Discover the vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine through a hands-on cooking class in the heart of Cusco. This half-day experience takes you on a culinary journey, starting with a visit to the bustling San Pedro Market. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, you’ll select fresh ingredients and learn to prepare beloved dishes like lomo saltado and the refreshing pisco sour. The class culminates in a shared dining experience, allowing you to savor the fruits of your labor and learn about Peru’s rich culinary heritage.
Key Points

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A half-day immersive experience where participants learn to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes from scratch under the guidance of a skilled instructor.
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Includes a visit to the vibrant San Pedro Market to interact with local vendors, learn about customs, and shop for ingredients.
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Hands-on cooking segment focused on mastering techniques and flavors, followed by a shared 3-course meal experience featuring lomo saltado and pisco sour.
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Offers pickup and drop-off service from Cusco hotels, making it a convenient option for travelers.
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Suitable for participants 13 years and older, providing an opportunity to appreciate the rich culinary culture of Peru.
Overview of the Cooking Class
The Peruvian cooking class offers a half-day immersive experience in Cusco. Participants will learn to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes from scratch under the guidance of an instructor.
The class covers the preparation of a 3-course meal, including the national drink, the pisco sour. Guests will also visit the San Pedro Market to shop for ingredients, learning about Peruvian customs and interacting with local vendors.
The final meal features a popular dish, lomo saltado, accompanied by a glass of wine. The activity is available daily and includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
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The Market Experience

After learning about the cooking class itself, participants move on to explore the San Pedro Market. At the bustling marketplace, they interact with local vendors and learn about Peruvian customs. The sights, sounds, and aromas of the market provide a immersive cultural experience.
| Market Highlights | Vendor Interactions | Cultural Learnings |
| — | — | — |
| Vibrant produce stalls | Bargaining techniques | Traditional dress |
| Artisanal handicrafts | Product origin stories | Regional food specialties |
| Spice and herb stands | Sampling local delicacies | Market organization |
| Bustling energy | Vendor hospitality | Community traditions |
| Maze-like layout | Language exchange | Sustainable practices |
The market visit complements the cooking class, giving participants a deeper appreciation for Peruvian cuisine and culture.
Preparing the Meal

Once the market visit concludes, participants move on to the hands-on cooking portion of the class.
Under the guidance of the skilled instructor, guests dive into preparing a delectable three-course Peruvian feast. The menu includes:
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Lomo saltado, a popular beef dish with rice and french fries
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The national drink, the pisco sour
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A dessert featuring local ingredients
Participants actively chop, sauté, and blend their way through the preparation, learning traditional techniques and flavors.
Participants enjoy chopping, sautéing, and blending, mastering traditional Peruvian culinary techniques and flavors.
The class culminates in a shared meal, where guests savor the fruits of their labor and the rich cultural experience.
Tasting the Peruvian Cuisine
How does the cooking class culminate in a shared Peruvian feast?
After preparing the meal together, participants sit down to enjoy the fruits of their labor. The instructor serves the lomo saltado, a beloved beef dish with rice and french fries.
Paired with a refreshing pisco sour, the meal showcases the vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Diners savor each bite, appreciating the care and technique that went into the preparation.
The communal dining experience allows participants to bond over the shared culinary adventure. With bellies full and palates satisfied, the class concludes on a high note, leaving everyone with a newfound love for Peruvian food.
Logistics and Details
The cooking class is available daily from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM, with pickup and drop-off from Cusco hotels included.
The meeting point is Plaza Regocijo in Cusco. This cooking experience is suitable for participants 13 years and older, but isn’t wheelchair accessible.
The class includes:
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Preparing a 3-course Peruvian meal under the guidance of an instructor
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Learning to make the national drink, the pisco sour
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Enjoying the meal and a glass of wine afterwards
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Cusco
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- Cusco Cooking Classes and San Pedro Market Tour
- Fully Hands-On High End Peruvian Cooking Class & San Pedro Market Guided Visit
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- Market Tour & Traditional Peruvian Cooking Class in Cusco
- Peruvian Cooking Class and Local Market in Cusco
Participant Feedback
What do participants say about their experience with the Peruvian Cooking Class? Reviewers rave about the friendly, informative, and fun experience.
One participant highlights the quality of the lunch, noting the delicious flavor of the lomo saltado, Peru’s popular beef dish.
Guests appreciate the market visit, which provides an opportunity to interact with local vendors and learn about Peruvian customs.
Exploring Cusco’s Culinary Traditions
Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, beckons visitors with its rich culinary traditions.
This cooking class offers a glimpse into the vibrant food culture of the region. From the bustling San Pedro Market, where participants shop for fresh ingredients, to the hands-on preparation of iconic Peruvian dishes, the experience is immersive and educational.
Participants will:
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Learn to craft the national cocktail, the pisco sour
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Prepare a 3-course meal, including the beloved lomo saltado
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Enjoy a glass of wine while savoring the fruits of their labor
This culinary adventure promises an authentic taste of Cusco‘s vibrant gastronomic heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request Dietary Accommodations for the Cooking Class?
Yes, dietary accommodations can likely be requested for the cooking class. Participants should contact the provider in advance to inquire about accommodating any special dietary needs or restrictions.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Cooking Class?
The cancellation policy allows full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours before the start time. Within 24 hours, a 50% cancellation fee applies. There’s no charge for no-shows but you’ll miss the experience.
Is Transportation to the Market and Cooking Class Provided?
The cooking class includes pickup and drop-off from the participant’s Cusco hotel, making transportation to the market and cooking venue convenient. This service is provided as part of the overall cooking experience.
Can I Purchase Ingredients From the Market to Take Home?
The cooking class includes a visit to the market, but participants aren’t able to purchase ingredients to take home. The focus is on learning about Peruvian customs and preparing a full 3-course meal during the hands-on cooking experience.
Is the Cooking Class Suitable for Vegetarian or Vegan Participants?
The cooking class can accommodate vegetarian and vegan participants, as the instructor can adjust the menu to suit their dietary needs. Participants can learn to prepare plant-based Peruvian dishes during the hands-on cooking session.
The Sum Up
The Peruvian cooking class in Cusco offers a unique opportunity to take in the country’s rich culinary heritage. Participants can expect a hands-on experience, from selecting fresh ingredients at the local market to preparing traditional dishes under the guidance of skilled instructors. The shared dining experience at the end of the class allows participants to savor the flavors of Peru and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
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