Looking for the best cooking classes in Puerto Vallarta? I’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide!
When you visit Puerto Vallarta, don’t just taste the local cuisine, learn to recreate it by taking a cooking class.
Whether you’re an amateur cook wanting to learn the basics or an experienced chef willing to add some Mexican flair to your repertoire, these Puerto Vallarta cooking classes offer something for everyone.
Read on to discover all the best cooking classes in Puerto Vallarta to make your vacation simply perfect… or should I say DELICIOUS!
BEST COOKING CLASS IN PUERTO VALLARTA
In a rush? Let me make it short – the best one to book is the Puerto Vallarta Cooking Class With Market Visit!
Plus, they have hundreds of positive reviews online!
10 BEST COOKING CLASSES IN PUERTO VALLARTA
Let’s dive in and uncover the best Puerto Vallarta cooking classes, from traditional market tours to multi-course family feasts with local chefs.
Get ready to sharpen your cooking skills, because this is exactly what these classes are all about!
1. PUERTO VALLARTA COOKING CLASS WITH MARKET VISIT
🕛 Duration: 4.5 Hours | ⭐ Rating: 5/5 | Small Group Class
This cooking class in Puerto Vallarta is a great start for this list as it also includes a visit to the local market where you’ll buy fresh ingredients and get familiar with the Mexican culture.
Buy fresh tortilla dough at a local tortilla factory and learn the secrets of Mexican culinary traditions with the knowledgeable chef.
Once in the kitchen, the chef will lead you through each step of the cooking process. Get ready to throw on an apron and put on your chef hat!
This cooking class goes through all the best dishes in Mexico, featuring classics like tacos al pastor and mole poblano.
On top of that, a tequila and mezcal tasting session is included. Get ready to mix up some margaritas and try everything you prepare during the class.
Puerto Vallarta cooking class? More like a cooking extravaganza! Book now to secure your spot on this culinary journey!
My friends are still raving about this! We learned so much on the market tour and we really enjoyed cooking with chef. It was a wonderful lunch!
Jennipher W, Viator
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Lunch
- Professional chef
- Tequila mixology
- Guided tour of the market
2. MARKET VISIT AND AUTHENTIC MEXICAN COOKING LESSON
🕛 Duration: 3 Hours | ⭐ Rating: 5/5 | Private Class
If joining a group class doesn’t sound too enticing, then you’ll be glad to attend this private one, which includes not only the market visit but also local beer and a friendly chef!
Join Manu, the chef, at the Mercado Cinco de Diciembre to choose the best ingredients for your meal.
From fresh catch of the day like mahi mahi to authentic Mexican cheese and fresh vegetables, you’ll be sure to find something for the perfect meal.
Manu’s home kitchen is the destination where the real magic happens. Learn to prepare traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist, using his own techniques.
Talking about techniques, you’ll master classics like making ceviche and enchiladas, and be introduced to the versatility of chili and garlic oils.
Of course, you’ll get to sit down and savor your creation with a cold cerveza in hand.
This isn’t just a cooking lesson… It’s a journey into the heart of Mexican cuisine with an expert chef, and I’m sure it will be the culinary highlight of your trip!
The experience was incredible and very authentic. Manu was very knowledgeable and very accommodating. I highly recommend this cooking course.
Rafael Z, Viator
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Water
- Local beer
- Market tour
- Private cooking class
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges
3. CHOCOLATE BEAN TO BAR WORKSHOP IN PUERTO VALLARTA
🕛 Duration: 2 Hours | ⭐ Rating: 5/5 | Group Class
Get ready to indulge in a deliciously sweet activity during your Puerto Vallarta vacation! This workshop will teach you to make a chocolate bar from Mexican’s local beans in Mexico!
The workshop takes place at the ChocoMuseo in Puerto Vallarta where you’ll have the opportunity to get hands-on experience, crafting customized chocolates in your favorite flavors.
Plus, you’ll also get hot chocolate and other drinks to sip on – How cool!
Not only will you leave this workshop with some sweet treats to take home, but you’ll also gain a greater appreciation for the importance of cacao in Mexican history.
All ages are welcome to join in the fun, making this the perfect activity for families and couples.
Book now and get ready to taste the difference of chocolate made from scratch!
Lizette was as sweet as the chocolate. Great class. The historical information was nice, along with the hands in activities. The Chico museum was clean and air conditioned, friendly staff.
Christi A, Viator
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Tour guide within the museum
- Cocoa beans, chocolate, and toppings
- Apron and hat for the workshop duration
4. PRIVATE AUTHENTIC MEXICAN COOKING CLASS WITH A LOCAL CHEF
🕛 Duration: 2 Hours | ⭐ Rating: 5/5 | Private Class
Want to try out some traditional Mexican cooking techniques while vacationing in Puerto Vallarta?
This is the perfect culinary experience and one of the better cooking classes in Puerto Vallarta for foodies.
Book this private, authentic Mexican cooking class and learn how to make mouth-watering dishes, like ceviche, shrimp sopes, and tacos with flamed plantains!
You’ll meet at the chef’s home kitchen and learn traditional techniques that are sure to make delicious treats.
After cooking, you’ll get to share a delicious meal with the chef and toast with some cold local beer.
You’ll be using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create a feast that is sure to satisfy all your cravings.
What are you waiting for? Book this private Mexican experience right now and learn some hacks to put together an excellent Mexican meal!
Our experience with manual was a highlight of our trip. Not only did he prepare us a fantastic meal, he gave us restaurants recommendations and good cooking overall instruction. Definitely something that’s a must do when visiting Puerto Vallarta.
Kathy F, Viator
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Local host
- Local beer
- Bottled water
- Private cooking class
5. AUTHENTIC JALISCAN COOKING CLASS IN A TRADITIONAL HACIENDA
🕛 Duration: 4 Hours | ⭐ Rating: 5/5 | Private Class
One of the best reasons to travel is food, and I can’t think of a better way to discover a new destination than through its cuisine.
And when it comes to Puerto Vallarta, this private cooking class is the perfect introduction to traditional Jaliscan cuisine.
You’ll have the chance to learn about local ingredients and preparation methods before rolling up your sleeves to create two or three delicious Mexican dishes.
Sip on a refreshing drink as you cook up a storm in Helene’s kitchen, then sit down to enjoy your meal together, sharing stories and laughter.
The best part? This cooking class takes place in a traditional hacienda, making everything more unique!
Needless to say, all ingredients are included so all you’ll need to bring is your appetite! Book now to join one of the best classes you can sign up for!
Cooking with Helene was the highlight of our week! She is a wonderful host and person; she treated us like family. The food was also incredible; she sources ingredients daily and plans the menu based on what’s fresh. If she is available, book her, you will not regret it.
Richard D, Viator
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Lunch
- Local alcohol
- Homecooked meal
- Private cooking class
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges
6. MOLE POBLANO MAKING IN PUERTO VALLARTA
🕛 Duration: 3 Hours | ⭐ Rating: 5/5 | Small Group Class
Hungry for adventure? Join this ultimate Mole Poblano cooking class at the ChocoMuseo in Puerto Vallarta!
First, you’ll head to a local market to shop for fresh ingredients, including the cacao and chilies, that make Mole unique.
From there, it’s on to the kitchen to get cooking! With over 25 ingredients, including various nuts, spices, and cacao beans, you’ll learn the art of making mole from start to finish.
Once the cooking is done, it’s time to feast!
You’ll enjoy a delicious meal of tender chicken and rice, topped with your very own mole sauce. If this wasn’t enough, you get to take home a jar of your homemade mole.
If you’re vegetarian, you’ll have an option for you, which is convenient.
This class is perfect for anyone who loves food and wants to experience the true flavor of Mexico, and I couldn’t recommend it enough!
Worth every penny! Was a great experience. We went shopping for all the ingredients for mole, then went back to the private kitchen and made Mole! She taught us all her traditions, and then we ate a great meal!
Tim H, Viator
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Apron and hat
- Non-alcoholic drink
- A jar of your own Mole
- A meal with chicken (vegetarian option), rice, and Mole
7. CHOCOLATE AND TRUFFLES WORKSHOP AT CHOCOMUSEO
🕛 Duration: 2 Hours | ⭐ Rating: 5/5 | Group Class
This Puerto Vallarta cooking class is another one taking place at the ChocoMuseo, but as opposed to the other one, it also involves making your own chocolate truffles!
You’ll start the trip with a history class to learn everything about the hidden secrets of Mesoamerican cacao.
Get hands-on in our interactive workshop, where you’ll learn how to temper, mold, and decorate your very own chocolates to take home.
With a mouth-watering selection of dark chocolate, ganache, and toppings at your fingertips, the possibilities are endless. From silky-smooth truffles to crunchy pralines, you can let your imagination run wild.
It goes without saying that you’ll have plenty of chocolate to take back home!
And if that wasn’t enough, you’ll even receive a 10% discount at the Chocomuseo outlet, where you can stock up on all your favorites.
We had a wonderful time learning about tempering chocolate, the others in class were a fun group, Elizabeth was a great instructor.
Rhonda M, Viator
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Tour guide at the ChocoMuseo
- Apron, hat, and chocolate mold
- Dark chocolate, ganache, and toppings
- A fun group to share a couple of hours with!
8. 5-HOUR COOKING CLASS WITH MARKET TOUR
🕛 Duration: 5 Hours | ⭐ Rating: 4.9/5 | Group Class
For a fun cooking class in Puerto Vallarta with a friendly chef, this is an excellent option, and you’ll get to visit a local market in addition to cooking a great meal.
You’ll start with a trip to the market to select the fresh ingredients to prepare Mexican dishes like ceviche, al pastor tacos, and mole.
After that, it’s time to head to the kitchen, and you’ll be able to learn the tricks from the chef as you cook along with him.
They’ll provide you with a hands-on experience where you can chop, mix, and taste your way through this authentic cooking class.
While you work up an appetite preparing your meal, you’ll learn about the unique ingredients used in the local cuisine and their cultural significance. How’s that for an experience!
To complete the experience, savor your delicious creations and wash them down with a tequila and mezcal tasting – the perfect way to finish a great meal.
As a special treat, your chef will even send you a copy of all the recipes so you can impress your friends and family back home.
Book now to enjoy one of the best Puerto Vallarta cooking classes!
Enrique was so pleasant! He was ready to talk history and traditions as well as show us how to prepare several Mexican dishes. We enjoyed ourselves very much!
Sonya, a GetYourGuide Traveler
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- All ingredients
- 3-course meal
- Fruit juices and water
- Cooking class by a chef
9. MEXICAN COOKING CLASS AND TEQUILA TASTING
🕛 Duration: 3.5 Hours | Group Class
If there’s one way to spice up your trip to Mexico, it’s definitely with Tequila, and this cooking class includes a tasting session, which is a great addition!
Unlike other cooking classes in Puerto Vallarta, this one is outside the city, and private transportation is included for your convenience.
Once you arrive at the complex, you’ll explore the gardens to pick up fresh herbs and vegetables, as well as some fruits to prepare the perfect meal.
Put on your apron and start to learn the secrets behind preparing guacamole, salsa, and chiles rellenos, all the while sharing laughs and stories in the kitchen.
Once you’ve cooked traditional Mexican delicacies, it’s time to indulge and have a delicious meal.
For the adults in the group, enjoy the added bonus of the Tequila and Mezcal tasting experience, and the chef will also teach you the rich history behind the spirits.
After a full day of cooking and feasting, you can take it easy and relax by the natural pools or soak up the sun in the hammocks.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Brunch
- Private transportation
- kitchen utensils and apron
- Ingredients for the preparation of dishes
10. AUTHENTIC MEXICAN TACO & CULTURE TOUR
🕛 Duration: 3.5 Hours | Group Class
When it comes to experiencing a new place, there’s no better way than through the local food.
And if you’re a foodie like me, then you won’t want to miss out on this authentic Mexican taco and culture tour in Puerto Vallarta.
With an experienced guide and chef, you’ll visit local families who will share their generational recipes. I genuinely can’t think of a better way to learn how to make tacos!
But that’s not all. You’ll also have the chance to try out some hand-cooked tortillas, pastries, and slices of tropical fruit.
This cooking class takes place in a working-class area of Puerto Vallarta, which is exactly where the best food is!
All in all, not only will you get to indulge in delicious cuisine but will also walk away with a reusable tote bag and souvenir pictures.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Bottled water
- Variety of tacos
- Souvenir pictures
- Reusable and colorful tote bag
- Fresh tortillas, baked goods, and fruits
PUERTO VALLARTA COOKING CLASSES – FAQ
Now that we’ve covered the best cooking classes in Puerto Vallarta, let’s answer some questions from first-time visitors:
WHAT FOOD IS PUERTO VALLARTA FAMOUS FOR?
Puerto Vallarta is famous for its delectable seafood dishes, and one of the top choices is Pescado Zarandeado.
This dish consists of grilled fish that’s been marinated in a variety of herbs and spices, which adds depth and complexity of flavor.
Another must-try item is the Tamales, which are typically filled with a savory mixture of meat, beans, or cheese and wrapped in corn husks.
If you’re in the mood for some hearty meat-based cuisine, don’t miss out on Birria, a traditional stew made with goat or beef, and seasoned with a blend of spices for a rich, warm flavor.
Lastly, for some fresh seafood, Ceviche is a must-have dish, consisting of raw fish marinated in citrus juices, chili peppers, and other seasonings.
DOES PUERTO VALLARTA HAVE GOOD FOOD?
If you’re a foodie, you’ll be in for a real treat in Puerto Vallarta. This charming coastal city is known for its delicious cuisine, with a wide range of options to suit everyone.
From street food to fine dining, Puerto Vallarta has it all. You can indulge in traditional Mexican dishes like tacos and enchiladas or explore more exotic flavors like ceviche and mole.
WHAT DRINK IS PUERTO VALLARTA FAMOUS FOR?
Raicilla is a must-try drink in Puerto Vallarta. This drink is the town’s signature liquor and one of the most appreciated ones in Mexico.
Made from distilled agave, it’s a spirit with a smoky, woody flavor that is great with tacos or ceviche.
IS IT WORTH IT TAKING A COOKING CLASS IN PUERTO VALLARTA?
Taking a cooking class is an absolute must if you are a foodie, or just want to explore more of the food scene in Puerto Vallarta.
Many cooking classes also offer a tour of the local market, so you can have a better idea of how to pick the ingredients when shopping on your own.
WHAT IS PUERTO VALLARTA KNOWN FOR?
Puerto Vallarta, located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a blend of traditional charm with modern amenities.
One of the city’s most distinctive features is its walkability. The downtown area, in particular, hosts many attractions, including the Malecón and its beach and the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The city’s hospitality scene is equally impressive, with top-notch hotels and resorts catering to a wide range of preferences.
Another highlight of Puerto Vallarta is its traditional cuisine. The city offers an incredible array of Mexican dishes, with restaurants serving everything from street food to gourmet meals.
WHAT TO PACK FOR MEXICO
When visiting Mexico, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
Must-Have Travel Essentials
Hidden Money Wallet
Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!
Reusable Water Bottle
The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!
Travel Backpack
The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!
Quick-Dry Travel Towel
The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!
Portable PowerBank
Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!
More Mexico Travel Guides
Click the button below to view all articles related to Mexico!
SUMMARY – PUERTO VALLARTA COOKING CLASSES
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions about these cooking classes in Puerto Vallarta, please leave me a comment below this post, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
Search and book accommodation worldwide.
Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.
Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.
Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.
Search all rental cars in your next destination.
Need travel insurance for your next trip?
THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.
Click here to find out how you can support the site organically.
Many thanks!