Cancun is the major and most cosmopolitan city in the Yucatan Peninsula. Being also the gateway to the Riviera Maya, it will probably be the first destination you get to.
And what better way to start your Mexico vacation than by learning the secrets behind the country’s best feature? Yes, I’m referring to its (mouthwatering) cuisine.
Mexico’s foodie scene is fabulous, and Cancun is the perfect city to delve into the recipes and cooking techniques of the most famous local dishes. There’s a reason why culinary experiences rank as one of the best things to do in Cancun!
Read on to find the ultimate cooking classes in Cancun, and take your pick!
➥ Why can you trust my picks? With over six months spent exploring Mexico and a decade of experience selecting the best travel experiences, I’ve got a keen eye for authentic cooking classes.
I’ve handpicked classes that offer not just cooking skills but a taste of local culture. From mastering the perfect taco to simmering traditional Yucatecan dishes, you’ll walk away from these classes with an understanding of Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.
I use (and trust) Viator when booking tours and classes around the world. I especially recommend the platform because of its fantastic cancelation policy. If for any reason your travel plans change, you can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
Limited time? These are the best options:
| THE BEST COOKING CLASS | Mexican Cooking Class |
| PRIVATE COOKING CLASS | Private Cooking Class and Market Tour |
OUR PICK: The BEST Cooking Class in Cancun
This Mexican Cooking Class with Fresh Local Market Ingredient Selection and Transport starts with a visit to a local market. You’ll get to wander around its stalls, and shop for fresh ingredients as you learn about them.
With a full basket, head to the kitchen of your Cancun cooking school. You’ll be suited up with an apron, and following your chef’s instructions you’ll create a 4-course meal from scratch.
Learn to use the stone mortar, clay pots, and griddle to prepare tasty guacamole, tortillas, sopes, and enchiladas. You’ll also make arroz con leche for dessert, and margaritas to sip on. Sit down to enjoy good food with your fellow foodies at the end of the class.
➤ Why this Mexican cooking class? It’s a super comprehensive class, introducing you to every aspect of Mexican cuisine. You’ll not only learn a few traditional recipes but also learn about local ingredients at a market. Practice new cooking techniques, and cook an incredible variety of dishes.
Read what the reviews say:
”We had a GREAT time!!! Going to the local food market was awesome, and our guide Carlos was so engaging and informative. During the class he explained the history behind the food and the way it is prepared. Highly recommend this experience!! Different than your average food tour, this was a much more 1:1 experience and we left feeling a little more connected to the culture.”
Margaret_M – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, all ingredients, a chef/guide, a 4-course meal with drinks, tea & coffee, and recipes. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other GREAT Cooking Classes in Cancun
▶️ A Tasty Mexican Cooking Class with Feast in Riviera Maya will unveil the secrets of some of Mexico’s most renowned dishes. These include Carnitas, Tamales, and Cochinita Pibil – the menu varies depending on the day.
You’ll be preparing a 6-course meal in a culinary school situated right in the heart of the Mayan jungle.
After you’ve finished crafting your creations, you’ll get to enjoy an authentic Mexican fiesta (party) with music, drinks, and tequila shots. Needless to say, you’ll also feast on the meal and dessert you prepared in this Cancun cooking class.
This tour includes: All ingredients, the cooking class, drinks, recipes, snacks, and a meal. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Another fantastic class is this Elaboration of Tortillas by Hand following the Mexican Tradition. It’s a 1-hour experience in which you’ll learn every step of the process from a local.
Craft handmade tortillas from scratch, and prepare tacos with traditional Mexican fillings. You’ll also learn about Mexico’s main ingredients, and discover your host’s family recipes. End the experience by sitting down to enjoy your homemade meal.
This tour includes: Tortilla-making class, a meal, and a certificate of appreciation. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Private Cooking Class and Market Tour with Local Chef in Cancun is a fabulous experience for groups. With the guidance of an expert, you’ll delve into Mexican culture while exploring a market. Learn about the ingredients and traditional dishes you’ll prepare, and then head to the kitchen!
Following recipes from the region, you’ll cook a delicious lunch with starters such as totopos, guacamole, and enchiladas.
Create a mole sauce and prepare a delicious cochinita pibil (or a vegan/veggie alternative). You’ll have so much fun sharing this experience with your loved ones! The tour accommodates up to six of you.
This tour includes: A market tour, a cooking class, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Chocolate Making Class in Cancun
Sweet tooth? You may want to skip the traditional Cancun cooking classes and join an Artisanal Chocolate Bean to Bar Workshop instead. A local chef will welcome you with a cocoa drink and teach you about the delicious product before starting the hands-on experience.
You’ll learn the history of chocolate, which has its origins in Mesoamerica (which is now Mexico!) and create your very own chocolate bar from scratch.
You’ll also enjoy a chocolate tasting, so we can confidently say you’ll be chocolated out when you leave. (And trust me, that’s a delicious thing!)
This tour includes: A welcome drink, a chocolate workshop with all ingredients, bottled water, and 3 chocolate bars. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Coba Ruins + Cooking Class with a Mayan Community
The Coba Adventure and Sabrosura – Enjoy, Support, and Interact at the Mayan Communities is a wonderful cooking class slash historical tour in Cancun.
You’ll start the day by visiting the striking Coba Ruins, one of the only Mayan ruins in Mexico that you can still climb, and then you’ll venture into the jungle.
There you’ll enjoy a myriad of adventures, from canoeing to hiking. Finally, head to a Mayan community village where you’ll take part in a cooking class. You’ll learn to make tortillas from the local women and share the meal with them. It doesn’t get more authentic than this!
This tour includes: Transportation, entrance fee to Coba, lunch, a visit to the community, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
