Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit
Overview
What sets this experience apart from standard cooking classes is the genuine warmth of stepping into an authentic local home rather than a commercial kitchen. From navigating the bustling market alongside an expert guide who knows the vendors by name, to riding the Va-y-ven like a true meridano, every step is carefully designed to bridge the gap between tourist and local. It’s an unscripted, deeply personal look into the heart of Yucatecan life where food is the ultimate connection. Guided by the unmatched hospitality of a local housewife, you don’t just learn recipes—you become part of a family tradition.
What's Included
- Bus ride to the hostess's home and Uber to return
- Lunch and beverages at hostess home
- Tasting of seasonal fruits
- Bottled water and one traditional candy per person
- All the ingredients for the cooking lesson
- Local and bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- Items of personal nature (medications, cap or hat, etc) & Personal expenses
- Pick-up
- Guide gratuities
Meeting Location
C. 60 X 59
Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Your culinary adventure begins in the heart of downtown Mérida, where you'll meet your friendly local guide, after a warm welcome and brief introduction, you will walk around the Plaza Grande and you will arrive to the vibrant world of Mercado Lucas de Gálvez, where the colors, aromas, and energy of daily life come alive. Together, you’ll shop for fresh ingredients that you'll later use in the cooking class, including achiote, chaya, and habanero peppers. Along the way, you’ll meet local vendors and gain insight into the culinary traditions. After exploring the market, you’ll board an air-conditioned bus for a short ride through the city. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by our hostess into a local home, where the kitchen is awaiting. It’s here, that you’ll begin the hands-on cooking class guided step by step by your host, using the ingredients you picked. Once the cooking is done, it’s time to enjoy the delicious dishes you prepared, shared in good company. Take your time and savor every bite. After the meal, your guide will help arrange a Uber ride back to the Mérida’s downtown area, so you can return safely and easily, with a full stomach and a happy heart.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Since it is a gastronomic tour, it is very important that you inform us about any dietary restrictions or allergies.
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 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
- Due to our climate, we recommend wearing a hat or cap, in addition to sunscreen.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-34253P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 317 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Bus ride to the hostess's home and Uber to return.
- Lunch and beverages at hostess home.
- Tasting of seasonal fruits.
- Bottled water and one traditional candy per person.
- All the ingredients for the cooking lesson.
- Local and bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
- Items of personal nature (medications, cap or hat, etc) & Personal expenses.
- Pick-up.
- Guide gratuities.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Since it is a gastronomic tour, it is very important that you inform us about any dietary restrictions or allergies.
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Bus ride to the hostess's home and Uber to return
- Lunch and beverages at hostess home
- Tasting of seasonal fruits
- Bottled water and one traditional candy per person
- All the ingredients for the cooking lesson
- Local and bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- Items of personal nature (medications, cap or hat, etc) & Personal expenses
- Pick-up
- Guide gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Since it is a gastronomic tour, it is very important that you inform us about any dietary restrictions or allergies.
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 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
- Due to our climate, we recommend wearing a hat or cap, in addition to sunscreen.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
