Cartagena Cooking Class with Local Chef (Small Group Experience)
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Cartagena, Colombia
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Don’t just feast on Colombian cuisine, master the basics of South American food during a cooking class in Cartagena. In an intimate group limited to 12 fellow food lovers, you’ll receive personalized attention from a professional chef as you prepare local delicacies such as sea bass ceviche, seared beef, and coconut rice. Plus, you’ll all sit down together to enjoy the fuits of your labor at the end.
- Learn more about Colombian cuisine during a cooking class
- A great choice for time-pressed travelers
- Get to know fellow food lovers in a small group limited to 12
- Enjoy alcoholic beverages with your meal
Sample Menu
Starter
Menu 1 - Mote de queso
White soup made of yam and local cheese.
Main
Menu 1 - Posta negra cartagenera (Black Topside beef)
Served with coconut rice, plantains in temptation and avocado ají.
Dessert
Menu 1 -Tree tomato in syrup.
Starter
Menu 2 - Carimañolas (Cheese, Crab, Meat)
Traditional Colombian fried cassava dough rolls, stuffed with either meat, cheese or crab
Main
Menu 2 - Red Snapper with Coconut Milk Sauce
Served with coconut rice and patacones
Dessert
Menu 2 - Enyucado
A traditional Colombia dessert made from grated cassava, coconut, sugar, and cheese, baked until firm and sweet.
What's Included
- Hands-on cooking class with a local chef
- All ingredients and cooking equipment provided
- MealsFull meal prepared and enjoyed during the experience
- Small-group setting for a personalized experience
- Bilingual hosts (English & Spanish)
- Water and refreshments
- Recipes
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Lunático Experience – Cooking Class & Rum Tasting in CartagenaAv. Pedregal #29-225, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Traveling with children. This experience is suitable for families. Age-based pricing and customized family options may apply.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Maria_A
Start to finish, this was an outstanding experience. The food was absolutely delicious and I can't wait to try out some of these recipes now that we're back home. Daniel was our chef instructor. He was so informative and walked us through every step of the process. He made great conversation along the way and also provided us with several recommendations for the area. 10/10 would recommend to others.
Reviews
5.0
based on 485 reviews
Princess_D, Apr 2026
I loved the experience. Chef Jasmine and the other chef were wonderful, attentive, and extremely helpful! I made amazing delicious flavorful foods. I highly recommend the class!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
It’s so special to hear how much you enjoyed the experience.
Chef Jaz and the team will be happy to know they made you feel supported every step of the way.
There’s something truly memorable about creating and tasting those bold, flavorful dishes together.
Thank you for sharing this moment with us.
— Lunático Experience Team
Asewe_O, Apr 2026
Chef Daniel was welcoming and friendly. He taught us a bit about the history of Cartagena as we jointly prepared our dinner. In the end, all of the food was delicious and I look forward to recreating the recipes at home.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
It means a lot that you connected with Chef Dani and enjoyed that shared moment in the kitchen.
Cooking together while discovering a bit of Cartagena’s story makes the experience truly special.
We love knowing those flavors will travel home with you.
It was a pleasure having you with us. — Lunático Experience ✨
Marlene_P, Mar 2026
We had such a positive experience that it became a highlight of our family trip! Chef Daniel is very knowledgeable, patient, and engaging! I appreciated that he took the time to give us a brief history lesson to contextualize the dishes we prepared and the ingredients we used. Our dishes came out great and I look forward to recreating them at home!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
It means so much to know this became a highlight of your family trip.
Chef Dani loves sharing the stories behind each dish, and it’s beautiful that you connected with that part of the experience.
Even more special knowing those flavors will travel with you back home.
Thank you for being part of this moment with us at Lunático Experience ✨
Suma_N, Mar 2026
Cooked delicious food with local ingredients! We had a fun time learning to use ingredients we don’t usually get in the US
Response from Host, Mar 2026
It means so much to know this became a highlight of your family trip.
Chef Dani loves sharing the stories behind each dish, and it’s beautiful that you connected with that part of the experience.
Even more special knowing those flavors will travel with you back home.
Thank you for being part of this moment with us at Lunático Experience ✨
Tedra_S, Mar 2026
Chef Daniel is an excellent teacher all while being entertaining. His love of the culinary arts was obvious. I look forward to remaking this dish at home along with the hibiscus salt.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
It’s beautiful to know that Chef Dani’s passion came through so clearly.
He truly enjoys sharing both technique and those special touches like the hibiscus salt.
We love that this experience will continue with you at home through the dish you created.
