Traditional Mayan Cooking Class For The Forests
Traditional Mayan Cooking Class For The Forests
Take part in Janal Pixan, the sacred Mayan tradition honoring the Day of the Dead, through the preparation of a Pib (a large, ceremonial tamal cooked underground). This immersive cultural experience invites you to learn how food, spirituality, and community come together during one of the most important moments in the Mayan calendar.
Guided by local community members, you’ll participate in the ancestral cooking process, understand the symbolism behind each ingredient, and discover how this tradition connects families with their ancestors.
- Learn the cultural and spiritual meaning of Janal Pixan
- Participate in the preparation of a traditional Pib tamal
- Help season and assemble ingredients following Mayan recipes
- Observe or assist in the earth-oven (underground) cooking process
- Share stories and traditions related to ancestors and remembrance
There is no prior cooking experience required for this project. This experience is deeply cultural and ceremonial, not a standard cooking class.
Highlights
- 🫔 Prepare a traditional ceremonial Mayan dish
- 🔥 Experience ancestral underground cooking techniques
- 🌽 Learn the symbolism of food in Mayan cosmology
- 🤝 Led by local community members preserving living traditions
- 🌿 Authentic cultural immersion tied to the Day of the Dead
Includes
- Cultural and culinary workshop
- Ingredients for the traditional Pib
- Guided explanation of Mayan traditions
- Community host and guide
Excludes
- Transport
- Accomodation
What to bring
- Comfortable clothing
- Closed-toe shoes
- Hat and sunscreen
Meeting point
Centro Ecoturistico Kíichpam K'áax
Take a traditional Mayan cooking class, which supports the community reforesting and conserving the forest.
Full refund with self-cancellation up to 7 days before start time
Frequently Asked Questions
What is regenerative travel?
Regenerative travel is a form of travel that actively improves local ecosystems and communities through restoration projects. Travel and give back to the planet at the same time.
Where can I find regenerative experiences?
Canopi curates experiences in Indonesia, Mexico, and Spain, including coral reef restoration, forest conservation and reforestation, and wildlife protection.
How do these trips make an impact?
Each booking funds local NGO efforts to rebuild coral reefs, replant forests, and restore biodiversity. In this case, you will be helping Kíichpam K´áax (Beautiful Jungle).
You will be helping
Kíichpam K´áax (Beautiful Jungle)
Kíichpam K'áax is an eco-tourism center run by the local Mayan community. Kíichpam K'áax means Beautiful Forest in Maya. This community owns 46 hectares of land. 10 hectares are 10-15 year old forests, from lands more recently deforested from cattle ranching and agriculture. 20 hectares are 40-50 year old forests, from land deforested in the 1970s due to the Mexican government's Programa Nacional de Desmontes (National Land Clearing Program). It caused massive deforestation of more than an estimated 1 million hectares in the Yucatan Peninsula for agriculture and cattle ranching between 1972 to 1982. Fortunately, there is also 10-15 hectares of virgin and untouched mature forest. Kíichpam K'áax is located 10km from the town of Chunhuhub, in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo. It is easily accessible by car and bus from popular destinations like Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar via the highway down the Mayan Riveria coast. They built this centre share with visitors the experience of living in accordance with nature, respecting and preserving the forests and their Mayan cultural identity, through responsible and sustainable eco-tourism. Visits to this community helps generate income to ensure they have an alternative source of income and continue to protect the forests.
Take a traditional Mayan cooking class, which supports the community reforesting and conserving the forest.
Full refund with self-cancellation up to 7 days before start time