Discover the culinary delights of Mexico’s Caribbean coast with the Costa Maya: Cooking Class + Margaritas & Mezcal Tasting. This 3-hour tour offers an immersive experience, where participants learn to prepare authentic Mexican dishes under the guidance of a local chef. Beyond the hands-on cooking lesson, guests can indulge in an open bar and savor the complexities of tequila and mezcal. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply seeking a unique cultural adventure, this tour promises to tantalize your taste buds and ignite your senses. The flexible booking process ensures you can secure your spot, but the true allure lies in the experience that awaits.
Key Points

- Hands-on cooking lesson with an experienced local chef to prepare authentic Mexican dishes like ceviche, roasted salsa, and guacamole.
- Open bar with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including signature margaritas and tequila/mezcal tastings.
- Opportunity to learn insider techniques and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of Mexican cuisine.
- Flexible booking process with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and convenient location near the cruise port.
- Taxis available from the cruise port to the venue, with a typical fare of 4-5 USD per person.
Overview of the Experience

This 3-hour tour in Costa Maya offers a hands-on cooking lesson where you will learn to prepare authentic Mexican dishes like ceviche, roasted salsa, and guacamole.
Alongside the culinary lesson, the experience includes an open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as a tasting of tequila and mezcal.
The cost for this immersive experience starts at $112.38 per person.
Booking is easy, with the option to reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
This activity provides an opportunity to discover new culinary techniques while indulging in Mexican culture and flavors.
You can also read our reviews of more food & drink experiences in Mexico
Cooking Lesson With Chef

An experienced local chef leads the hands-on cooking segment of the experience, guiding participants through the preparation of classic Mexican dishes. Guests will learn insider techniques for making staple items such as ceviche, roasted salsa, and guacamole. The chef provides step-by-step instructions and allows ample time for hands-on cooking and tasting.
| Dish | Ingredients | Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Ceviche | Fresh fish, citrus, onions, cilantro | Marinating, chopping, mixing |
| Roasted Salsa | Tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili peppers | Roasting, blending, seasoning |
| Guacamole | Avocados, lime, onions, cilantro, spices | Mashing, mixing, tasting |
Participants will leave the class with a newfound appreciation for the complexities of Mexican cuisine and the skills to recreate these dishes at home.
Preparing Mexican Staples

The cooking class provides participants with hands-on experience in preparing several classic Mexican staple dishes, including ceviche, roasted salsa, and guacamole.
Under the guidance of an experienced chef, attendees will learn the techniques and ingredients required to make these beloved Mexican favorites.
They’ll start by preparing a refreshing ceviche, which combines fresh seafood ‘cooked’ in citrus juices and seasoned with chili peppers, onions, and cilantro.
Next, they’ll whip up a flavorful roasted salsa, roasting tomatoes, onions, and garlic before blending them into a zesty condiment.
Indulging in Open Bar

Throughout the experience, participants can indulge in an open bar featuring a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
This open bar provides the opportunity to sample and enjoy a range of refreshing drinks, including:
- Signature margaritas made with premium tequila
- Craft cocktails featuring local mezcal
- A selection of Mexican beers and wines
- Non-alcoholic options such as juices, sodas, and water
The open bar is included in the overall package, allowing guests to freely explore and discover new flavors throughout the cooking class and tasting experience.
This aspect of the activity encourages a convivial and festive atmosphere, complementing the hands-on culinary lesson and culture.
More Great Tours NearbyDiscovering Culinary Techniques

During the cooking class, participants frequently learn new culinary techniques from the experienced chef. They discover how to properly prepare ceviche, roast and blend ingredients for a flavorful salsa, and craft an authentic guacamole. These hands-on lessons provide valuable insights into the fundamental cooking methods of traditional Mexican cuisine.
The chef breaks down each dish step-by-step, demonstrating proper knife skills, ingredient proportions, and seasoning techniques. Participants actively engage by chopping, mixing, and tasting their creations. This interactive experience allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in preparing classic Mexican fare.
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Tequila and Mezcal Tasting
Along With the cooking lesson, participants can indulge in a tasting of traditional Mexican spirits – tequila and mezcal. The open bar provides an opportunity to sample a variety of these agave-based liquors, allowing attendees to discover their unique flavors and learn about the nuances between the two.
The tasting covers:
- The history and production process of tequila and mezcal
- The differences in taste profiles, including notes of smoke, citrus, and herbs
- How to properly sip and savor these complex spirits
- Pairing suggestions to enhance the flavors of the Mexican dishes prepared during the class
Exploring these beloved Mexican beverages adds an extra layer of culture to the overall culinary experience.
Booking and Cancellation Policy

Travelers can reserve this cooking class and tasting experience online, with the option to pay later.
The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for participants.
This booking process makes it easy for guests to secure their spot without needing to pay upfront.
Should plans change, they can cancel with no penalty, as long as they do so at least a day before the class.
This policy ensures travelers can book with confidence, knowing they won’t lose their money if unexpected circumstances arise.
Getting to the Cruise Port

How does one get to the cruise port for this cooking class and tasting experience in Costa Maya?
Taxis can be taken from the cruise port, with the fare typically costing 4-5 USD per person. No transportation is provided as part of the activity, so guests will need to make their own way to the class location.
The class is conveniently located, making it easy for cruise passengers to attend.
Some key things to note about getting to the venue:
- No transportation is included, so plan to take a taxi or find your own way
- Taxis from the cruise port are readily available and affordable
- The venue is close by, so the taxi ride should be quick and inexpensive
- Arrive with plenty of time to enjoy the full 3-hour cooking and tasting experience
Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Event?
There’s no formal dress code for this event. Guests should wear comfortable, casual attire suitable for a cooking class. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety during food preparation.
Can I Bring My Own Alcohol to the Event?
No, participants cannot bring their own alcohol to the event. The cooking class and tasting experience includes an open bar with domestic alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, so outside alcohol is not permitted. The event organizers provide all the beverages.
Are Vegetarian/Vegan Options Available?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are typically available for this type of cooking class. The chef will work with participants to accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences upon request.
Can I Take the Leftovers Home?
Participants can typically take home any leftover food they’ve prepared during the cooking class, providing they have the means to store and transport it. However, policies may vary, so it’s best to check with the event organizers.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tasting?
The minimum age requirement for the tasting is typically 18 years old. This is a standard age limit for participating in alcohol tastings and sampling experiences. Guests must be of legal drinking age to take part.
Recap
The Costa Maya: Cooking Class + Margaritas & Mezcal Tasting offers an immersive culinary experience that allows participants to learn traditional Mexican cooking techniques, indulge in an open bar, and discover the complexities of tequila and mezcal.
With a flexible booking process and cancellation policy, this engaging tour is an excellent way to explore the rich flavors and cultural traditions of the region.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Food & Drink Experiences in Mexico
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