Thank you for cooking and sharing this moment with us at Lunático Experience ✨
Shara_F, Mar 2026
The class was in a venue w a great view of the Castillo! We had a great time, learned may new techniques and recipes, and enjoyed a great meal!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for sharing this moment with us.
There’s something truly special about cooking with that view of the Castillo.
We’re so glad you enjoyed the techniques, recipes, and the meal you created together.
It was a pleasure having you at Lunático Experience ✨
Davina_C, Mar 2026
Wow this was such a fun morning! Daniel the chef is funny, engaging and a great teacher. He took us to the local market (fair warning, it’s chaotic and you should probably avoid wearing light trouser) - it was authentic and so very cool! We were taken to a spot where Anthony bourdain had eaten previously.
We then made such a beautiful and delicious meal which showcased the diversity of cartagena (mote de queso, topside beef and tree tomato as dessert) and were sent the recipes afterwards - we’ll see if I can recreate it at home. Overall a fantastic thing to do.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
What a way to experience Cartagena.
Chef Dani brings so much energy to the market visit and loves showing that authentic, vibrant side of the city.
From mote de queso to that final touch of tree tomato, it sounds like you truly lived the flavors of the region.
We hope those recipes bring you right back to this morning at Lunático Experience ✨
Chidi_E, Mar 2026
Loved this cooking class. Daniel and Aude were such great teachers. They made everyone in the class super comfortable. Food was amazing and the class was very low-stress and hands on. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
So happy to hear how comfortable and at ease you felt throughout the class.
Chef Dani and Aude really care about creating that kind of warm, hands-on experience.
It’s wonderful that you enjoyed both the process and the flavors along the way.
Thank you for sharing this moment with us at Lunático Experience ✨
Jane_C, Feb 2026
Great experience, great food and very social! Daniel is a wonderful chef and host. He incorporates the whole group and the results delicious!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for sharing this 💛
We love knowing you enjoyed the food and the social spirit of the experience. Chef Dani truly has a special way of bringing everyone together in the kitchen and turning the class into something memorable and delicious.
It was a pleasure having you with us in Cartagena.
— The Lunático Experience Team 🌙
Dana_G, Feb 2026
What a fun evening! We learned a little about the culture and a lot about the local food. The dinner we prepared was plentiful and delicious. Our bilingual chef Daniel was thoroughly entertaining sharing hands on cooking demonstrations.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for spending your evening with us 💛
We love that you experienced both the cultural side of Cartagena and the richness of our local flavors. Sharing the stories behind the ingredients is just as important to us as the cooking itself.
Chef Dani truly enjoys creating an interactive and bilingual space where everyone feels part of the process, and it’s wonderful to know you had fun while preparing such a generous and delicious dinner together.
It was a pleasure having you at our table.
— The Lunático Experience Team 🌙
Maria_A, Feb 2026
Start to finish, this was an outstanding experience. The food was absolutely delicious and I can't wait to try out some of these recipes now that we're back home. Daniel was our chef instructor. He was so informative and walked us through every step of the process. He made great conversation along the way and also provided us with several recommendations for the area. 10/10 would recommend to others.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for such a thoughtful message 💛
It means a lot to know the experience felt special from start to finish. There’s nothing better than hearing that the flavors will travel back home with you through the recipes you prepared together.
Chef Dani loves guiding each step in a clear and engaging way, while also sharing stories and local recommendations that help you experience Cartagena beyond the kitchen. We’re so happy that connection made your evening even more memorable.
It was truly a pleasure cooking with you.
— The Lunático Experience Team 🌙
John_S, Feb 2026
We enjoyed learning so much about Colombian cuisine with our chef Jazminne. From the fresh local ingredients to the preparation and cooking techniques, every aspect of this cooking (and eating!) class was top notch.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
It was such a pleasure to share this experience with you! We’re so happy you enjoyed discovering Colombian cuisine alongside Chef Jaz — she loves bringing our local flavors to life through fresh ingredients and traditional techniques.
Seeing guests connect with every step of the process — and then savor the results together — is exactly what makes our cooking classes in Cartagena so special for us.
Thank you for being part of our kitchen and our table.
With gratitude,
The Lunático Experience Team ✨
Cassey_L, Feb 2026
Very accommodating and personable. A great experience with my cousins. Very informative & tasteful 😋
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for such kind words! It was a joy to host you and your cousins and share a flavorful, hands-on experience together.
We love creating moments where great food and local stories come together in our kitchen here in Cartagena, and we’re so glad you felt both welcomed and inspired.
