Private Market Tour & Cooking Class In Puerto Vallarta With Manu

This was an outstanding experience and I would book it again! Manu met us at the local market and started by letting us choose which dishes we would like to learn how to cook. Then he taught us about ingredients, selecting the freshest seafood and how to shop at the market. After we had all of our ingredients, he took us on a driving tour around town and pointed out some of his favorite restaurants and local gems. We made our way to his house and chatted and hung out while he taught us how to cook 3 incredibly delicious Méxican dishes. It was a great way to spend half a day and well worth the price!

Our cooking experience with Manu was amazing! Perfect day from start to finish! Had so much fun choosing the menu, shopping at the market, and having him cook us the best lunch ever of ceviche and shrimp!! And his little perito max stole the show! Perfect 10/10 day in PV- highly recommend!!

This was a fantastic experience! Met Manu at a local market to purchase the ingredients for our delicious dinner. Then to Manu's lovely home where Manu made ceviche and sea bass. Manu tailored our dishes to meet the needs of all 4 of us...one doesn't eat cilantro, so he substituted in basil! It was great. The sea bass preparation with black sauce was to die for...honestly the best sea bass I've ever eaten. I would highly recommend this experience and look forward to doing it again in 2027!

Wonderful trip to the local market and then watching chef Manu prepare a wonderful meal in his home. Max the dog stole the show!

My husband and I had a special experience today. We took a private cooking class with Manuel Zuliaga in Puerto Vallarta after reading so many positive reviews on Trip Advisor. He is a trained chef and a good teacher.We met Manu at a Mexican market and discussed options for the class. We decided on a fish dish with a smokey sauce and guacamole. Also we chose a delicious shrimp dish and made salsa verde . At the market Manu was so knowledgeable about some of the peppers and vegetables unfamiliar to us. Back at Manu’s home, we not only enjoyed an outstanding lunch but learned new techniques to use at our home when we recreate this meal. He made the class very fun and relaxing and he is sending me the recipes . We highly recommend this cooking class . You won be disappointed! Pat and Nancy Carroll

We had a wonderful day with Manu! We loved going to the market and seeing and learning about all the local produce and seafood. We appreciated being able to choose our two dishes, and that Manu adhered diligently to our allergies. The two dishes Manu made for us were EXCELLENT. Manu was charismatic and welcomed us into his home with his little dog Max. We did think that we would be involved in the actual prep and cooking, but perhaps that was my fault for not reading more of the reviews in advance. Overall, we really enjoyed the afternoon!

We both had an excellent time wandering through a local market to select seafood and fresh produce. Manu was extremely knowledgeable about all the local dishes and ingredients; we learned a great deal about peppers, limes, unknown vegetables, and the fresh seafood being packed for shipment out to the restaurants. The actual class at his home was both delightful and educational, and the dishes oh-so-tasty. Learned new techniques, had a great conversation with the very personable guide, and felt we both had a most wonderful experience.

This was such a cool experience! We met up with Manu at the market, which had no other tourists in sight. He asked us a bit about what dishes we like, and curated a menu on the spot. After that, we shopped for ingredients at the market, and he explained some of the nuances of the different seafood and groceries there. After that we went back to his place, which was absolutely charming! And best of all, we met his sweet dog, Max! Manu cooked for us while explaining the steps of the recipes, and we all chatted (very easy conversation). We learned so much from this talented chef and would absolutely recommend the experience!!

We knew this would be a great experience based on the stellar reviews Manu has received for this class. Here are just a few extra tidbits. The market was spotless, the fish and produce fresh and plentiful, and our chef and the vendors like family. Manu’s culinary skills are world class. Ingredients simple with some unique herbs and spices added, preparation creative and masterful, and conversation open and friendly. The time flew by. It is no wonder that many of this chef’s students are repeat customers!

The market tour and cooking class with Manu was EXCELLENT. He gave a wide range of options for us to select the meal we wanted and the final creation was DELICIOUS. We learned a lot: from local shopping in Puerto Vallarta, to knife skills, to do's and don'ts with hot peppers, how best to cut fish etc.

This is our third year with Manu and he continues to provide an amazing experience with his great personality and his extraordinary culinary knowledge and techniques. He meets us at the market and starts the incredible experience explaining the different fish and flavors while suggesting a meme and adapting it to your preferences. He then welcomes you into his home and proceeds to explain his methods and interjects cultural elements to his cuisine as well.

