10 Best Tulum Cooking Classes for Foodies in 2024

plate of tamales made in one of the best tulum cooking classes

LOOKING FOR THE BEST MEXICO COOKING CLASS TULUM OFFERS?

Smart choice! You’re in for both a great meal in your near future, and you’re in the right place because the 10 best Tulum cooking classes are all featured here. How do I know they’re the best?

I’ve lived in Mexico since 2018 and have spent a lot of time in Tulum, enjoying boat tours, bike tours, and taco tours — but above all, local cooking classes are one of my favorite things to do in Tulum Mexico.

preparing mexican dishes during Tulum cooking classes

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Book this Mexican Cooking Class From Scratch — a top Tulum experience with a near-perfect 5 Star rating.

Taking a cooking class in Tulum is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine during your trip. 

Most Tulum classes are Mayan-inspired, using local ingredients and recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Cooking classes are a great way to interact with local chefs in Riviera Maya. You’ll learn about the origins of the dishes and ancient techniques and tools to create some of the most popular food in the world. 

Ready to learn about some of the best cooking classes Tulum has to offer?

Below, you’ll find the 10 top-rated Tulum cooking classes so you know you’re making the right choice when booking your tour.

Top 3 Picks: Best Tulum Cooking Classes

#1 TOP PICK

mexican spices

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mexican Cooking Class From Scratch
✔️ Preparing authentic Mexican meal
✔️ Vegan/vegetarian options

#2 PICK

woman prepping mexican chili

Cook Food with a Mayan Family
✔️ Learn how to make ancestral recipes
✔️ Cenote Tulum tickets included

#3 PICK

chef preparing mexican dish

Taste Tulum with Private Chefs
✔️ All ingredients included
✔️ Private in-home experience

The 10 Best Tulum Cooking Classes

1.  Mexican Cooking Class From Scratch

Mexican woman preparing hand made tortilla
Book this Mexican Cooking Class From Scratch, one of the best Tulum cooking classes, and discover the flavors and techniques that make Mexican dishes so special. (Photo: Airbnb)

⭐️ RATING: 4.95 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | 👩🏼‍🍳 Check Rates and Availability

Ready to discover Tulum and cook like a local? Look no further than this Tulum Cooking Class from Scratch, hosted by Rivera’s Kitchen Tulum.

You’ll get hands-on experience with traditional Mexican techniques and tools that have been passed down for generations, creating authentic dishes and memories.

Amazing experience! Beautiful house with an outdoor kitchen, host is amazing, so knowledgeable and friendly. Really relaxed environment. Food was delicious! 

rawnie (see more reviews)

Your host, Lily, will make you feel like part of the family in her welcoming kitchen.

She’ll share her favorite family recipes with you, which you’ll get to enjoy at the end of class. 

She will even work to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and any allergies. Just let her know ahead of time. Take your cooking skills to the next level while having a blast in Lily’s homey kitchen.

2. Cook Food with a Mayan Family

Abuelita of a Mayan village cooking traditional food in a big pot
Cook Food with a Mayan Family and embark on a gastronomic journey and learn to create authentic Mexican dishes from scratch.

⭐️ RATING: 4.97 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours | 👩🏼‍🍳 Check Rates and Availability

Buckle up for an all-day culinary adventure as you explore ancient Mayan cuisine. It’s a great day trip to Tulum from Riviera Maya option.

You’ll start your day with a tour through an authentic local market, where you’ll learn about the flavors and aromas of different Mayan ingredients. 

Worth every penny! We had the most wonderful day with Beto and created some of the best memories of our Mexico trip there.

emma (see more reviews)

Be sure to bring your wallet; this is the perfect opportunity to purchase keepsakes and groceries to take back home.

Your adventure continues with a local breakfast and a visit to a cenote, one of Mexico’s most stunning natural wonders in Mexico. 

After a day of exploring and learning, make your way to a Mayan village where abuelita (grandma, in Spanish) will give you a warm welcome to her kitchen and teach you the ropes about traditional Mayan cooking.

This tour is perfect for food enthusiasts and families looking to immerse themselves in a new culture and try new foods. You’ll be raving about it for days!