With appreciation,
The Lunático Experience Team ✨
James_M, Jan 2026
It was three hours of friendly discussion, preparation, cooking and an enjoyable dinner. Was very skeptical going for it; but thoroughly enjoyed it.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
We're so glad you took the leap — and even happier that it turned into such an enjoyable evening for you. Those three hours around the table, cooking and sharing stories, are at the heart of what we love to create. Thank you for being part of it with such an open spirit.
Warm wishes,
The Lunático Experience team
Tamara_M, Jan 2026
Absolutely loved the whole thing, menu, venue, host and vibe! Highly recommend, wouldn’t change a thing!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much! It means everything to hear that the menu, the space, the host, and the vibe all came together just right for you. We wouldn't change a thing about your visit either!
Warm hugs from the Lunático Experience team.
Starrlite_D, Jan 2026
Such an amazing experience! We made a full course meal while getting to know the local history and learning colombian cooking techniques. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
What a joy to read your words! We're so happy you connected with the heart of the experience — cooking, culture, and Colombian flavors all in one. Sharing local history while preparing a full meal is one of our favorite ways to bring Cartagena to life.
Thanks for being part of it —
Warmly, from the Lunático Experience team.
payton_c, Jan 2026
Amazing cooking class, they are very helpful and kind. The chef is so much fun, they even let you keep a copy of the recipes so you can make it again at home!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
So glad you had an amazing time! Our chefs truly love what they do, and it’s great to hear their kindness and energy made the experience fun for you. And yes — sharing the recipes is our way of letting a bit of Cartagena travel home with you.
Thanks for cooking with us —
From all of us at Lunático Experience.
Simon_G, Jan 2026
Awesome. Great food. Very good chef. Clear explanations in English. Magnificient view of the San Felippe castillo
Response from Host, Jan 2026
So glad you enjoyed the flavors, the view, and the chef’s guidance! Cooking with that backdrop of San Felipe truly adds something special. Thanks for being part of it!
—The Lunático Experience team 💛
Seanna_B, Dec 2025
Really enjoyed this market tour and cooking class. The instructor was engaging and knowledgeable, the group was great, and the food we made was genuinely delicious. A fun, well-organized way to experience local flavors and learn more about Cartagena’s food culture.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Delighted to hear you enjoyed the full experience—from the market to the kitchen! It means a lot that the flavors, the group energy, and your instructor all made it memorable. Thanks for exploring Cartagena’s food culture with us in such a fun and curious way.
—The Lunático Experience team 💛
rene_f, Dec 2025
Truly, a fun experience. So happy we did it. Chef Daniel was wonderful. So engaging and patient. Kids had a wonderful time.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
We’re so glad you joined us—and that the kids had a great time too! Chef Dani has a real gift for making everyone feel at home in the kitchen, and it’s lovely to hear that came through. Thanks for sharing this moment with us!
—The Lunático Experience team 💛
Jackson_C, Dec 2025
Daniel was the best possible host! He was wildly entertaining and a great teacher. We did the ceviche cooking class and made four amazing dishes that I would’ve never thought of before.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Chef Dani will be thrilled to hear this! He puts so much heart into every class, and it’s fantastic to know you had fun and discovered new flavors during the ceviche session. Thanks for bringing such great energy to the experience—we loved having you!
—The Lunático Experience team 💛
Alexandra_D, Dec 2025
This restaurant had a great view and top notch kitchen. We ate and drank very well and learned several delicious new dishes to cook during our 2.5 hour class. Our teacher Jazminne knew a lot about both food and Colombian history / culture and we also had fun getting to know our classmates
Response from Host, Jan 2026
So glad you enjoyed the class, the food, and the great company! Chef Jaz will be happy to know her passion for cooking and Colombian culture came through. Thanks for being part of the experience!
Eli_B, Nov 2025
We loved this experience with Jasmine and her crew. The food was beyond amazing and even better was the conversation during the course and meal. Educational and delicious is a combination that cannot be beat. Cannot wait to make these recipes at home!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much! Chef Jaz and the team will be so happy to know how much you enjoyed not just the food, but also the conversations — those shared moments around the table are what make this experience truly special. We're thrilled you're taking the recipes home with you — we hope every bite brings back a bit of Cartagena. Come back anytime!
— The Lunático Experience Team
oksana_k, Nov 2025
We had the most amazing experience at this cooking class! Chef Danny was absolutely fantastic — friendly, patient, and truly passionate about sharing his knowledge. He explained every step clearly and made the entire class fun and interactive.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for this kind message! Chef Dani will be thrilled to hear your words — he brings so much heart and joy to every class, and it’s wonderful to know that came through in your experience. We’re so happy you enjoyed the hands-on fun and his way of teaching. You’re always welcome back for more delicious moments in our kitchen!
