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Authentic Beachfront Mexican Cooking Class Cafe Jaguar Costa Maya

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Costa Maya, Mexico
High interest
Booked 4 times today.
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

5.0
·
· Lorin_B ·
Jun 2026
If you want a wonderful experience with some of the best pork tacos, and guacamole you’ve ever had… This is the experience to have. They taught us everything about how to make tortillas, salsa, and guac with the secret ingredients This was away from all the touristy stuff and felt like the perfect excursion for our family I’d recommend this to all! Claudia and the team are the best!!!
· TABITHA_R ·
Jun 2026
Hands down one of the best experiences ever! We learned how tortillas are made and then got to press them out and add to the griddle. We also made from scratch pico and guac. And the pork kabobs for the tacos was fantastic!! The ingredients were fresh and the staff was amazing! Buddy the dog was even sweet! Highly recommend taking this class!

Overview

    Sample Menu

    Starter

    Guacamole & Pico de Gallo & Tortilla Chips

    Master the "Golden Rules" of avocado selection! Learn to balance lime and spice for the ultimate creamy guacamole and fresh, vibrant Pico de Gallo.

    Main

    Hand-Pressed Tortillas

    Experience the joy of making tortillas from scratch. Use traditional wooden press and a hot comal to cook them to perfection—just like a local abuela.

    Main

    Pork Tacos Pastor

    Master the world famous street taco! Learn the secret achiote marinade that gives the pork its signature flavor. (Chicken or Vegetarian available.)

    What's Included

    • Lunch
      Pastor Pork Tacos with handmade tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsas, snacks
    • Locker
      We have lockers available if you want to leave your things while you go for a swim in the Caribbean steps from our cafe, or stroll along the downtown beach and shopping area.
    • Free high speed internet
    • Bottled water
    • Alcoholic Beverages
      1 drink included from our extensive menu of fresh margaritas, daiquiris, pina colodas, mocktails, bubble teas, and more!
    • Gratuities
      If you wish to tip your bartender and instructor :)
    • Private transportation
      The 2 mile taxi drive to us from the port is five dollars per person

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • Café Jaguar Authentic Mexican Cooking Classes, Cafe, Restaurant & Bar
      Malecón Manzana 7 Lote 8, 77976 Mahahual, Q.R., Mexico

      At the Costa Maya Port get a taxi from port parking lot. If there is a line then walk out to main gate towards pyramid and there will be several more taxis. Tell the taxi Cafe Jaguar at campo - calle cherna. Go to beach and we are the second building in on the left.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    1

    Playa Mahahual

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Featured review

    MaryJo_B
    Diego and the ladies were very friendly and accommodating. We arrived early, and they provided a private class for us. The food was delicious and we had a nice time. Afterwards, my aunt hung out while I had a massage on the beach. Afterwards, they helped us get a taxi back to the ship. We had a delightful day. I wish them luck and would definitely recommend this tour.

    Reviews

    5.0
    based on 128 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
    Sort by: Most insightful

    A Gem in Costa Maya

    Ty_M, Aug 2026
    This cooking class saved our whole day at Costa Maya. My wife and I had a great experience conversing with everyone involved, eating delicious food, and becoming more experienced cooks. This little cantina was a safe spot with a more relaxed pace than the outside street, however, you can easily step outside if you’re feeling adventurous. I will definitely come back if I return to Costa Maya.

    Very friendly, great customer service, and delicious food

    ASHLEY_E, Aug 2026
    The workers were very welcoming. We arrived early so they gave us water bottles to take with us while we walked the boardwalk. Just my husband and I were signed up so it ended up being a private experience. The teacher took time to explain everything including how we could adjust the recipe to replicate at home. The food was delicious, and they make accommodations for dietary restrictions. Definitely a 10/10 experience.

    Don't miss out. Great people, great instructions, great food & drinks!s

    lindyjewell, Jul 2026
    Everyone was so accommodating, starting with cold bottled water when we arrived and lots of cool fans (which were much appreciated). Chantel was the perfect teacher. She gave background on the foods we were preparing, and made us appreciate the "why" behind the recipes. She gave super descriptive, easy to follow directions, and turned us all into chefs. Between the pico de gallo, guacamole, tortillas and tacos al pastor, we were so full of delicious food we couldn't finish it all. We are excited to try the recipes at home, and appreciate that they gave us written recipes to make that easy. My husband and I both agree that this was a highlight of our vacation. We highly recommend it!

    Excellent ingredients...

    cynthia_g, Jul 2026
    Excellent ingredients prepped for class, great instructions, ample amount of food. Personable staff, great location. Appreciated complimentary apron. Highly recommend

    Rainy Day in Costa Maya

    pfangue, Jul 2026
    Very friendly staff, the food we prepared was delicious. It was a very chill experience and we got a $20 massage just across the way. It was a rainy day so perfect way to spend some time in port.

    A Must Do Experience!

    Leiry_T, Jul 2026
    This experience is absolutely worth it! It was fun, interactive, and authentic from beginning to end. You get to prepare your entire meal yourself—from seasoning the meat to making fresh tortillas from scratch. The instructors guide you through each step, making it easy to follow while still letting you be hands-on. It was a memorable experience that gave me a greater appreciation for the food and culture. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something unique and delicious!

    One of a kind Authentic Mexican Experience!

    Lisa_E, Jul 2026
    This cooking class was an absolute gem! A perfect activity for a visit to Costa Maya. Our group hired a short taxi ride right from the cruise port. The tacos, homemade tortillas, guacamole and pico de gallo were fresh and delicious! Cooking class was held in a small restaurant on the beach. Highly recommend this excursion!

    Cooking with Family of 4

    Heather_B, Jul 2026
    We loved this excursion!! My husband and I traveled with our 2 boys (16 & 9). From the minute we got to Cafe Jaguar, the staff was so attentive and friendly. Our boys started off with oreo frappes that looked like they came from a magazine. My mango margarita was fantastic. Our cooking instructor was thorough, patient, and knowledgeable. The food was fantastic. We got to keep our aprons and were even given printed instructions/recipe and an ingredient to use at home. This was certainly worth the price and we hope to do it again in the future. Highly recommend!!!!

    Authentic and great all around experience!

    Maria_R, Jul 2026
    This is a great opportunity to learn how to make classic Mexican dishes from a very knowledgeable group of people who are very welcoming in a family atmosphere. Who could ask for anything more from an excursion … great people, great drink, and great food!

    Had a wonderful...

    AnJanette_E, Jun 2026
    Had a wonderful experience and the food was delicious. I am celiac and they were very accommodating with gluten free. I’m ready to try making my own corn tortillas at home. Great drinks!!

    Great Experience

    Lenny_R, Jun 2026
    GPS showed the wrong direction. Give yourself enough time for transportation. Good portions and tasty food. Fun afternoon

    Amazing food and experience

    Roxanne_H, Jun 2026
    Amazing. The ladies here are incredible. The food we learned to make was so delicious. Highly recommend.

    Best cooking experience ..

    Tracy_E, Jun 2026
    This is one of the best cooking tours in costa maya. It was the perfect small group activity. We learned to make pico, guacamole, and corn tortillas from scratch. The team was patient, kind and extremely welcoming. They adjusted to everyone’s pace. Highly recommend when cruising through costa maya.

    amazing!!!!

    june_e, Jun 2026
    what an amazing experience! Colleen,Liz, and Claudia were so welcoming and nice! so fun to learn and we each got to make our own,, and it was absolutely delicious and i was so full !!!

    Wow…best Authentic experience ever

    Lorin_B, Jun 2026
    If you want a wonderful experience with some of the best pork tacos, and guacamole you’ve ever had… This is the experience to have. They taught us everything about how to make tortillas, salsa, and guac with the secret ingredients This was away from all the touristy stuff and felt like the perfect excursion for our family I’d recommend this to all! Claudia and the team are the best!!!

    Fresh salsa and tacos, yes please!!!

    AnneMarie_L, Jun 2026
    Our experience was so fun and positive from the moment we walked in the door. All of the ladies were warm, friendly, and welcoming us to the cafe and cooking class. Very clean and organized. Uses only bottled water and purified water for ice as well so very safe to eat and drink. Claudia was the best teacher all of the food was amazing. We loved making our own salsa and guacamole, it was super yummy. Enjoyed every bite and drink we had. Bonus: it is right across from the beach and Claudia hooked us up with her friend who found us an awesome spot on the beach with chairs and umbrella. 10/10 would recommend!

