Getting to know Arequipa’s food scene is a joy through its excellent shopping tours. The best combine market visits with hands-on cooking lessons. My favorite is the compact 4-hour Peruvian Cooking Class, which smartly mixes market shopping with learning to make both traditional dishes and Pisco Sours. History buffs will love the 1-hour San Camilo Market Tour through a beautifully preserved 1938 building. For serious cooks, both the Peruvian Cooking Experience and Arequipeño Cooking Class let you shop for ingredients before creating local specialties in a friendly kitchen setting. Let’s explore the top food shopping tours in detail.
Key Points
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The San Camilo Market Tour provides a guided walking experience to explore local produce, artisanal products, and traditional Arequipeño dishes.
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The Peruvian Cooking Class combines a market visit, cooking lesson, and Pisco Sour class, offering an immersive culinary adventure in Arequipa.
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The Arequipeño Cooking Class blends a market tour with a hands-on cooking experience, allowing participants to learn and prepare traditional local dishes.
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The San Camilo Market Tour is a 1-hour private tour led by a professional guide, including round-trip transfers and sampling of traditional foods.
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The Peruvian Culture Travel offers a highly-rated Arequipeño cooking class with a maximum group size of 10, featuring an authentic market visit and cooking experience.
Peruvian Cooking Class + Piscosour Class + Visit the Local Market
A Peruvian cooking class, Pisco Sour class, and visit to the local market combine to offer travelers an immersive culinary experience in Arequipa.
The 72 reviews, 100% recommendation, and Badge of Excellence indicate this 4-hour activity is a must-try.
Led by hosts Diana and Patricio, praised for their warmth and expertise, the class covers traditional Peruvian dishes like Lomo Saltado and Causa, with vegetarian options available.
Participants also visit the local market, taste ingredients, and receive a certificate, Pisco, and recipes at the end.
With a maximum of 11 travelers, this intimate cooking class provides a truly unique and delicious window into Arequipa’s vibrant food culture.
Read our full review: Peruvian Cooking Class + Piscosour Class + Visit the Local Market Review
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Arequipa: San Camilo Market Tour
Nestled in the heart of Arequipa’s historic center, the iconic San Camilo Market stands as a testament to the city’s rich culinary heritage.
Visitors can embark on a guided walking tour of this 1938 market, designed by the legendary Gustave Eiffel. The 1-hour tour allows you to explore a variety of local produce, from vibrant fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses and medicinal plants.
You’ll also have the opportunity to sample traditional Peruvian dishes like rocoto relleno and adobo, as well as the famous queso helado dessert.
Led by knowledgeable guides in English or Spanish, this tour provides an immersive experience into Arequipa’s vibrant food culture for just $35.33 per person.
Read our full review: Arequipa: San Camilo Market Tour Review
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Peruvian Cooking Experience, Pisco Sour and Visit Local Market
Often, visitors to Arequipa embark on a captivating Peruvian cooking experience that combines the creation of local dishes, the crafting of a signature pisco sour, and an exploration of the vibrant San Camilo Market.
This highly-rated experience features a menu of Peruvian favorites, including stuffed potato causas, lomo saltado, and a seasonal dessert. Participants enjoy private transportation, a fully-equipped kitchen, and lunch with alcoholic beverages.
With a 100% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this cooking class promises an authentic and memorable culinary adventure in the heart of Arequipa.
Read our full review: Peruvian Cooking Experience, Pisco Sour and Visit Local Market Review
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Arequipeño Cooking Class and San Camilo Market
Travelers seeking an authentic culinary experience in Arequipa can embark on an Arequipeño cooking class that blends a market tour with hands-on preparation of local dishes.
Operated by Peruvian Culture Travel, the class takes participants to the vibrant San Camilo Market, offering culture.
With a maximum group size of 10, the class includes sampling menu items like salted loin and causa padding.
Participants receive all necessary elements and kitchen materials for the hands-on cooking.
Lunch is provided as part of the experience, which lasts around 3 hours with hotel pickup and drop-off.
Priced from €109.44 per person, the class receives positive reviews for its authentic market tour and enjoyable cooking activities.
Read our full review: Arequipeño Cooking Class and San Camilo Market Review
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San Camilo Market Tour
The San Camilo Market in Arequipa offers visitors a vibrant and immersive experience, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of the region.
Travelers can join a professional guide on a private tour to explore the bustling market. The tour includes round-trip transfers from centrally located hotels and all food and drinks.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most visitors. Guests should wear comfortable attire and bring spending cash for personal expenses.
With a 4.0 overall rating from a single review, this tour provides an authentic look into Arequipa’s vibrant market culture.
At $35.33 per person, it’s an affordable way to discover the city’s gastronomic heritage.
Read our full review: San Camilo Market Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Sum Up
Arequipa offers a range of engaging shopping tours that allow visitors to enjoy the local culture. From exploring the vibrant San Camilo Market to learning the art of Peruvian cooking and mixology, these experiences provide a well-rounded and authentic glimpse into the city’s traditions. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or a sightseeer, Arequipa’s shopping tours cater to diverse interests and deliver memorable experiences.