Discover the secrets of traditional Andean cuisine in Cusco, Peru, through an immersive private cooking class. Participants, regardless of their culinary experience, will dive into the preparation of iconic Pachamanca, a beloved regional dish. Beyond this signature offering, the class covers making ceviche, causa, and the beloved pisco sour. With a flexible schedule and a centralized meeting point, this culinary adventure promises to elevate your appreciation of Peru’s vibrant flavors. What intrigues you most about uncovering the nuances of Andean cooking?

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

Key Points

Private Andean Cooking Class, Pachamanca - Key Points

  • A private cooking class in Cusco, Peru, focusing on classic Peruvian dishes and cocktails, with a emphasis on Pachamanca preparation.
  • Hands-on instruction in regional ingredients and techniques, including making ceviche, causa, and pisco sours.
  • Includes a traditional Pachamanca main course, along with humitas and uchucuta sauce, for an immersive culinary experience.
  • Accommodates all skill levels and dietary restrictions, with a flexible cancellation policy.
  • Centrally located meeting point near the Cathedral of Cusco, allowing for exploration before and after the class.

Overview

This private Andean cooking class in Cusco, Peru, offers an immersive experience in traditional Peruvian flavors, ideal for travelers before or after adventures in the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu.

Rated 5.0 stars with 46 reviews, the half-day, chef-led, hands-on class focuses on classic Peruvian dishes and cocktails, allowing participants to learn about the region’s ingredients and cooking techniques.

The class is suitable for all skill levels and includes the preparation of a traditional Pachamanca dish, baked with hot stones, as well as starters like savory or sweet humitas and an uchucuta sauce.

Beverages, lunch, and gratuities are included, with a price starting from $130.00.

Class Details

Private Andean Cooking Class, Pachamanca - Class Details

The private Andean cooking class is suitable for participants of all skill levels, allowing them to enjoy the flavors of classic Peruvian dishes and cocktails.

The class focuses on teaching about Peru’s regional ingredients and cooking techniques. Guests will learn how to prepare ceviche, causa, and pisco sours – staples of Peruvian cuisine.

The main dish is the preparation of Pachamanca, a traditional dish baked with hot stones.

The class also covers the making of savory or sweet humitas, fresh corn paste wrapped in corn husks, as well as the creation of uchucuta sauce, a flavorful chili and herb-based condiment.

Sample Menu

Private Andean Cooking Class, Pachamanca - Sample Menu

The sample menu for the private Andean cooking class includes the preparation of Pachamanca, a traditional dish baked with hot stones, as the main course. This classic Peruvian dish is complemented by savory or sweet Humitas, a fresh corn paste wrapped in corn husks, as a starter. Plus, the class features the preparation of Uchucuta Sauce, a flavorful blend of tender chili and herbs. The menu provides an immersive experience, allowing participants to learn about Peru’s regional ingredients and cooking techniques while preparing and sampling these authentic Andean dishes.

Starter Main
Savory or Sweet Humitas Pachamanca
Uchucuta Sauce

Inclusions

The private Andean cooking class includes beverages, a lunch consisting of 1 appetizer and 1 main dish, as well as bottled water.

Plus, the experience features a private tour with a professional chef, and gratuities are included in the price. This means participants can fully enjoy the class without worrying about additional costs.

The main dish is the preparation of the traditional Pachamanca, which is baked with hot stones.

Starters include savory or sweet humitas, a fresh corn paste wrapped in corn husks, and the uchucuta sauce made from tender chili and herbs.

Meeting Point

The cooking class meets at C. Palacio 135, behind the Cathedral of Cusco in the city of Cusco, Peru. This meeting point provides a convenient and centralized location for participants to gather before the half-day culinary experience begins at 9:00 am.

The meeting location offers several advantages:

  • Situated in the heart of Cusco, it’s easily accessible for those staying in the city.

  • Participants can explore the nearby historic cathedral and town square before the class.

  • The meeting point is just a short walk away from the cooking class venue, ensuring a smooth transition between the two locations.

This strategic meeting point sets the stage for an immersive Andean cooking adventure in the cultural center of Cusco.

Start Time

According to the details provided, the Andean Cooking Class in Cusco, Peru commences at 9:00 am, allowing participants ample time to arrive at the strategic meeting point behind the Cathedral of Cusco before the half-day culinary experience begins.

This early start time ensures that visitors can fully enjoy the preparation of classic Peruvian dishes and cocktails, such as ceviche, causa, and pisco sours, under the guidance of a professional chef.

The timing also allows for a leisurely exploration of the regional ingredients and cooking techniques that shape the beloved Pachamanca dish, which is the centerpiece of the class.

This carefully scheduled program enables guests to embark on their Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu adventures well-equipped with newfound Peruvian culinary knowledge and skills.

Dietary Options

Private Andean Cooking Class, Pachamanca - Dietary Options

The cooking class caters to various dietary needs, as it offers a vegetarian option for participants who request it at the time of booking. This allows those with plant-based preferences to fully enjoy the Peruvian culinary experience.

The class is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that all guests can enjoy the traditional dishes and flavors. Some key dietary considerations include:

  • Vegetarian option available upon request

  • Ability to accommodate other dietary restrictions or allergies with advance notice

  • Dishes prepared using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to cater to various dietary preferences

Cancellation Policy

Private Andean Cooking Class, Pachamanca - Cancellation Policy

What’s more, the cooking class offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing participants to receive a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled experience.

This provides guests with the peace of mind to plan their Cusco itinerary without the worry of non-refundable commitments.

Whether an unexpected change of plans arises or the weather takes an unpredictable turn, the 24-hour cancellation window ensures that travellers can adjust their schedules accordingly.

This customer-centric approach is a testament to the organizers’ commitment to delivering a seamless and enjoyable culinary adventure for all who participate.

The cancellation policy further enhances the overall value and convenience of this immersive Peruvian cooking class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cooking Class Suitable for Children?

The cooking class is generally suitable for children, as it focuses on classic Peruvian dishes and techniques. However, parents should consider the length of the class and their child’s interest and attention span before booking.

Can I Get a Certificate or Diploma After Completing the Class?

No, the cooking class does not provide a certificate or diploma upon completion. It’s a hands-on, interactive culinary experience focused on immersing participants in traditional Peruvian flavors and techniques, rather than issuing formal qualifications.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Cooking Equipment?

No, you don’t need to bring any special cooking equipment. The class provides all the necessary utensils and ingredients for the hands-on cooking experience. Just come ready to learn and enjoy creating traditional Peruvian dishes.

Is There an Option to Extend the Class Duration?

Yes, the cooking class offers an option to extend the duration. Participants can choose to extend the half-day class for an additional fee, allowing more time to fully immerse in the Peruvian culinary experience.

Can I Purchase Any Local Ingredients From the Class?

Yes, participants can purchase local ingredients used in the class. The chef typically sources ingredients from local markets, allowing guests to buy specialty Peruvian spices, produce, and other goods after the hands-on cooking experience.

Recap

The Private Andean Cooking Class in Cusco, Peru, offers a unique opportunity to take in the traditional flavors of the region.

Participants can expect to learn the art of preparing the iconic Pachamanca dish, as well as other Peruvian specialties, under the guidance of experienced instructors.

With flexible scheduling and dietary accommodations, this culinary adventure is sure to leave a lasting impression on any food enthusiast.