Arequipa: Peruvian Cooking Class & Garden Lunch Experience

Summary

Arequipa food stories come alive in this hands-on cooking class

You’ll roll up your sleeves in a real Arequipa kitchen, guided by local instructors who make even beginners feel welcome. Taste fresh Peruvian ingredients as you cook classic dishes together, then share stories over lunch in a sunny garden. You’ll leave full—and probably still smiling about that first bite.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d ever mash potatoes with my bare hands in a sunny Arequipa garden, but here we are. The air smelled like citrus and something earthy—maybe from the herbs our instructor, Carmen, picked right in front of us. She showed us how to layer the causa just so (mine looked a bit lopsided, but nobody minded). There were six of us around the table, sleeves rolled up and laughing at our attempts to pronounce “ají amarillo” without sounding like lost tourists.

Carmen’s patience was endless—she answered every question (even the weird ones about Peruvian corn sizes) and never made us feel silly for asking. I liked that she adjusted things for me since I don’t eat beef; she just swapped in mushrooms for the lomo saltado and it still tasted rich and smoky. The kitchen itself felt like someone’s home—big windows open to the garden, birds making noise outside, and you could hear distant traffic but it faded under all our chatter. It wasn’t rushed at all. We took time to taste everything as we cooked, even sneaking bites of fruit meant for dessert.

By the time we sat down together outside with our plates—mine piled high with lomo saltado and those bright yellow potatoes—I realized I’d stopped thinking about getting the recipe “right.” It was more about sharing food and stories (someone from Lima told us about her grandma’s secret salsa). I still think about that moment when everyone went quiet for a second after the first bite—just enjoying it. If you want a day trip in Arequipa that isn’t just watching someone else cook, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hands-on Peruvian cooking class

• Arrive at garden kitchen setting
• Receive guidance from expert instructors
• Prepare starter: Causa Party
• Cook main dish: Lomo Saltado
• Make dessert: Local fruit salad
• Enjoy meal with fellow travelers
• Receive detailed recipe for home

Top questions

Is this Arequipa cooking class suitable for beginners?

Yes, no prior experience is needed—the instructors guide you step by step.

What dishes do you prepare during the Peruvian cooking class?

You’ll make two courses: options include causa, lomo saltado (or vegetarian), and seasonal fruit salad.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan option available?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking; let them know about any dietary needs.

How many people are in each group?

The maximum group size is 12 participants per session.

Is lunch included in the Arequipa cooking experience?

Yes, after cooking you’ll enjoy the meal together in the garden dining area.

Are children allowed to participate?

Children can join if sharing with two paying adults; those over 12 can use knives under supervision.

Where does the cooking class take place?

The class is held in a spacious kitchen with access to a beautiful garden setting in Arequipa.

Do I get recipes to take home?

Yes, detailed recipes with ingredient equivalences are provided so you can cook at home later.

What’s included

Your day includes access to a spacious kitchen and peaceful garden setting in Arequipa, expert instruction tailored to your skill level, all fresh ingredients for two courses plus dessert and refreshments, use of internet signal onsite, printed recipes to take home—and of course, sitting down together for lunch after cooking everything yourself.