Puerto Vallarta is a fascinating city on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, with so much to offer, you’ll be tempted to stay there for weeks on end. I know it happened to me!
But besides the stunning landscapes and adventurous activities, Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its mouthwatering cuisine. We’re in Mexico, after all!
The city not only showcases the country’s most iconic dishes, from street tacos and guacamole dips to tasty enchiladas, but its gastronomy also includes regional specialties that can’t really be found in other parts of Mexico.
That is why I’ve selected for you the absolute best cooking classes in Puerto Vallarta. They allow you to eat your fill of delicious local food, but also help you unveil the secrets of authentic Mexican flavors, learning the techniques, recipes, and ingredients that make up the tastiest dishes.
Imagine being able to whip up a Mexican feast at home, long after your vacation is over! Read on to find the most iconic culinary experiences, and take your pick.
➥ Why should you trust me? I have been helping people plan their dream vacations for ten years, and have a wealth of experience when it comes to selecting tours and activities around the world. On top of that, I’ve spent six months traveling around Mexico and exploring the area around Puerto Vallarta, so I’m very familiar with the region and the adventures it offers.
I generally use Viator to book tours when I’m traveling. I especially recommend it for its great cancellation policy, which allows you to cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
Limited time? These are the top classes:
| THE BEST CLASS | Puerto Vallarta: Market Tour and Cooking Experience |
| PRIVATE COOKING CLASS | Private Authentic Mexican Cooking Class |
| CHOCOLATE WORKSHOP | Bean to Bar Chocolate Workshop |
OUR PICK: The BEST Puerto Vallarta Cooking Class
Indulge in this Puerto Vallarta: Market Tour and Cooking Experience for a flavorful half-day that celebrates the essence of Mexican cuisine.
Begin by touring a lively outdoor market, engaging with local vendors, and collecting fresh produce for your cooking class.
Visit a tortilla factory to secure dough, and under the guidance of a master chef, delve into crafting delicacies like fish ceviche, tacos al pastor, or mole. Learn not only about the ingredients and cooking techniques but also the stories behind the dishes.
Finally, cap off the tour with tequila and mezcal tastings, a margarita, and a delicious meal.
Why is this the best tour? It’s the most wholesome experience. It not only introduces you to a great variety of Mexican dishes, all of which you’ll get to prepare, but also immerses you in the world of local spirits, and allows you to witness the locals’ lives with a visit to the market.
Read what the reviews say:
“Unforgettably fun, educational and delicious experience. From the moment the day began in the local market we learned so much about Mexican culinary culture and arts and about selecting the highest quality fruits, veggies and fish. We all contributed to the meal with chopping, grinding, peeling and tortilla making. The food was fresh and so yummy. Much gratitude to Enrique and his team!”
Jeanne_W – Read more reviews
This tour includes: A professional chef, a market tour, a cooking class, lunch, a margarita, and tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Options in Puerto Vallarta
▶️ The Mexican Cooking Class, Tequila Tasting & Unlimited Margaritas offers a hands-on experience in the most beautiful setting, surrounded by jungle and overlooking a river.
You’ll meet your host and follow their instructions to prepare fresh salsa molcajete, guacamole, tostadas, and enchiladas (with vegetarian options available), from scratch.
You’ll also be treated to a tasting of small-batch, organic tequilas and mezcal, homemade on-site, and get to sip unlimited margaritas while you cook. After the cooking class, sit down to enjoy your creations, and then relax in the swimming pool, jacuzzis, or hammocks at the property. Don’t forget your swimsuit!
This class includes: Transfers, all ingredients, tequila tastings, margaritas, lunch, and use of the facilities. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Make your own Mole Poblano in Puerto Vallarta and discover the magic of this beloved sauce. Dive into a local market to gather fresh ingredients, and then head to the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class.
Unveil the secrets of mole poblano, a spicy, rich chocolate sauce that’s one of the culinary gems of the country. You’ll use over 25 different ingredients to craft it from scratch!
At the end, you’ll sit down for a mole meal, and take home a jar with the rest. Both chicken and vegetarian options are available.
This class includes: A market tour, a hands-on cooking class, a meal, and a jar of mole. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Cooking Classes in Puerto Vallarta
▶️ Calling all foodies! This Private Authentic Mexican Cooking Class with a Local Chef Manuel is a real treat.
You’ll not only hone your cooking skills on a hands-on experience, but journey through flavors that are intrinsically connected to Mexico’s rich culture.
Led by an expert chef, you’ll whip up mouthwatering dishes like mahi mahi ceviche, smoked marlin tacos, and sopa de elotes. All ingredients are fresh and local, guaranteeing an authentic meal.
Once the dishes are done, sit down to enjoy them with a refreshing local beer. As you dine, keep learning from the chef’s extensive knowledge of traditional cuisine. It’s one of the best Puerto Vallarta cooking classes for groups of up to eight participants.
This cooking class includes: A private cooking class, a meal, and beer. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Private Market Tour & Cooking Class in Puerto Vallarta with Manu is a tantalizing experience. You’ll dive into the local flavors by crafting your own traditional meal.
Begin at the vibrant Cinco de Diciembre Market, exploring the bustling stalls and picking up ingredients.
Then, follow chef Manuel to his kitchen. Following his lead, you’ll whip up a feast of ceviche, panela enchiladas, and seafood or mushroom al ajillo.
Learn all the recipes and cooking techniques to be able to recreate the dishes, and then sit down to indulge in them with a beer.
The class is family-friendly and private. You’ll also get to choose between a morning or afternoon session.
This cooking class includes: Market visit, cooking class, lunch, bottled water, and beer. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Private Mexican Cooking Class & Tequila Cocktail at Tanya’s Home is an exclusive experience for small groups of up to 4 members. You’ll step into Tanya’s kitchen, where the friendly cook will guide you through a comprehensive cooking class, whipping up Mexican specialties.
Tanya will share beloved local recipes she’s perfected with her own twist, including guacamole, ceviche tostadas, shrimp tacos, and chicken enchiladas (the menu might change depending on the day you join the class).
To cap off the lesson, you’ll prepare a chocolate avocado mousse or carlota de limon for dessert. Sip on a tequila-based Paloma cocktail before sitting down at the table to relish your creations.
This class includes: All ingredients and equipment, a private host, a home-cooked meal, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Chocolate Workshops in Puerto Vallarta
▶️ Sweeten up with a chocolicious Bean to Bar Chocolate Workshop in Puerto Vallarta. On this tour, you’ll learn all the secrets of the most beloved product in the world.
Listen to tales about cocoa and its journey from the trees to the bar, and discover how chocolate was used by the Mayans and Aztecs.
Finally, get hands-on experience in crafting bonbons and chocolate drinks to enjoy. The experience is suitable for children aged 8 and up.
This workshop includes: A tour guide, and a chocolate workshop with all ingredients and cooking utensils. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Immerse in the world of cocoa at ChocoMuseo during a Chocolate and Truffles Workshop. Unearth chocolate’s past as your guide tells you all about its history and the transformation it suffers from bean to bar on a museum tour.
You’ll then get hands-on in creating ganache-filled chocolates, and chocolate truffles, an activity suited for the whole family. Before you leave, don’t forget to use your 10% factory outlet discount for some sweet delights!
This workshop includes: A museum tour, and an interactive chocolate workshop. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
