If you’re traveling to the vibrant city of Puerto Vallarta, you’re going to be stuffing yourself with Mexican food – I just know it!
I’ve spent a lot of time munching my way through Mexico. From street tacos in Mexico City to fine-dining spots in Tulum and authentic pozole in Acapulco, I’ve tried (almost) all.
So trust me when I say that getting hands-on with local food isn’t just fun—it’s a shortcut to understanding Mexico’s rich culture.
That is why I’ve selected for you the absolute best cooking classes in Puerto Vallarta. They will help you unveil the secrets of authentic Mexican flavors when you visit.
From sizzling salsas to savory tacos, embark on a flavorful journey in this picturesque coastal town. You’ll perfect your cooking abilities and prepare to savor the taste of Mexico in your own home.
This is definitely one of the best Puerto Vallarta activities to join, and a great idea for a rainy day. Ready to spice up your trip? Read on!
➥ Why should you trust me? I have been helping people plan their dream vacations for ten years, and have a wealth of experience when it comes to selecting tours and activities around the world. On top of that, I’ve spent six months traveling around Mexico and exploring the area around Puerto Vallarta, so I’m very familiar with the region and the adventures it offers.
I generally use Viator to book tours when I’m traveling. I especially recommend it for its great cancellation policy. If for any reason your travel plans change, you’ll be able to cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
OUR PICK: The BEST Puerto Vallarta Cooking Class
Indulge in this Puerto Vallarta Cooking Experience with Market Tour and Tastings for a flavorful half-day that celebrates the essence of Mexican cuisine.
Begin by touring a lively outdoor market, engaging with local vendors, and collecting fresh produce for your cooking class.
Visit a tortilla factory to secure dough, and under the guidance of a master chef, delve into crafting delicacies like fish ceviche, tacos al pastor, or mole. Learn not only about the ingredients and cooking techniques but also the stories behind the dishes.
Finally, cap off the tour with tequila and mezcal tastings, a margarita, and a delicious meal.
Why is this the best tour? It’s the most wholesome experience. It not only introduces you to a great variety of Mexican dishes, all of which you’ll get to prepare, but also immerses you in the world of local spirits, and allows you to witness the locals’ lives with a visit to the market.
Read what the reviews say:
“Unforgettably fun, educational and delicious experience. From the moment the day began in the local market we learned so much about Mexican culinary culture and arts and about selecting the highest quality fruits, veggies and fish. We all contributed to the meal with chopping, grinding, peeling and tortilla making. The food was fresh and so yummy. Much gratitude to Enrique and his team!”
Jeanne_W – Read more reviews
This tour includes: A professional chef, a market tour, a cooking class, lunch, a margarita, and tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Options in Puerto Vallarta
▶️ The Market Visit and Cooking Lesson: Cook Authentic Mexican Food in Puerto Vallarta is a tantalizing experience. You’ll dive into the local flavors by crafting your own traditional meal.
Begin at the vibrant Cinco de Diciembre Market, exploring the bustling stalls and picking up ingredients.
Then, follow chef Manuel to his kitchen. Following his lead, you’ll whip up a feast of ceviche, panela enchiladas, and seafood or mushroom al ajillo.
Learn all the recipes and cooking techniques to be able to recreate the dishes, and then sit down to indulge in them with a beer.
The class is family-friendly and private. You’ll also get to choose between a morning or afternoon session.
This tour includes: Market visit, cooking class, lunch, bottled water, and beer. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Make your own Mole Poblano in Puerto Vallarta and discover the magic of this beloved sauce. Dive into a local market to gather fresh ingredients, and then head to the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class.
Unveil the secrets of mole poblano, a spicy, rich chocolate sauce that’s one of the culinary gems of the country. You’ll use over 25 different ingredients to craft it from scratch!
At the end, you’ll sit down for a mole meal, and take home a jar with the rest. Both chicken and vegetarian options are available.
This tour includes: A market tour, a hands-on cooking class, a meal, and a jar of mole. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Cooking Classes in Puerto Vallarta
▶️ Calling all foodies! This Private Authentic Mexican Cooking Class with a Local Chef Manuel is a real treat.
You’ll not only hone your cooking skills on a hands-on experience, but journey through flavors that are intrinsically connected to Mexico’s rich culture.
Led by an expert chef, you’ll whip up mouthwatering dishes like mahi mahi ceviche, smoked marlin tacos, and sopa de elotes. All ingredients are fresh and local, guaranteeing an authentic meal.
Once the dishes are done, sit down to enjoy them with a refreshing local beer. As you dine, keep learning from the chef’s extensive knowledge of traditional cuisine. It’s one of the best Puerto Vallarta cooking classes for groups of up to eight participants.
This tour includes: A private cooking class, a meal, and beer. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ On this Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Helene, a Local in Puerto Vallarta, get your hands messy as you embark on a delicious culinary adventure.
Start with a market tour in which your guide will introduce you to local ingredients and teach you how to choose them, and then head to the cooking class.
Helene will guide you in creating three local dishes, including the traditional seafood ceviche and carne asada. Once your meal is done, sit down with her to relish your creations paired with two alcoholic drinks or refreshments.
This cooking class in Puerto Vallarta includes: A market tour, a private cooking class, and a meal with drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Step into the heart of Jalisco’s flavors on this Authentic Jaliscan Cooking Class with a Local Helene in a Traditional Hacienda.
Cook up a storm in Helene’s Puerto Vallarta kitchen as she guides you on a hands-on culinary experience, teaching you to craft Jaliscan classics like snapper, carne asada, ceviche, and chile poblano in a beautiful setting.
The class will equip you with new recipes and skills, and at the end of it you’ll sit down to savor your creations with a drink. All you need to take is your willingness to learn and a great appetite!
This tour includes: A private cooking class, and a meal with drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Chocolate Workshops in Puerto Vallarta
▶️ Sweeten up with a chocolicious Bean to Bar Chocolate Workshop in Puerto Vallarta. On this tour, you’ll learn all the secrets of the most beloved product in the world.
Listen to tales about cocoa and its journey from the trees to the bar, and discover how chocolate was used by the Mayans and Aztecs.
Finally, get hands-on experience in crafting bonbons and chocolate drinks to enjoy. The experience is suitable for children aged 8 and up.
This tour includes: A tour guide, and a chocolate workshop with all ingredients and cooking utensils. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Immerse in the world of cocoa at ChocoMuseo during a Chocolate and Truffles Workshop. Unearth chocolate’s past as your guide tells you all about its history and the transformation it suffers from bean to bar on a museum tour.
You’ll then get hands-on in creating ganache-filled chocolates, and chocolate truffles, an activity suited for the whole family. Before you leave, don’t forget to use your 10% factory outlet discount for some sweet delights!
This tour includes: A museum tour, and an interactive chocolate workshop. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Chocolate Tour in Vallarta calls all chocolate lovers for a delicious experience at Planeta Cacao, a cacao garden near Puerto Vallarta.
A guide will introduce you to the importance of chocolate in pre-Colombian times, and its fascinating history. You’ll also get to witness the cacao pods, and discover how the product has evolved over the centuries. Finally, you’ll be treated to a traditional cacao and corn drink.
This tour includes: An introduction to cacao, a drink, and free samples. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
