Private Mérida Cooking Class in a Local Yucatecan Home
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Merida, Mexico
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
From tostadas to tamales, the flavors of the Yucatan are made to enjoy. Learn to cook a variety of traditional Yucatecan delicacies with a home chef during this private cooking experience in Merida, which takes place in your host’s home. Learn about local culture that many travelers never see as you help prepare a traditional meal before sitting down to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor.
- Don't just eat local food, learn to recreate it yourself
- Learn to make a variety of traditional foods like cochinita pibil or soup with lime
- This private experience promises one-to-one attention
- Learn professional tips and tricks to getting Mexican food right at home
Sample Menu
Starter
Sikilpak
Traditional squash seed and tomato dip
Starter
Chile Kut
Yucatecan habanero salsa
Main
Tacos al Pastor or 5 Antojitos Yucatecos
Traditional tacos al pastor or a tasting of beloved Yucatecan street foods, including panuchos, salbutes, and empanadas.
Dessert
Dulce de Papaya
Candied papaya dessert with local cheese
What's Included
- Private Yucatecan cooking class in Mérida with your host, Sofia
- Hands-on cooking instruction using traditional family recipes
- Home-cooked Yucatecan meal
- Alcoholic BeveragesTwo glasses of local Yucatán beer (or non-alcoholic beverages)
- Private transportationHotel pickup and drop-off (unless the transfer upgrade option is selected)
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
What To Expect
1
Merida
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- This is not a professional cooking school or chef-led culinary course. Rather, it is an opportunity to visit an authentic local home, connect with a Mérida resident, and share Yucatecan culture, traditions, and cuisine together.
- This experience takes place in Sofia's private home, which also operates as a homestay. Your cooking class is private, though other guests may be present on the property.
- Guests interested in a more in-depth master class that includes preparing traditional dishes such as pollo pibil or sopa de lima may request this option in advance. Please note that it extends the experience by approximately 2 hours or more.
- Sofia's home does not have air-conditioning. During warmer months, the kitchen can become hot while cooking.
- For added convenience, choose the tour option with transfers, which includes round-trip transportation between your Merida hotel or vacation rental and Sofia's home.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Sherreth_S
I have nothing less than positive things to say about this experience. The day of Sofia contacted me to make sure I didn’t have any allergies or certain foods I couldn’t eat. When I arrived I was a few minutes early. I was waiting for others to arrive and I was shocked when it ended up being only me. Which it makes sense since it is her home. At the end I realized how happy I was to have shared this experience alone. I felt like I was in the home of my mother teaching and passing down the family recipes for generations to come. Sofia thoroughly explained everything as we went along. She allowed me to taste seasonings that I never had before. We cut, prepared and cooked for hours. When I tell you this is a hands on, intimate experience like one you have never experienced before, it truly was. All of the knowledge Sofia shared is truly valuable. This was passed down by her grandmother. She has a love and passion for cooking that is undeniable. It shows in the preparation and ultimately in the flavor. The environment was welcoming and like I said it is like being with your family. I never ate food from the Yucatán and I’m so happy this was my first real experience. I cannot recommend this enough. I would say come with an open mind and be ready to eat. We were having such a great time I didn’t leave until almost 5 pm. The food and the company of Sofia was absolutely incredible. Thank you, Sofia!!!
Reviews
4.9
based on 122 reviews
Sierra_W, May 2026
Very very long, hot and chaotic. Sofia was disorganized and time management was a real issue. We didn’t eat for over 5 hours (class started at 5 and we didn’t eat until 10:15). Nothing was prepped or chopped. She was very specific and would often scold us if things weren’t done her way. It was over a 100 degree day with all oven burners on for hours without AC. I felt very dizzy from the heat and not eating for hours. Felt more like a chore than a fun experience.
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear Sierra_W,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are very sorry to hear that this experience did not meet your expectations.
This cooking class was designed as a 5-hour master class focused on traditional Yucatecan cuisine, including dishes such as pollo pibil, which involve multiple steps and extended cooking times. The experience is intentionally hands-on, with guests participating in the preparation process from start to finish.
That said, we understand from your feedback that the length of the class, the timing of the meal, and the kitchen conditions made the experience uncomfortable and less enjoyable than it should have been. We appreciate you bringing these concerns to our attention.
As a result of feedback from you and other guests, we are working with the host to shorten and restructure the experience so that guests can enjoy the cooking process while eating earlier and spending less time in the kitchen. Sofia has hosted many travelers over the years and typically receives excellent reviews for her knowledge, hospitality, and the authenticity of her experience. However, we recognize that your experience fell short of expectations.
For guests who are specifically interested in a more in-depth master class that includes the preparation of traditional dishes such as pollo pibil, we will continue to offer this option upon request and clearly communicate that it requires additional time.
