The Workshop of Heritage Ice Creams offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and learn the traditional methods of ice cream making. Led by knowledgeable guides, participants embark on a captivating journey through the history and flavors of this beloved dessert. From locally-sourced Ecuadorian ingredients like tamarind and rice pudding to the hands-on experience of crafting artisanal ice creams, this workshop promises to delight the senses and ignite a newfound appreciation for the craft. With no electricity required, the process transports attendees to a simpler era, allowing them to connect with the rich heritage that shapes the flavors they’ll savor.
- Key Points
- Overview of the Workshop
- Booking and Availability
- Highlighting the Experience
- Included in the Package
- Participant Recommendations
- Traditional Ice Cream Preparation
- Discovering Local Flavors
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cartagena
- More Winter Activities in Cartagena
- More Historical Tours in Cartagena
- More Tour Reviews in Cartagena
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cartagena we have recnetly reviewed
Key Points

- Immersive workshop offering hands-on experience in traditional artisan ice cream preparation without electricity.
- Opportunity to explore local Ecuadorian flavors like tamarind, rice pudding, and aguardiente.
- Participants take home 2 to 5 homemade ice cream creations.
- Inclusive workshop with wheelchair accessibility and accommodation for dietary restrictions.
- Engaging storytelling by a knowledgeable guide on the history and culture of ice cream.
👉 Check out our guide to the 15 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Cartagena
Overview of the Workshop

The workshop offers participants an immersive experience in the traditional techniques of artisan ice cream preparation, reminiscent of the time-honored helado de paila method.
Over the course of 2 hours, attendees will learn to create ice creams without the use of electricity, just as it was done in the past.
The cost starts at $44.44 per person, and the experience is available in both English and Spanish.
It’s also wheelchair accessible, making it accessible to all.
Participants can expect to learn about local flavors, the history of ice cream, and take home 2 to 5 of their favorite creations.
Fascinated by Cartagena's past? More historical tours we've covered
Booking and Availability

Guests can reserve their spot for the heritage ice cream workshop with no upfront payment.
Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Participants can check availability for different starting times and group sizes.
The booking process is straightforward:
- Reserve your spot online or over the phone.
- Select your preferred date and time.
- Provide any dietary requirements or accessibility needs.
- Receive confirmation and information about the workshop.
This hassle-free booking ensures a smooth experience from start to finish, allowing guests to fully enjoy the art of traditional ice cream making.
Highlighting the Experience

During the workshop, participants learn to prepare ice creams without using cream, yolks, fat, or additives – a traditional technique similar to the helado de paila method.
They’ll discover local flavors like tamarind, rice pudding, and aguardiente.
The workshop also explores the history of ice cream, including the origins of the sundae and the ice cream cone.
Participants can take home 2 to 5 ice creams of their favorite flavors.
The experience is led by a professional guide who provides information on the history and culture of ice cream.
Options are available for gluten-free and lactose intolerant guests to ensure a safe and inclusive experience.
Included in the Package
The workshop is inclusive of various elements that enhance the overall experience. Participants will be led through the ice cream preparation process by a professional guide, who’ll provide in-depth information on the history and culture surrounding this beloved frozen treat.
Plus, the experience caters to those with gluten-free and lactose-intolerant dietary needs.
The package also includes:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience
- The opportunity to take home 2 to 5 of their favorite homemade ice creams
- Engaging storytelling that brings the origins of the sundae and ice cream cone to life
- Gratuities for the knowledgeable host, Paula
Participant Recommendations
Glowing recommendations from participants underscore the workshop’s educational value and the engaging storytelling by the host, Paula. Guests highly praise the experience, with a perfect 5/5 rating based on traveler feedback. As shown in the table below, the workshop is particularly recommended for its informative content, local flavor exploration, and the opportunity to take home handcrafted ice creams.
| Recommendation | Traveler Rating | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Value | 5/5 | Learn traditional ice cream preparation without electricity |
| Storytelling | 5/5 | Captivating history and culture of ice cream shared by host |
| Takeaway Ice Creams | 4.9/5 | 2 to 5 favorite flavors to enjoy at home |
Participants with special dietary needs can rest assured that the workshop accommodates gluten-free and lactose-intolerant guests with alternative options.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Cartagena
Traditional Ice Cream Preparation

Participants eager to learn the traditional techniques of ice cream preparation can look forward to an immersive, hands-on experience at the workshop.
Without relying on electricity, they’ll explore artisan methods akin to the classic helado de paila technique.
The workshop guides participants through:
- Preparing ice creams using local ingredients without cream, yolk, fat, or additives
- Discovering unique flavors like tamarind, rice pudding, and aguardiente
- Understanding the origins of iconic ice cream creations like the sundae and the cone
- Taking home 2 to 5 of their favorite homemade ice cream flavors
Discovering Local Flavors
What local flavors can participants expect to discover at the ice cream workshop? Participants will have the opportunity to create a variety of traditional Ecuadorian ice cream flavors, including tamarind, rice pudding, and aguardiente.
These unique flavors offer a delightful taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage. The workshop’s focus on using local, natural ingredients without cream, yolk, or additives allows the authentic flavors to shine.
As participants learn the artisanal preparation techniques, they’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the history and cultural significance of these heritage ice creams. The chance to take home their own handcrafted creations makes for a truly memorable experience.
Workshop of Heritage Ice Creams
Recap
The Workshop of Heritage Ice Creams offers a captivating journey into Ecuador’s rich ice cream heritage. Participants enjoy the art of traditional preparation, crafting unique flavors like tamarind and rice pudding. Led by knowledgeable guides, the hands-on experience showcases the history and cultural significance of this beloved dessert, leaving attendees with a newfound appreciation for the craft and a delicious, unforgettable treat.
You can check availability for your dates here:


























