Private Peruvian Cooking Class & San Pedro Market Tour Cusco

Summary

Cusco Culinary Experience: Market Visit & Hands-On Cooking

You’ll shop for ingredients at San Pedro Market with a local guide, then cook classic Peruvian dishes in a private kitchen. It’s hands-on, fun, and full of flavors you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

Stepping out into the cool morning air in Cusco, I could already smell the faint mix of fresh bread and fruit from the street vendors. Our guide, Mariela, met us right at the hotel—she had this easy way of making you feel like you’d known her for ages. We hopped into a van and zipped through narrow streets until we reached the kitchen space, tucked away just a few blocks from Plaza de Armas. There, we slipped on aprons and got a quick rundown of what we’d be cooking—honestly, I was already hungry just hearing about it.

The real adventure started at Mercado Central de San Pedro. This place is alive: vendors calling out prices, the scent of herbs mixing with roasted corn, and rows of potatoes in colors I didn’t know existed. Mariela showed us how to pick the right ají amarillo for our causa rellena and let us taste a slice of lucuma right there at a fruit stall. We chatted with Señora Rosa, who’s been selling cheese in the same spot for over 20 years—her laugh echoed over the hum of shoppers.

Back in the kitchen, we got our hands messy mashing potatoes for papa a la huancaína and squeezing limes for ceviche (tip: always use your hands, never a juicer). The chef explained why Peruvian limes are so different—smaller, punchier, almost floral. Each dish came together with stories: lomo saltado sizzling in the pan, rice with chicken turning bright green from cilantro paste. By the time we sat down to eat, my fingers smelled like citrus and chili, and we toasted with chicha morada and a frothy pisco sour. I left feeling like I’d tasted a real slice of Cusco, not just its food but its people too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cusco Market and Cooking Class

• Hotel pickup and instructions
• Guided tour and shopping at San Pedro Market
• Cooking preparation at facilities
• Tasting of 4 courses and drinks

Top questions

Is this cooking class suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The chef walks you through every step, so no experience is needed. You’ll get plenty of help along the way.

Do you cater to dietary restrictions?

Yes, just let us know your needs when booking. We can adjust recipes for most dietary preferences.

How long does the whole experience take?

The tour usually lasts about 4-5 hours, including market visit, cooking, and eating.

Is transportation included?

Yes, private transportation from your hotel in Cusco is included both ways.

What’s included

You’ll get private transport, all fresh ingredients from San Pedro Market, use of a professional kitchen, chef guidance, your own cooking kit and uniform, plus a full lunch with drinks. Everything’s covered—just bring your appetite!