    Fantastic cooking class experience!!

    TABITHA_R, Jun 2026
    Hands down one of the best experiences ever! We learned how tortillas are made and then got to press them out and add to the griddle. We also made from scratch pico and guac. And the pork kabobs for the tacos was fantastic!! The ingredients were fresh and the staff was amazing! Buddy the dog was even sweet! Highly recommend taking this class!

    Great Cooking Class

    Yuleisy_C, Jun 2026
    This was a fun and educational experience. I went with family including my kid. Would highly recommend!

    Great!

    Frank_M, Jun 2026
    It was great! They are very friendly and teach you everything you need to know! One of the best excursions of the trip!

    Cafe Jaguar make cook n eat local experience

    Deb_R, May 2026
    Claudia and the other ladies were amazing. There were 3 of us in our class. It was very organized and we learned to make pastor pork for kabobs that also has onions and fresh pineapple pieces, guacamole, pico de gallo, and homemade tortillas. Then we ate our creations. It is located directly across from the beach. And we were given the aprons we sed wi their cool Cafe Jaguar lgo, which I will wear during our tailgating events at the Jacksonville Jaguar football games. We would highly recommend this.

    Great mexican food lesson.

    John_K, May 2026
    Claudia was great, the food was excellent! We highly appreciated the hospitality and highly recommend anyone to do this excursion. The mango daiquiri was great, too.

    Hands on from start to delicious finish!

    Cynthia_V, May 2026
    This cooking class was a hands on activity appropriate for couples, families, or solo travelers. We each got to prepare our own appetizers and main entre and they provided options for pork, chicken, or vegetarian meals. The instruction was excellent with tips for customizing the flavor profiles to personal preference. The restaurant was clean and pleasant and they paid good attention to hygiene (proper cleaning, gloves provided for working with raw meat). The group size was very nice such that we were able to get to know other participants as well as the restaurant owner and her staff. I would recommend.

    Great class and food

    Laura_H, May 2026
    Claudia and the other ladies were amazing. There were 8 total in our class. It was very organized and we learned to make pastor pork for tacos, guacamole, pico de gallo, and homemade tortillas. Then we ate our creations. It is located directly across from the beach with lots of shopping and I got a $25 hour massage prior to the class on the beach.

    This was a fun...

    Jacqueline_L, May 2026
    This was a fun experience. Let them know in advance if you do not eat pork as Al Pastor is usually made with pork, they will sub chicken.

    Great experience

    Jeannette_H, Apr 2026
    Can’t wait to go back to states and make our kids tortillas! Was a great experience ! Food was amazing!

    Cooking With Diego

    MaryJo_B, Apr 2026
    Diego and the ladies were very friendly and accommodating. We arrived early, and they provided a private class for us. The food was delicious and we had a nice time. Afterwards, my aunt hung out while I had a massage on the beach. Afterwards, they helped us get a taxi back to the ship. We had a delightful day. I wish them luck and would definitely recommend this tour.

    Friendly, welcoming staff...

    Felicity_M, Apr 2026
    Friendly, welcoming staff in an easy to find, clean and tidy location. Plenty of guidance during the food preparation which included hand making tortillas. Food and drinks delicious. Highly recommended.

    Great experience

    ROXANE_Z, Apr 2026
    Great experience and given step by step instructions and history and recipes. Highly recommend this excursion.

    A Cooking Class to Remember

    Cathy_R, Mar 2026
    What a wonderful cooking class! The setting was steps away from the beach. The food we prepared was delicious and plentiful. The chefs and owner were very friendly and shared their passion for the local cuisine. The company, the food and drinks options made this an experience I would repeat again. It is a short cab ride from the pier for $5.00/ person/ one way to the downtown area where the restaurant is located.

    Excellent

    Philip_T, Mar 2026
    A very good time. Small crowd great staff very accommodating. Easy to learn local cooling techniques

    From $79.00

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 37 days in advance.

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