Private Andean Cooking Class, Pachamanca

Set out on a culinary journey through the Andes with a private Andean cooking class focused on the traditional Pachamanca method. Led by an experienced chef, this hands-on experience delves into the rich flavors and heritage of Peruvian cuisine. Participants will learn to prepare classic dishes like savory Humitas and Uchucuta Sauce, while gaining a deeper appreciation for the country’s vibrant food culture. With high reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this immersive class promises an unforgettable taste of Peru.

Key Points

• Immersive, hands-on cooking class focused on traditional Peruvian dishes and the Pachamanca cooking method of baking in an underground oven with hot stones.
• Personalized experience led by a professional chef, covering the preparation of classic Peruvian starters, mains, and cocktails.
• Opportunity to learn about the cultural significance and unique flavors of Pachamanca, a traditional Andean cooking technique.
• Convenient location in Cusco, well-suited for travelers before or after visiting the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu.
• Highly recommended experience with a 100% satisfaction rate and free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

Overview and Experience

The Private Andean Cooking Class in Cusco, Peru offers a half-day, chef-led, hands-on experience that allows travelers to enjoy Peruvian flavors before or after their adventures in the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu.

The class is 100% recommended by previous participants and covers the preparation of classic Peruvian dishes and cocktails, including the traditional pachamanca dish baked with hot stones.

Starters like savory or sweet humitas and the flavorful uchucuta sauce are also part of the experience.

The class is private, ensuring a personalized and immersive learning environment.

Menu and Dishes

During the Private Andean Cooking Class, participants learn to prepare classic Peruvian dishes and cocktails.

Participants learn to prepare classic Peruvian dishes and cocktails during the Private Andean Cooking Class.

The sample menu includes a main course of Pachamanca, a traditional dish baked with hot stones.

Starters feature savory or sweet Humitas, a fresh corn paste wrapped in corn husks, and Uchucuta Sauce, made with tender chili and herbs.

The hands-on class provides an immersive experience in Peruvian flavors, allowing travelers to savor the country’s culinary heritage before or after their Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu adventures.

Inclusions and Pricing

The Private Andean Cooking Class is priced from $130.00 per person, which includes a private tour, a professional chef, a lunch of one appetizer and one main course, bottled water, and gratuities.

The class offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Participants must bring their original passport for tax purposes.

The private tour ensures only the group participates. With 50 reviews and a 5.0 rating from Viator and Tripadvisor, this class provides an immersive Peruvian culinary experience ideal for adventures before or after visiting the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu.

Meeting Information

Where exactly does the Private Andean Cooking Class take place? The meeting point is C. Palacio 135, Cusco 08002, Peru, located behind the Cathedral of Cusco, beside UCHU Peruvian Steak House.

The activity starts at 9:00 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

The class is available in Spanish or English upon request. Participants must bring their original passport for tax purposes, as this is a private tour ensuring only your group participates.

The class offers a vegetarian option, so be sure to specify any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Additional Information

The Private Andean Cooking Class offers additional flexibility, as it’s available in both Spanish and English upon request.

Vegetarians can also enjoy the experience, as the chef can accommodate dietary requirements when booking.

To attend, participants must bring their original passport for tax purposes.

This private tour ensures only your group participates, providing a more personalized and immersive experience.

With 50 reviews at a 5.0 rating on Viator and Tripadvisor, this cooking class is a highly recommended way to dive into Peruvian flavors before or after exploring the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu.

Pachamanca: The Traditional Andean Cooking Method

Although often overshadowed by the iconic Inca ruins, the traditional Andean cooking method of Pachamanca is a captivating culinary tradition that lies at the heart of Peruvian cuisine.

Pachamanca involves baking meats, vegetables, and potatoes in an underground oven lined with hot stones. This ancient technique imparts a unique, earthy flavor and tender texture to the dishes.

Baking in an underground oven with hot stones lends Pachamanca dishes a unique, earthy flavor and tender texture.

During the private cooking class, you will:

• Learn the step-by-step process of preparing an authentic Pachamanca

• Discover the cultural significance of this traditional cooking method

• Enjoy the smoky, slow-cooked flavors of the Pachamanca meal

• Gain a deeper appreciation for Peruvian culinary heritage

Peruvian Flavors and Ingredients

Peruvian cuisine is renowned for its vibrant array of flavors and diverse ingredients, a culinary tapestry woven together by centuries of cultural exchange and innovation. The cooking class in Cusco offers an immersive experience in these iconic Andean flavors.

| Ingredient | Dish | Region |

| — | — | — |

| Fresh Corn | Humitas | Central Andes |

| Tender Chili Peppers | Uchucuta Sauce | Amazon |

| Pachamanca Ingredients | Pachamanca | Andes |

| Aromatic Herbs | All Dishes | Andes and Coast |

Hands-on Cooking and Immersive Experience

During the private Andean cooking class, participants can look forward to a hands-on, immersive experience in Peruvian culinary traditions.

The class is led by a professional chef who guides attendees through preparing classic Peruvian dishes and cocktails, including:

• Learning to make the traditional pachamanca, a dish baked with hot stones

• Crafting savory or sweet humitas, a fresh corn paste wrapped in corn husks

• Preparing the flavorful uchucuta sauce made with tender chili and herbs

• Sampling the final dishes and beverages in a relaxed, intimate setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point From My Hotel?

To get to the meeting point from your hotel, you’ll need to make your way to C. Palacio 135, behind the Cathedral of Cusco, beside UCHU Peruvian Steak House. You can walk, take a taxi, or use public transportation to reach the location.

Can I Bring My Own Alcohol to the Cooking Class?

No, you can’t bring your own alcohol to the cooking class. The class includes beverages, but the instructor provides these. Bringing outside alcohol is not permitted as it’s a private experience focused on learning Peruvian cooking and cocktails.

Is the Cooking Class Suitable for Children?

The cooking class is suitable for children, as it offers a hands-on, interactive experience with Peruvian cuisine. The chef can accommodate dietary needs and provide a kid-friendly menu, making it an engaging activity for the whole family.

Can I Take Home the Leftovers From the Meal?

Unfortunately, the cooking class doesn’t allow participants to take home leftovers from the meal. The experience is designed as a private, hands-on cooking class where you’ll enjoy the prepared dishes together on-site.

Will I Receive a Recipe Booklet After the Class?

The cooking class includes a recipe booklet for the dishes prepared during the experience. This allows participants to recreate the Peruvian flavors at home after the class.