Learn to Cook Like a Local: Private Cooking Class in a Viña del Mar Home
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About this experience
Enjoy a private cooking lesson and traditional Chilean meal in a local home in Viña del Mar. Join your host Lina in her kitchen and prepare some their favorite Chilean dishes from scratch. Learn about local ingredients and Chilean cooking techniques as you cook together and share the meal. This is a unique opportunity to meet a local family, visit a local home, and get to know Chilean home-cooking!
Available options
Cooking Class and Lunch
Cooking Class and Dinner
What's included
Private cooking class with your host Lina
Bottled water
Chilean wine
Beverages
Coffee and/or Tea
What you'll see
Lina is half Norwegian and her partner Leo is of Mapuche descent, and they like to think that their family and home represent all three cultures. They love traveling and are passionate about living as sustainably as possible, while cooking healthy, local and fair trade food. Lina and Leo were raised in families where food was always the main part of the holidays and family events and they hope to create this kind of family life for their young son.
Learn to cook a 2-3 course Chilean meal Lina and Leo's small kitchen. They prepare typical Chilean dishes that include influences from the traditional Mapuche culture. Lina likes to use merkén, a dried, smoked chili used in Mapuche cuisine, as well as quinoa in her preparations. They will show you how to make classic Chilean recipes, perhaps one of the dishes she learned from her grandmother. You might learn to cook dishes like charquican, a common seasonal vegetable stew; or pebre, a fresh salsa made with tomatoes, herbs and spices. Every Chilean family has their own version of these foods, and today you’ll learn Lina and Leo's way! You’ll cook together for 1-2 hours before sitting down together to enjoy the meal.
You will get to sample typical Chilean dishes such as pastel de choclo (a Chilean summertime version of shepherd’s pie), carbonada (beef and vegetable stew), carne mechada (stewed shredded beef) with puré picante (mashed potatoes seasoned with merkén), porotos granados (bean stew with pumpkin and corn), or empanadas de pino (empanadas stuffed with local pine nuts, ground beef and spices) as well as other seasonal, traditional Chilean dishes.
Lina can cater to any dietary restriction and serves mostly gluten-free and dairy-free dishes so that they are safe for her to eat. She can also offer vegetarian or vegan version of the dishes. Feel free to ask Lina if you have any dietary restrictions.
Lina and Leo both work in tourism, so be sure to ask them for their advice as you plan your trip to Chile!
Please note, this is not a professional cooking class, rather this experience is a visit into an authentic, local home to meet a local family and share the culture and cuisine together. Lina and Leo have a young son who will be present during your visit. This is a family friendly experience!
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
NO
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
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3★
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Meeting point
Please meet your host Lina at her home in Plan de Viña neighborhood of Viña del Mar . Exact address can be found in your ticket upon booking confirmation. Her building is close to Valparaíso Sporting.
Important notes
Please meet your host Lina directly at her home.
Host Name: Lina Valenzuela Folling
Host Phone: +56 956 591 451
Host Email: lv.folling@gmail.com
Host Address: 4 Norte 1070 apartment 204 A2
Meeting Location: Please meet your host Lina at her home. Lina's apartment building is located between 4 Norte and 5 Norte on the Oriente side of Viña, away from the coast. The building is large, beige and almost right in front of the Valparaíso Sporting.
Directions:
From Avenida Libertad: Walk up 3 Norte, take a left at Los Castaños and walk past 4 Norte. Alternatively, walk up 7 Norte, take a right at Los Castaños and walk past 5 Norte.
From 5 Oriente (nearest bus stop): Walk away from the ocean, up 5 Norte to the intersection with Los Castaños and then head right.
From 1 Norte (bus stop): Walk down Los Castaños passing 4 Norte.
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Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with locals, in their homes. Founded by two travelers and food lovers, Traveling Spoon helps others make meaningful cultural connections through food. Contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com if you have general questions about our services. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.
We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!
About Viña del Mar
Viña del Mar, known as the Garden City, is a vibrant coastal city in Chile famous for its beautiful beaches, lush parks, and lively festivals. It offers a mix of relaxation, entertainment, and cultural experiences, making it a popular destination for both local and international tourists.
Top Attractions
Quinta Vergara
Quinta Vergara is a beautiful park located in the heart of Viña del Mar. It features lush gardens, walking paths, and hosts the annual Viña del Mar International Song Festival.
Park
1-2 hours
Free (some events may have fees)
Reñaca Beach
Reñaca Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Viña del Mar, known for its golden sand and clear waters. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Beach
Half-day to full day
Free
Museo Fonck
Museo Fonck is a historical museum showcasing the history and culture of the Valparaíso Region. It features exhibits on archaeology, history, and art.
Museum
1-2 hours
Budget (around $2 USD)
Reloj de Flores
Reloj de Flores is a famous clock made entirely of flowers, located in the Quinta Vergara park. It's a symbol of Viña del Mar and a popular photo spot.
Landmark
15-30 minutes
Free
Muelle Vergara
Muelle Vergara is a historic pier in Viña del Mar that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the sea breeze.
Pier
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cazuela
A traditional Chilean stew made with meat, potatoes, corn, and squash
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian
Empanadas de Pino
Fried or baked pastries filled with a mixture of ground beef, onions, raisins, and olives
Snack/Dinner
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian
Pastel de Choclo
A savory pie made with ground corn, beef, chicken, and hard-boiled eggs
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian
Curanto
A traditional dish from Chiloé, made with seafood, meat, potatoes, and vegetables cooked in a pot
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made with seafood or meat, vegetarian options available
Popular Activities
Surfing
Hiking in nearby nature reserves
Paragliding
Sunbathing at the beach
Spas and wellness centers
Leisurely walks in Quinta Vergara
Visiting museums
Attending festivals
Best Time to Visit
December to February
This is the peak tourist season with warm weather, sunny days, and a vibrant atmosphere. The beaches are crowded, and the city hosts numerous festivals and events.
20°C to 28°C
68°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Chilean Peso (CLP)
Time Zone
GMT-4 (CLT, Chile Standard Time)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Viña del Mar is generally safe for tourists, but common sense and basic precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.
Getting there
By air
- Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport • 120 km from Viña del Mar
By bus
Viña del Mar Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Local buses are the primary mode of public transportation in Viña del Mar. They are affordable and cover most of the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, Cabify
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Reñaca
Viña del Mar Centro
Concon
Day trips
Valparaíso
12 km from Viña del Mar • Half day to full day
Valparaíso is a historic port city known for its colorful hillside houses, vibrant street art, and rich maritime history. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique cultural experience.
Isla Negra
60 km from Viña del Mar • Full day
Isla Negra is a small coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and the home of famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. It offers a peaceful retreat with stunning ocean views.
Santiago
120 km from Viña del Mar • Full day or overnight
Santiago is the capital of Chile and offers a mix of modern and historic attractions, including museums, parks, and vibrant neighborhoods. It's a great destination for culture, shopping, and dining.
Festivals
Viña del Mar International Song Festival • February
Feria del Trueque • Year-round (Saturdays)
Fiestas Patrias • September 18-19
Pro tips
- Visit the Reloj de Flores (Floral Clock) in Quinta Vergara Park for a unique photo opportunity.
- Explore the local markets for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and souvenirs.
- Attend the Viña del Mar International Song Festival if visiting in February for an unforgettable experience.
- Take a day trip to Valparaíso to explore the historic port city and enjoy the coastal views.
- Try local seafood dishes, especially those featuring fresh fish and shellfish.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