We believe these changes will create a more balanced and enjoyable experience while still preserving the authenticity of the local cuisine.
We sincerely apologize that your experience fell short of expectations and thank you again for helping us improve. Guest feedback is invaluable in helping us enhance the experiences we offer travelers around the world.
Warm regards,
Traveling Spoon Team
Sherreth_S, Nov 2025
I have nothing less than positive things to say about this experience. The day of Sofia contacted me to make sure I didn’t have any allergies or certain foods I couldn’t eat. When I arrived I was a few minutes early. I was waiting for others to arrive and I was shocked when it ended up being only me. Which it makes sense since it is her home. At the end I realized how happy I was to have shared this experience alone. I felt like I was in the home of my mother teaching and passing down the family recipes for generations to come. Sofia thoroughly explained everything as we went along. She allowed me to taste seasonings that I never had before. We cut, prepared and cooked for hours. When I tell you this is a hands on, intimate experience like one you have never experienced before, it truly was. All of the knowledge Sofia shared is truly valuable. This was passed down by her grandmother. She has a love and passion for cooking that is undeniable. It shows in the preparation and ultimately in the flavor. The environment was welcoming and like I said it is like being with your family. I never ate food from the Yucatán and I’m so happy this was my first real experience. I cannot recommend this enough. I would say come with an open mind and be ready to eat. We were having such a great time I didn’t leave until almost 5 pm. The food and the company of Sofia was absolutely incredible. Thank you, Sofia!!!
Kyle_M, Oct 2025
We had an amazing time with Sophia! We enjoyed learning about the history and culture of Yucatan food. It was truly unique experience and a highlight of our trip!
Josey_T, Jun 2025
If you want an authentic meal in a authentic Yucatán neighborhood with the most genuine and kind woman(Sophia)then this is the cooking class for you. The recipes are her Grandmother’s. You can taste the love that was passed down to Sofia in the meal you prepare together.Pure heart and soul.
Shigetsu_S, Apr 2025
This was a really great experience. I definitely recommend because you get to learn how to cook, learn the culture of the Yukatan people, eat great food, and have a blast. Sofia is so entertaining and fun to be with.
Beth_V, Feb 2025
🤩 wow! What a great way to spend the day! Sofia is a great history teacher as well as cooking instructor. We made authentic Yucatan & Mayan dishes - but the recipes have been perfected by the influence of Sofia’s grandmother. It is very much a hands on experience and you will leave with a much better understanding of the native fruits, vegetables and spices. We also had snacks & local beer with an after dinner digestive liquor to add to the experience. A must do when in Merida.
Karen_K, Jan 2025
Sophia was genuinely passionate about passing along her grandmother’s cooking. She did a very thorough job explaining the techniques. She even threw in some family history. It was a delightful experience.
Elida_M, Dec 2024
interesting experience to learn about mayan cooking. the house is cozy and comfortable. Sofia was a great host.
Thomas_S, Jul 2024
I couldn't recommend this highly enough. Sofia was welcoming, instructive, and very knowledgeable. A real highlight.
Anjana_I, Jul 2024
This was one of the highlights of our Mexico Trip. Sofia is amazing and such a great teacher. She welcomed us to her house and taught us how to cook a totally decadent vegetarian Yucatecan feast. All the food we made together was so delicious. She taught all the specific ways of works with chillies and different ingredients like Pumpkin to make things go from a 0 to a 100 in terms of taste. The fact that even though her cooking isn't traditionally vegetarian, she still went out of her way to create a menu of vegetarian food items for both of us to cook and learn from is something we will forver be grateful for. Thank you Sofia! And folks, you better be prepared, go with empty stomachs, you're going to be feasting and needing a good nap after all that delicious food!
mari999, Feb 2024
Perfect experience for introducing visiting guest to authentic Mayan cuisine! Sofia is passionate about cooking, in general; and, regional food particular. We had a memorable class that lasted several hours and culmunated with a delightful multi-dish meal we participated in preparing. Anyone who enjoys cooking should not miss this experience when visiting Merida!
Hilary_R, Jan 2024
We had a wonderful time learning to cook Yucatean dishes with Sofia. She welcomed us into her home and guided us through the processes involved in a range of traditional dishes. After all the preparation we sat down and ate together. Delicious!
Avril_M, Jan 2024
Wow what a day! We so enjoyed our cooking experience with Sofia. She was very warm and welcoming us into her beautiful home. She is an amazing chef, teaching us so new techniques for cooking. The food was glorious. We cannot recommend this experience more. Big thank you to Sofia for our Yucatan cooking experience.
Tara_S, Jan 2024
Best time and amazing local food! We had such a great experience. Highly recommend to everyone who wants an authentic adventure.
