Nixtamal Cooking Class at San Agustin Center of Arts

Make your own tortillas and discover how nixtamal transforms corn into food.

A six-hour cooking class at the San Agustin Center of Arts where you learn nixtamal, the traditional technique for preparing corn, and cook tortillas, memelas, tetelas, quesadillas, empanadas and tlayudas with a native chef. The class includes a tour of the handmade paper factory on the grounds and the art center itself, founded by Master Francisco Toledo. All food prepared during the class, plus coffee, tea or agua del día, is included. Vegetarian and vegan options are available with advance notice.

The experience

What draws people to this class is the nixtamal itself: the centuries-old process that turns dried corn into something you can actually cook with. A native chef walks you through each step: how to choose the best regional corn, how to prepare it, what the technique does to the grain. Then you move to the kitchen and make the dishes themselves. You'll prepare tortillas, memelas, tetelas, quesadillas, empanadas and tlayudas, plus a sauce to go with them. Everything you cook gets eaten at the end, along with mezcal.

The San Agustin Center of Arts is one of the most recognizable spaces in Oaxaca: a former home founded by the artist Francisco Toledo, now a working art center with rotating exhibitions. Part of the morning includes a tour of the handmade paper factory on the property, where you see how paper is still made by hand. The class moves between these spaces as you learn and cook, so there's walking involved, but the pace is built around instruction and food, not speed.

The class runs six hours and includes all the food you prepare, plus beverages. If you have dietary restrictions or prefer vegetarian or vegan versions of the dishes, let the operator know when you book. Children from age seven are welcome. A live guide leads the class in English or Spanish.

What’s included

• All food prepared during the class, including tortillas, memelas, tetelas, quesadillas, empanadas and tlayudas plus sauce.
• coffee, tea or agua del día.
• a tour of the handmade paper factory and the San Agustin Center of Arts.
• instruction from a native chef in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Senior (81 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 11 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 30

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 due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Stroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by BARRO Oaxaca Food & Street Tours

Is this one for you?The class starts at the San Agustin Center of Arts itself, so if you're staying in the city center or using public transportation, you'll need to arrange your own way there: no pickup is included. This works well if you're comfortable navigating local transport or staying within walking distance of the venue.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (7 to 11 years). Under 7: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How does the nixtamal process actually change the corn?

Nixtamal is the traditional technique of treating corn with an alkaline solution, which makes the nutrients in the grain available to your body and changes its texture so it can be ground into masa for tortillas and other dishes. The chef explains the process and shows you each stage during the class.

Will I actually eat everything I cook?

Yes. All the tortillas, memelas, tetelas, quesadillas, empanadas and tlayudas you make during the class are served together at the end, along with the sauce and mezcal, so you taste what you've prepared.

Is the San Agustin Center of Arts open to the public normally, or only for this class?

The San Agustin Center of Arts is a working art space with rotating exhibitions that you'll see during the tour portion of the class. The handmade paper factory on the grounds is also part of the visit.

What if I'm vegetarian or vegan?

Vegetarian and vegan versions of the dishes are available. Mention your dietary preference or any food restrictions when you book so the chef can prepare accordingly.