Tours & experiences

Private Authentic Puerto Rican Cooking Class with Chef Viviana

About this experience

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary traditions of Puerto Rico with a local expert in her charming home cooking studio in San Juan. Over the course of a 1.5-hour hands-on class, learn to create classic dishes like sofrito, tostones, and arroz con habichuelas, using family recipes passed down through generations. After cooking, enjoy a delicious meal together, savoring the rich flavors and stories behind each dish. This experience not only teaches you about cooking but also connects you deeply to Puerto Rican culture and community.

At a glance

  • Duration: 2 hr
  • Private experience

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Morning Cooking Class 10am
Afternoon Cooking Class 3pm

Plan your experience

Time on the tour2 hr
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Spanish (live guide)
Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 2 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.

What is included

  • Private hands-on Puerto Rican cooking class with Chef Viviana Acosta
  • Home-cooked meal enjoyed with your host
  • Insights into Puerto Rican culinary traditions and culture

Itinerary and highlights

Step into a beautiful home cooking studio in San Juan for a private, hands-on Puerto Rican cooking class. With more than 23 years of culinary experience as a restaurant chef, private chef, recipe developer, and food writer, Chef Viviana is passionate about preserving Puerto Rico’s culinary traditions and sharing them with visitors. She believes that food and gathering around the table are among the best ways to understand a country's culture and people.

During this 1.5-hour class, learn to prepare classic Puerto Rican dishes, including sofrito, the aromatic base of many island recipes, arroz con habichuelas (rice and stewed beans with Caribbean pumpkin), and crispy tostones, smashed fried plantains. As you cook, your host will share authentic techniques, family traditions, and stories behind the dishes. Afterward, sit down together in her welcoming dining room to enjoy the meal you helped prepare, experiencing the warmth, flavors, and hospitality that define Puerto Rican culture.

See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Meet your host at her home. The location shown above is a general meeting point in her neighborhood. The exact address will be provided in your booking confirmation after your reservation is confirmed.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Traveling Spoon

Accessibility and practical details

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Your host is happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free meal requests. Please let her know when you book so she can prepare accordingly.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 2 hr. Check your chosen tour option for its specific itinerary.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 4–10; Adult tickets: age 11+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveller reviews and photos

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