Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Merida, Mexico

Great choice

10+ bookings last month.

5 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9

· Dana_L ·

Jan 2026

This was an awesome experience. Our guide Luz was very informative and pleasant. We purchased the ingredients for the dishes at the local market and then prepared them in a host family’s home. Our host Berta was excellent. The experience was well organized. The meal delicious. We enjoyed the process and the food.

· Mary_A ·

Feb 2026

This is a truly amazing experience. Thanks to our guide and hostess for sharing their knowledge and expertise. It’s a wonderful way to learn plus taste the fresh fruit, produce and condiments sold in the Merida market. It was tremendous to learn and to prepare the delicious traditional meal.

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Overview

Explore the distinctive flavors of Yucatecan cuisine with this small-group cooking class in a Merida home, as you prepare a traditional 3-course meal alongside a local chef. Start in a vibrant Merida market, where you’ll sample fruit and traditional Yucatecan favorites as you shop ingredients, then roll up your sleeves to cook an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Finally, enjoy them as a group.

Get a taste of Merida life and cuisine at a market and in a family home
Sample bites like 'cochinita pibil' as you shop ingredients in the market
Cook and eat a delicious 3-course meal of local specialties
Vegetarian and vegan options available—please specify on booking

Sample Menu

Starter

Sikil Pak or Guacamole & Empanadas or similar

Main

Papadzules, Sopa de Lima or Pollo Pibil

Dessert

Coconut Cream or similar

What's Included

Local and bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
Tasting of seasonal fruits
Lunch and beverages at hostess home
Bus ride to the hostess's home and Uber to return
Bottled water and one traditional candy per person
All the ingredients for the cooking lesson

Items of personal nature
Tips to the guide
Pick-up

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Parque Manuel Cepeda Peraza
C. 60 X 59, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Entrance of Hotel Caribe. Inner corner of Hidalgo Park, Calle 59 entre Calle 60. Centro. 10 min. wait tolerance. Your Adventures Mexico guide will call the tour as no show after this lapse time.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.9:00 am

What To Expect

Lucas de Galvez market

Catedral de Merida

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Children under 5 years are free of charge
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Vegetarian and Vegan option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
A minimum of 2 Adults per booking is required
Transportation is by public bus and Uber back to downtown
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Supplied by

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

James_S

Fun day? The trip to the market was an experience all in itself. Sampled a couple specially foods, fresh produce, pastes and the fresh meat market was a site all on ours own. There host was very welcoming in her home. We participated in the preparation and helped with the cooking. The dinner was excellent. We were with two other couples from different countries and the interactive experience together was memorable. A fantastic way to share a day.

Reviews

4.9

based on 310 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

The best cooking class and food tour in Merida!

Regilio_B, Mar 2026

We got so much more than we hoped for! Gisell is an amazing tour guide who really told us (and let us taste!) all of the ins and outs of the Merida city life. Not only did we do an extended market tour, she also told us quite a bit about the historic buildings in the old centre. The market tour was comprehensive, funny and more complete than I could give a tour of my hometown market. We got to taste so many different and delicious flavours. And the cooking class didn't even begin yet! Dorcas (our host for the cooking class) is the sweetest and most enthusiastic Mexican woman you'll meet. She really welcomes you to her own home and lets you use her kitchen to make the most wonderful 3 course meal. Not only did the food come out great (we chose the chicken, which was a perfect tender dish), she also provides great company with a lot of laughs. Through it all, Gisell provided a perfect translation from Spanish to English in a way we could really engage in a conversation. 10/10 experience my wife and I would recommend to anyone visiting Merida!

Not for chefs

Maria_R, Mar 2026

Not a culinary or good experience for people who cook. Too long Too slow No details regarding use of public transportation provided Awkward to leave

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We’re sorry to hear that this experience didn’t match your expectations. Our cooking experience is designed as an immersive cultural journey, including visits to local markets, tasting ingredients, and cooking in a traditional home. This is why it can be longer and more interactive than a typical cooking class. We do mention the use of public transportation in both the tour description and voucher to help guests plan ahead. We understand that this style of experience may not suit everyone, and we appreciate your feedback as it helps us better communicate the details of the tour to future guests. Thank you again for sharing your experience with us.

Highly Recommended!

Luis_D, Feb 2026

Romina was an awesome guide! After our small group sampled some lechón tacos, we set off purchasing the meats, veggies, and uniquely yucatecan spices for our lunch. Followed by a comfortable 1-hour bus ride (with AC!) which was a godsend for the Merida heat. Her equally lovely mom greeted us at their home kitchen. With her guidance, we pulled off a menu consisting of cheese-filled empanadas, a tomato-squash seed dip, chicken pibil, and finished off with a coconut cream dessert. This was such fun - I’m still thinking about the food we made a week later!

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the full experience with Romina, from tasting tacos at the market to selecting ingredients and cooking together in her family’s home. It’s great to know the dishes made such a lasting impression! We truly appreciate your kind words and would love to welcome you back for another delicious Yucatán adventure.

This is a truly amazing...

Mary_A, Feb 2026

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you found the experience so meaningful and enjoyable. Learning about fresh market ingredients and then preparing a traditional Yucatecan meal truly makes for a special day. We’re grateful for your kind words and would love to welcome you back for another authentic culinary adventure in Mérida!

Mérida food tour

Juanita_K, Feb 2026

It’s a lot of food … but absolutely worth it. The trip thru the market and cooking in an host home an experience.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you so much for your kind feedback! Yes! it’s definitely a lot of food, and we’re so glad you found it absolutely worth it. Exploring the market and then cooking in a host family’s home truly makes for a special and authentic experience. We’d love to welcome you back for another delicious adventure in Yucatán!

One of our highlights

Luke_B, Feb 2026

Amazing experience, really unique and felt very personal, the family and our guide were so welcoming and took great care of us as well as teaching us a lot. Would definitely recommend to anybody

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that the experience felt unique and personal, and that both the family and your guide made you feel so welcome and well cared for. We truly appreciate your recommendation and would love to welcome you back for another authentic Yucatán adventure!

Culinary experience

Dana_L, Jan 2026

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the full experience, from exploring the local market with Luz to cooking in Berta’s welcoming home. It’s great to know you found everything well organized and delicious from start to finish. We truly appreciate your kind words and would love to welcome you back for another authentic Yucatán culinary adventure!

It was educational and...

Bette_Y, Jan 2026

It was educational and fun! A chance to shop in a market with Zulma to explain the produce, to taste great food and see corn tortillas being made!

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear you found the experience both educational and fun. Exploring the market with Zulma, tasting local flavors, and seeing corn tortillas being made fresh is always a special highlight. We’d love to welcome you back for another authentic Yucatán adventure!

Great food excellent guide and host.

Nicholas_B, Dec 2025

What a great experience. Diego met us in the morning and provided a thorough market tour. He took the time to show us the market and allow us to sample the local fruits and spices. It was a great experience. After shopping in the market, we went to Mercedes’ house where we learned how to cook the traditional dishes. It was a fun and enjoyable experience, Mercedes and Diego were exceptional hosts, and the food was delicious. This cooking tour exceeded our expectations. Highly recommended!

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that Diego’s market tour and the cooking experience at Mercedes’ home exceeded your expectations. It’s great that you enjoyed sampling local fruits and spices, learning traditional recipes, and sharing such a fun and delicious experience together. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’d be thrilled to welcome you back for another authentic Yucatán culinary adventure!

Simply an educational and enjoyable day

James_S, Dec 2025

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad you enjoyed the market visit, tasting local specialties, and discovering different sections of the market. It’s wonderful to hear that the host made you feel welcome and that cooking together with other travelers created such a memorable and interactive day. We truly appreciate your feedback and would be delighted to welcome you back for another authentic Yucatán experience!

Highly recommend this activity, do not miss!

Danielle_K, Nov 2025

Romina was an amazing tour guide. She checked in with me the day before and then when meeting, was there when we arrived, she went through the whole market with us and then we caught a bus to a local mama’s home to cook which we made 4 homemade items and sides. After Romina called us an Uber that brought us back to the meeting point. This was an amazing activity and wouldn’t miss when in Merida, I couldn’t recommend this activity more! Romina R. Is who I would book with if you can! ❤️

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! We’re thrilled to hear that Romina made your experience so smooth and memorable, from checking in before the tour, guiding you through the market, and cooking together in a local home, all the way to arranging your return. Preparing several homemade dishes and sharing that moment with a local family is truly special, and we’re so glad it was a highlight of your time in Mérida. Your recommendation means a lot, and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with Romina. We’d be delighted to welcome you back for another amazing culinary adventure!

