Cooking Class in Cusco: Cook the Flavors of the Andes
A cooking class in Cusco is the best way to learn authentic Andean Peruvian cooking hands-on — from ceviche and lomo saltado to Andean specialties built on native potatoes, corn and quinoa — usually starting with a visit to the colorful San Pedro Market and ending with a shared meal and a pisco sour. As the gateway to Machu Picchu and the historic capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco blends Andean ingredients with Peru’s world-famous cuisine, and a class here means learning from a local at over 3,000 meters.
Here’s what you’ll cook, why Cusco is a special place to do it, and how to book.

What you’ll cook in a Cusco cooking class
- Ceviche — Peru’s national dish, fresh fish cured in lime and ají.
- Lomo saltado — stir-fried beef with onion, tomato and fries, a Chinese-Peruvian classic.
- Andean sides — native potatoes (Peru has thousands of varieties), choclo (giant corn) and quinoa.
- Ají de gallina or causa — creamy chicken or layered potato, depending on the class.
- Pisco sour — Peru’s national cocktail, which most classes teach you to shake.
Why take a cooking class in Cusco
Peruvian cuisine is regularly ranked among the best in the world, and the Andes give Cusco a distinct larder: dozens of potato varieties, corn, quinoa and herbs grown in the Sacred Valley. Most classes are small-group and hosted by a local, and many begin at the San Pedro Market, where you’ll see exotic fruit, cheeses and produce before cooking. It’s also a great acclimatization-friendly activity for your first days at altitude.
Cooking classes with Cook in Fiesta in Cusco
Cook in Fiesta runs hands-on experiences in Cusco led by English-speaking locals: a cooking class where you learn, cook, eat and drink together; a tasting session of local Andean foods and drinks; and a guided fruit tasting of Peru’s tropical and Andean fruits. Small groups, with dietary needs accommodated on request.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cooking class in Cusco?
The best cooking class in Cusco is a hands-on, small-group session with a local that covers Peruvian classics like ceviche and lomo saltado plus Andean ingredients, often starting at the San Pedro Market. Cook in Fiesta offers a hands-on class led by an English-speaking local.
What food is Cusco known for?
Cusco is known for Andean Peruvian food: native potatoes, choclo (giant corn), quinoa, cuy (guinea pig) and lomo saltado, alongside national dishes like ceviche and ají de gallina. Chicha morada and the pisco sour are the classic drinks.
What do you cook in a Peruvian cooking class in Cusco?
You typically make ceviche and a main such as lomo saltado, plus Andean sides and a pisco sour. Many classes begin with a market visit to choose fresh ingredients.
How long is a cooking class in Cusco?
Most cooking classes in Cusco run about 3 to 4 hours, and those including a San Pedro Market tour tend to be on the longer end.
Is a cooking class good for the first day in Cusco?
Yes. A cooking class is a relaxed, low-exertion way to spend your first days while acclimatizing to Cusco’s altitude, and it’s a great introduction to Andean food and culture.
