Cancun: Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour with Chef Pickup

Summary

Pick produce at Cancun market then cook classic Mexican dishes

You’ll shop for fresh ingredients at Cancun’s bustling local market with a chef who knows every vendor by name, then learn to prepare classic dishes like handmade tortillas, sopes, enchiladas, and arroz con leche. Taste what you cook (and sip your own margarita), all in an easygoing kitchen where mistakes are part of the fun.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what real guacamole tastes like when you’ve mashed it yourself, elbow-deep in avocado while the scent of cilantro lingers on your fingers? That’s how our day started in Cancun — not at some touristy spot, but wandering through the local market with our chef, Luis. He knew everyone. We stopped for a second at a stall where the lady selling chilies teased him about his “gringo students.” The colors were wild — piles of green herbs, pink piñatas hanging overhead, that earthy smell from the tortillas factory we passed. I tried to pronounce “molcajete” and totally failed; Luis just laughed and handed me a lime.

Back in the kitchen (air-conditioned, thank god), we chopped and stirred and tasted everything. There’s something about learning to make sopes from scratch — my hands were covered in corn flour and I kept sneaking bites of cheese when no one was looking. Luis showed us how to use the comal for tortillas; they puffed up just right if you listened for the faint hiss. We made enchiladas too — I went for green sauce because he said it was spicier. Oh, and margaritas! You get to make your own (mine was pretty strong, not gonna lie). Coffee and tea kept coming while we cooked.

Sitting down together at the end felt like eating with family you just met that morning. The arroz con leche was warm and cinnamony — apparently there’s a secret ingredient but he wouldn’t tell us. I still think about that first bite of guacamole we made ourselves; it’s different when you’ve picked out every tomato and onion by hand, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Local market visit and cooking class

• Meet chef-guide at local market
• Pick fresh ingredients together
• Explore piñata shops and souvenirs
• Visit tortillas factory
• Learn to prepare guacamole and refried beans
• Make handmade tortillas
• Cook sopes and enchiladas
• Prepare margaritas
• Make arroz con leche dessert
• Enjoy the 4-course meal

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Cancun cooking class?

No, but air-conditioned transport is provided from a central meeting point.

What dishes do we make during the cooking class?

You’ll prepare guacamole, refried beans, handmade tortillas, sopes, enchiladas (green or red sauce), and arroz con leche dessert.

Do I need cooking experience to join?

No experience needed; the chef guides each step in an easygoing way.

Are drinks included?

You’ll enjoy coffee, tea, soda/pop during class plus one self-made margarita.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible and public transportation is nearby.

How long does the whole activity take?

The cooking class plus market visit usually takes around half a day.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned transport from a central spot in Cancun to both the market and kitchen studio, all fees and taxes covered, drinks throughout (coffee, tea, soda), one homemade margarita per guest—plus you’ll eat every course you prepare before heading back full (and maybe slightly tipsy).