3. Taste Tulum with Private Chefs

private chef in Tulum doing cooking class
On this Tulum Private Chef Cooking Class, you’ll enjoy memorable experiences filled with laughter, flavors, and new culinary skills. (Photo: Airbnb)

⭐️ RATING: 4.96 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | 👨🏻‍🍳 Check Rates and Availability

Looking for a Tulum Luxurious Culinary Experience? Look no further than your new favorite private chefs in Tulum, Chef Leonel and Chef Omar.

With Yucatecan and traditional Mexican-inspired cuisine, you’re in for a treat.

Drawing from rich culinary traditions, your chef prioritizes fresh and seasonal ingredients, always infusing a modern twist into each dish.

We hired a private chef for our bachelorette party of seven and we’re blown away! Every course was amazing and they even accommodated my vegan diet.

jessa (see more reviews)

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can join the cooking action and learn from the best. You might even pick up some skills along the way. 

Chef Leonel and Omar know that cleaning after cooking is the worst part, so they will always leave your kitchen spotless on their way out!

👩‍🍳 Note: This experience requires a minimum of two guests

4. Ceviche & Mezcal Masterclass at a Tulum Cenote

tulum mezcal tasting
Make ceviche and sip mezcal as you embrace the spirit of Tulum in this hands-on cooking class done near a beautiful cenote.

⭐️ RATING: 4.96 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | 👨🏻‍🍳 Check rates and availability

Jump in the car and get ready for this fun Ceviche and Mezcal Class at a famous Tulum cenote. Not many Tulum cooking classes take place outside, but this one does!

This experience was great! Learned how to make ceviche while making it you could take a refreshing swim in Cenote Cristal. 

adalberto (see more reviews)

You bring your swimsuit, and the team will bring the ingredients.

Bernardo, Mette, and Becho will teach you everything they know about cooking the perfect ceviche while you bask in the clear waters of a secluded cenote and sip local mezcal

This talented trio will ensure you leave with all the tips and techniques for creating your own authentic ceviche at home.

They’ll even prepare a vegan version of the dish if you’re not a seafood buff.

5. Private Tulum Dinner at Chef Adela’s House

Mexican cook preparing a traditional Mexican dish during Tulum cooking classes
Book this Private Dinner at Chef Adela’s House and witness the art of Mexican cooking, one delicious recipe at a time. (Photo: Airbnb)

⭐️ RATING: 4.99 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | 👨🏻‍🍳 Check Rates and Availability

Escape to an oasis of flavor and hospitality on the outskirts of Tulum with Chef Adela.

Join her for this Exclusive Tulum Private Chef Experience that will enrich your understanding of local Mexican cuisine. 

At the chef’s table, Chef Adela will put together an unforgettable dinner journey through multiple courses.

Adela was great and absolutely professional! It was so wonderful, eating at her home enjoying the fresh cooked meal. Thank you so much for this special moment.

alexanra (see more reviews)

Guiding you through the creation of each dish, she’ll share insights about the local ingredients and techniques she uses to prepare them.

You’ll savor every bite of fresh vegetables, meats, and sweet treats paired perfectly with local beverages.

Each guest that passes through these doors leaves with full heart and belly on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

6. A Memorable Culinary Class with Private Chef Oswaldo

arca tulum food photos
Book this Culinary Class with Private Chef Oswaldo and get to taste his signature roasted bone marrow and other tasty recipes.

⭐️ RATING: 4.80 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | 👨🏻‍🍳 Check Rates and Availability

Join Chef Oswaldo for a Private Culinary Class where you’ll discover the magic of Mexican or Mediterranean cuisine.

With a minimum of two guests, this intimate class is perfect for a romantic date night adventure. 

During this Mexican Cooking Class Tulum, your chef will unleash the secrets of his 17 years of cooking experience.

You’ll be amazed by his skills and the delicious recipes that he creates right before your eyes.

Oswaldo was excellent! He accommodated a variety of dietary needs in a very cohesive feeling (and delicious) meal! 

emily (see more reviews)

For a hands-on experience, cook alongside Chef Oswaldo and let him teach you his tricks.

Or, kick back and delight in the freshly cooked appetizers while the team does all the work. 

Chef Oswaldo and his team will handle all the mess, leaving you only with beautiful moments and unforgettable memories of a scrumptious homemade meal.