Steven and I had a once in a lifetime experience with Manuel. We’ve actually done this at least twice, but it’s beyond wonderful! It’s a market visit to shop for the ingredients that Manuel prepares privately in his home and it is a cooking class like no other! I’ve included some pictures from the Mercado. The place has virtually everything and more. Manu had the fishmonger filet and trim a Sea Bass and a Yellow Bellied Snapper for our “class” and we continued to gather ingredients for the dishes. I was too busy enjoying the guacamole that Manu made especially for me (because I cannot eat onions). He uses celery and cucumber to imitate the texture and flavor in the guacamole. Deeeeeeeeelicios!!! He prepared a Mayan Pescado Recado Negro (Wow!!!) and a Veracruz Pescado with a Tomato based sauce that was amazing. It was truly an experience I will never forget. Manu is a genius, a fabulous host and chef. If you have an opportunity to visit Puerto Vallarta, I highly recommend you book a private foodie experience with Manu…you may even get a chance to meet the real star of the afternoon, Manu’s chihuahua, Max! 🐾🤩

Fantastic market, cooking, and cultural tour! Manu is a delightful chef, who charmed his way around the market and patiently answered all sorts of our questions (there are seven types of snapper! Guajillo chiles have a tendency to turn bitter!) He then taught us to cook two dishes, enchiladas with rajas and a fantastic ceviche. We met his adorable dog, talked about the history of Al pastor, and had a really lovely time. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour.

This was a great experience for us! We met Manu at the market where we selected fresh ingredients for our lunch. After shopping, he drove us to his home and showed us how to make delicious green salsa, Chicken Enchiladas with red sauce and Mahi Mahi with Vera Cruz style sauce. We loved Manu’s laid back approach to creating authentic Mexican dishes using the freshest ingredients. Just natural, locally sourced items made the foods light and healthy.

This.Was.Amazing. Manu is such a kind, gracious host! It’s evident that all the locals we encountered at the market know and love him..and now we know why. We learned new skills and interesting things about Mexican cuisine. The food he prepared for us was full of so many different flavors and levels of heat. It was perfecto, especially if you’re looking for something different from a food tour. Highly recommended and worth the money🍴🌶️

Had a fantastic time exploring the food and fish market. Manu is extremely knowledgeable about selecting fruits and vegetables that enhance the flavors of the fish we selected to have. It’s a unique and up close experience with a professional chef. We’re doing it a second time whike we’re here.

What a wonderful experience! Manu was warm, patient, and generous with his knowledge. He guided me through every step of preparing authentic cheese enchiladas, sharing the little techniques that make all the difference. The highlight was learning his family’s recipe for salsa verde—fresh, vibrant, and absolutely delicious. Cooking in Manu’s welcoming kitchen felt less like a class and more like spending an afternoon with an old friend who loves food and storytelling. I left with new skills, a full stomach, and a deep appreciation for traditional Mexican cooking. Highly recommended!

Wow! What an incredible experience! Manu is a fantastic host, guide, and chef! I totally recommend this experience for anyone curious about a local food market shopping trip and having a private cooking class/meal. This was so fabulous that my husband and I did it twice in one week because we just had to bring along another couple while we were vacationing in Puerto Vallarta. I should also mention that we were staying at an all-inclusive resort with plenty of amenities and food options. I am so glad we made the decisions to have an immersive, tasty, informative, and personal experience with Manu. Yummy!

I just realized we never posted an awesome review! My apologies! One of the best cooking classes we’ve taken anywhere! The chef was incredible, patient, sweet & very kind!

We did this excursion at the beginning of our trip and are so glad we did! Manu was an incredible introduction to PV and an amazing host. Not only did he do a great job of showing us around the market and talking about the selections for our meal, he also gave us amazing bar and restaurant recommendations. Food, hospitality, and overall experience was the highlight of our trip. We'll definitely do this again!

OMG! This was the best thing we have ever done (not just in PV, but EVER). My husband and I booked this with his brother and his wife (2 over 50 couples). Manu met us at the market and gave us menu options. Once we decided (we did a ceviche and some shrimp deliciousness) he took us through the market. He explained not only what we were getting and why, but other local produce and how it can be used in the kitchen. He answered our questions and had the most relaxed and pleasant personality. Once our shopping was complete (items included in the price of the adventure), he drove us (in his car) to his place and walked us through the whole process. We got to watch his masterful style while sampling as he cooked. I got an extra special upgrade. His dog, Max, decided my lap was good for observing the process. So I not only got to enjoy the culinary experience, but had canine therapy as well. Once we finished our meal, we took an Uber back to our hotel and sat in food coma in the pool. It was perfection.

The best excursion we did on our trip!! He was very friendly and knowledgeable about the food including its history and the importance of each ingredient. He gave us choices of what we would like prepared and then we shopped for what was needed. He prepared the best Ceviche we had ever tasted, and oh the shrimp. Yum!!!! My mouth waters thinking of it.

Five Stars! Our experience with Manu was outstanding. This was our first experience of a private cooking class. Manu was very friendly and we had an excellent time shopping on the 5 de diciembre market. The food he prepared was delicious and catered to our individual tastes—that was very special. Overall, it was one of the highlights of our trip. We highly recommend you treating yourself and loved ones to Manu wonderful culinary talents.

