The Awamaki Cooking Class offers a unique culture into the flavors of Peru. Participants embark on a guided tour of the local market, discovering indigenous ingredients before engaging in a hands-on cooking workshop. Led by a skilled local chef, attendees learn the techniques and cultural significance behind preparing iconic Peruvian dishes like causa and rocoto relleno. The experience culminates with a delicious homemade meal, accompanied by the refreshing chicha morada, fostering genuine connections to the country’s rich culinary heritage. Those seeking an authentic taste of Peru won’t want to miss this opportunity.

Good To Know

  • Awamaki Cooking Class offers a unique culinary experience, focusing on traditional Peruvian cooking methods and ingredients in a local home setting.
  • The class includes a guided market tour to explore indigenous ingredients, followed by a hands-on cooking workshop led by a skilled local chef.
  • Participants learn to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes such as causa and rocoto relleno, while enjoying a homemade meal and the refreshing chicha morada drink.
  • The experience provides an immersive cultural exchange, allowing participants to connect with Peruvian culinary heritage and the local community.
  • The class is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience with transportation and pickup/dropoff services available.

Peruvian Culinary Adventure

Though Peru is renowned for its vibrant cuisine, the Awamaki Cooking Class offers travelers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the country’s culinary traditions.

Held in a Peruvian home, this immersive experience begins with a guided tour of the local market, where participants can discover the diverse array of indigenous ingredients that form the backbone of Peruvian cooking.

Under the tutelage of a skilled local chef, guests then embark on a hands-on workshop, learning to prepare several classic Peruvian dishes, from the layered potato-based causa to the flavorful rocoto relleno.

Capped off with a homemade meal and a refreshing chicha morada drink, this cultural experience promises to leave participants with a newfound appreciation for the richness of Peruvian gastronomy.

Explore Ollantaytambo Market

The Awamaki Cooking Class in Ollantaytambo begins with a guided tour of the local market, where participants can enjoy the vibrant sights, scents, and sounds of Peruvian culinary culture.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour introduces travelers to a diverse array of fresh produce, spices, and traditional ingredients. Guests have the opportunity to interact with local vendors, learning about the origins and uses of the ingredients.

This interactive experience sets the stage for the hands-on cooking workshop, allowing participants to appreciate the rich tapestry of Peruvian cuisine before crafting their own traditional dishes.

Hands-on Cooking Experience

Awamaki Cooking Class - Hands-on Cooking Experience

After the engaging market tour, participants head to a charming Peruvian home to begin the hands-on cooking experience.

Under the guidance of a local cooking teacher, they’ll learn to prepare several traditional Peruvian dishes. The group will work together to create a causa starter, a rocoto relleno main course, and the signature Chicha Morada drink.

Throughout the process, the English-speaking guide provides insights into the cultural significance and techniques behind each recipe. The cooking class is an immersive opportunity for food-focused travelers to connect with Peruvian cuisine and culture.

At the end of the session, participants savor the flavorful meal they’ve prepared together.

Preparing Causa and Rocoto Relleno

Participants begin the hands-on cooking portion by preparing the causa appetizer. They learn to shred chicken or mash avocado, then layer it with vibrant vegetables and a lemony potato mash.

Next, they tackle the rocoto relleno, a traditional Peruvian dish of hot peppers stuffed with seasoned meat or vegetables and baked to perfection.

Under the guidance of the local cooking teacher, travelers gain insights into the rich culinary heritage of Peru. The aroma of the freshly prepared dishes fills the air as participants savor the fruits of their labor, accompanied by the lightly sweetened purple corn drink, chicha morada.

Sipping Chicha Morada

With the causa and rocoto relleno dishes now prepared, it’s time to savor the final component of the culinary experience – the refreshing chicha morada.

This lightly sweetened purple corn drink offers a unique blend of flavors, including:

  • Cinnamon, providing a warm, aromatic note
  • Pineapple, adding a touch of tartness and sweetness
  • Typical Peruvian spices and herbs, elevating the drink’s complexity

As the group sips the chicha morada, they’ll have the opportunity to learn more about its cultural significance and traditional preparation methods.

The vibrant purple hue and balanced flavors make this beverage a fitting conclusion to the authentic Peruvian cooking class.

Cultural Immersion and Hospitality

Beyond just the culinary experience, the Awamaki Cooking Class immerses participants in the rich cultural tapestry of the Ollantaytambo region.

Travelers are guided through a local market, where they discover the vibrant array of Peruvian produce and ingredients.

The hands-on cooking workshop not only teaches traditional recipes, but also provides insight into the country’s culinary heritage and cooking techniques.

Guests are welcomed into a local home, fostering a genuine cultural exchange and deepening their understanding of Peruvian hospitality.

This immersive experience allows visitors to forge meaningful connections, going beyond the typical tourist activities and offering a truly authentic exploration of Peruvian culture through the lens of food.

Inclusions and Logistics

Aside from the culinary instruction, the Awamaki Cooking Class includes an English-speaking guide/interpreter and a local cooking teacher to lead the hands-on workshop.

Participants will also receive:

  • All necessary cooking ingredients
  • An online recipe book to follow along
  • Dinner as part of the experience
  • Transportation to Ollantaytambo from nearby cities
  • Hotel and train station pickup/dropoff

The class takes place at La Esquina in Ollantaytambo, with a maximum of 6 travelers per session.

The experience starts at 4:00 PM and isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed.

Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking for the Awamaki Cooking Class is subject to availability, with confirmation provided within 48 hours.

The class isn’t wheelchair-accessible, though service animals are allowed. It’s conveniently located near public transportation.

The class may be led by a multi-lingual guide. Travelers can cancel their booking free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience.

The current price for the class starts from $68.00, with a lowest price guarantee.

With a maximum of 6 travelers per session, the Awamaki Cooking Class offers a unique cultural experience for food-focused travelers seeking to enjoy Peruvian cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Menu Option Available?

The cooking class offers vegetarian and gluten-free options. The menu can be modified to accommodate dietary restrictions upon request. Clients should communicate any dietary needs when booking the experience.

Can I Take the Leftover Food With Me After the Class?

Participants can take home any leftover food from the cooking class. The class includes a full meal, so there may be extra portions that can be packed up to enjoy later.

Do I Need Any Prior Cooking Experience to Participate?

No prior cooking experience is necessary to participate as the class is designed for all skill levels. The hands-on workshop will teach participants how to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes from scratch.

Is There a Dress Code or Special Attire Required?

No special attire is required for the cooking class. Participants should wear comfortable, casual clothing that they don’t mind getting a bit messy during the hands-on cooking experience.

Can I Request a Private or Customized Cooking Class?

Yes, you can request a private or customized cooking class. The provider offers flexible options to accommodate individual preferences and group sizes, ensuring a tailored experience for food-focused travelers.

The Sum Up

The Awamaki Cooking Class offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich culinary heritage of Peru. Participants embark on a guided market tour, engage in hands-on cooking, and savor authentic dishes, all while experiencing genuine Peruvian hospitality. This cultural experience fosters a deeper connection to the country’s vibrant food traditions and leaves participants with a newfound appreciation for Peruvian cuisine.