3-hour Andean Cooking Class in Quito with a Local Host
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Step into a real Andean home and discover the heart of Ecuador through its flavors.
This isn’t just a cooking class - it’s your ticket to a cozy night in Quito where you'll laugh, sip, chop, and stir your way into the culinary soul of the Andes.
Your host will welcome you into their personal kitchen to unveil ancestral recipes passed down through generations.
You’ll touch fragrant herbs, sear pork with traditional spices, and sip a warming canelazo as aromas fill the air.
While the flavors slowly build in the pot, you’ll dive into Ecuadorian life, discovering hidden spots in Quito and sharing food memories that bring everyone closer.
No cooking skills needed, just curiosity, and the desire to live something truly authentic.
Most guests leave feeling like they’ve made a new friend, and learned a few secrets of Andean comfort food.
If your experience isn’t a 5-star one, we’ll give you your money back. No questions asked.
Reserve now and taste the magic of the Andes.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Don't drink alcohol? We can make virgin versions of the drinks in our menu.
Kids can enjoy tropical fruit juices and local soda.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Get a true taste of the Andes with a hands-on cooking class in a local Quito home, where every recipe comes with a story and every bite feels like a celebration. Guided by a warm local host, you’ll prepare traditional recipes using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and tradicional techniques, from soft, velvety humitas to crispy, golden patacones, while uncovering the stories and cultural roots that make Ecuadorian cuisine so unique. It’s no wonder this experience is loved by travelers from over 40 countries and rated 5 stars for its warmth, authenticity, and unforgettable flavors, this experience has been called ‘the highlight of our trip to Ecuador.’ Spaces are limited to 8 guests for personalized guidance. Reserve your spot today and take home recipes, skills, and memories you’ll cherish long after the last bite. And if your experience isn’t 5-star worthy, we’ll gladly refund you in full. This experience happens in the safety of our instructor's home and not in a culinary studio. You'll get a glimpse into how locals live, cook and eat.
Sample Menu
starter
Vegetable Broth
A carefully composed broth featuring seasonal vegetables and Andean herbs, crafted for a soothing start.
main
Fritada
Pork slow-cooked to tender perfection then crisped, meticulously seasoned with traditional spices.
main
Encebollado
A classic fish soup prepared with red onions, citrus, and fresh herbs, elegantly finished with a medley of pickled vegetables.
main
Albacore
A gently seared albacore tuna fillet, accentuated with a squeeze of lemon and a subtle touch of local herbs.
dessert
Fried Plantain
Crisp, caramelized plantain slices that marry natural sweetness with a refined, crunchy texture.
starter
Llapingachos
Crafted potato patties with a crisp outer layer and soft center, served with a refined peanut sauce and a side of lightly pickled vegetables.
main
Mote
Andean hominy prepared in the traditional style, offering a hearty, satisfying accompaniment.
main
Fried pork
Golden pork bites prepared to retain a juicy interior with a well-seasoned, crisp exterior.
starter
Canelazo
A warming, spiced drink that blends sugarcane liquor, cinnamon, and local fruit juices, perfect for cool mountain evenings.
What‘s Included
Full meal with the dishes you prepare.
All necessary ingredients and equipment.
Expert-led cooking class in an interactive setting.
Unlimited local beverages (soft drinks, beers, or canelazo), depending on preference.
pick or drop off not included
grautuities
Options
Shared Group – No Alcohol
Duration: 4 hours: Cooking Class without Alcohol
Private cooking class
Private, Minimum 2 Pax
Duration: 3 hours
Shared Group-Bottomless Drinks
Duration: 4 hours: Cooking Class with Bottomless Drinks
Reviews
15 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience- highly recommend!
Y7365QKcatherinec,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful experience! The cooking class with Poncho was so much fun! It was a “hands on” experience and the food and presentation was excellent!
Put Juan Francisco at the top of your list
Jonathan R,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Juan Francisco made this evening unforgettable! Everything was perfect. His knowledge of Ecuador is unmatched. Really enjoyed spending time in his home.
Quito Chef extraordinaire!
judithanng2017,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent food. If you go away hungry, it’s your own fault. Great engaging chef! Highly recommend this experience! We had a GREAT time!
Pancho, Our Chef was Amazing and his dinner Delicious!
212MarkS,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing experience! Eating outstanding local food in a family home, learning about the history of Ecuador, and meeting Pancho our chef. Pancho was such a talented chef and such a nice, personable and passionate person. It felt like we had known him forever. Do not miss this fabulous dinner experience.
Tasty food in a home setting
RedWineee,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We actually did the Taste of Ecuador Culinary (without the walking) Tour with Pancho. He prepared some delicious food in his family home and talked us through all the ingredients he had used. All the food was nicely presented and very tasty . He also gave us lots of interesting facts about Ecuador.
Our instructor chef,...
Vanessa L,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Our instructor chef, Pancho, was such a nice guy. He was lovely to spend the evening with and talk to about Ecuadorian life. And the food was delicious. What we didn't know was that this was a private cooking class in someone's home. When I booked, the address given was in a more central area and instead we had to Uber out to a suburb. Had I known that, I would not have booked this. We still had a lovely evening, but it was overpriced and not exactly what I had expected.
An amazing at home authentic experience
DZunda,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic experience. Great to experience authentic Ecuadorian food and hear the history about the food. Wonderful to spend time with our amazing chef Pancho
Amazing experience
marisadvm,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We only had one night in Quito and we are so happy that we spent it with Pancho. We learned about Ecuadorian food, cultures and customs. The food was absolutely amazing! It was an easy taxi ride to get there.
Great night out with a new friend
D836NPjasons,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing night cooking and eating with Pancho. He was an absolute delight. Taught us so much about Ecuadorian culture, history and of course food. Would 100% recommend this evening. I didn't take enough pictures!
Our favourite cooking class in Quito!
795casse,Aug 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Pancho is the best! All of the food is amazing and he explained everything so well. The house was so nice and we ended up staying extra long just chatting. Felt like such a welcoming and local experience! I highly recommend you do this tour!
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