There is something deeply moving about grinding corn on the same stone your ancestors used thousands of years ago. Traditional Maya cooking is not just about food — it is a connection to history, to family, and to the land itself.
What You Will Learn
Our Traditional Maya Cooking Class immerses you in the culinary world of the Maya people. Led by the women of our village — the true keepers of our food traditions — you will:
- Grind corn by hand on a traditional stone metate and shape fresh tortillas
- Prepare caldo — a rich, slow-cooked traditional Maya soup with herbs from our gardens
- Roast and grind cacao beans to make an authentic Maya chocolate drink
- Cook over an open fire hearth the way Maya families have cooked for generations
- Harvest ingredients directly from village gardens — cilantro, peppers, herbs
The Significance of Maya Food
Corn — or maize — is the foundation of Maya civilization. The Popol Vuh, the sacred Maya creation story, tells us that humans were formed from corn. To this day, corn remains at the center of every Maya meal and every Maya celebration. When you learn to make tortillas with us, you are participating in a tradition that stretches back over 4,000 years.
Cacao holds equal sacred importance. The Maya were the first people to cultivate cacao, and they considered it the “food of the gods.” Our village still grows cacao trees, and during your visit, you will taste chocolate the way it was meant to be experienced — freshly ground, mixed with spices, and served warm.
Practical Details
Duration: 3-4 hours
Group Size: 2-8 people
Price: BZ$120 per person
What is Included: All ingredients, full traditional meal, cacao drink, recipe cards
Best For: Families, food lovers, couples, anyone curious about Maya culture
Ready to taste the living history of the Maya? Contact us to book your cooking experience.