Culinary Yucatan: Merida Food Tour & Mexico Cooking School Vacation

Embark on a culinary journey through local cuisine of the Yucatan region with our Merida food tour and cooking school vacation in Mexico. Immerse yourself in the local food culture and learn to cook authentic Mexican dishes from expert chefs. Book now and experience the flavors of Yucatan.

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Overview

Yucatan Cooking Classes During Food Tours in Merida, Mexico

There is Mexico, and then there is Yucatán. The region and the country share much, yet their histories diverge at many points. Yucatán is the land of the Mayas, Mexico’s second largest extant indigenous group. The local food there is also different, characterized by the famous habanero, one of the world’s hottest chiles, and has much in common with Caribbean and European cuisine, making it an ideal spot for a unique culinary experience on vacation in Mexico. Pit-smoked meats, plantains, Dutch cheeses, Portuguese sausages and Lebanese specialties are some of the typical foods of the region, a surprise to those expecting traditional Mexican! Culturally, the region has its own music, dance and literature, and of course, the Maya archaeological sites known throughout the world.

The capital city Mérida was once home to the world’s largest per capita population of millionaires. It is now experiencing a resurgence, attracting travelers from all over the globe who are discovering its many charms and culinary experiences.

In such a setting is a cooking school devoted to 100% comida yucateca.

Latest Review

No rating given with this review

My wife and I, as did our two daughters and their husbands....could not have enjoyed the Hacienda any more that we did. The rooms are very spacious and comfortable, with a large bathroom and a spacious and comfortable patio equipped with an outdoor Jacuzzi...the grounds are beautiful, all full of tropical flowers and plants. David accompanied and we thoroughly enjoyed his company. The cooking classes at Los Dos were very well handled and the. The beautiful courtyard and "dipping" pool at his house adds a special touch. The booklet David provided us in connection with the cooking was so well organized with the menus and the recipes, which you would expect,but it also had useful information on Yucatecan ingredients, terminology and more. Our driver/tour guide for our day-time tours and for the evening trips to the restaurants was very knowledgeable, polite and friendly. He had a great enthusiasm for Yucatan and its history and people, and it showed in his presentations to us. He really opened our eyes to the land and its uniqueness. All in all, a great trip. This one was more or less to mark the milestone of my wife's 60th. She really cherished the experience, both from the viewpoint of the activities and exploration, but especially, for the chance to share these experiences with our daughters and their husbands. Finally, thanks to you, Robyn, for all your arrangements of details. As they say, sometimes it's in the details where the devil resides, but none of that with this trip. All worked out well. Sincerely, John H. (CA)

Details of Cooking Classes in Merida, Yucatan

The Yucatecan cooking school, founded by the late Chef David Sterling, has been committed to teaching and understanding the local cuisine for over a decade. Following Chef David’s passing, his team, notably Chef Mario, his trusted assistant for 12 years, took over the school. Chef Mario, a vital contributor to Chef David’s award-winning cookbook, will be your guide and chef during your stay. The school has gained recognition in publications like The New York Times, Travel and Leisure, and Condé-Nast Traveler, and has featured on TV shows such as ‘Mexico: One Plate at a Time’ and Martha Stewart’s program. Join us for a culinary experience where your cooking classes go beyond preparing food, but also educate you about the ingredients and traditions of Yucatecan cuisine.

Day One

Arrival at Mérida International Airport.
Transfer to your boutique hotel.
Time to relax, with dinner on your own.
Overnight.

Day Two

Your day starts with a continental breakfast at your hotel before meeting Chef Mario at the cooking school.
Get an introduction to Yucatán’s unique ingredients and culinary heritage.
Then, explore the central market with Chef Mario and discover recados, the seasoning blends that add flavor to Yucatecan cuisine.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where Chef Mario’s team will assist in navigating the menu and trying various specialties.
In the late afternoon, return to your hotel with newfound knowledge of Yucatan’s complex flavors.
Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant.
Overnight.

Day Three

Breakfast.
To help you get your bearings, in the morning take a specially-guided tour of this magnificent colonial city. Stroll around Plaza Principal and tour the Cathedral, the oldest in the American mainland.
Arrive at the cooking school, where you will meet local Mayan women who will instruct you in the art of making tortillas by hand; afterwards, snack on your creations.
Your first cooking class to follow. Possible dishes include sopa de lima, pollo asado, tamales de x’pelón, and crema de cilantro.
Mid afternoon, you will be seated in the colorful dining room for lunch, also known as the “comida fuerte,” main meal of the day (wine/beer included).
Return to the hotel; evening at leisure and overnight.

Day Four

Following breakfast, excursion to the charming colonial city of Izamál.
Tour the monastery and church of Izamál, built atop the base of an ancient Maya pyramid. Afterward you will enjoy a caleza (horse and buggy) ride through town, past several large intact pyramids that remain of the ancient city.
In the early afternoon, visit restaurant Kinich Kak-moo, located at the foot of a looming pyramid. Here you will enjoy a typical Yucatecan feast for lunch, observing the local women prepare the meal.
Return to the hotel with some time to relax.
In the evening, depart for dinner at a popular Merida restaurant.
Return to hotel and overnight.

Day Five

Breakfast.
Depart for an excursion to Hacienda Vista Alegre, a restored 17th-century hacienda, whose current inhabitants operate a distillery on the grounds that produces the famous Yucatecan honey/anise liqueur Xtabentun, as well as a variety of incredible rums. You can also enjoy a small botanical garden and orchard where grow many typical and unusual varieties unique to Yucatán, such as “chico zapote” — the famous chewing gum tree!
Transfer to the school for another session of cooking instruction to be followed by the comida fuerte.
After class, return to the hotel; evening on your own.
Overnight.

Day Six

Breakfast.
Today is a romantic and exotic excursion into the heart of Maya Yucatán. First, we drive to Uxmal — considered the most beautiful of the Maya archaeological zones and inspiration to Frank Lloyd Wright.
After your guided tour of Uxmal, stop at the tiny pueblo of Santa Elena, where you will visit a Maya family living as the Mayas have lived for the past century.
On the way back to Mérida, stop at the five-star Hacienda Temozon, one of the Luxury Collection owned by Starwood. The setting is magnificent and you will enjoy the beautiful presentation and updated classics of Yucatecan fare for lunch.
Transfer back to the hotel with some time to relax.
In the evening, depart for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant that offers the best in regional fusion cuisine.
Overnight.

Day Seven

Breakfast followed by check out.
Transfer to Mérida International Airport. Adios!

Day One

Arrival at Mérida International Airport.
Transfer to your boutique hotel.
Time to relax, with dinner on your own.
Overnight.

Day Two

Continental breakfast at your hotel.
In the morning, Chef Mario will greet you at the cooking school and invite you into his kitchen, where he will present an overview of Yucatán’s unique ingredients and culinary heritage.
Stroll with him through the sprawling and colorful central market where you will see piles of recados, seasoning blends similar to the curries that are a unique feature of Yucatecan cuisine.
Lunch in a local restaurant that features the finest regional cuisine. Chef Mario’s team will help you navigate the menu as you sample several Yucatecan specialties.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon with a budding understanding of the complex flavors of the Yucatan.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight.

Day Three

Breakfast.
Transfer to the cooking school, where you will spend the day with Chef Mario. You will work with local ingredients to create a full meal, from snacks and a first course, to soup, a main dish, and dessert.
Lunch will be late, but if you want dinner, it will be on your own.
Overnight.

Day Four

Breakfast.
Today is an exotic excursion into the heart of Mayan Yucatán. First sop is Uxmal — considered one of the most beautiful of the Mayan archaeological zones and an inspiration to Frank Lloyd Wright.
Stop at the tiny pueblo of Santa Elena, where you will visit a Mayan family living as the Mayas have lived for the past century.
On the way back to Mérida, stop at the five-star Hacienda Temozon, one of the Luxury Collection owned by Starwood. The setting is magnificent and you will enjoy the beautiful presentation and updated classics of Yucatecan fare for lunch.
Transfer back to the hotel with some time to relax.
In the evening, depart for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant that offers the best in regional fusion cuisine.
Overnight.

Day Five

Breakfast followed by check out.
Transfer to Mérida International Airport. Adios!

