Step into our welcoming family home in Cayma. Cook fresh Ceviche, Causa Limeña, and shake your own Pisco Sour from scratch with Chef Marisa.
Taste exotic local fruits, yellow potatoes, and aromatic chili peppers picked fresh from Arequipa’s markets.
Learn kitchen secrets passed down through generations in a warm, small-group setting with fluent English translation.
Chop, mash, shake, and sit down together to feast on everything you create.
If you are looking for the most memorable things to do in Arequipa, skip the crowded tourist restaurants and come cook with us. Hosted by Head Chef Marisa Paiva and her daughter Marisa, our class feels like spending an afternoon cooking, laughing, and sharing stories in the home of Peruvian friends.
Our private kitchen studio is tucked away in the peaceful, historic neighborhood of Cayma—just a 10-minute taxi ride from Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas. With over 15 years of professional culinary experience, Chef Marisa designed this class so you don't just watch a demonstration from across a counter. Every guest gets their own prep station to chop, mash, season, and plate a complete 3-course Peruvian meal from scratch, while her daughter translates every tip into fluent English.
We start our session by tasting fresh, seasonal Peruvian fruits from local markets—like sweet chirimoya, granadilla, or highland passion fruit—while chatting about how ancient Andean ingredients blended with Spanish and coastal traditions. Then, we roll up our sleeves to shake frothy Pisco Sours, balance the bright citrus of classic Peruvian Ceviche, and layer delicate Causa Rellena using recipes you can easily recreate in your own kitchen back home.
100% organic produce, Pacific fish, and native potatoes sourced daily from Arequipa’s local farmers.
Capped at a maximum of 10 guests so you get warm, one-on-one guidance at every step.
Practical techniques and ingredient swap tips so you can cook Peruvian food for friends at home.
Every 3-hour class includes an exotic fruit tasting, two Pisco cocktails, a 3-course meal, and printed/digital recipes.
Over 340+ five-star reviews across Airbnb Experiences, Viator, and Google Maps.
"Fabulous cooking and eating experience! We learned, we laughed, we made new friends. Marisa took time to explain all the details and her daughter was an excellent English translator. And the food…OMG so good 😋 This was art."
"We had a lovely afternoon in a welcoming family home. Marisa and her mum were knowledgeable and showed us all their techniques and secrets. Great experience, with much fun, laughs and new skills acquired. Surely do it again!"
"Perfect experience. Well organized, classic recipes (ceviche, causa, pisco sour). Plus you are in someone’s home. I opted for no English translation to practice my Spanish. Only ten minutes from Plaza de Armas. Really recommend this class!"
Daily departures • Small groups (Max 10)
We welcome you into our home in Cayma to share our family recipes, stories, and love for Peruvian gastronomy.
With over 15 years in prestigious Peruvian kitchens, Marisa leads every session with warmth, patience, and authentic home-cooking secrets.
Chef Marisa’s daughter ensures seamless English translation, shares cultural stories behind every ingredient, and makes you feel right at home.
Planning the rest of your trip? Combine your culinary experience with our handpicked local tours across Southern Peru.
Discover the White City’s ashlar quarries (Ruta del Sillar), Santa Catalina Monastery, and spot Andean condors in the Colca Canyon.
Experience Sacsayhuamán, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), Humantay Lagoon, and authentic cultural tours in the Inca capital.
Seamless 1-day and multi-day train tours to Machu Picchu, Maras Moray salt mines, and Pisac Market with expert local guides.
Located in a quiet, safe residential area just 10 minutes by taxi or Uber from Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas.
Everything you need to know for a smooth, fun culinary experience.
Not at all! Our Arequipa cooking class is designed for everyone, from complete beginners to passionate home cooks. Chef Marisa and her daughter guide you step-by-step at your own station so you can easily recreate every dish back home.
Yes! Our traditional Peruvian recipes naturally adapt very well to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. Instead of fish or chicken, we use fresh Andean mushrooms, creamy avocados, quinoa, and seasonal vegetables. Simply note your preference when booking.
Absolutely! If you have a specific Peruvian dish on your wishlist—such as Lomo Saltado, Ají de Gallina, or Arequipa’s famous Rocoto Relleno—let us know in advance. We can customize the menu for private bookings or by group consensus depending on seasonal ingredients.
We are located in the historic, safe residential district of Cayma (Los Portales de Cayma, Pasaje Larilari i-3), just a 10-minute taxi or Uber ride (around 8–10 PEN / $2.50 USD) from the Plaza de Armas. We send exact directions and a pin upon confirmation.
Yes! While our standard classes are already kept small (maximum 10 participants), we love hosting private sessions for families, couples, or groups of friends. Contact us on WhatsApp or email to reserve a private time slot.
While a walking food tour only lets you taste small bites at busy restaurants, our hands-on class welcomes you into a real Peruvian family home. You sample exotic local fruits, shake two varieties of Pisco Sour, prepare a generous 3-course meal yourself, and leave with authentic recipes you can cook for life.