7. Private Cooking Class in Tulum with a Chef

Mexican chef grinding peppers in a mortar
Book this Private Cooking Class in Tulum with a Chef to ignite your culinary passion with a cooking class in Tulum Mexico.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | 👨🏻‍🍳 Check Rates and Availability

During one of the most incredible cooking classes Tulum offers, you’ll have various options to choose from as you create three delectable dishes.

You’re in for a treat! Fill up on appetizers before joining Chef Antonio in the kitchen to learn his secret family recipes. 

This was the best experience! Me and my friends were in awe of the whole experience. Chef Antonio is very informational and we learned so much about Mayan culture and cuisine.

lawrence (see more reviews)

Chef Antonio loves nothing more than sharing his Mayan meals and the creation process with his guests.

He’ll even take you to a local market to teach you about the ingredients he uses every day. 

After creating an authentic dish, you’ll get to savor the meal in the chef’s kitchen. It’s an unbelievable private experience for you and your friends.

8. Lina’s Traditional Mexican Cooking Class

food on the table at one of the best tulum cooking classes in yucatan mexico
Learning from local chefs and cooks is one of the best ways to experience Mexican cuisine.

⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | 👨🏻‍🍳 Check Rates and Availability

Looking for a fun way to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Mexico? You can’t miss out on Lina’s Traditional Mexican Cooking Class.

Surround yourself with fresh ingredients and cook alongside a talented local chef who will teach you to create authentic Mexican dishes from scratch.

This was an absolutely amazing experience! To be welcomed in their home and cook authentic Mexican food was the best part of our trip.

jerry (see more reviews)

Lina will help you navigate the local ingredients and turn them into mouth-watering meals that your friends at home will simply rave over. 

Lina’s Tulum cooking classes will accommodate any size party in her beautiful kitchen.

And, with all ages welcome, it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon exploring Mexico’s most treasured tradition for any group. 

9. Guacamole Class & Snorkeling at a Cenote

Mexican cook preparing guacamole during Tulum cooking class
Book this Guacamole Class & Snorkelling at a Cenote and learn how to prepare guacamole while you enjoy the view of the cenote.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | 👨🏻‍🍳 Check Rates and Availability

Learn the chef’s secret to preparing the freshest and most delicious guacamole you’ve ever tasted in this Tulum Guacamole Class.

Even better, learn to do it right inside a cenote, so you can soak in the stunning views while learning from the best.

Wonderful experience with Alexandro and Alonzo. Their English is perfect compared with the other tours we were on during this vacation.

laurence (see more reviews)

The Oaxaca cenotes are some of the most beautiful natural wonders in Mexico and will leave you speechless.

Cool off in the water, snorkel through the rock formations, or hop in a paddle board and kayak. 

This team of expert local guides will take you off the beaten path to avoid the crowds and immerse yourself in the beauty of Tulum

10. A Culinary Experience with a Chef

Chef Lucas preparing ingredients for the Tulum cooking class
Book this Culinary Experience with a Chef and experience a flavorful exploration of traditional recipes and local ingredients. (Photo: Airbnb)

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | 👨🏻‍🍳 Check Rates and Availability

With Chef Maria Pilar’s Top-Rated Cooking Class, she’ll bring all the ingredients to your doorstep and whip up an array of Mexican, Latin American, Mediterranean, or Asian dishes.

Who says you have to leave your cozy accommodation to enjoy one of the best culinary experiences in Tulum

The experience was amazing, Pilar and Lucas organized a really nice birthday for us. They helped us with the prívate chef, decoration and cocktails!

pili (see more reviews)

You can even jump in the kitchen and learn to cook these mouthwatering meals if you’re into it!  

This experience includes a full-course meal and cleaning, as well as a variety of authentic cooking tips and tricks.

You won’t want to miss out on this informative, fun, and delicious cooking adventure.

Tulum Cooking Classes: FAQs

What food is Tulum famous for?

Tulum is most famous for its cochinita pibil, also known as Mayan BBQ. You’ll find it served in a few different types of tortillas in a variety of toppings and flavors. 

cochinita pibil tacos tulum
Cochinita Pibil is one of the most popular tacos in Mexico.

If you don’t eat pork, you can sometimes find pollo pibil, which is the same BBQ made with chicken. However, Tulum foods usually involve a variety of pepper and pork dishes.

Other foods famous in Tulum include guacamole and ceviche.

What drinks is Tulum known for?

Mezcal is one of the most popular drinks that Tulum is known for. Mezcal is a spirit distilled from agave. You’ll find mezcal tastings and mezcal cocktails around the Yucatan. 

mezcal cup and bottle
🥃 Mezcal is known for its rich and complex flavor profile, which can vary depending on factors such as the type of agave used or the production techniques employed.

Being known as a wellness destination in Mexico, you’ll also find Piña con Chaya. It’s a spinach drink with pineapple.

Pina con Chaya is perfect for breakfast or cooling off on the beach. Other popular drinks include Mexican rice milk (called horchata) and Mexican beer.

How do I choose a cooking class?

To choose a cooking class, you’ll want to ensure that the cuisine looks appealing to you and your group, first and foremost. Next, decide whether you want a hands-on class or a watch-and-learn class.

guest attending Tulum cooking class with a local cook
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, learning from Mexican chefs and cooks is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the cooking style of another culture.

Some cooking classes may be for large groups, and some only for private parties.

Choosing a cooking class will depend on your preferences and what you want to get out of the experience.

Do you tip for cooking classes?

Tipping is usually not required in cooking classes, but always appreciated if your chef does a fantastic job.

If there is a required gratuity or price involved in a cooking class, you’ll know ahead of time to prepare.

If the chef is offering free or discounted classes, it’s more common to add a tip at the end.

What do you wear to a Tulum dinner?

When going to dinner in Tulum, you’ll want light clothing that you can dress up or dress down for an “effortless” look.

Flowy skirts and dresses with comfortable shoes or sandals work at casual spots as well as the best restaurants in Tulum. 

Most visitors opt for bright colors for a beachy look.

Overall, you’ll want to go with stylish casual in Tulum. You can leave the high heels, fancy accessories, and clubbing outfits at home.

🧳 Need more Tulum packing tips? Head to this article, Ultimate Tulum Packing List: What to Wear in Tulum.

Why do people like Tulum so much?

People like Tulum so much because it has quickly blossomed into a beach town paradise in Mexico.

tulum mayan ruins in mexico
Tulum Ruins are popular because they sit on a cliff overlooking the waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Visitors love authentic culture and cuisine, wellness retreats, and Instagram-worthy beaches and cenotes. History lovers also enjoy the well-preserved Mayan ruins

Tulum has also gained popularity for being a digital nomad wanting to escape to an affordable paradise.

It has great coworking options as well as a young demographic, making it easy to make like-minded friends during their stay.

Final Thoughts: Best Tulum Cooking Class

Wondering, What can you do in Tulum today?

Step into a kitchen and get ready for an authentic Mexican experience by booking one of the Top 10 Tulum cooking classes featured in this article.

preparing mexican dishes during Tulum cooking classes

Still unsure which is the best Tulum cooking class? We suggest this Mexican Cooking Class From Scratch to prepare different, authentic Mexican meals.

They’re great Tulum trip ideas for any visit to Riviera Maya, and they offer more than a typical Tulum local food walking tour.

Some cooking classes in Tulum offer private chefs, 5-course meals, and stories and knowledge from your local chefs.

Others are for small groups looking to bring home a local recipe to share.

No matter what you’re looking for, these Tulum cooking classes will send you home with a new skill in the kitchen and a menu full of new dishes to try once you travel back home.

Want to book even more Tulum tours?

woman on one of the best Tours to Chichen Itza from Tulum
Me visiting the Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins on a private tour from Tulum.

Looking to take more tours in Tulum during your visit?

Tours are so convenient because you don’t have to worry about planning anything — you just show up and enjoy!

Tulum Travel Planning Guide

1. Should I buy Mexico travel insurance?

100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)

2. Can you drink the water in Tulum?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. (Read more)

3. Is it safe to rent a car in Tulum?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. (Read more)

4. Will my phone work in Tulum?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy this Telcel SIM Card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. (Read more)

5. What’s the best way to book my Tulum accommodations?

For Tulum hotels, Booking.com is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

6. What do I pack for Tulum?

Head to the Ultimate Tulum Packing List to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

7. What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

8. Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do a Mexico travel visa. The majority of travelers will receive a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa or passport stamp upon arrival.