Maya Cooking Class from Panajachel

5.00

5.0(32 reviews)

3 hours

English, Spanish

Mobile ticket

Show all 9 photos

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Experience the flavors of Guatemala during a cooking lesson at the Santa Cruz Cooking Class. Learn to cook authentic Guatemalan dishes like Pepian and Tamalitos with a fantastic view of Lake Atitlan. Taste how Mayan culture and Spanish colonial influences blended in perfect harmony through food. Enjoy what you've prepared afterwards. Great for those who love to cook, fine dining, gourmet food, cultural sharing, experiential travel.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

What To Expect

Learn to prepare authentic Guatemalan dishes from our culinary arts graduates. This is a hands-on experience and will give you the tools you need to recreate these dishes at home. AND you get to eat the results!! Classes are taught in English or Spanish, and fun for all ages.

Sample Menu

starter

Tamalitos

small tamales served with a sauce.

main

Pepian

The most traditional of all Guatemala dishes. Uses a blend of 13 ingredients in the sauce. Can be served with chicken or veggie style using tofu.

Options

English translator

Spanish language only

Maya Cooking Class from Panajachel

What‘s Included

Gourmet lunch, that you help preparing

A printed copy of the recipes you prepared

Instruction and the opportunity to enjoy the dishes you prepare

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Gratuities

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.00

32 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing experience!!!
AdeebaZaidi,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Claudia was absolutely incredible! This experience was sooo amazing!! If you need a suggestion of something to do, please go spend time with Claudia and her family for a phenomenal experience! We can’t wait to be back!
We had a wonderful time...
Danielle T,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had a wonderful time with this authentic cooking experience. Raquel and her daughters made us feel very welcome and we had a great time learning how to make estofado and an even better time eating it. The tortillas were fun to make and were so delicious
It was an authentic...
Corey S,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was an authentic experience and the instructor was very kind and patient. The food was also delicious!
LOVE LOVE LOVE
Genesis M,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I absolutely loved this experience. I would recommend to anyone. I had so much fun and was able to learn about the authentic food!
Interesting, if a little...
Vadim G,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Interesting, if a little somber and not as fun as other cooking classes we’ve done elsewhere. The team has done a great job plating what we cooked - that was unique. Seeing our dishes plated with artistic flair was super cool.
So much fun and supporting a good cause.
Clayton B,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had an amazing time at the cooking class. The chef was patient and informative. It was very fun learning about the local ingredients and indigenous techniques used in the different courses. The class is taught at a woman owned nonprofit vocational school that provides training and job placement for local people. We ate at the fabulous restaurant and purchased some things made on site to support this effort as well. I highly recommend taking this class!
Kayak Guatemala & this cooperative are highly recommended in Atitlan area!
LookingForFamilyFun,Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We booked this cooking class & a day trip around Lake Atitlan & a trip to Chichicastenango all with kayak tours, all of which were really good! He also referred us to a good guide for Antigua!
Book with this company!
smT6176AT,Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing experience to book with this company. We booked both the Mayan cooking class and a bike ride through them. Communication was easy and quick. I will write more about each specific activity/experience under those pages.
Unforgettable experience with Alicia!
rinahf2020,Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What an amazing experience!! Alicia is an incredible host and she loves sharing her culture with visitors. She is a wonderful teacher and a lovely person. She works with her family (her sons often translate in English) and you can see how much love and pride go into the experience. She explains all of the ingredients that are used in the Mayan cuisine you will cook and shares her recipes and her life story with you. It was an unforgettable experience.
Great class!
Julie S,Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Favorite experience of our trip! Alicia and Vanessa were so kind, knowledgeable and friendly. We learned not just how to cook Mayan cuisine, but also about their culture.