Manu is an amazing chef! His creativity was skillfully demonstrated- Ceviche was delicious with fruits and herbs- savory and sweet! Manu taught us an amazing tomatillo green sauce for a shrimp enchilada dish! Above my expectations ✨⭐️🤩

We just finished our market tour and cooking class with Mano. OMG it was excellent. I can’t describe how incredible the food was. Mano was the best of the best. I would do this tour again. I plan on bringing my husband back because the experience was so wonderful. Best food ever. Linda

Fantastic experience. Manu met us at the market and explained every ingredient we used for our fantastic meal. He had an initial discussion to choose the menu the. We proceeded to buy the ingredients. He drove us to his home where he skillfully explained and prepared each dish. A memorable experience.

We took the market tour and private cooking class with Manuel. We had a truly great time. We particularly enjoyed the market tour, as he showed us the best produce and fresh fish. The cooking demonstration and meal were wonderful as well. We had ceviche, volcanes with shrimp, and a taste of his mezcal. The food, drink, and conversation were all delightful! We did think that we would be more involved in the cooking (it’s really more of an interactive cooking show). Nevertheless, we feel like we got a lot of good information and cooking tips, and Manuel said he would send us all the recipes. Also, we really appreciated his recommendations of other places in PV to try for tacos and dessert. Our biggest regret was not booking this class earlier in our stay, as it would have been nice to work through all his recommendations. Overall, a highly recommended experience!

This was one of the nicest experiences we have enjoyed anywhere. Began at a local market that had a variety of fresh daily catch seafood. We chose the sea bass and octopus. Also a variety of local fresh fruits and vegetables at the market. Then Manu took us to his home where he demonstrated his skill in preparing the food with instructions of how and why he prepped the food as he did. It was delicious and insightful experience. Note…The taxi from the pier will cost double or triple instead walk another few steps to the street and hail one there.

The market was such a wonderful experience! Watching Manu interact with the shopkeepers and discussing the fresh fish for our ceviche was very cool. The lesson on the peppers was much appreciated. Food was great, we plan on booking with Manu again, next year.

Loved the recipes and thoroughly enjoyed the shopping experience. Never seen so much fish and saw fruits, vegetables and peppers that were new to me. Manu very knowledgeable and fun to be with.

We had a great time on our tour. We learned about how to pick certain foods from the market and the preparation of everything. The food was delicious and we had a great repport with Manuel. Loved his wry sense of humor. Thank you very much.💝 We had a very pleasant yummy experience.

We highly recommend this cooking and market experience with Manu. He met us at the market and and we shopped for the fresh fish, shrimp, veggies and fruits we needed to prepare the meal. We then went to his home where he showcased his creativity as a chef. We loved watching his techniques and the end products super exceeded our expectations. I would absolutely do it again.

My husband and I had a great time shopping, cooking and dining with Manu. He cheerfully and patiently helped us plan a traditional Mexican meal. He then led us through the market, showing us how to select the best ingredients. We then went to his home, where he cooked the dinner, explaining each step of the preparation. Each dish was delicious and Manu was a gracious host. My husband and I hope to reconnect with Manu for another great lesson and dinner next year when we return to PV.

We highly recommend this cooking and market experience with Manu. He met us at the market and and we shopped for the fresh fish, shrimp, veggies and fruits we needed to prepare the meal. We then went to his home where he showcased his creativity as a chef. We loved watching his techniques and the end products super exceeded our expectations. I would absolutely do it again.

We had a lovely, enriching experience with Manu. We enjoyed visiting the market and being able to tailor our food menu - we chose ceviche & enchiladas- for the day. He is an excellent chef and host. We look forward to our next visit!

Manu took us through the seafood and produce stalls and then back to his kitchen for a truly wonderful market-to-table experience

Manu was awesome! The market experience was helpful and the meal was amazing! He tailored the experience to our taste and allowed us to try something new. Also, Max (the dog) was very fun to have around!

Do this course! It exceeded our expectations. I like to try cooking courses when I travel internationally, and this one was near the top of my favorites if not my favorite. The market experience made it extra special. This is not a shared class, so when you sign up you will be with your party only-this gives a nice intimate feel. We met at the local market and Manu asked about and dietary restrictions or aversions. He then gave us multiple choices for what to cook and we picked our two favorite choices. I was very interested in how to cook octopus correctly, so I chose an octopus dish and my daughter chose ceviche. We shopped around the market for our ingredients, everything there was very fresh and locally sourced. My favorite part was seeing the fish market, where all the seafood is brought in daily and the fish is cleaned for you right on the spot. Manu also showed us how to pick the best fruits and showed me herbs I have never seen before. I learned a lot of valuable information from this. After we gathered our supplies we went back to Manu’s home to cook the dishes. Manu does most of the cooking, but lets you be involved with preparation as much as you like. Both dishes tasted amazing and were beautifully plated! The ceviche so fresh and bright, the passion fruit citrus dressing hit so good. The octopus was fantastic, super tender and so much flavor. Both dishes felt authentically Mexican but with an upscale flare. We left this class full and satisfied, and with a new love and appreciation for Puerto Vallarta and all the beautiful flavors it has to offer. I will definitely be taking another course from Manu when we return so that my partner can also enjoy this experience. Thank you for such a wonderful experience Manu!

