Antigua Cooking Class

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. 

Mole is a traditional dessert made with similar dried chilis, seeds, and roasted tomatoes as Pepián, but instead of meat and vegetables, it is prepared with ripe fried plantains, chocolate, and cinnamon. It is a sweet, thick, chocolatey sauce with a hint of spice that complements the sweetness of the plantains.

• Round-trip transportation from Antigua to the local cook’s home

• Spanish-English interpretation

• Welcome drink (coffee)

• Appetizer 

• Main dish with tortillas  (we accommodate vegans/vegetarians and those who are gluten free)

• Dessert and natural non-alcoholic beverage

• Hands-on class with a local cook who will lead you through the preparation process

• Lunch with your instructor

• Printed recipes to recreate these recipes at home

• All the ingredients

• Apron (that you have to return after the cooking class is over)

• kitchen utensils

USD 40.00 per person (ages 5 and older).

• For USD 32 more per person you can experience a Coffee Tour and a Cooking Class on the same day! Find more information about our Antigua Day Trip.

*Minimum of 2 adult participants needed to run a Cooking Class. If you don’t see spots available contact us at tours@dlgcoffee.org or at Whatsapp +502 4179 2970.

Shuttle pick up time: 9:45 am or 14:45 pm

Shuttle pickup location: At La Ermita de Santa Lucía church located on the west side of Antigua at the corner of Calle del Espíritu Santo and Calzada Santa Lucia (Click here for the location).

The entire experience (from pick up to drop off at Ermita de Santa Lucía 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 the day before the desired tour date. If you’re looking to make a reservation with less than 24 hours in advance, contact us directly to check availability.

• Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the time of the Pepián Cooking Class will still be charged.

• If you need to reschedule a tour with less than 24 hours' notice, 50% of the payment will be charged.

• The shuttle will arrive at the shuttle pick up location slightly before the pick up time to leave at 9:45 am/2:45 pm. If your party has not arrived by 9:55 am/2:55 pm, we will consider it a cancellation.

• De La Gente reserves the right to use any audiovisual material taken in any of its touristic activities for illustrative and/or promotional purposes.

• De La Gente is not responsible for any damage or loss of personal belongings at the time of the tour.

• De La Gente is not liable for accidents, falls, injuries, or any other physical harm a participant might suffer as a result of failing to follow safety instructions, acting recklessly, or violating established rules during the activities

• Each participant is responsible for their own belongings during the activities. We are not liable for items left behind, misplaced, or lost, and inquiries regarding such items will be handled only during our office hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Furthermore, for security and privacy reasons, we do not share the phone numbers or personal contact information of coffee growers, cooking instructors, bus drivers, or other collaborators associated with our activities.

• 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

1, What can I expect during a cooking class with De La Gente?

De La Gente’s Community Tourism Program works with small-scale coffee producers from the town of San Miguel Escobar and their families to provide more economic opportunities within coffee growing communities. Therefore, the Cooking Classes are 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.

2, Should I be concerned about food safety?

We provide cooking and hygiene training to all local cooks to ensure they take care of all the participants during the cooking classes.

*Let us know if you’re vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free

3, What about water?

All houses have water purifiers, which will be available throughout the cooking class to drink and prepare food.

4, How big are the groups?

We have a minimum of two adult participants to run a cooking class and a maximum of ten people. We prioritize small groups to make sure everyone can participate. If you have a party of more than ten people, contact us at tours@dlgcoffee.org or at Whatsapp +502 4179 2970 

5, Why are cooking classes in Antigua Guatemala a must-try experience?

Cooking classes and other food tours and workshops are one of the best things to do in Antigua Guatemala. They are a way to experience Guatemalan culture through its abundant cuisine. De La Gente's cooking classes are more than just learning new recipes – they're about connection and shared moments around the table while giving back to the community.

6, Where can I try local food in Antigua Guatemala?

Antigua is filled with places where you can enjoy local food. The local market and street vendors at various plazas are excellent choices for tasting Guatemalan food. If you want to learn how to cook Guatemalan delicacies like pepián, mole, and tortillas from a local cook, consider joining a De La Gente cooking class for a culturally immersive and unique experience.