Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca

Cuenca’s Cooking Class & Market Tour offers a captivating culinary adventure for foodies. Over 4 hours, participants explore a vibrant local market, selecting fresh ingredients before crafting traditional Ecuadorian dishes in a hands-on cooking class. Guided by friendly hosts, guests gain insights into the region’s culinary traditions as they prepare meals like quinoa soup and empanadas. Vegetarian and vegan options cater to diverse dietary needs. Once the cooking is done, participants enjoy a communal lunch of their creations – a delicious culmination to this immersive cultural experience. With stellar 5.0 ratings, this tour promises an authentic taste of Cuenca’s rich gastronomic heritage.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Shopping Tours In Cuenca.

Key Points

• This unique 4-hour culinary experience in Cuenca, Ecuador, offers a hands-on cooking class and guided tour of the local market.
• Guests can prepare traditional Ecuadorian dishes like quinoa soup, empanadas, seco de pollo, and fritada, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided market visit, all cooking ingredients, and a full traditional Ecuadorian lunch.
• The experience is highly rated, with over 40 reviews praising the authentic, informative, and friendly guidance from hosts like Wilson and Alexandra.
• The tour encourages open-mindedness, engagement with local vendors, and the use of reusable bags for a sustainable and immersive culinary adventure.

Overview and Experience

This Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca, Ecuador offers a unique 4-hour culinary experience that has earned a stellar 5.0 overall rating from over 40 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor.

The tour is priced from $54.99 and accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests will visit a vibrant local market to select fresh ingredients before preparing traditional Ecuadorian dishes like quinoa soup, ceviche, and chicken stew.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request.

After the cooking, you will enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian lunch.

The experience is led by knowledgeable guides who provide an authentic and informative experience, as evidenced by the rave reviews.

Tour Highlights

The tour highlights a visit to a vibrant local market to select fresh ingredients for the cooking class. You’ll have the opportunity to hand-pick the finest produce, meats, and spices to use in preparing traditional Ecuadorian dishes. The cooking class itself covers favorites like:

Dish	Description
Quinoa Soup	Quinoa, cheese, milk, onions, garlic
Empanadas de Viento	Fried cheese empanadas
Seco de Pollo	Chicken stew with herbs and spices
Fritada	Crispy pork with grilled mashed potatoes and salad

Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request, so everyone can enjoy this authentic culinary experience. After cooking, you’ll savor the delicious results over a traditional Ecuadorian lunch.

Sample Menu

The sample menu for this cooking class and market tour in Cuenca features a variety of traditional Ecuadorian dishes, including starters like locro de papas (potato soup with cheese and avocado), quinoa soup, and empanadas de viento (fried cheese empanadas).

For the main dishes, guests can expect to prepare seco de pollo, a chicken stew with herbs and spices, as well as fritada, crispy pork served with grilled mashed potatoes and salad.

The menu offers vegetarian and vegan options upon request, ensuring a diverse and inclusive culinary experience.

Throughout the class, you will learn to prepare these authentic Ecuadorian specialties while seeing the vibrant local market and culture.

Inclusions

The cooking class and market tour in Cuenca includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided tour of the local market, and a knowledgeable tour guide/driver.

Participants also receive all the necessary cooking ingredients, a full traditional Ecuadorian lunch, as well as coffee or tea.

Plus, all taxes, fees, and handling charges are covered, and gratuities are included, ensuring a hassle-free and all-inclusive culinary experience.

The tour’s inclusions provide:

1. A comprehensive package that covers all the essential aspects of the experience.

2. Convenience for participants, allowing them to fully enjoy the cooking class without worrying about logistics.

3. Excellent value, as the tour’s pricing covers a wide range of services and amenities.

Reviews and Feedback

Guests have consistently praised the authentic experience and friendly guidance provided by the cooking class and market tour in Cuenca.

According to reviews, the highlights of the tour include the vibrant market visit, where participants select fresh ingredients, and the hands-on cooking instruction from the knowledgeable guides.

Guests frequently mention the warmth and helpfulness of the hosts, like Wilson and Alexandra, who provide informative commentary throughout the experience.

The delicious Ecuadorian dishes prepared during the class, such as quinoa soup, ceviche, and chicken stew, have also been widely applauded.

Preparing for the Tour

To prepare for the cooking class and market tour in Cuenca, guests should pack comfortable walking shoes and bring a reusable shopping bag for any purchases at the market.

The tour includes a visit to a vibrant local market, where you will select fresh ingredients for the hands-on cooking session.

Here are a few tips to make the most of the experience:

1. Come with an open mind and a willingness to try new foods and cooking techniques.

2. Be prepared to interact with the local vendors and learn about the diverse produce and ingredients.

3. Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the sights, sounds, and flavors of the market.

The cooking class and market tour offer an immersive cultural experience, so being ready to engage and explore will ensure a memorable and enjoyable time.

Exploring the Local Market

As the first stop on the tour, participants explore the vibrant hustle and bustle of Cuenca’s local market, where a diverse array of fresh produce, meats, and traditional Ecuadorian ingredients await their discovery. Guided by a knowledgeable local, the group explores the stalls, learning about the origins and uses of unfamiliar items. They’re encouraged to engage with the vendors, who are eager to share their expertise. The market visit provides a glimpse into the daily life and culinary traditions of Cuenca, setting the stage for the hands-on cooking experience that follows.

Item	Description
Produce	Vibrant fruits and vegetables, including exotic varieties unique to Ecuador
Meats	Fresh cuts of chicken, beef, and pork, as well as cuy (roasted guinea pig)
Grains	Quinoa, corn, and other staple ingredients used in Ecuadorian cuisine
Herbs & Spices	An array of fragrant herbs and spices that lend flavor to local dishes
Traditional Items	Handcrafted kitchenware, textiles, and other artisanal products

Cooking and Dining Experience

After exploring the vibrant market, participants head to the cooking studio, where they’ll learn to prepare beloved Ecuadorian dishes under the guidance of expert chefs.

The hands-on class covers three traditional specialties:

1. Quinoa soup, a hearty dish with creamy cheese and aromatic vegetables.

2. Ceviche, a refreshing seafood appetizer cured in citrus juices.

3. Seco de pollo, a fragrant chicken stew seasoned with herbs and spices.

Guests can also request vegetarian or vegan options.

Following the cooking session, everyone sits down to enjoy the fruits of their labor, savoring the authentic flavors of Ecuador over a communal lunch.

With the guidance of friendly, knowledgeable instructors, this immersive experience allows participants to truly connect with the local culinary traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request Dietary Accommodations Beyond Vegetarian/Vegan?

Yes, you can typically request dietary accommodations beyond vegetarian and vegan options. Many tour operators are happy to cater to various dietary needs, such as gluten-free, nut-free, or halal, if notified in advance.

Is There an Option to Purchase Additional Food Items From the Market?

Guests can likely purchase additional food items from the market during the tour. The tour includes a market visit, so participants may have the opportunity to shop for extra ingredients or local specialties beyond what’s covered in the cooking class.

How Long Does the Cooking Portion of the Experience Last?

The cooking portion typically lasts 2-3 hours. Guests actively participate in preparing traditional Ecuadorian dishes under the guidance of the chef, allowing them to fully enjoy the culinary experience.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tour and Cooking Session?

Guests are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour and cooking session. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider beforehand to ensure any specific rules or restrictions.

Is There a Dress Code or Specific Attire Recommended for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended for the cooking class and market tour. Dressing in layers is advisable as the tour may involve both indoor and outdoor activities.

Recap

The Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca offers a unique opportunity to take in the vibrant culinary culture of Ecuador.

Participants explore a local market, select fresh ingredients, and engage in a hands-on cooking experience, preparing traditional dishes under the guidance of friendly hosts.

This 4-hour tour culminates in a communal lunch, allowing guests to savor the fruits of their labor and gain insights into Cuenca’s rich culinary traditions.