Quentin_F, Jan 2024
Incredible food and Sofia was fun to be around. She allowed us to have a big part in the food prep- we learned a lot. Thank you!
Julieanna_E, Dec 2023
My husband, seven year-old daughter and I had a great time. Sofia was receptive to our food constraints and we had a wonderful and educational time with her making delicious food!
Richard_S, Dec 2023
Meeting Sofia and hearing her explain about how foods from different cultures mixed was an unexpected highlight. She accommodated our food preferences and intolerances without affecting the quality or authenticity of the experience. We had fun, ate great food, learned a bit, and deepened our appreciation for Yucatan!
Danil_v, Aug 2023
Sofia, the host, is a very gifted cook. But apart from that, she explains the intricacies of the Yucatan cuisine in a clear, simple and humorous manner. The many stories about Yucatan and the history of her family make the cooking course an unforgettable afternoon. After the cooking is done, the resulting courses are served on a beautiful decorated table.
Amber_H, Jun 2023
I had a really great time learning the traditional food of the yucatan not only did she teach me the food but she taught me the history about the yucatan Mayans and the pre colonial Spanish. This was one of the best experiences I had there and not to mention the food was delicious. 10 out of 10
RRrr91860, Feb 2023
We had a fabulous day with Sofia yesterday. She is a warm and welcoming home cook. We all learned new, helpful and surprising techniques. The food we prepared with Sofia’s patient guidance was delicious! We highly recommend cooking with Sofia.
Jonathan_M, Jan 2023
Sophia was absolutely amazing. We learned tons of cooking tricks that Sophia had learned from her grandmother. She also taught us all about Yucatecan culture, history, and foodways. And then we sat around her lovely courtyard table and enjoyed the delicious feast we had just created! What an amazing day!!!!
Andrea_C, Jan 2023
My husband and I and his parents enjoyed a private cooking class with Sofía. We got to make several typical Yucatecan dishes (including relleno negro and handmade tortillas) and also learned a lot about Yucatán's history and Mayan culture as well as the story of Sofía's family. We had a lot of fun and the meal was amazing! Sofía is very patient and kind - a very generous host. I highly recommend this experience to anyone interested in food culture and connecting with locals.
Samantha_D, Dec 2022
Spending time with Sofia, in her home, was a memory I will always cherish. She has such a warm soul, and she makes you feel like family. Her recipes were tasty, flavorful, and full of color.
Vinja_K, Feb 2022
We enjoyed in Sofia's dedication, new flavours, completly new ingredients, cultural insights. It was the best time in Jucatan. Every moment was fulfilling and joyful.
Nadja_S, Jan 2022
This was such an amazing opportunity. So thankful Sophia shared her culture and recipes. The food was authentic and delicious. Learned lots of tips and tricks too.
Nadine_K, Jan 2022
This was a wonderful experience! Sophia invites you into her kitchen and shares her Mayan knowledge and her grandmother's recipes, passed down through many generations. We had a wonderful time and know so much more about the Mayans
Juan_S, Nov 2021
I enjoyed my experience very much. Sofia was full of knowledge in regards to the Mayan culture and of Mérida history. It was very hands on and she explains everything very well. Explains the difference in the foods found in the Yucatan. What we prepared was delicious. I especially loved the sopa de lima and the dessert caballeros pobres. One of my favorite experiences here. Thank you Sofia for your hospitality.
Veronika_H, Nov 2021
Sofía is a great host and she loves sharing her grandmother's recipes with people. During the cooking process she makes sure that alternatives are given so much that the recipes, which will be shared via the email after class can be re-cooked in when we you're back at home. And, for me the best, there are a lot of opportunities to try the foods while prepping it. Definitely a great experience.
Tong_G, Sep 2021
It was fun and food was very delicious. Sofia is very friendly and moves efficiently. I learnt a lot about cooking in general not only about Yucatan dishes. She told me that she is not a chef and changed some ways of cooking traditional Yucatan dishes. Because traditional ways could take a few days sometimes... But I enjoyed her way of cooking and appreciate that she invented faster ways to cook. I found it's very practical, so I can make those dishes when I go back home. The whole cooking took us 3 hrs but she offered cold beer in between so it was fun!
She also told me that I'm her first student in 1 year and 8 months because she had to close the business due to COVID. I could tell she was very excited to teach and that made me feel special.
After we are done cooking, we had dinner together. She showed me how to serve in certain ways along with some more cooking tips. I highly recommend taking this cooking class with Sofia if you ever come visit Merida. She also offer home stay with meals included!
StineDahl_V, Mar 2020
Great hospitality and fun experience, with a chance to try a big amount of Yucatan dishes. Would definitely recommend!
From $109.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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