Cook Like a Local: Vallarta Market & Cooking Experience

5.0
(1 reviews)

5 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

This cooking class is special because it’s more than a class; it’s a warm, authentic cultural experience in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.

Chef Julio shares family recipes passed down through generations, teaching you not only how to cook but why each dish matters in Mexican culture. His passion and storytelling make the class engaging, fun, and deeply personal.

You learn in a beautiful open-air terrace kitchen, using fresh local ingredients, and you leave with skills, memories, and flavors you can bring home, making this experience truly unforgettable.

- Local market visit to discover authentic ingredients.
- Open-air terrace kitchen with city and ocean views.
- Use of fresh, local ingredients.
- Enjoy the dishes you prepare in a cozy setting.
- Includes a digital recipe booklet to recreate at home.
- Blends culture, history, and Mexican gastronomy.
- Perfect for foodies, families, couples, and curious travelers.
- Central location in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.

Example Menu

Main

mole from scratch (30 ingredients)

We prepare a rich, authentic mole poblano from scratch with 30+ ingredients, creating deep, layered flavors in a fun, hands-on class

Main

chile poblano relleno with panela cheese

We make a classic chile relleno stuffed with cheese, dipped in egg batter, fried, and topped with fresh ranchera sauce. Authentic and delicious!

Starter

ceviche Tostadas vallarta style

We prepare fresh ceviche with fish, lime, cilantro, tomato, onion, and chili, creating a bright, zesty, and authentic Mexican coastal dish.

Starter

tortillas

We hand-make fresh corn tortillas from masa, pressing and cooking them on a comal for warm, soft, authentic Mexican flavor.

Starter

guacamole

We make fresh guacamole with ripe avocado, lime, cilantro, onion, and tomato for a creamy, zesty, and authentic Mexican dip.

Starter

salsa molcajete

We make Gaby’s molcajete salsa with roasted tomatoes, chilies, garlic, and onion, ground by hand for a rich, smoky, authentic flavor.

Starter

avocado sauce with topochico

We blend avocado with lime, cilantro, chilies, and Topo Chico for a light, creamy salsa with a fresh, bubbly kick.

Starter

salsa macha

We prepare salsa macha with dried chilies, garlic, nuts, and oil, creating a spicy, nutty, flavorful salsa with a rich, smoky taste.

Main

mexican red rice

We cook fluffy Mexican red rice with tomato, garlic, onion, and spices, creating a savory, colorful, and authentic side dish

Starter

cowboy sauce

We make ranchera salsa with tomatoes, chilies, garlic, and onion, simmered for a fresh, mildly spicy, and authentic Mexican flavor.

What's Included

drinks and tips is not included

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Getting to Gaby’s Restaurant (Calle Mina 252, Centro, Puerto Vallarta) By Foot (from the Malecón / Church area) is one of the most famous mexican restaurant in Puerto Vallarta

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to expect

Your cooking adventure with Chef Julio in Puerto Vallarta is a warm, fun, and delicious journey into the heart of Mexican cuisine.
1. Meet & Greet
You’ll meet Chef Julio and his family, a charming, family-owned restaurant in the historic center, downtown Puerto Vallarta just steps from the Malecón.
️ 2. Market Tour
We begin with a short walk to the local market to discover fresh produce, local herbs, and traditional ingredients essential for authentic Mexican cooking. You'll learn how to choose the best chiles, tomatoes, and spices, and gain insight into the ingredients you will use.
3. Hands-On Cooking
Back at chef julio house roottop, you’ll step into our open-air terrace kitchen with ocean and cathedral views. Chef Julio guides you step-by-step in preparing salsas, handmade tortillas, and traditional dishes like mole, guacamole, and more, using time-honored family recipes.
4. Enjoy What You Cook
Once your dishes are ready, you’ll sit down on our terrace to enjoy the meal you prepared,
5. Take Home Recipes & Memories
Before you leave, you will receive a digital recipe booklet so you can recreate your favorite dishes at home and share your new skills with family and friends.

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Supplied by Gabys Mexican Cooking Classes By Chef Julio Castillon

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Tags

Cooking Classes
Food & Drink
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 1 1 review
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