— The Lunático Experience Team
Nancy_W, Nov 2025
The venue is absolutely wonderful with a view of the fort out the windows. Our shift was a local woman from Cartagena, who was a former teacher, and an excellent chef who explained every step of our menu in detail that made it easy to understand. Her assistant was wonderful too. It was so much fun to actually cook our meal as well as learn about Local food, especially the fruits and vegetables. I would highly recommend this experience if you'd like to cook and experience local cuisine.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for sharing this! We’re delighted you enjoyed the view, the hands-on cooking, and especially learning about local ingredients — the fruits and vegetables of our region are something we love to showcase. Our chefs put great care into guiding each step, so it's wonderful to hear that it all felt clear and fun. We’d love to welcome you back anytime for more flavors and stories from Cartagena!
— The Lunático Experience Team
Ronnie_W, Sep 2025
Super special tour with Daniel from Barranquilla — what a super fun and nice guy he is! Great menu with red snapper grilled (not deep fried!) with a coconut garlic sauce, fried plantains, coconut rice. And we started off with a market tour which was fantastic with Daniel leading the way and knowing so many of the fishermen, vendors and farmers. We sampled dishes from a restaurant. Went by AC van in comfort! Daniel’s assistant, Audi, was charming and so efficient in helping us prep for our lunch. Indispensable and full of character. Daniel is an excellent chef/teacher/storyteller. Perfect job for him! Don’t hesitate to put on a Colombian apron and have fun!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for this amazing message! It truly means a lot to us.
Chef Dani will be thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed the day with him — between his stories, his cooking, and his deep connection to the market, he really brings the whole experience to life. We’re also happy you appreciated the flavors of the red snapper and the coconut garlic sauce — a real Caribbean gem! And of course, Audi will love hearing your kind words; he's such a vital part of the magic behind the scenes.
Thank you for jumping into the Colombian spirit with us — apron and all! We’d love to welcome you back anytime.
Warm hugs from the whole Lunático Experience team.
Susan_L, Sep 2025
Come hungry! This class was an immersive cooking experience led by an international chef that has the ability to lead and teach, all while helping you create a meal you'll never forget! For this particular evening, I was the only person signed up for the class. It didn't matter - we had a great time and made some fantastic food! Of course, being solo meant I had mor work to do, but it was well worth the effort. With Daniel's help I treated myself to a 3-course meal complete with wine to compliment. I'd you love what you made a S much as I did - they also provide the recipes at the end of class. Overall 10 put of 10 - would cook here again. ¡Muchas gracias, Daniel!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
What an incredible review — thank you so much! It means the world to us that even as a solo guest, you felt the magic of the experience and connected with Chef Dani. He has a true gift for turning every class into something memorable, and we’re so glad you got to enjoy that one-on-one dynamic (and yes, a bit more chopping too 😄). That three-course meal with wine sounds like it was well earned! We’ll be here whenever you're ready for another round — recipes and all.
¡Gracias a ti!
— The Lunático Experience Team 🍷👨🍳✨
Aida_M, Sep 2025
Daniel was amazing, personable, informative and educational of various cultures! Learned all various food groups.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time with Chef Dani — he truly has a gift for connecting with people and sharing his deep knowledge of cultures through food. It means a lot to know you left feeling inspired and enriched. Come back anytime — there’s always more to discover around the table!
— The Lunático Experience Team 🥄✨
Catherine_J, Aug 2025
This was such a fun class. My mother and I had a blast and we highly recommend others partake in this activity. We learned so much and the bakery items we baked came out delicious. The ladies were so kind and passionate and very knowledgeable about Colombia and the popular breads and bakery items we were taught to make. They teach other cooking classes and I will definitely partake in one of their other cooking classes on my next trip.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for joining us! We're thrilled to hear you and your mom had such a great time baking with us. It truly means a lot to know you felt the warmth and passion of our team, and that you enjoyed the delicious results of your efforts in the kitchen. We’d absolutely love to welcome you back for another cooking adventure on your next visit to Cartagena — there’s so much more to explore and taste together!
Con cariño,
El equipo de Lunático Experience
Henah_V, Aug 2025
Daniel and Aude were fantastic to work with, and everything was delicious and manageable to make. As a vegetarian, they were accommodating and super helpful in adapting the recipes. Great experience!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you had a great time with Chef Dani and Aude, they’ll be so happy to know their care and adaptability made a difference for you. It’s always a pleasure to welcome guests with different food preferences and make sure everyone feels included. We hope to cook with you again soon!
Warm hugs from all of us at Lunático Experience 🌿
From $80.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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