PRIVATE Market Tour & Cooking Class in Puerto Vallarta with Manu
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Get an authentic taste of Mexico--with a twist--on this excursion. You are invited to the home of an internationally trained chef who returned home to bring his own special flair to traditional cuisine. This personalized tour starts with a visit to the market to select the best ingredients for your meal. Return to Chef’s home to cook together before sitting down to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
- Choose from a morning lesson with lunch or afternoon lesson with supper
- Your meal and lesson can be customized to your tastes and most diets
- Make it a family affair. Children 5 and over are welcome to join
- Please note there is a minimum of two adults per booking
Sample Menu
Starter
Ceviche
Citrusy ceviche made with fresh catch of the day like mahi mahi
Main
Panela enchiladas
A unique dish of rolled tortillas filled with authentic panela cheese and topped with a lettuce, tomato, radish and pickled jalapeno garnish
Main
Seafood or mushroom al ajillo
Shrimp, octopus or mushroom sautéed in a chili, garlic oil
What's Included
- Private market tour with Chef Manu through Mercado Cinco de Diciembre
- Hands-on Mexican cooking class in Manu's home kitchen
- Learn to prepare three traditional Mexican dishes
- Fresh ingredients purchased together at the local market
- Homemade lunch or dinner (depending on selected start time)
- Local beer or wine
- Personalized menu options for vegetarian, meat, seafood, and most dietary preferences
- Insider tips on selecting authentic Mexican ingredients
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- San Salvador 604, 5 de Diciembre, 48304 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Meet your host Manuel at the Mercado Cinco de Diciembre (Address: San Salvador 604 in 5 de Diciembre neighborhood.). Exact address can be found in your ticket upon booking confirmation. Your experience ends at your host's home.
End point
- Otilo Montaño, Primavera de Vallarta, 48313 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Experience ends at your host's home.
Itinerary
1
Puerto Vallarta
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
2
Puerto Vallarta
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Most travelers can participate
- Please advise any dietary requirements at the time of booking; Manu is happy to accommodate most preferences, including vegetarian diets.
- Hosted by an internationally trained chef passionate about sharing authentic Mexican cuisine.
- This experience combines a local market visit, hands-on cooking class, and shared meal.
- This experience takes place in a real Puerto Vallarta home, offering an authentic cultural and culinary experience.
- Your experience ends at your host's home.
- Manu has a friendly small dog who can be kept in a separate room upon request.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Mary_S
Fantastic market, cooking, and cultural tour! Manu is a delightful chef, who charmed his way around the market and patiently answered all sorts of our questions (there are seven types of snapper! Guajillo chiles have a tendency to turn bitter!)
He then taught us to cook two dishes, enchiladas with rajas and a fantastic ceviche. We met his adorable dog, talked about the history of Al pastor, and had a really lovely time. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour.
Reviews
5.0
based on 246 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Randy_M, May 2026
Wonderful trip to the local market and then watching chef Manu prepare a wonderful meal in his home. Max the dog stole the show!
Michelle_S, Feb 2026
We had a wonderful day with Manu! We loved going to the market and seeing and learning about all the local produce and seafood. We appreciated being able to choose our two dishes, and that Manu adhered diligently to our allergies. The two dishes Manu made for us were EXCELLENT. Manu was charismatic and welcomed us into his home with his little dog Max. We did think that we would be involved in the actual prep and cooking, but perhaps that was my fault for not reading more of the reviews in advance. Overall, we really enjoyed the afternoon!
Simone_C, Feb 2026
This was such a cool experience! We met up with Manu at the market, which had no other tourists in sight. He asked us a bit about what dishes we like, and curated a menu on the spot. After that, we shopped for ingredients at the market, and he explained some of the nuances of the different seafood and groceries there. After that we went back to his place, which was absolutely charming! And best of all, we met his sweet dog, Max! Manu cooked for us while explaining the steps of the recipes, and we all chatted (very easy conversation). We learned so much from this talented chef and would absolutely recommend the experience!!
Cathy_H, Feb 2026
We knew this would be a great experience based on the stellar reviews Manu has received for this class. Here are just a few extra tidbits. The market was spotless, the fish and produce fresh and plentiful, and our chef and the vendors like family. Manu’s culinary skills are world class. Ingredients simple with some unique herbs and spices added, preparation creative and masterful, and conversation open and friendly. The time flew by. It is no wonder that many of this chef’s students are repeat customers!
Edgars_A, Feb 2026
The market tour and cooking class with Manu was EXCELLENT. He gave a wide range of options for us to select the meal we wanted and the final creation was DELICIOUS.
We learned a lot: from local shopping in Puerto Vallarta, to knife skills, to do's and don'ts with hot peppers, how best to cut fish etc.
Mary_S, Jan 2026
Fantastic market, cooking, and cultural tour! Manu is a delightful chef, who charmed his way around the market and patiently answered all sorts of our questions (there are seven types of snapper! Guajillo chiles have a tendency to turn bitter!)
He then taught us to cook two dishes, enchiladas with rajas and a fantastic ceviche. We met his adorable dog, talked about the history of Al pastor, and had a really lovely time. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour.
Jeff_C, Aug 2025
I just realized we never posted an awesome review! My apologies! One of the best cooking classes we’ve taken anywhere! The chef was incredible, patient, sweet & very kind!
Mark_K, Apr 2025
Fantastic experience. Manu met us at the market and explained every ingredient we used for our fantastic meal. He had an initial discussion to choose the menu the. We proceeded to buy the ingredients.
He drove us to his home where he skillfully explained and prepared each dish. A memorable experience.
Bryan_S, Mar 2025
This was one of the nicest experiences we have enjoyed anywhere. Began at a local market that had a variety of fresh daily catch seafood. We chose the sea bass and octopus. Also a variety of local fresh fruits and vegetables at the market. Then Manu took us to his home where he demonstrated his skill in preparing the food with instructions of how and why he prepped the food as he did. It was delicious and insightful experience. Note…The taxi from the pier will cost double or triple instead walk another few steps to the street and hail one there.
Risa_K, Mar 2025
We had a great time on our tour. We learned about how to pick certain foods from the market and the preparation of everything. The food was delicious and we had a great repport with Manuel. Loved his wry sense of humor. Thank you very much.💝
We had a very pleasant yummy experience.
Paula_V, Mar 2025
My husband and I had a great time shopping, cooking and dining with Manu. He cheerfully and patiently helped us plan a traditional Mexican meal. He then led us through the market, showing us how to select the best ingredients. We then went to his home, where he cooked the dinner, explaining each step of the preparation. Each dish was delicious and Manu was a gracious host. My husband and I hope to reconnect with Manu for another great lesson and dinner next year when we return to PV.
Joseph_C, Feb 2025
We highly recommend this cooking and market experience with Manu. He met us at the market and and we shopped for the fresh fish, shrimp, veggies and fruits we needed to prepare the meal. We then went to his home where he showcased his creativity as a chef. We loved watching his techniques and the end products super exceeded our expectations. I would absolutely do it again.
Tucker_C, Jan 2025
Manu was awesome! The market experience was helpful and the meal was amazing! He tailored the experience to our taste and allowed us to try something new. Also, Max (the dog) was very fun to have around!
Anna_C, Jan 2025
Do this course! It exceeded our expectations. I like to try cooking courses when I travel internationally, and this one was near the top of my favorites if not my favorite. The market experience made it extra special. This is not a shared class, so when you sign up you will be with your party only-this gives a nice intimate feel.
We met at the local market and Manu asked about and dietary restrictions or aversions. He then gave us multiple choices for what to cook and we picked our two favorite choices. I was very interested in how to cook octopus correctly, so I chose an octopus dish and my daughter chose ceviche.
