Cusco: Cooking Class and Visit to San Pedro Market

Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, beckons with its rich culinary heritage. Visitors can enjoy this vibrant culture through a unique cooking class and a guided tour of the iconic San Pedro Market. Here, they’ll select fresh ingredients to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes, including the renowned Pisco Sour. This hands-on experience not only enhances their culinary skills but also provides a deeper appreciation for the region’s gastronomic traditions. What delectable surprises await in Cusco‘s bustling market and kitchen?

Good To Know

• Explore the historic San Pedro Market in Cusco, the oldest market in the city, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of goods.
• Participate in a guided ingredient shopping excursion, selecting fresh produce and exotic spices to use in a hands-on cooking class.
• Enjoy a guided tour of the market, learning about its history and evolution into a popular tourist destination.
• Prepare typical Peruvian dishes under the guidance of an expert instructor, focusing on local flavors and techniques.
• Important considerations include restrictions for certain guests and the need for effective communication through WhatsApp during the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring San Pedro Market

What better way to take in Cusco’s vibrant culture than by exploring the bustling San Pedro Market?

As the oldest market in Cusco, it’s a hub of activity, with 1,180 stores selling an array of goods – from meats and produce to handicrafts and souvenirs.

Wander through the maze of stalls, taking in the sights, sounds, and scents of this lively marketplace.

Lose yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and scents of San Pedro Market’s bustling array of stalls.

Discover local delicacies, sample fresh fruits, and soak up the energy that makes San Pedro Market an essential stop for any visitor to Cusco.

Ingredient Shopping Excursion

Where better to begin the culinary adventure than at the bustling San Pedro Market? This historic marketplace, dating back to the 1180s, is a feast for the senses.

The guide leads the way, navigating the vibrant stalls brimming with vibrant produce, exotic spices, and artisanal wares. Participants excitedly select ingredients for the upcoming cooking lesson, carefully choosing the freshest tomatoes, crunchy vegetables, and fragrant herbs.

The sounds of haggling vendors and the aromas of sizzling street food create an immersive experience. With ingredients in hand, the group heads to the cooking facilities, eager to learn the secrets of Peruvian cuisine.

Guided Tour of the Market

With ingredients in hand, the group follows the guide into the heart of San Pedro Market. Amidst the bustling stalls, the guide points out the vibrant displays of fresh produce, the skilled butchers, and the bakers crafting traditional breads.

The air is filled with the aroma of spices and the lively chatter of vendors. The guide shares the history of the market, explaining how it has evolved from a local food hub to a popular tourist destination.

Wandering through the maze of aisles, the group takes in the sights, sounds, and flavors that make San Pedro Market a true cultural experience.

Preparing Typical Dishes

After exploring the vibrant stalls of San Pedro Market, the group heads to the cooking facilities to begin preparing typical Peruvian dishes.

Under the guidance of their expert instructor, they learn to expertly craft classic starters, hearty main courses, and decadent desserts.

The aromas of sizzling ingredients and simmering pots fill the air as participants follow along, taking notes on techniques and local flavors.

With each dish, the group gains a deeper appreciation for Cusco’s rich culinary heritage.

The four-course tasting culminates with the preparation of the quintessential Pisco Sour, a celebratory toast to the day’s culinary adventure.

More Great Tours Nearby

Four-Course Tasting Menu

The four-course tasting menu showcases the culinary prowess of the group’s efforts in the kitchen. Starting with a delectable starter, the meal progresses to a satisfying main course. Ending on a sweet note, the dessert tantalizes the taste buds. Complementing the food, the Pisco Sour or its variants provide a refreshing touch.

| Course | Dish |

| — | — |

| First | Starter |

| Second | Main Course |

| Third | Dessert |

| Fourth | Pisco Sour or Variants |

The tasting menu offers a well-rounded experience, allowing participants to savor the authentic flavors of Cusco’s cuisine. This culinary journey immerses the senses in the vibrant culture of the region.

Experiencing Pisco Sour

Participants eagerly anticipate the Pisco Sour, a quintessential Peruvian cocktail that caps off the culinary experience.

The expert guide demonstrates the proper technique, deftly mixing the tart citrus, aromatic bitters, and frothy egg white. As the group watches in rapt attention, the bartender pours the vibrant green-tinged libation into chilled glasses.

The first sip reveals a delicate balance of flavors – the piquant pisco, the zesty lime, the subtle sweetness. Savoring the smooth, velvety texture, the group toasts to a successful cooking class and an immersive exploration of Cusco’s renowned culinary heritage.

Recipes and Takeaways

Four recipes accompany the hands-on cooking class, providing participants with a tangible souvenir of their culinary adventure. Guests receive detailed instructions for preparing classic Peruvian dishes, including the zesty ceviche, hearty lomo saltado, and decadent quinoa chocolate cake. A table showcases the recipes:

| Dish | Ingredients | Instructions |

| — | — | — |

| Ceviche | Fresh white fish, lime juice, onion, chili peppers | Marinate fish in lime juice, add onion and peppers |

| Lomo Saltado | Beef, onion, tomatoes, french fries, soy sauce | Stir-fry beef, vegetables, and fry potatoes |

| Quinoa Chocolate Cake | Quinoa, cocoa powder, eggs, sugar | Blend ingredients, bake, and serve with powdered sugar |

The class empowers participants to recreate these Peruvian specialties back home, savoring the flavors of Cusco.

Important Considerations

While the cooking class and market visit provide a delightful culinary experience, there are a few important considerations guests should keep in mind.

The activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with food allergies, as the menu and ingredients may pose risks. Guests should bring their passport or ID card for identification purposes.

Certain activities are prohibited, such as using drones, smoking indoors, and consuming alcohol or drugs.

To ensure effective communication, guests should provide their WhatsApp number with the correct country code.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Visit the Market Without the Cooking Class?

There’s no option to just visit the San Pedro Market without the cooking class. The activity package includes both the market tour and the hands-on cooking experience in the facilities.

Can I Purchase Additional Ingredients to Take Home?

Yes, visitors can purchase additional ingredients to take home from the bustling San Pedro Market. The market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, spices, and local handicrafts that make for great souvenirs.

Are Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Menu Options Available?

Yes, vegetarian and gluten-free menu options are available. The cooking class accommodates dietary restrictions, so participants can enjoy the experience and prepare dishes that suit their preferences.

Is the Market Open on Weekends or Public Holidays?

The market is open on weekends and public holidays, allowing visitors to experience the vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings throughout the week. Operating hours may vary, so it’s best to check with the tour operator for the most up-to-date information.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Market Visit?

Visitors can take photos and videos during the market visit, as long as they don’t disrupt the vendors or use drones. The guide will provide guidelines on respectful photography to ensure an enjoyable experience for all.

The Sum Up

Indulge in Cusco’s vibrant culinary culture by embarking on a captivating cooking class and market tour. Enjoy the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas of San Pedro Market, then savor the fruits of your labor with a delectable four-course Peruvian feast, including the iconic Pisco Sour. This immersive experience unveils the rich heritage and flavors that make Cusco’s cuisine a true delight for the senses.

You can check availability for your dates here: