Cusco: Cooking Class and San Pedro Market Tour

Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, is a culinary haven that beckons foodies. This immersive tour combines the vibrant San Pedro Market with a hands-on cooking class, offering a unique glimpse into Peru’s rich gastronomic heritage. Travelers can explore the market’s vibrant stalls, learning about local ingredients, before mastering the art of crafting the iconic Pisco Sour. The experience culminates in a delectable four-course Peruvian feast, complete with exotic fruit desserts. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply curious about Cusco’s flavors, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure that’ll leave you craving more.

This experience made our list of the 15 Best Cooking Classes In Cusco.

Key Points

• Immersive 4-hour tour combining a walking exploration of San Pedro Market and a hands-on Peruvian cooking class with a 4-course meal.
• Guided tour of the historic San Pedro Market, a key supply point for locals and travelers since 1925, providing insights into Cusco’s culinary scene.
• Hands-on cooking class where participants learn to prepare a Pisco Sour cocktail and traditional Andean dishes, enhancing their understanding of Peruvian gastronomy.
• Diverse 4-course Peruvian menu featuring creamy Mashua soup, three types of ceviche, stuffed rocoto peppers, and exotic fruit-based desserts.
• Suitable for adults, with a minimum of 2 participants required and not recommended for children under 6 or wheelchair users.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The activity "Cusco Cooking Class and San Pedro Market Tour" is priced from $83.33 per person and lasts for 4 hours.

It’s offered in Spanish and English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours for a full refund. Customers can reserve their spot now and pay later.

This experience highlights a walking tour of the historic San Pedro Market, learning about local ingredients from a guide, and preparing a 4-course Peruvian meal with a professional chef.

The minimum number of participants required to start the tour is 2, and it’s not suitable for children under 6 or wheelchair users.

Experience Highlights

This cooking class and market tour promises an immersive experience into Peruvian cuisine and culture.

Visitors will embark on a walking tour of the iconic San Pedro Market, opened in 1925 and serving as the main supply point for locals and travelers. A professional guide will share insights into the diverse food items, from cheeses to fruits and vegetables.

Participants will then head to a cooking class, where they’ll learn to make a Pisco Sour cocktail and prepare a 4-course menu featuring traditional Andean dishes. The menu includes ceviche, stuffed peppers, and desserts showcasing exotic Peruvian fruits.

This hands-on experience promises to delight the senses and expand one’s understanding of Peruvian gastronomy.

Exploring San Pedro Market

Thousands of stores line the floors of the iconic San Pedro Market, opened in 1925 and serving as the main supply point for locals and travelers alike.

Visitors can explore its diverse offerings, from cheeses and fruits to vegetables and traditional Andean dishes.

The market’s historical significance lies in its connection to the Inca Trail, as it was once part of the ancient network that led to the Plaza de Armas.

As a hub of local culture and commerce, the San Pedro Market provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to witness the vibrant heart of Cusco’s culinary scene.

Preparing Pisco Sour Cocktail

To begin the cooking class, participants start by making the iconic Pisco Sour cocktail. This classic Peruvian libation combines Pisco, a type of clear grape brandy, with fresh lime juice, simple syrup, egg whites, and Angostura bitters. The preparation involves several steps, as shown in the table below:

Step	Action
1	Add ice, Pisco, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
2	Shake vigorously for 1 minute to aerate and froth the egg whites.
3	Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
4	Top with a few dashes of Angostura bitters.

The Pisco Sour serves as a refreshing introduction to the culinary journey ahead, setting the stage for the delectable Peruvian dishes the class will prepare.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Four-Course Peruvian Menu

After making the refreshing Pisco Sour, participants dive into preparing a four-course Peruvian menu that showcases the diverse flavors and ingredients of the Andean region.

The first course features a creamy Mashua soup paired with purple corn chips. Next, they’ll craft three types of ceviche – the classic, an ancestral version with tumbo juice, and one infused with kushuro, tarwi, and camu camu.

The third course includes a rocoto pepper stuffed with mushrooms and vegetables, an organic salad, and a creamy potato pie. For dessert, they’ll savor exotic fruits like lucuma, goldenberries, and cherimoya.

Throughout the experience, you will also sample traditional non-alcoholic beverages like Chicha Morada.

Exotic Fruit Desserts

The cooking class culminates with a dessert course showcasing the exotic fruits of Peru.

Students learn to prepare luscious treats featuring lucuma, goldenberries, and cherimoya.

Lucuma, a subtly sweet fruit with a creamy texture, is used to make a rich pudding-like dessert.

Goldenberries, also known as Inca berries, provide a tangy contrast when incorporated into a light custard.

Finally, the class creates a silky cherimoya mousse, highlighting the tropical flavors of this custard apple.

These unique Andean fruits lend themselves beautifully to decadent desserts, capping off an immersive culinary journey through Peruvian cuisine.

Meeting Point and Requirements

Guests assemble at Gate 1 of the iconic San Pedro Market, the starting point for this enriching culinary experience. Participants must bring their passports and wear comfortable shoes to fully enjoy the day’s activities. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 6 or wheelchair users. A minimum of 2 people is required for the tour to commence.

Requirement	Details
Passport	Bring your valid passport
Footwear	Wear comfortable shoes
Age	Not suitable for children under 6
Mobility	Not suitable for wheelchair users
Minimum Participants	2 people required to start the tour

Customer Feedback

Travelers’ glowing reviews of the Cusco Cooking Class and San Pedro Market Tour speak to its exceptional quality.

With an impressive 5/5 rating based on one review, the experience has captivated guests. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide, who provides fascinating insights into the market’s history and local cuisine.

The cooking class also earns high marks, with guests delighting in the hands-on preparation of traditional Peruvian dishes. Many highlight the diverse flavors and high-quality ingredients used throughout the multi-course meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Cooking Class?

The minimum age requirement for the cooking class is 6 years old. Children under 6 are not suitable to participate in the activity.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour and Cooking Class?

There’s no specific dress code for the cooking class and market tour. Participants should wear comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes. The tour involves significant walking, so dressing for the weather and ease of movement is recommended.

Can the Menu Be Customized for Dietary Restrictions?

The menu can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions. The cooking class offers flexibility to adjust the dishes based on participants’ needs, ensuring everyone enjoys a memorable culinary experience.

Is There an Option for a Private Cooking Class?

Yes, there’s an option for a private cooking class. The class can be customized to accommodate specific dietary needs and preferences. Participants can enjoy a more personalized experience with a professional chef.

Can the Tour and Class Be Conducted in Other Languages?

The activity offers the cooking class and market tour in Spanish and English, providing flexibility for participants. The tour can accommodate various language preferences to ensure an enjoyable and enriching experience for all.

Recap

This immersive Cusco culinary tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant local market, learn to make traditional Peruvian dishes, and savor a delightful four-course meal. With an expert guide leading the way, visitors can explore the rich gastronomic heritage of Peru, making this experience a must-do for foodies visiting Cusco.

You can check if your dates are available here: