Private Tour
Cook Like a Local: Vallarta Market & Cooking Experience
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
This cooking class is special because it’s more than a class; it’s a warm, authentic cultural experience in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.
Chef Julio shares family recipes passed down through generations, teaching you not only how to cook but why each dish matters in Mexican culture. His passion and storytelling make the class engaging, fun, and deeply personal.
You learn in a beautiful open-air terrace kitchen, using fresh local ingredients, and you leave with skills, memories, and flavors you can bring home, making this experience truly unforgettable.
- Local market visit to discover authentic ingredients.
- Open-air terrace kitchen with city and ocean views.
- Use of fresh, local ingredients.
- Enjoy the dishes you prepare in a cozy setting.
- Includes a digital recipe booklet to recreate at home.
- Blends culture, history, and Mexican gastronomy.
- Perfect for foodies, families, couples, and curious travelers.
- Central location in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
no es recomendable con gente que no pueda estar parada mucho tiempo
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Your cooking adventure with Chef Julio in Puerto Vallarta is a warm, fun, and delicious journey into the heart of Mexican cuisine. 1. Meet & Greet You’ll meet Chef Julio and his family, a charming, family-owned restaurant in the historic center, downtown Puerto Vallarta just steps from the Malecón. ️ 2. Market Tour We begin with a short walk to the local market to discover fresh produce, local herbs, and traditional ingredients essential for authentic Mexican cooking. You'll learn how to choose the best chiles, tomatoes, and spices, and gain insight into the ingredients you will use. 3. Hands-On Cooking Back at chef julio house roottop, you’ll step into our open-air terrace kitchen with ocean and cathedral views. Chef Julio guides you step-by-step in preparing salsas, handmade tortillas, and traditional dishes like mole, guacamole, and more, using time-honored family recipes. 4. Enjoy What You Cook Once your dishes are ready, you’ll sit down on our terrace to enjoy the meal you prepared, 5. Take Home Recipes & Memories Before you leave, you will receive a digital recipe booklet so you can recreate your favorite dishes at home and share your new skills with family and friends.
Sample Menu
main
mole from scratch (30 ingredients)
We prepare a rich, authentic mole poblano from scratch with 30+ ingredients, creating deep, layered flavors in a fun, hands-on class
main
chile poblano relleno with panela cheese
We make a classic chile relleno stuffed with cheese, dipped in egg batter, fried, and topped with fresh ranchera sauce. Authentic and delicious!
starter
ceviche Tostadas vallarta style
We prepare fresh ceviche with fish, lime, cilantro, tomato, onion, and chili, creating a bright, zesty, and authentic Mexican coastal dish.
starter
tortillas
We hand-make fresh corn tortillas from masa, pressing and cooking them on a comal for warm, soft, authentic Mexican flavor.
starter
guacamole
We make fresh guacamole with ripe avocado, lime, cilantro, onion, and tomato for a creamy, zesty, and authentic Mexican dip.
starter
salsa molcajete
We make Gaby’s molcajete salsa with roasted tomatoes, chilies, garlic, and onion, ground by hand for a rich, smoky, authentic flavor.
starter
avocado sauce with topochico
We blend avocado with lime, cilantro, chilies, and Topo Chico for a light, creamy salsa with a fresh, bubbly kick.
starter
salsa macha
We prepare salsa macha with dried chilies, garlic, nuts, and oil, creating a spicy, nutty, flavorful salsa with a rich, smoky taste.
main
mexican red rice
We cook fluffy Mexican red rice with tomato, garlic, onion, and spices, creating a savory, colorful, and authentic side dish
starter
cowboy sauce
We make ranchera salsa with tomatoes, chilies, garlic, and onion, simmered for a fresh, mildly spicy, and authentic Mexican flavor.
What‘s Included
drinks and tips is not included
Options
Cook Like a Local: Vallarta Market & Cooking Experience
Reviews
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Cooking Class with Chef Julio
Obed pv,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My cooking class experience with Chef Julio was absolutely incredible. From the moment we started, his passion for food, culture, and teaching was clear in every detail. The class was fun, interactive, and beautifully organized, allowing everyone to participate while learning authentic techniques and traditions. Every dish we prepared was outstanding — rich in flavor, thoughtfully explained, and made with the freshest local ingredients. Chef Julio has a remarkable ability to make you feel comfortable in the kitchen, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook. Beyond being a phenomenal chef, Julio is also an exceptional guide and host. His knowledge, warmth, and storytelling transformed the class into a complete cultural experience. If you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta and want something truly special, this cooking class is a must.
Super Chef! In my opinion!
Obed pv,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chef Julio Castillón delivered an absolutely unforgettable experience. His cooking class was not only delicious and hands-on, but also filled with passion, culture, and incredible storytelling. Every dish was explained with care, patience, and expertise — and everything we prepared was phenomenal. On top of being an exceptional chef, Julio is also an outstanding tour guide. His knowledge of the region, history, and local traditions added so much depth to the entire experience. You can truly feel his love for what he does and for sharing his culture with others. If you’re looking for an authentic, high-quality culinary experience paired with world-class hospitality and guidance — this is it. Highly recommended.
Learn more about Mexican culture through its cuisine
junemZ9304AT,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time learning with Chef today. He went beyond teaching us about the food we were buying and cooking. We also learned about the history of Mexican and Puerto Vallarta. Making lunch was a team effort and Chef was great at orchestrating it all. We made a delicious lunch and happy memories.
One if the best activities in PV!
E5973AZbillyw,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a fantastic day with Chef Julio! Would highly recommend the cooking class to everyone! The history of the food, the tour to the market, all the inside tips for places to eat and then the cooking and eating...Wow....was the best activity we have done in PV even after many trips here.
Soup to Nuts or Market to Pan
Nancy N,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We learned so much about Mexican cooking from how to pivk fruits annd vegetable to how to make corn tortillas and mola sauce from sratch.
Great food tour and cooking class
Nathan B,,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Chef Julio was great. We brought our 10 year old daughter and she never left his side the whole tour. Julio and Alto are full of cooking tips and the food was amazing! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as the first 3 hours is a walking/shopping tour all over downtown PV. Would definitely recommend - a great way to spend the day.
Good memories
spencerb771,,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Great food. Good memories. We walked with the chef to purchase the cooking supplies in the markets, made all of the food with the chef and then ate together with them. We made good memories.
it’s a complete cultural experience if you love mexican food
JulioCesarC185,,Jul 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My Mexican Cooking Class is not just a lesson — it’s a complete cultural experience. For over 10 years, I’ve proudly shared my family’s recipes, the stories behind each dish, and the authentic flavors of Mexico with guests from around the world. We begin with a walking tour through downtown Puerto Vallarta and the local market, where I explain the history and origin of our ingredients and how to select the best ones. Then, on the rooftop terrace of Gaby’s — with stunning views of the Bay of Banderas and the Church of Guadalupe — we cook traditional recipes like mole, stuffed chiles, ceviche, handmade tortillas, and guacamole. Each class is intimate, fun, and full of flavor. I love watching how people connect with our culture through food. More than teaching them how to cook, I share a part of my story, my heritage, and the heart of Mexican cuisine. If you love food, history, and authentic experiences — this class is for you. See you in the kitchen!"* – Chef Julio Castillón Pérez TV Chef | Certified Tour Guide | Proud Ambassador of Traditional Mexican Cuisine
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