Excellent and very tasty food, taught by a very hospitable host and chef. Manuel automatically made us feel welcome and was very thorough in his explanations of what he was doing and why. He started by giving us several options of what we could make, taking care to make sure we didn’t have any allergies he needed to watch out for. Once we decided the two courses we went shopping for the freshest of ingredients in the market. Didn’t see another tourist there, and the fish was so fresh. Can’t wait to go home and to try replicate the dishes. Highly recommend.

Chef Manuel shops based on your desired menu. Be prepared to share with the chef what culinary creation you would like him to prepare. After that, its shopping time at the market. I have taken several cooking classes/demonstrations. This was BY FAR, the best experience I have had. Manuel is an amazing person and just as amazing of a chef. I enjoyed watching him create, I learn a Sh#t Ton and the food was beyond restaurant quality. I WILL BE BACK! It will be one of the reasons I want to go back to PV.

Manu was very kind and knowledgeable. He taught us about all of the ingredients and was open to answering all of our questions. The trip to the markets was awesome and we learned about what fruits and vegetables are native to the area and got to try a tortilla hot off the press. The food he prepared was incredible! Simple ingredients with flavours that pack a punch. His pet Max stole the show and snuggled with us as we visited with Manu. I would recommend this to anyone!

My friend and I booked this tour and met up with Manu at the fresh market. He knew so many people who warmly greeted him throughout the shopping portion. We chose 3 dishes for him to prepare. On to his lovely home, met by Max his smiling dog. We had drinks as we watched him do his magic with his knives! The cleanliness, Fabulous food, and instruction was tremendous. So many tips that I will incorporate in my meal preps. He was a great teacher and charming from greeting to departure; as he spoke perfect English! It was fun to enjoy a morning with my friend while learning and enjoying unforgettable dishes.

Manuel is a master of cerviche. If you're a seafood lover, this is the class for you. And you'll meet Max, the world's friendliest little Chihuahua/terrier

We met Manuel at a local market where he asked questions to determine our food palate. He then let us choose between 10 dishes. We selected two and then walked around the local market to purchase the supplies needed. He was very knowledgeable on local products and also recommended products to try. We then went to his house where he prepared the best seafood dishes we had on our trip. He also emailed the recipes and cooking tips later that day. We really enjoyed our afternoon and would highly recommend a cooking experience with Manuel to anyone visiting the area.

Manuel first introduced us to the local market, which was a unique and enriching experience. After that, we watched him prepare some incredible homemade Mexican dishes right before our eyes. As he cooked, he shared fascinating stories about the history of the ingredients and provided insights into Mexican culture and cuisine that I had never encountered before. The food was absolutely excellent, and the overall social experience turned out to be one of the highlights of our entire trip to Vallarta. I highly recommend Manuel for anyone who loves Mexican food and is looking for a relaxing yet informative time. Five stars!

Great experience with Manu! He made us feel very comfortable as if he was an old friend inviting us over for dinner and showing us how to prepare the recipe. We went shopping for the ingredients at the lcoal market where he showed us how to pick the right stuff for the best flavors, and his relationship with the vendors and fish mongers showcases the Mexican warmth and charm. I would strongly recommend Manu and this experience to any foreigner wanting to connect with the Mexican culinary traditions and culture.

Great experience with Manu! He made us feel very comfortable as if he was an old friend inviting us over for dinner and showing us how to prepare the recipe. We went shopping for the ingredients at the lcoal market where he showed us how to pick the right stuff for the best flavors, and his relationship with the vendors and fish mongers showcases the Mexican warmth and charm. I would strongly recommend Manu and this experience to any foreigner wanting to connect with the Mexican culinary traditions and culture.

Manu helped two culinary inept guys understand flavors profiles, spice levels and cooking methodologies. We learned that you can have spicy flavors without blowing your palate. The picking of seafood and groceries was one of the highlights. Manu was fun to learn from and showcased the real life of Puerto Vallartans. We would do it again.

Seeing the local market was truly amazing. Our host, Manuel, was very friendly and gave us a list places to visit before we leave. The food was incredible and we get the recipes so we can try these at home! We 100% would do this again and highly recommend to everyone.