Pepián Cooking Class

Culture and cuisine | preparing a traditional Guatemalan pepián recipe

If you’re looking for culturally immersive, unique things to do in Antigua, Guatemala, consider joining a local family for a Pepián cooking class. All classes are conducted in their homes, giving you a first-hand glimpse into Guatemalan culture. De La Gente pepián chefs invite you into their kitchen to prepare and enjoy this traditional and savory Guatemalan cuisine.

Indulge in traditional Guatemalan cuisine and the country's national dish, Pepián

Pepián is Guatemala's national dish (typically prepared for special occasions such as holidays, weddings, birthdays, etc.) made from roasted tomatoes, a variety of dried chilis, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, and onion to create a flavorful spiced and nutty sauce that includes meat or protein and an assortment of vegetables served over rice. Come and cook alongside some of the best pepián chefs and taste for yourself.

*Can be prepared gluten-free and/or vegetarian/vegan

- Round-trip transportation from Antigua to the chef’s home
- Spanish-English interpretation
- Hands-on class with a local pepián chef who will lead you through the preparation process
- Pepián lunch with your instructor (we accommodate vegans/vegetarians and those who are gluten free)
$35.00 per person (ages 5 and older)
*Minimum of 2 adult participants needed to book a Pepián Cooking Class. Classes can still be conducted for individuals unable to join a group for an additional fee. If you are a solo traveler you can reach us out for more information.
Shuttle pick up time: 9:45 am or 14:45 pm
Shuttle pickup location: Ermita de Santa Lucía Catholic Church located on the west side of Antigua at the corner of Calle del Espíritu Santo and Calzada Santa Lucía Sur (Click here for the location).
The entire experience (from pick up to drop off at Ermita de Santa Lucas Catholic Church in Antigua) lasts approximately 3 to 3 ½ hours. You can expect to return back to Antigua around 1:30 pm or 6:30 pm.
Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the time of the Pepián Cooking Class will still be charged.
The shuttle will arrive at the shuttle pick up location slightly before the pick up time to leave at 8:45 am/1:45 pm. If your party has not arrived by 9:55 am, we will consider it a cancellation.
- Camera
- Money (Guatemalan currency). The cooking experience takes place in the house of a coffee producer, so you will have the opportunity to buy coffee directly from the family, however they can only accept cash
- Water
- Sneakers or trainers are recommended for best cooking precaution practices
Please keep in mind that we work with small-scale coffee producers and their families to provide more economic opportunities within coffee growing communities. Therefore, the Pepian Cooking Class is conducted in their homes in a traditional, rural Guatemalan kitchen. Many homes have an open, central courtyard and garden area which is the main gathering place in Guatemalan households. Even though you will be “inside,” you will be surrounded by the outdoors in a sense as this courtyard area is typically partially covered by a tin roof, there may be plants or a garden area, and you might even run into some free range chickens! Additionally, you will be cooking with wood, rather than gas or electric stoves. There is a chimney to keep the kitchen smoke-free, but there is the possibility of a falling ember (hence why we suggest closed toed shoes!) and you may add some kindling or a log to the fire.
We provide trainings with all of our pepián chefs regarding cooking and hygiene, so they take great care of their guests. But even so, this is not an industrial kitchen, rather a Guatemalan kitchen, and we hope that you enjoy this up close and cultural window into seeing how Guatemalans gather and share their meals.
*Let us know if you’re vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free