Maya Cooking Class from Panajachel
Overview
Available languages
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
Options
English translator
Spanish language only
Maya Cooking Class from Panajachel
Reviews
30 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It was an authentic...
Corey S,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It 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
5.00I 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
5.00Interesting, 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
5.00We 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
5.00We 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
5.00Amazing 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
5.00What 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
5.00Favorite 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.
Alicia is truly the...
Hannah B,Jun 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Alicia is truly the sweetest woman in town. It was an incredible experience and we cannot recommend it more highly!! Sign up sign up sign up!!
I highly recommend La...
Chris C,Jun 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I highly recommend La Casa de Alicia. Alicia & her family were incredibly amazing and welcoming. If you’re looking for a cooking class, just a short boat ride from Panajachel, I highly recommend booking with Alicia.
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