Valladolid: Authentic Mayan Cooking Class

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3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Hidden Maya Cooking Experience

Escape the ordinary and uncover one of the Yucatán’s best-kept secrets: a traditional Maya cooking class tucked away in a hidden corner of the jungle. Here, far from the crowds, you’ll be welcomed into a family home where recipes and rituals have been preserved for centuries.

Your hosts will guide you step by step as you prepare an authentic Maya feast: hand-pressed tortillas, a silky sikil p’ak pumpkin seed dip, and the star of the day—Pollo Pibil, marinated with achiote and slow-cooked underground in the legendary pib oven, just as the Maya have done for generations. While the flavors come to life in the fire and earth, you’ll refresh yourself with agua de chaya, and later toast your meal with a cold beer or a smooth sip of mezcal.

This is more than a cooking class—it’s a rare journey into the living heritage of the Maya world. Surrounded by nature, you’ll not only learn how to cook, but also discover the deep cultural meaning behind every dish.

What's Included

Mayan traditional family greeters
Authentic lunch prepared by a UNESCO-recognized traditional cook:

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Valladolid
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Valladolid

    Arrive at a small Maya community. Be welcomed by a UNESCO-recognized traditional cook safeguarding ancient culinary knowledge. Witness the preparation of Pollo Pibil, slow-cooked in an underground pib oven using local spices and achiote. Learn about ancestral cooking techniques and the cultural significance of each ingredient. Full traditional meal includes: Pollo Pibil served with handmade tortillas Black beans, escabeche onions, regional salsas Chocolate dessert Traditional drinks like agua de chaya or horchata or beer A genuine cultural exchange where you’ll hear how these recipes have been passed from generation to generation.

    3 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Panama San Blas Tours

Tags

Half-day Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Walking Tours
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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