Yucatan Food Tour Details

6 Night Details
4 Night Details

Included in the 6-Night Cooking Class Yucatan Trip

Accommodations

6 nights standard double at the 5* Casona 61 Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Food & Beverages

Daily breakfast
5 lunches
3 dinners
Wine/beer with meals at the cooking school (and 1 alcoholic beverages at meals out)

Classes & Instructors

Founded by the late Chef David Sterling, a New York transplant and long-time resident of Mexico, the cooking school has for over a decade been dedicated to understanding and teaching Yucatecan cuisine. After Chef David’s death in late 2016 the cooking school was taken up by his team, and in particular Chef Mario, who was his right-hand man for 12 years. He will be your chef and guide during your stay.

Chef Mario was an integral part of the Chef David’s James Beard Award-winning ‘Best Cookbook of the Year’ in 2015. The cooking school has been featured in numerous publications such as Travel and Leisure, The New York Times, Elle Mexico, Condé-Nast Traveler, and has been included in Rick Bayless’s television program, Mexico: One Plate at a Time’ as well as with Martha Stewart on her popular show.

Your 3 cooking classes are not just food preparation, but an education into the unique flavors, fresh ingredients and traditions that comprise Yucatecan cuisine.

Excursions

Merida market visit with chef Mario to learn about Yucatecan ingredients
Tour of the colonial city of Merida
Excursion to Izamál, including the monastery
Visit to the Hacienda Vista Alegre distillery
Excursion to Uxmal’s archeological zone and to the pueblo of Santa Elena

Transfer Details

Round trip transfers from/to Mèrida airport

Miscellaneous

Drinks (beer/wine) are included with all your meals at the cooking school. For other meals, one alcoholic beverage per person is included, additional beverages are available for purchase.

Included in the 4-Night Cooking Class Yucatan Trip

Accommodations

4 nights standard double at the 5* Casona 61 Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Food & Beverages

Daily breakfst
3 lunches
2 dinners
Wine/beer with meals at the cooking school (and 1 alcoholic beverages at meals out)

Classes & Instructors

Chef David Sterling founded the Yucatecan cooking school over a decade ago with the goal of exploring yucatan cuisine and teaching the region’s cuisine. After his passing, his team, including Chef Mario, took over the school. Chef Mario, who worked alongside Chef David for 12 years and was instrumental in his James Beard Award-winning cookbook, will be your guide and chef. The cooking school has received acclaim from top publications and TV shows. Join us for an educational and delicious culinary experience where you’ll learn about the unique flavors, ingredients and traditions that make Yucatecan cuisine unique.
You will have 1 in-depth cooking session, as well as an education into the ingredients and traditions that comprise Yucatecan cuisine.

Excursions

Merida market visit with chef Mario to learn about Yucatecan ingredients
Excursion to Uxmal’s archeological zone and to the pueblo of Santa Elena

Transfer Details

Round trip transfers from/to Mèrida airport

Miscellaneous

Drinks (beer/wine) are included with all your meals at the cooking school. For other meals, one alcoholic beverage per person is included, additional beverages are available for purchase.

Where is this trip located?

Trip Rating

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Mexico

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Tour Dates:

Available any dates you choose for a minimum of one person. Please review our complete pricing details.

6 Nights

Starting at

$3,699

4 Nights

Starting at

$2,499

Accommodation Information

Your accommodations will be at a hotel in Merida in either classic 4*, 5*, or luxury 5* accommodations (please see luxury upgrade cost under pricing).

The Casa del Balam offers classic 5* accommodations as well as boutique luxury upgrades, with spacious and bright with large rooms, a swimming pool, air conditioning, and more. (If unavailable a comparable hotel will be offered.)

Swimming pool and garden at the Hotel del Balam in Merida, Mexico.

Exterior at the Hotel del Balam in Merida, Mexico.

Garden and pool at the Hotel del Balam in Merida, Mexico.

Standard double room at the Hotel del Balam in Merida, Mexico.

Upgraded room at the Hotel del Balam in Merida, Mexico.

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The Casa las Palomas is a cozy, 9-room hotel offering classic 5-star accommodations. It is located in an old house of classic style. Its façade is characteristic of the city center, and the hotel combines classic elegance and touches of modernity. There is a central axis with a patio and swimming pool around which the rooms are arranged. (If unavailable a comparable hotel will be offered.)

