I Learned to Cook Tacos Dorados at Mayakoba Cooking School

Everything you need to know about this Riviera Maya cooking class at El Pueblito

The Riviera Maya is one of Mexico’s most celebrated destinations, known for its turquoise sea, white-sand beaches, and rich cultural heritage. In the heart of it lies Mayakoba, a private sanctuary of canals and mangroves that brings together nature, gastronomy, and refined hospitality. Here you’ll find four world-class hotels –Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Fairmont Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba, and soon Alila Mayakoba– along with El Camaleón, an award-winning golf course, and El Pueblito, the destination’s central plaza.

This last space is among the most charming corners of Mayakoba. Inspired by Mexican traditions, El Pueblito captures the feel of a village square, surrounded by the Riviera Maya jungle. A red archway welcomes you into a central kiosk framed by trees, benches, and the sound of fountains blending with birdsong. Tucked in one corner is the Mayakoba Cooking School, where guests can join a hands-on cooking class offered through Mayakoba Experiences, designed to connect guests with the nature, culture, and gastronomy of the region.

A Warm Welcome at El Pueblito

The chef leading the class greeted me with a smile and handed me an apron. My station was already set up with the mise en place (all the ingredients measured, chopped, and ready to use) neatly arranged. Music played softly in the background, classic Mexican pop like Luis Miguel, setting a relaxed and unmistakably Mexican mood. The whole space felt warm and inviting, like a family kitchen where members gather to cook.

Learning How to Make Tacos Dorados in a Riviera Maya Cooking Class

Menu of the day: tacos dorados. Not just crispy shells, but the kind of tacos Mexicans reach for when they need comfort, crunch, and a little soul food. The steps were simple yet revealing. First came the salsa verde, blended with lemon, green tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, onion, and just the right amount of salt (tips I wouldn’t have known without guidance).

The filling was a rustic mashed potato, seasoned and still chunky enough to give each bite substance. Then came the secret to frying tortillas: check the oil’s temperature and dip each one for just a few seconds, enough to make it pliable. A simple mix of flour and water, brushed in a half-moon shape, keeps them sealed once rolled. That’s when the tacos return to the pan, where heat transforms them into crisp, golden bites.

The chef Giselle was patient and attentive, ready to answer questions and share her tricks. She laughed when I admitted I wasn’t great in the kitchen, reminding me that with the right guidance, anyone can cook a dish worth sharing.

The Atmosphere of Mayakoba Cooking School

While cooking, I sipped on a glass of agua de jamaica (hibiscus-infused water, a traditional Mexican agua fresca) the team had prepared, because drinks are part of the ritual here. Cocktails, Mexican wine, or a cold beer appear at just the right moment, not as an add-on but as a way to complement the experience.

Tasting the Results

At the end, we plated the tacos dorados in a playful way: stacked in a low glass with salsa verde at the bottom, topped with cotija cheese and sour cream. The crunch, the spiciness of the salsa verde, and the creaminess of the cheese made it a dish that tasted far more complex than the steps it took to prepare. It left me genuinely proud of what I had created.

Mayakoba Cooking School: Practical Details for Your Mexican Cooking Class in Riviera Maya

- Location: El Pueblito, at the heart of Mayakoba.
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
- Class size: Up to 16 guests. Private and open classes available.
- Menus: Choose two dishes and one salsa, always served with guacamole and handmade tortillas. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.
- Drinks included: Tequila or mezcal cocktails, Mexican wine, beer, soft drinks, and aguas frescas.

Prices (per person) *Please verify this with the Mayakoba Experiences team:
- Private classes: $150 USD adults / $120 USD children.

- Open classes: $125 USD adults / $100 USD children.

Booking: Through your hotel concierge. Reserve in advance, as classes are held only on select days and often sell out.

Why You Should Try This Mayakoba Experience

Food is one of the most authentic ways to discover Mexico, and the Mayakoba Cooking School at El Pueblito makes it approachable, fun, and inspiring. Here, no two classes are the same. One day, you might be folding tacos dorados, and another, preparing ceviche, mole, or enchiladas. The menus explore Mexico’s culinary traditions, and each dish reveals a new story and flavor. What you take with you isn’t just a recipe, but the joy of trying something different and the memory of creating it yourself. Whether you come solo, as a couple, or with family, it’s a chance to connect through food and bring home recipes you’ll want to make again.

If you’re planning a stay in the Riviera Maya, ask your concierge to book your spot at the Mayakoba Cooking School. It’s one of the signature Mayakoba Experiences, a chance to savor Mexican cooking in an unforgettable setting. Begin your journey by booking your stay at Mayakoba.com.

Looking for more activities to enjoy in Mayakoba? Check out these options:

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