Cooking Class in Bogotá: Cook Traditional Colombian Dishes
A cooking class in Bogotá is the best way to learn traditional Andean Colombian cooking hands-on — ajiaco (the city’s signature chicken-and-potato soup), arepas, tamales and hot chocolate with cheese — with a local host, often after a visit to the vibrant Paloquemao market. As Colombia’s high-altitude capital, Bogotá has its own distinct cuisine built on potatoes, corn and comforting soups, and a class here is a delicious way to understand the culture behind it.
Here’s what you’ll cook, why Bogotá is a great place to do it, and how to book.

What you’ll cook in a Bogotá cooking class
- Ajiaco santafereño — Bogotá’s iconic soup of chicken, three kinds of potato, corn and the herb guascas, served with capers and cream.
- Arepas — the corn cakes central to Colombian cooking.
- Tamales — masa and fillings steamed in banana leaf, a weekend classic.
- Ají — the fresh Colombian salsa.
- Chocolate santafereño — hot chocolate famously dunked with a slice of cheese.
Why take a cooking class in Bogotá
Sitting at 2,600 meters in the Andes, Bogotá has a cuisine of warming soups and hearty staples distinct from Colombia’s coastal food. A class gives you the techniques and the cultural stories, plus recipes to recreate at home. Most classes are small-group and hosted by a local, and many begin at the huge Paloquemao market, a feast of exotic fruit, flowers and produce.
Cooking classes with Cook in Fiesta in Bogotá
Cook in Fiesta runs hands-on experiences in Bogotá led by English-speaking locals: a cooking class where you learn, cook, eat and drink together; a tasting session of local Colombian foods and drinks; and a guided fruit tasting of Colombia’s astonishing variety of tropical fruit. Small groups, with dietary needs accommodated on request.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cooking class in Bogotá?
The best cooking class in Bogotá is a hands-on, small-group session with a local that covers traditional dishes like ajiaco, arepas and tamales, often starting at the Paloquemao market. Cook in Fiesta offers a hands-on class led by an English-speaking local.
What food is Bogotá known for?
Bogotá is known for ajiaco santafereño (a chicken-and-potato soup with guascas), arepas, tamales, and chocolate santafereño (hot chocolate with cheese). Its Andean cuisine is distinct from Colombia’s coastal food.
What do you cook in a Colombian cooking class in Bogotá?
You typically make ajiaco or another traditional main, arepas, and often a tamale or dessert, with ají on the side. Many classes begin with a visit to the Paloquemao market for fresh ingredients.
How long is a cooking class in Bogotá?
Most cooking classes in Bogotá run about 3 to 4 hours, and those including a Paloquemao market tour tend to be on the longer end.
Are Bogotá cooking classes good for vegetarians?
Yes. Arepas, tamales and many sides adapt well to vegetarian versions, and Cook in Fiesta can accommodate vegetarian and other dietary needs with advance notice.