Fantastic complete cooking class

Merry_B, Oct 2025

Our guide Diego, took us to the Merida markets for a walking tour and also to pick out many of the ingredients we would need for our cooking class. We've taken many cooking classes and a few where we made a trip to the market and we can say Diego's tour of the market was exceptional. Diego told us about fruits and spices native to Mexico, allowed us to taste them and spoke about how they are different from other places we have been around the world. He spent time reviewing some history of Merida Centro, before heading to the host-- Mercedes home. Our host/chef was wonderful and allowed us to actively participate in preparing the meal. This was a hands on class and was well worth our time. The foods we prepared as a group we exceptional. I do not know if they allow you to request guides but we highly recommend Diego and Mercedes.

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Thank you for such a wonderful and detailed review! We’re delighted to hear that Diego’s market tour exceeded your expectations and that you enjoyed learning about Mexico’s native fruits, spices, and the history of Mérida before cooking with Mercedes. It’s great that you appreciated the hands-on experience and found the dishes you prepared together exceptional. Your kind recommendation truly means a lot to us. We’d be honored to welcome you back for another authentic and flavorful Yucatán experience!

Amazing

Chanelle_N, Aug 2025

Such a good experience, tried so many different foods even before we go to the hosts house. Such a nice experience and felt like a local. The food we cooked was so delicious and made us so full. Best experience ever!

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re so glad you enjoyed tasting so many local flavors at the market and then cooking together in our host’s home. It’s great to hear you felt like a local and that the dishes were both delicious and satisfying. We’re thrilled this was such a memorable experience for you and would be delighted to welcome you back for another authentic Yucatán adventure!

Absolutely wonderful

David_V, May 2025

We had a great time with our guide shopping and learning about local history. The cooking class was so much fun and the food was so delicious. Diego and Mercedes were great hosts.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad you enjoyed shopping with your guide, learning about local history, and joining the cooking class. It’s wonderful to hear that Diego and Mercedes made the day both fun and delicious. We’d be delighted to welcome you back for another authentic Yucatán experience!

In Mérida? Take this tour!

Julianna_E, May 2025

We had such a good time! Zulma was a wonderful guide, and Donia Berta was our excelleng cooking host. It was super immersive and informative to explore the market to see how locals source fresh ingredients and recipes were delicious, easy to make, and traditional to Yucatan. The tour company had a good relationship with the host family so we weren't intruding on their home. Instead we got to feel like family for a moment. We couldn't recommend this tour more!

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your time with Zulma and Doña Berta, from exploring the market to preparing traditional Yucatecan recipes together. It means a lot to us that you felt welcomed like family , that’s exactly the experience we hope to create. We truly appreciate your recommendation and would be thrilled to welcome you back for another authentic adventure in Yucatán!

One of the best cooking class

JirireJerry_B, Apr 2025

A must do at Mérida. Me and my husband had a great time. It was very organize. Meet an amazing group of travelers .

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you for your lovely words! We’re so glad you and your husband enjoyed your time with us and found the experience well organized. It’s always wonderful when our tours bring together amazing travelers, that’s part of the magic! We’d be delighted to welcome you back for another memorable adventure in Mérida.

Our tour guide introduced...

Michael_B, Apr 2025

Our tour guide introduced us to the market with several opportunities to taste some of the produced. She provided translation for the cook who was wonderful in showing us the technique to assist in cooking the meal. Both ladies made the experience inviting. The meal was a great introduction to some of the local dishes.

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Thank you! 🧡 We’re so glad you felt welcomed and enjoyed the flavors and cooking experience! 🍽️🌶️ A delicious way to connect with local culture✨

Matt and Libi

Matthew_N, Mar 2025

Loved shopping in the Mercado and Diego was incredible with the history of the area and the local fruits vegetables and meats. Loved that that teacher had us do most of all the prep of the meal together. Diego super nice and took time to get to know us as well!

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Thank you! 🧡 So glad you enjoyed the market and the cooking! 🥑🍅 It’s all about great food and great connections 👨‍🍳

Best experience in Merida!!!

