Maya Cooking Class

Are you eager to explore Yucatecan culinary traditions? Join us for a cooking session where you will have the chance to prepare authentic dishes rooted in pre-Columbian history within a Maya community located on the outskirts of Valladolid.

Activity Overview

We'll convene at the predetermined time in X-Batun, a quaint Maya village in Yucatan, just a short 10-minute drive from Valladolid.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by local residents who will guide you through a Maya culinary class, during which you will prepare five traditional dishes. Using locally sourced ingredients, we will recreate recipes that date back to pre-Columbian times.

Your culinary journey will commence with the preparation of tzotobichay, a delightful tamale made from chaya and pumpkin seeds. Next, you will craft sikil pák, a flavorful pumpkin seed and tomato sauce. The class will proceed with the making of píbil kaa, a dish that features marinated chicken enhanced with sour oranges, achiote, and an array of spices, all wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked in an underground oven. A truly culinary highlight!

The fourth dish, an encamisado, involves hand-making a tortilla that is generously filled with meat, vegetables, and other traditional components. This dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds! To conclude our experience, you will create a traditional Yucatan dessert, following an authentic Maya recipe that features cacao, honey, cinnamon, and piloncillo.

Once you have savored this exquisite dessert, our 3-hour culinary journey will come to a close.