4.5-Rated Hotels Near EMEkitchen Cooking Class

Casa de la Rueda is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from EMEkitchen Cooking Class in the heart of Old Town Cartagena. This boutique hotel blends colonial-era architecture with modern comforts, featuring rooms adorned with authentic Andean decorative elements. Guests enjoy complimentary breakfast and private guided tours. Some rooms offer stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, allowing you to savor sunset moments after a hands-on cooking class, fully immersed in Colombia’s vibrant culinary culture.

Most hotels in Old Town Cartagena are within a 10- to 15-minute walk to EMEkitchen Cooking Class, passing by vibrant colonial buildings and lively streets—perfect for soaking in local atmosphere. Taxis take only about 5 minutes, costing roughly $3–$5 USD. Alternatively, electric bike rentals offer a scenic route along the seaside promenade, providing views of the Caribbean Sea and historic landmarks. HopeGoo a guided tour in advance often includes transportation, ensuring a seamless and stress-free journey.

Beyond the cooking class, highly recommended are night market tours through Old Town Cartagena, sampling street favorites like arepa de huevo and ajiaco. Consider a one-day trip to a Caribbean fishing village, witnessing traditional hand-crafted fishing techniques and enjoying fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants. For culture lovers, book a Spanish colonial architecture photography tour, capturing the iconic red rooftops and arched doorways bathed in golden light. These immersive activities deepen your understanding of Cartagena’s daily life and rich heritage.

Yes, many boutique hotels in Old Town Cartagena provide exceptional dining. For instance, Casa de la Rueda features a rooftop restaurant serving creative dishes blending Mediterranean and Colombian flavors, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner available. The menu emphasizes fresh local ingredients—seafood, yuca, and native herbs—paired with house-made chili sauces. Some hotels also offer private cooking workshops, allowing guests to prepare meals under expert guidance, complementing the EMEkitchen experience. Many collaborate directly with local markets, ensuring traceable, sustainable sourcing and a commitment to eco-conscious cuisine.

Casa de la Catedral Hotel is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from the EMEkitchen Cooking Class in Old Town Cartagena. This historic boutique property blends colonial architecture with modern comforts, featuring rooms adorned with traditional Colombian murals and private balconies overlooking cobbled streets. Guests enjoy complimentary breakfast with local specialties like arepas and fresh tropical fruits. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring nearby markets, waterfront promenades, and authentic culinary experiences after class.

Yes, transportation is highly convenient. The EMEkitchen Cooking Class is located in the heart of Cartagena’s Old Town, near Castillo San Felipe and Plaza de la Catedral, with multiple bus routes and easy taxi access. From major hotel zones, a taxi ride takes only about 10 minutes. On-site parking is available, and the area is pedestrian-friendly, perfect for combining with guided bike tours or riverside walks. Using a mobile map app is recommended to ensure punctuality and seamless navigation.

At EMEkitchen Cooking Class, you’ll dive into authentic Caribbean-Colombian flavors, mastering dishes like Bandeja Paisa, coconut red bean rice, and traditional arepas. Led by local chefs, the class uses fresh ingredients sourced from the local market, revealing secrets like the use of ají amarillo chili paste and finely chopped cilantro. After cooking, you’ll savor your creations and receive a recipe booklet and a spice kit as keepsakes. This immersive experience goes beyond cooking—it connects you to the region’s history, culture, and community through food.

Near the EMEkitchen Cooking Class, must-visit attractions include Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Plaza de la Catedral (colonial architecture hub), and the Cartagena Seawall Promenade (scenic coastal walkway). A 10-minute walk leads to Mercado de la Cruz, where you can find fresh seafood, handmade crafts, and local snacks. For a cultural extension, visit Iglesia de Santa Rosa de Lima to admire religious art and tranquil ambiance. These sites form a seamless cultural loop—perfect for extending your journey after class and deepening your understanding of Cartagena’s rich heritage.

The class features hands-on preparation of three classic Colombian dishes: first, mastering Bandeja Paisa with proper broth technique and spice blending; then crafting traditional arepas, learning precise flour-to-water ratios; finally, preparing coconut red bean rice, balancing sweet and savory notes. Each dish is demonstrated by instructors before participants work in small groups, using provided personal kitchen kits and following strict hygiene protocols. At the end, you enjoy your creations and take home a custom recipe card and a local spice gift box, preserving your culinary journey.

Staying in Old Town Cartagena offers the advantage of immediate access and zero transit costs, ideal for short stays. The EMEkitchen Cooking Class is within walking distance, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of colorful colonial buildings, narrow alleys, and lively street life en route. Local cafés and street food stalls are abundant for quick bites. Evenings offer scenic strolls along the seawall promenade, with live music and sunset views—making the cooking class a central part of a rich, immersive urban experience.