Amy_R, Jan 2025

We had so much fun while learning about the culture and the food. We loved going to the market to buy everything we needed. Zulma was fantastic and shared so much information about history and food. Cooking at a local’s home made the experience that much more authentic. She taught us a lot and was very warm and made us laugh. And the food was delicious! It was the best day of our trip. Highly recommend this experience.

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Thank you so much for your comments and recommendations! ✨ Adventures Mexico team is happy to know that you enjoyed this experience it's good to know that you felt like in home!😊. We hope to meet you again! 😃

Amazing experience, come hungry!

Brandee_C, Jan 2025

This experience was amazing and I would recommend to come hungry! It starts with a taste of some local fruits, followed by a cochinita pibil taco and some horchata. The market tour continues ending with cooking in a lovely local’s home. The tour guide, the homeowner, and her family were wonderful.

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Great time!

George_H, Dec 2024

Guides were wonderful. The home we went to was well equipped and clean. They ate and visited with us. We loved it.

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Great cooking experience

Michael_O, Nov 2024

Great experience cooking some authentic food from Yucatan. Guide was very knowledge and was able to show us a good selection of food in the markets.

Response from Host, Dec 2024

A must do!

Christie_W, Nov 2024

Absolutely lovely experience! We saw parts of Merida we would have never found and learned so much from our guide, Diego. Our home chef was so wonderful with her instructions and we really appreciated the air conditioned kitchen. They were both so kind and such great company.

Response from Host, Dec 2024

Great experience

WendiStarr_B, Oct 2024

Shopping in the market and cooking at Dorcas’ house were both memorable. Who knew that so much of the cuisine of the Yucatán revolves around pumpkin seeds?

Response from Host, Dec 2024

In Yucatán we really love pumpkin seeds! Thank you so much for your comments and recommendations! ✨ Adventures Mexico team is happy to know that you enjoyed this experience it's good to know that you felt like in home!😊. We hope to meet you again! 😃

Must do local experience

Zoraster, Oct 2024

Very special experience. The cooking was better than high end restaurants and very authentic. Highly recommended for a more local experience with people that actually live here. It was very special.

Response from Host, Dec 2024

Excellent market and food tour experience

Carrie_V, Jun 2024

We had an excellent food market tour and cooking class. Laura- our tour guide was very knowledgeable in the culture and the city of Merida. During the market tour we sampled food and spices commonly used in Mexican cooking. We also gathered the food that we would use for our cooking class there. Bertha was our home chef and we had such a great experience cooking in her home. She gave us lots of culinary information and included us in all aspects of the cooking process. We are together the food that we cooked and it was so fun! Thank you Laura and Bertha for a great time!!

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Fantastic introduction to Merida and Yucatan cuisine!

Kari_E, Apr 2024

We booked this cooking class for the very first day we were in Merida and it was a wonderful introduction. Diego met us at the location provided and we toured the market together with another couple, trying various fruits, spices, and other novelties while he bought the goods we would need for cooking. Diego grew up in the USA so he spoke fluent english. He also was fantastic at immediately knowing how much spanish we spoke so that we could practice speaking spanish without being completely overwhelmed. We then took the bus together to the woman's house for the cooking lesson which was quite fun - we got to try a lot of foods and took home some new skills to try our hand at making Yucatan dishes at home. It was a long day, starting at 9am and ending around 3pm but we really enjoyed the entire experience and would highly recommend to anyone interested in becoming familiar with the market and getting an introduction to yucatan cuisine!

Response from Host, Jun 2024

2 thumbs up

Mimi_R, Apr 2024

Great experience. The teens on the trip loved it, and really enjoyed the food they made. Our guides/teachers were very nice and very patient.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Great experience

Karen_L, Apr 2024

We had a great time doing the market tour and cooking. Our guides Giselle and Luz were very nice. Our 7th graders really enjoyed it.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Delicious!

Maria_L, Apr 2024

Gisel was our tour guide for the day and translator. She was informative on our market tour giving us tastings of the local spices, fruit, and liquor. We arrived after at Dorkas home where we cooked empanadas, chicken, a dip, sauces, and a desert. Dorkas was very friendly and her food was the best we had on this trip! Felt like grandmas home cooking. Dorkas does not speak English so Gisel helps to translate however we had many in our group that spoke some or are fluent in Spanish so it made it very easy, but even if that was not the case Gisel can translate.