

This tour offers a well-rounded, flavorful way to connect with Peru’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re looking to improve your cooking skills, sample authentic flavors, or simply enjoy a lively market experience, it provides a practical and enjoyable taste of Lima’s vibrant food scene.