Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Colombian cuisine with this 5-hour cooking and tasting class in the historic city of Cartagena. You’ll begin with a guided tour of the lively Bazurto Market, where you’ll explore exotic fruits and local ingredients while enjoying the rhythmic beats of Caribbean music. Then, it’s time to get hands-on in the kitchen, as a local chef leads you through the preparation of traditional dishes like corn arepas and Amazonian-style fish. With a maximum of 12 participants, this intimate class ensures personalized instruction and a comprehensive culinary adventure. But the real question is, are you ready to embark on a delicious journey through the heart of Colombian gastronomy?

Good To Know

5-Hour Cooking and Tasting Class With Market Small Group Tour - Good To Know

  • Immersive 5-hour cooking and tasting class in Cartagena, Colombia, featuring a guided tour of Bazurto Market and a hands-on lesson with a local chef.
  • Exploration of Bazurto Market’s vibrant atmosphere, exotic fruits, and local food culture, providing valuable context for the cooking class.
  • Preparation of traditional Colombian dishes, including corn arepas, Amazonian-style fish, and caramelized plantain with Lulo ice cream.
  • Comprehensive experience for up to 12 travelers, including transportation, cooking tools, and a diverse menu showcasing the flavors of Colombian cuisine.
  • Positive reviews highlighting the highlights of the class, such as the market tour and hands-on cooking experience, in an intimate setting with a knowledgeable local chef.

Overview and Highlights

What does this 5-hour cooking and tasting class in Cartagena, Colombia entail?

It offers a guided tour of the vibrant Bazurto Market, known for its lively atmosphere and Caribbean music.

The hands-on cooking class, led by a local chef, focuses on preparing traditional Colombian dishes.

The sample menu includes starters like corn arepas and plantain baskets, a main course of Amazonian-style fish, and a dessert of caramelized plantain with Lulo ice cream.

The class also includes a tasting of around a dozen exotic fruits from the market.

Transportation, lunch, and cooking tools are provided, making this a comprehensive culinary experience for up to 12 travelers.

Guided Market Exploration

The guided tour of the vibrant Bazurto Market immerses participants in the lively atmosphere and Caribbean rhythms that permeate the bustling stalls.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, the market exploration introduces guests to the array of exotic fruits, vegetables, and seafood that define Colombian cuisine.

Visitors can sample a dozen unique tropical fruits while learning about their origins and culinary uses.

This immersive experience provides a behind-the-scenes look at the local food culture, offering valuable insights that enhance the subsequent cooking class.

Hands-on Cooking Experience

Transitioning from the vibrant market exploration, participants engage in a hands-on cooking class led by a knowledgeable local chef. The chef guides the group through the preparation of traditional Colombian dishes, offering insight into the unique flavors and cooking techniques. During the class, guests will craft starters like Arepitas Rellenas and Patacones Rellenos, the main course of Fish in Bijao, and the sweet finale of Platano Picaro. Throughout the experience, the chef provides personalized instruction and encouragement, ensuring each participant feels confident in the kitchen.

Starter Main Dessert
Arepitas Rellenas Fish in Bijao Platano Picaro
Patacones Rellenos

The hands-on cooking class allows travelers to enjoy the culinary traditions of Colombia, fostering a deeper appreciation for the local cuisine.

Sample Menu and Inclusions

The menu for the cooking class features a selection of traditional Colombian dishes showcasing the vibrant flavors of the region.

The starters include:

  1. Arepitas Rellenas – corn arepas filled with chicken or vegetables.
  2. Patacones Rellenos – plantain baskets with shrimp and a tomato-onion salsa.

For the main course, guests will learn to prepare Fish in Bijao, an Amazonian-style fish cooked in a large leaf.

To end the meal, the class will enjoy Platano Picaro, a dish of caramelized yellow plantain served with Lulo ice cream.

The class also includes a fruit tasting, exploring a dozen exotic fruits from the nearby Bazurto Market.

Meeting Point and Logistics

The meeting point for the Cooking and Tasting Class is the Cartagena Cooking School, located at Calle del estanco del aguardiente 38 #5-92 in the Historic Center of Cartagena. The activity ends back at the same location. The class starts at 9:00 am and accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers per group.

Detail Information
Meeting Point Cartagena Cooking School, Calle del estanco del aguardiente 38 #5-92, Centro Histórico, Cartagena
End Location Cartagena Cooking School
Start Time 9:00 am
Group Size Maximum 12 travelers

The class features an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation and provides all necessary kitchen tools for the hands-on cooking session.

Traveler Recommendations

Based on the feedback from previous travelers, this Cooking and Tasting Class seems to be a hit. 100% of the 12 reviewers recommend this experience, praising its vibrant market tour, hands-on cooking lesson, and diverse menu sampling.

Highlights include:

  1. Guided exploration of the lively Bazurto Market, known for its Caribbean music and vibrant atmosphere.

  2. Intimate cooking class led by a local chef, focusing on preparing traditional Colombian dishes.

  3. Opportunity to taste around a dozen exotic fruits from the market, accompanied by in-depth explanations.

Accessibility and Transportation

This cooking and tasting class isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed.

The meeting point and activity location are situated in Cartagena’s historic center, which may have limited accessibility options. However, the class does include air-conditioned vehicle transportation to and from the market and cooking school.

It’s recommended for travelers who can navigate uneven terrain and stairs. The experience isn’t suitable for young children, but is conveniently located near public transportation.

Participants should consider their mobility needs when booking this hands-on culinary adventure in the vibrant Colombian city.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking for this cooking and tasting class is easily handled online, with confirmation typically received within 48 hours of the reservation, subject to availability.

There are a few important details to be aware of:

  1. This experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed.
  2. It’s located near public transportation, but not recommended for young children.
  3. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start of the experience.

The price for this 5-hour cooking and tasting class with a market tour starts from $170.00 and is backed by a lowest price guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Any Dietary Substitutions During the Cooking Class?

Yes, dietary substitutions can be made during the cooking class. The chef can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs with advance notice. Let the staff know about any restrictions when booking the experience.

Is There a Vegetarian/Vegan Menu Option Available?

Yes, there is a vegetarian/vegan menu option available. The cooking class can accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options. Just let the chef know your needs when booking the experience.

Can I Purchase Any of the Ingredients or Dishes From the Class?

Participants can purchase some of the ingredients used in the cooking class from the Bazurto Market. However, the dishes prepared during the class are not available for purchase, as they’re made exclusively for the group.

What Is the Dress Code for the Hands-On Cooking Portion?

The dress code for the hands-on cooking portion is casual and comfortable. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing, and an apron to protect their clothes. No formal attire is required for this interactive cooking experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Experience?

No, there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the duration of this cooking and market tour experience. The activity is described as a 5-hour program, and there’s no mention of any extended options in the information provided.

The Sum Up

This immersive 5-hour class offers an authentic taste of Colombian cuisine. Visitors can explore the vibrant Bazurto Market, learn from a local chef, and prepare traditional dishes. With a small group size, the experience provides personalized attention and a comprehensive culinary adventure. It’s a great opportunity to explore the rich flavors and cultural traditions of Cartagena’s thriving food scene.