Bedroom at the Hotel Casa las Palomas in Merida, Mexico.

Double room at the Hotel Casa las Palomas in Merida, Mexico.

Interior at the Hotel Casa las Palomas in Merida, Mexico.

Courtyard at the Hotel Casa las Palomas in Merida, Mexico.

Bathroom at the Hotel Casa las Palomas in Merida, Mexico.

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Casa Lecanda is a small, luxury 5* hotel, exclusively for adults, situated in the historic center of Merida. The architecture and landscaping provide a unique local experience and sanctuary within the city. (If unavailable a comparable hotel will be offered.)

Bedroom at the Hotel La Lecanda in Merida, Mexico.

Sitting poolside at the Hotel La Lecanda in Merida, Mexico.

Exterior at the Hotel La Lecanda in Merida, Mexico.

Swimming pool at the Hotel La Lecanda in Merida, Mexico.

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Merida Food Tour Pricing & Dates

Find pricing and dates for our Yucatan cooking vacations in Mexico below, and contact us for availability or to book your vacation.

6 Night Pricing
4 Night Pricing

Looking for tour date information?

Mexico 6-Night Cooking School Vacation Year-Round Pricing Pricing:
2024-2025

6-night Program

US$3699 per person based on double occupancy

Add US$300 per person to upgrade to Boutique Luxury hotel

30% deposit due to confirm booking.

Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!

Single occupancy: please inquire.

Cost to run for 1 person: please inquire.

6-Night Culinary Tour in Yucatan Dates

2024-2025

Please inquire for availability. Program generally starts on Sunday.

Looking for tour date information?

Mexico 4-Night Cooking School Vacation Year-Round Pricing Pricing:
2024-2025

4-night Program

US$2499 per person based on double occupancy

Add US$400 per person to upgrade to Boutique Luxury Hotel

30% deposit due to confirm booking.

Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!

Single occupancy: please inquire.

Cost to run for 1 person: please inquire

4-Night Culinary Tour in Yucatan Dates

2024-2025

Avaialble year round. Please inquire with dates for availability.

Reviews

No rating given with this review

Your school goes beyond the idea of the typical holiday in Mexico by offering an experience of the culture first hand through taste and a hands-on activity. Now I'm able to go home and say I traveled to the Yucatan and experienced unique cuisine and also got a chance to cook it for myself -- all in a stunning setting in the private old colonial mansion of a cook from New York! What's more, I not only worked hard and learned how to cook a lot of new things, but I also felt pampered by the setting, the service & the ambiance. Gail G., Toronto, Canada

No rating given with this review

As a mixed French-Italian couple, we believe that culture includes gastronomy -- so we had to try to learn about Yucatan cuisine. We all enjoyed this wonderful house restored with such taste and fidelity, the warmth of the welcome and the quality of what we heard and made: not only do you learn about making this delicious cuisine but also you get a personal view from sensitive and intelligent hosts who love Mexico and Yucatan. This was a perfect complementary view of the marvelous sites of this area. Fabien and Marina C., Paris, France

No rating given with this review

If there was one highlight of our trip to Mexico -- and with everything Mexico has to offer, it can be hard to choose -- it was attending your school. From my initial inquiries to the final dinner, I was overwhelmed by David's friendly, professional and helpful approach to answering my questions, arranging a menu, and, most important, teaching us how to cook such wonderful food. Thank you, both David and Keith, for an unforgettable trip to Merida, for your enthusiasm and hospitality, and for making us feel like we were at home. I will not hesitate to sign up for more classes next time we come to Merida! Blair and Lauren L., Shanghai, China

No rating given with this review

Just a quick note to say thanks for the fun day we spent cooking, eating and chatting together in Merida -- we really enjoyed it. I think I must be still suffering a bit of jet lag. It's 2 a.m. and yet I'm raring to go! Maybe I should get in the kitchen and rustle up a salsa or three. You'll be pleased to know I recreated Moros y Cristianos this evening, although with peas (I didn't have any black beans), so it was more like Martians and Christians than Moors and Christians. Best wishes to you all and thanks again. Graham and Jozef, Brussels, Belgium

