Mérida Cooking Class: Yucatecan Dishes with Drinks

Cook four Yucatecan dishes, drink mojitos, eat together

A hands-on cooking class in Mérida where you prepare traditional Yucatecan dishes in a real kitchen, learn regional techniques from a local host, and then share the meal you've cooked with bottomless drinks. The small-group format keeps instruction personal, and you leave with recipes to recreate the menu at home.

The experience

You arrive at a real Yucatán kitchen in Mérida and jump straight into cooking. The class moves at a relaxed pace, focused on how families in the region actually cook rather than rigid technique. You'll prepare dishes like sopa de lima (a tangy chicken and lime soup), cochinita pibil (slow-cooked meat infused with achiote), yucatecan tamales wrapped in banana leaves, empanadas stuffed with local chaya greens and cheese, and arroz con leche for dessert. Your host shares why certain ingredients (achiote, chaya, the sourcing of each element) matter to Yucatecan food, and walks you through the regional techniques that make these dishes work. Most ingredients are available internationally, so the skills travel home with you.

As you cook, someone takes candid photos to capture the real moments. When everything is ready, the group sits down together to eat what you've prepared. Bottomless mojitos (or virgin versions if you prefer) flow throughout the cooking and the meal. You leave with a digital recipe book so you can recreate the full menu back home, plus the confidence that comes from hands-on instruction and a 5-star money-back guarantee.

What’s included

• All ingredients and cooking equipment.
• instruction from the chef.
• soda, bottled water, and bottomless alcoholic beverages (mojitos, or virgin versions).
• the full meal you cook together.
• digital recipe book to take home.
• candid photos from the class.

Options for this experience

2 options

Yucatecan cooking class in Mérida, lasting 4 hours, where you eat what you prepare as you goGuide in English or Spanish · 12:00

Private ClassGuide in English or Spanish · 18:00Lasts 3 hours; a minimum of 2 participants is required

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Thursday and SaturdayDepartures at 12:00 and 18:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 9 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 30 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Pets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Cook in Fiesta

Is this one for you?Choose the small-group class if you want to meet other travelers and share the cooking experience. Book the private option if you're traveling with your own party and prefer undivided attention from the host.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (2 to 9 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What dishes do I actually cook during the class?

You prepare sopa de lima, cochinita pibil, yucatecan tamales, empanadas de chaya con queso de bola, and arroz con leche. The host guides you through each one and explains the regional techniques and ingredient choices that define Yucatecan cuisine.

Is this a private class or do I cook with other people?

The standard option is a small-group class where you cook alongside other travelers. A private class is also available if you prefer to cook with just your own party.

What does bottomless drinks mean during the class?

Mojitos are served throughout the cooking and the meal afterward. If you don't drink alcohol, the host can make virgin versions with the same mint, lime, and tropical flavors.

Do I need cooking experience to join?

No. The class is designed for curious food lovers who want hands-on experience, not for trained cooks. Your host provides all the instruction and guidance you need.

What happens if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Let the operator know in advance and they'll accommodate your needs. They can work around allergies and intolerances to make sure you can still participate fully.