We shopped around the market for our ingredients, everything there was very fresh and locally sourced. My favorite part was seeing the fish market, where all the seafood is brought in daily and the fish is cleaned for you right on the spot.
Manu also showed us how to pick the best fruits and showed me herbs I have never seen before. I learned a lot of valuable information from this.
After we gathered our supplies we went back to Manu’s home to cook the dishes. Manu does most of the cooking, but lets you be involved with preparation as much as you like.
Both dishes tasted amazing and were beautifully plated! The ceviche so fresh and bright, the passion fruit citrus dressing hit so good. The octopus was fantastic, super tender and so much flavor. Both dishes felt authentically Mexican but with an upscale flare. We left this class full and satisfied, and with a new love and appreciation for Puerto Vallarta and all the beautiful flavors it has to offer.
I will definitely be taking another course from Manu when we return so that my partner can also enjoy this experience. Thank you for such a wonderful experience Manu!
Derrick_H, Jan 2025
Excellent and very tasty food, taught by a very hospitable host and chef. Manuel automatically made us feel welcome and was very thorough in his explanations of what he was doing and why. He started by giving us several options of what we could make, taking care to make sure we didn’t have any allergies he needed to watch out for. Once we decided the two courses we went shopping for the freshest of ingredients in the market. Didn’t see another tourist there, and the fish was so fresh. Can’t wait to go home and to try replicate the dishes. Highly recommend.
James_W, Dec 2024
Chef Manuel shops based on your desired menu. Be prepared to share with the chef what culinary creation you would like him to prepare. After that, its shopping time at the market. I have taken several cooking classes/demonstrations. This was BY FAR, the best experience I have had. Manuel is an amazing person and just as amazing of a chef. I enjoyed watching him create, I learn a Sh#t Ton and the food was beyond restaurant quality. I WILL BE BACK! It will be one of the reasons I want to go back to PV.
Janice_P, Dec 2024
My friend and I booked this tour and met up with Manu at the fresh market. He knew so many people who warmly greeted him throughout the shopping portion. We chose 3 dishes for him to prepare. On to his lovely home, met by Max his smiling dog. We had drinks as we watched him do his magic with his knives! The cleanliness, Fabulous food, and instruction was tremendous. So many tips that I will incorporate in my meal preps. He was a great teacher and charming from greeting to departure; as he spoke perfect English! It was fun to enjoy a morning with my friend while learning and enjoying unforgettable dishes.
James_G, Nov 2024
Manuel is a master of cerviche. If you're a seafood lover, this is the class for you. And you'll meet Max, the world's friendliest little Chihuahua/terrier
Michael_v, Nov 2024
We met Manuel at a local market where he asked questions to determine our food palate. He then let us choose between 10 dishes. We selected two and then walked around the local market to purchase the supplies needed. He was very knowledgeable on local products and also recommended products to try. We then went to his house where he prepared the best seafood dishes we had on our trip. He also emailed the recipes and cooking tips later that day. We really enjoyed our afternoon and would highly recommend a cooking experience with Manuel to anyone visiting the area.
Ivan_M, Oct 2024
Great experience with Manu! He made us feel very comfortable as if he was an old friend inviting us over for dinner and showing us how to prepare the recipe.
We went shopping for the ingredients at the lcoal market where he showed us how to pick the right stuff for the best flavors, and his relationship with the vendors and fish mongers showcases the Mexican warmth and charm. I would strongly recommend Manu and this experience to any foreigner wanting to connect with the Mexican culinary traditions and culture.
Larry_C, Aug 2024
Manu helped two culinary inept guys understand flavors profiles, spice levels and cooking methodologies. We learned that you can have spicy flavors without blowing your palate. The picking of seafood and groceries was one of the highlights. Manu was fun to learn from and showcased the real life of Puerto Vallartans. We would do it again.
Jordan_C, Jul 2024
Seeing the local market was truly amazing. Our host, Manuel, was very friendly and gave us a list places to visit before we leave. The food was incredible and we get the recipes so we can try these at home! We 100% would do this again and highly recommend to everyone.
Christina_C, Jun 2024
Manu is warm, inspiring and knowledgeable. We would highly recommend his class and will definitely do it again!!
Laura_B, Jun 2024
Delicioso! Manuel is a skilled chef and shared many fun facts about Mexican cuisine. Thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the market and cooking the results. Highly recommend this event and Manuel as the chef.
Krystina_B, May 2024
We absolutely loved this market tour and cooking lesson! Manu was an amazing host and designed our menu to accommodate our personal tastes. We started at the market, where he showed us all of the highlights and picked the freshest ingredients for our menu. He then drove us to his lovely home, which was a warm and inviting space, and showed us how to cook two authenticate and amazing dishes. His cooking tips were invaluable. This was truly a wonderful experience!
Delia_R, May 2024
Manuel was very knowledgeable about all kinds of different dishes. It was fun and would recommend it very highly.
Luke_E, May 2024
Manu is a cool dude. Easy to be around and obviously knowledgeable. We enjoyed everything from the trip to the market to eating.
Jill_A, May 2024
My husband and I had so much fun going to the market and learning from Manuel! Everyone at the market loved Manuel and greeted us with a smile. Max, his dog, was precious too! We enjoyed our time and of course the food!
Scott_M, Apr 2024
We booked the three hour cooking class with Chef Manu, and we had a great time. Manu clearly knows his stuff when it comes to markets and cooking. He is also super approachable, welcoming, and funny. When we first arrived at the market, he greeted us and asked what we wanted to eat, not what he had planned, making us feel that this was a truly personalized experience. He led us around the market, knowing exactly what ingredients to get for our dishes and where to get them. He connected with the workers, and made them feel good. After we arrived at his apartment, we were greeted by his cute chihuahua terrier Max, and sat down at the table. (The dishes we asked for were sopes and enchiladas). Watching Manu cooking was incredible, he knew exactly what to do and explained every step as he went. He gave us sauces to try, and explained their flavor. The enchiladas were like nothing I ever tasted. The sauce was light, and the toppings and filling were works of art that tasted even better than they looked. The sopes were fluffy, golden, and crisp, topped with super tasty mushrooms for the filling. For dessert, we had fresh jackfruit from the market. We learned a lot, and the dishes were amazing. Thank you, Manu, for such an incredible meal!
Parth_V, Mar 2024
Immersive culinary experience, I highly recommend it! Manuel is a highly skilled professional chef with years of experience in local and international cuisine. He not only accommodated my dietary restrictions but went above and beyond to curate the menu as per my interest and palate and introduced me to something completely new and exciting. The market tour is also super fun.
Likely to Sell Out
From $139.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Likely to Sell Out
PRIVATE Market Tour & Cooking Class in Puerto Vallarta with Manu
246
3 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$139.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
Attractions in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Nuevo Vallarta Tours & Tickets
- Banderas Bay (Bahía de Banderas) Tours & Tickets
- Vallarta Botanical Gardens (Jardín Botánico de Vallarta) Tours & Tickets
- El Malecon Tours & Tickets
- Los Arcos National Marine Park Tours & Tickets
- Gringo Gulch Tours & Tickets
- Marina Vallarta Tours & Tickets
- Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe) Tours & Tickets
- Los Muertos Beach (Playa Los Muertos) Tours & Tickets
- Summer’s Ranch (Rancho Verano Distileria de Tequila) Tours & Tickets
- Boca de Tomatlán Tours & Tickets
- Puerto Vallarta Historic Center (Centro Histórico) Tours & Tickets
- Zona Romantica Tours & Tickets
- Marietas Islands (Islas Marietas) Tours & Tickets
More attractions near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico