Taste Journey in an Ancient Canarian Village

Experiencing Tenerife’s culinary traditions takes on a new dimension with the Taste Journey in an Ancient Canarian Village, offered by Casa Carmen Tenerife. This 2-hour interactive tour costs $33.25 per person and promises a lively, authentic glimpse into local food culture, combined with storytelling and scenic village views. Located in Chirche, a historically rich mountain village in the south of Tenerife, the experience is ideal for those eager to learn about Canarian cuisine and history in a relaxed setting.

This tour is highly recommended, with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 rating from 15 reviews and 100% of participants suggesting it to others. It’s designed for small groups, with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. While transport isn’t included, the meeting point at C. San Felipe In Chirche, 18 is accessible via public transportation. The tour features pickup options and the convenience of a mobile ticket, making it flexible for visitors.

Key Points

• Authentic Canarian cooking with hands-on mojo sauce preparation from fresh local ingredients
• Led by Chef Ave, a seasoned professional with cruise line experience, offering engaging commentary and stories
• Located in Chirche, a charming, historic village with terrace fields and threshing grounds visible during the event
• Includes refreshments, tastings, and storytelling, providing a well-rounded cultural and culinary experience
• Suitable for everyone, with no health limitations, and a small group size for personalized attention
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience

Unique Setting in the Historic Village of Chirche

The Taste Journey takes place in Chirche, a mountain village famous for its ancient terrace fields and threshing grounds. The village’s peaceful and authentic atmosphere sets the perfect backdrop for this culinary workshop. The location at Casa Carmen is a lovely, 200+ years old house that has been lovingly restored to preserve its original features, adding to the charm of the experience. The scenic views at 800 meters altitude and the quiet surroundings make this a memorable and calming environment for discovering Canarian traditions.

Participants gain an appreciation for the local architecture and landscape, with a short walk around the village that complements the tasting and cooking activities. This combination of natural beauty and historical charm makes the experience more than just a cooking class—it’s an immersion into the island’s lifestyle.

Creating Authentic Mojo with Local Ingredients

A central feature of this tour is the hands-on preparation of traditional mojos. Under the guidance of Chef Ave, participants use a mortar and pestle to crush fresh ingredients, experiencing firsthand the traditional method of mojo sauce-making. The workshop emphasizes the use of local, fresh ingredients, giving a true taste of what is served in Canarian households.

The mojo sauces created are iconic and usually enjoyed with bread, potatoes, and local wines. The process is fun and engaging, allowing participants to take home a genuine skill and sample the delicious results. The emphasis on freshness and tradition ensures that the flavors are authentic and vibrant.

Engaging Kitchen Activities and Storytelling by Chef Ave

Chef Ave, with her experience as a chef de cuisine on cruise lines, brings lively commentary to the workshop. She shares entertaining stories about the origins of the foods and their significance in Tenerife’s culture. This storytelling enriches the experience, transforming a simple cooking activity into a cultural journey.

Participants actively participate in making the mojos, engaging with the process as they grind, mix, and taste. Refreshments are available throughout, making this an enjoyable social event. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with Chef Ave’s expertise, makes the experience feel personal and genuine.

Scenic Walks and Cultural Insights in the Village

After the cooking activity, the tour includes a short walk around the village, offering further insight into local life and history. Visitors learn about how the south of Tenerife was settled and about potatoes’ significance in the regional diet. The walk also provides beautiful views of the surrounding terraces and the landscape, enriching the culture.

This part of the tour is particularly praised for its relaxed pace and the informative, friendly commentary from the guides. It’s a gentle way to connect with the environment and deepen the understanding of Tenerife’s rural traditions.

Tasting and Refreshments in an Authentic Setting

The tasting of the mojos and accompaniments occurs in the authentic Canarian house, where the delicious sauces are enjoyed with bread, potatoes, and local drinks. The refreshments add to the convivial atmosphere, making the session feel like a family gathering rather than a formal class.

Reviewers often highlight the high quality of the food and the friendly hosts who make everyone feel at home. The delicious mojo sauces are a standout, often described as “iconic” and “delicious”. The ability to taste authentic flavors in such a genuine setting is a key highlight.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Group Size, and Booking

The meeting point is in C. San Felipe In Chirche, making it easy for participants to access via public transportation or local routes. Pickup options are available, adding convenience for travelers staying nearby. The tour is designed for small groups of up to 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

Advance booking is recommended, with the tour typically booked 22 days in advance. The flexible cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the event, providing peace of mind for travelers’ plans.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out from Others

This experience is distinct for its combination of hands-on cooking, storytelling, and scenic village setting. Unlike typical cooking classes, this tour emphasizes the cultural significance of food, especially the iconic mojo sauces. The local guides—including Chef Ave—bring warmth and expertise that elevate the experience beyond just a culinary demonstration.

The authenticity of the village environment and the small group size foster a personal, immersive atmosphere. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to sample genuine Canarian flavors while learning about Tenerife’s rural traditions in a relaxed, friendly setting.

Who Will Love this Experience

This tour is perfect for food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in local traditions. It suits travelers wanting a hands-on activity rather than a passive tasting, and those who appreciate small-group experiences with personal attention. The family-friendly nature and no health restrictions make it accessible to a wide audience.

It’s especially recommended for solo travelers, couples, or friends seeking an authentic and engaging way to connect with Tenerife’s culinary roots. Those with an interest in history or potatoes will find the stories particularly engaging.

Taste Journey in an Ancient Canarian Village: Final Thoughts

The Taste Journey in Chirche offers a genuine taste of Tenerife’s culinary and cultural heritage. The hands-on mojo-making, combined with storytelling and scenic village views, creates a memorable experience that many visitors cherish. The warm hosts, delicious food, and authentic setting make this tour stand out among Tenerife’s activity options.

While transport is not included, the meeting point is accessible, and the small group size ensures an intimate atmosphere. This experience provides excellent value, especially considering its high praise and positive reviews. It’s an ideal way to connect with Tenerife’s traditions in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, transportation is not included, but the meeting point at C. San Felipe In Chirche is accessible via public transit, and pickup options are available.

What is the duration of this experience?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Can children participate in this tour?
Yes, the tour is suitable for everyone and has no health limitations, making it family-friendly.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the cooking class, instructor, refreshments, storytelling, and tasting.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for light activity is recommended, as there are hands-on cooking activities.

Is there a minimum group size?
Yes, the maximum group size is 8 travelers, ensuring a personal experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Where precisely does the tour start?
The meeting point is at C. San Felipe In Chirche, 18.

Who leads the tour?
Chef Ave leads the workshop, sharing her expertise and stories about the foods and local traditions.

Will I learn a specific recipe?
Yes, you will create and taste traditional mojo sauces using fresh ingredients.

Is the experience suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
While the data does not specify, the small group and personalized nature often allow for accommodations if communicated in advance.

What makes this tour different from other culinary experiences?
Its emphasis on traditional, authentic mojo sauces and the scenic, historic village setting set it apart, providing a genuine culture.