Cozumel: Mayan Cooking Class & Traditional Recipes Tasting

Summary

Cook Mayan favorites in Cozumel with local stories and flavors

You’ll cook side-by-side with locals in Cozumel, learning ancestral Mayan recipes like cochinita pibil and sikilp’aak’. Expect laughter over sticky dough, new flavors from fresh ingredients, and real stories behind every dish. This is hands-on cooking that feels like joining someone’s family for lunch — not just watching from the sidelines.

What’s the experience like?

We were already elbow-deep in masa before I realized how much I’d underestimated Mayan food. The kitchen smelled like roasted corn and something citrusy — our guide, Mariana, grinned as she handed me a bowl of axiote paste. “This is for the cochinita pibil,” she said, showing me how to rub it into the pork. I tried to repeat the name but probably mangled it; Mariana just laughed and said it better herself. There was music from somewhere out back, not loud, just enough to make you tap your foot while you worked.

I didn’t expect beans with pork to taste so different here — smoky, earthy, nothing like what I’ve had at home. We took turns grinding spices on a stone slab (my arms are still complaining) and then scooped up sikilp’aak’ with warm tortillas we’d pressed ourselves. The texture was rougher than store-bought, but honestly? Way more satisfying. At one point a neighbor poked her head in to say hi and left us with a quick lesson on how to pronounce “milpa.” I’m still not sure I got it right.

Dessert was this cornbread — no flour, just corn — soft and sweet but somehow also light? We sat together around the table at the end, everyone a little flushed from the heat and laughing about who spilled what or whose dough stuck to their hands most. It felt less like a class and more like being welcomed into someone’s family kitchen for an afternoon. I keep thinking about that first bite of cochinita pibil — bright orange from the axiote, tangy from the sour orange juice — and how different it tasted when you’ve made it yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mayan cooking class and tasting

• Learn about Mayan culture flavors
• Cook ancient Mayan recipes
• Prepare Sikilp’aak starter
• Cook Beans with pork main dish
• Cook Cochinita pibil main dish
• Taste cornbread dessert

Top questions

What dishes do you prepare in the Mayan cooking class?

You’ll make beans with pork, cochinita pibil marinated with axiote seeds and sour orange juice, sikilp’aak’ (a regional snack), and cornbread made without flour.

Is this Mayan cooking class in Cozumel wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are infants or small children allowed at this cooking class?

Yes, infants can attend; they can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap. Specialized infant seats are available.

Does this experience include food tasting?

Yes, you’ll taste all the dishes you prepare during the class.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the location.

Are service animals permitted?

Yes, service animals are allowed at this activity.

What’s included

Your day includes hands-on preparation of classic Mayan dishes like cochinita pibil and sikilp’aak’, guidance from local cooks throughout each recipe step, plus plenty of chances to taste everything you make together before heading out again into Cozumel’s sun.