No rating given with this review

We arrived back in California Thursday evening in one piece, and have been catching up since our return. It was indeed a pleasure meeting you and spending quality time learning about the unique foods and fine cuisine of Yucatan. We learned much from your overview about the differences between Mexican and Yucatan cooking ingredients and methods of food preparation. The markets you took us to, both new and old, were eye-opening and became far less intimidating to us after your knowledgeable introduction. In fact, we were so inspired that we cooked cochinita pibil yesterday, using the Annatto paste we bought from you -- and it was quite good! Finally, we commend you on the wonderful job you and Keith have done on your awesome Merida home. You have given it new life as well as created a very inviting and rich environment for culinary students and guests. Diana and Fred G., CA

No rating given with this review

Dear Chef David, your cooking course was practical, informative and lots of fun. I really enjoyed the trip to the markets and meeting all your contacts. I wish there had been time for a more extensive course. I give you top billing for your teaching skills, cooking expertise, personal warmth and graciousness. With fond memories, Lis. Lis M., Australia

No rating given with this review

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our day of cooking and eating. As a person who loves to cook and has participated in other cooking schools in North America, this by far was the most entertaining and knowledgeable day I have experienced. A tour of Merida's wonderful mercado lead by David was a real highlight. I was then able to go back the next day and purchase with confidence. Even the husband enjoyed the day! David provided a great deal of background on the history and culture of the Yucatan relative to the cuisine. Thank you both, David and Keith! Maureen D., Calgary, Canada

No rating given with this review

Thank you for a fantastic day spent at Los Dos last week. Michael and I both had a wonderful time hearing about Mayan and Yucatan cooking, and then having the opportunity to make (and eat!) such simple, beautiful and extraordinarily flavorful dishes. In a million years, I never thought I'd get Michael to eat onions pickled with an entire head of charred garlic, not to mention ANYTHING cooked in lard - but the flavors and the presentation were so fantastic, how could one not indulge? Hopefully, the dishes I make back here in San Francisco with the spices we bought at the fabulous Galvez market will come out half as good! Again, a heartfelt Mayan yum botic to both you and Keith. We've already recommended Los Dos to a number of our friends and will continue to do so. Brian P., CA

No rating given with this review

Everything was outstanding! From our hotel -- Casa Lacanda -- to the driver/guide Pablo, to the tours of the market, seeing what the plants looked like of the foods we might be preparing, the Mayan sites (Pablo was a passionate spokesman for the history of the area) and of course, Chef David and his excellent team where we had two days of preparing and eating typical foods of the Yucatan. Nothing fell short at all! A fabulous vacation I would highly recommend. Louise B., & Lyslie R., Canada

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We Can Help Plan The Best Culinary Experiences in Merida

We can assist with flights, transportation, additional nights and tours, and more to enhance your vacation experience.

While we can't pack for you, we are always here to help.

For further details, contact us or indicate your preferences during checkout, and we will follow up promptly. Contact Us

Yucatan Cooking Classes During Food Tours in Merida, Mexico

Latest Review

Details of Cooking Classes in Merida, Yucatan

Yucatan Culinary Tour Itinerary

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Day Four

Day Five

Day Six

Day Seven

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Day Four

Day Five

Yucatan Food Tour Details

Included in the 6-Night Cooking Class Yucatan Trip

Accommodations

Food & Beverages

Classes & Instructors

Excursions

Transfer Details

Miscellaneous

Included in the 4-Night Cooking Class Yucatan Trip

Accommodations

Food & Beverages

Classes & Instructors

Excursions

Transfer Details

Miscellaneous

Accommodation Information

Merida Food Tour Pricing & Dates

Mexico 6-Night Cooking School Vacation Year-Round Pricing Pricing:2024-2025

6-Night Culinary Tour in Yucatan Dates

Mexico 4-Night Cooking School Vacation Year-Round Pricing Pricing:2024-2025

4-Night Culinary Tour in Yucatan Dates

Reviews

We Can Help Plan The Best Culinary Experiences in Merida

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Trip Costs

Review

Trip Costs

Mexico 6-Night Cooking School Vacation Year-Round Pricing Pricing:
2024-2025

Mexico 4-Night Cooking School Vacation Year-Round Pricing Pricing:
2024-2025