
Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 207 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez worth booking?
Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez is a 6-hour experience in Oaxaca City, Mexico, from $110 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 207 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (207)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $110 per person
I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT: IT IS NOT A RESTAURANT, I DO NOT CONSIDER MYSELF A CHEF I am Minerva Lopez and I am a traditional cook from Oaxaca and I have more than 40 years of experience in pre-Hispanic and traditional cooking. I invite you to spend a day at my house, with my family, my culture, it is an authentic experience where you will learn to cook as I learned, as if it were with mom! Our groups are small which makes for an intimate, family experience The market that we visited is the largest in Oaxaca and it is not touristic, where the locals go to buy our fresh and organic ingredients, here it is possible to adapt our menu to your tastes There are vegan, vegetarian and meat lovers options. At home away from the city in a small town, our outdoor wood stove is the best place to cook. Everything we will eat is prepared at home MORE THAN A CLASS IS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE OF FLAVORS AND KNOWLEDGE
What you get
About this experience
I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT: IT IS NOT A RESTAURANT, I DO NOT CONSIDER MYSELF A CHEF I am Minerva Lopez and I am a traditional cook from Oaxaca and I have more than 40 years of experience in pre-Hispanic and traditional cooking. I invite you to spend a day at my house, with my family, my culture, it is an authentic experience where you will learn to cook as I learned, as if it were with mom! Our groups are small which makes for an intimate, family experience The market that we visited is the largest in Oaxaca and it is not touristic, where the locals go to buy our fresh and organic ingredients, here it is possible to adapt our menu to your tastes There are vegan, vegetarian and meat lovers options. At home away from the city in a small town, our outdoor wood stove is the best place to cook. Everything we will eat is prepared at home MORE THAN A CLASS IS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE OF FLAVORS AND KNOWLEDGE
What's included
Included
- seasonal dessert
- Lunch
- Vegetarian/vegan/gluten free menu option
- Seasonal fruit waters
- Local Market Tour
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Alcoholic beverages
- Snacks
Not included
- Beer or soda
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Oaxaca City
WE CAN AGREE ON A PLACE OF DEPARTURE OR THE ZOCALO OF THE CD OF OAXACA, IN FRONT OF THE CATHEDRAL. ALSO IN THE LESCAS CO TOURS OFFICE, THEY ARE FRIENDS OF MINE AND CAN WAIT IN THEIR OFFICE ANTONIO DE LEON NO. 1 LOCAL I IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS YOU CAN CONTACT ME BY CALL OR WHATSAPP +529512903409
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
WE CAN AGREE ON A PLACE OF DEPARTURE OR THE ZOCALO OF THE CD OF OAXACA, IN FRONT OF THE CATHEDRAL. ALSO IN THE LESCAS CO TOURS OFFICE, THEY ARE FRIENDS OF MINE AND CAN WAIT IN THEIR OFFICE ANTONIO DE LEON NO. 1 LOCAL I IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS YOU CAN CONTACT ME BY CALL OR WHATSAPP +529512903409
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Minerva Lopez
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 207 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
207 verified traveler reviews for Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highlight of the trip
We had high expectations for this tour and they were absolutely exceeded. The market tour was very informational and we even got to see where maiz is processed. The cooking experience in Minerva Lopez’s home was absolutely incredible since she has so much knowledge to share. Overall a major highlight of our trip and we hope to return soon!
Response from the operator: Hola, fue un placer cocinar con ustedes, gracias por tomarse el tiempo para escribirnos, las esperamos de Nuevo en casa
via Viator
Amazing time with Minerva and team!
Rare and wonderful! Sandy our guide and Tonya Minerva’s daughter picked us up and took us for a market tour. It was nice to see and have experienced guides for the market. Minerva’s outdoor kitchen was amazing. We love to cook and the food, ingredients and cooking methods were a great opportunity to learn so much more. We learned to make an amazing mole and to cook tortillas on the Comal. She shared with us her 8 year journey from a suggestion that she do a cooking class for a couple interested in learning local cooking methods to now with regular groups traveling through her home. Our experience for so special with Minerva and her team. We are particular about how we spend our time on vacation and prefer this mix of smaller, personal and local experience. We highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Gracias por tomarse el tiempo para escribirnos, su visita fue muy especial para nosotras, hicieron tortillas perfectas
via Tripadvisor
Oaxacan cooking with Minerva Lopez
Everything was great from start to finish! The pick-up was on time. The market visit was informative. Minerva's teaching technique was thorough yet easy to understand. The food we made was delicious. And digital recipes were sent to me at the end. I took three different classes with Minerva. All were taught in her beautiful covered outdoor kitchen, over a wood fired stove, with her attractive and functional garden in the background. I found Minerva to be a patient and kind person. She showed how to do things first and then let the students take over. She was always willing to demonstrate a second time or offer tips on technique. For example, tips on how to make and then cook a tortilla or how to spread the dough out to the proper thickness for a tamale. Minerva definitely helped me become a better home cook and I would take classes from her again.
Response from the operator: Hola, muchas gracias por tu visita a nuestra cocina, fue muy divertido cocinar contigo, espero vuelvas pronto
via Tripadvisor
Highly Recommend
Such a great experience from start to finish. We picked up fresh ingredients at the market and were transported comfortably in an air-conditioned van. We made Mole Amarillo, two salsas, Memelitas, and Quesadillas de Flor de Calabaza, and the whole class was very hands-on. Minerva was great, and honestly, the experience was everything you would hope for in a traditional Oaxacan cooking class. Also, a big thank you to Sandy, our translator, and Minerva’s assistant Elena, who were both so kind and generous throughout the experience.
via Tripadvisor
Authentic Cooking Experience
I did a fair bit of research trying to find which would be the most authentic mole cooking experience. I'm very glad that we selected this one as right from the beginning we were picked up at the meeting location in an air conditioned bus, went to the market to select all of the ingredients that we were about to use to prepare the mole and then drove out to the countryside to a beautifully authentic home where we proceeded to get step by step instructions on how to make a beautiful mole negro. The experience was professional and authentic, end to end a great day. Would highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Price range
- $110 to $2,000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 72
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oaxaca City.
How much does Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez cost?
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Prices start at $110 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Oaxaca City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Oaxaca City is not rushed.
Is Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 207 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Oaxaca City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez?
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Around 72 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Oaxaca City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Oaxaca City and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Oaxaca City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Oaxaca City?
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On Outty we rank every Oaxaca City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hierve el Agua 2.5 hours, Mitla, Tule, Rugs and Mezcal for a Day, OAXACA CULTURAL FOOD TOUR, eat like a local., Monte Alban for 3hrs, Black Pottery and Alebrijes with Admissions. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Oaxaca City?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Oaxaca City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez?
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Included: seasonal dessert; Lunch; Vegetarian/vegan/gluten free menu option; Seasonal fruit waters; and Local Market Tour. Not included: Beer or soda. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez?
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WE CAN AGREE ON A PLACE OF DEPARTURE OR THE ZOCALO OF THE CD OF OAXACA, IN FRONT OF THE CATHEDRAL. ALSO IN THE LESCAS CO TOURS OFFICE, THEY ARE FRIENDS OF MINE AND CAN WAIT IN THEIR OFFICE ANTONIO DE LEON NO. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Oaxaca City. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Traditional Cooking Class with Minerva Lopez?
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Across 207 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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