“There’s no better place to find yourself that sitting by a waterfall and listening to its music”

With so many waterfalls in the world, which one should you choose for your next adventure?

We have you covered with our four-part waterfalls around the world bucket list series.

In this first part, we’re focusing on incredible waterfalls in the Americas. With the help of our favorite travel influencers, they share their top 29 waterfalls in North America and South America, including what makes each of them special and how to get there.

You won’t regret the breathtaking natural landscapes of North America and South America and seeing the world-famous Niagara Falls to smaller, hidden gems falls.

Now let’s make a road trip to see these falls on an upcoming vacation!

If you need more inspiration, check out our other waterfall bucket list series: Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, Asia,  and Europe.

Map of the Best Waterfalls in North America and South America

Click on the image to see a larger map of the waterfalls in North America and South America. Credit: Map data: Google

*Disclosure: Yes, we have affiliate links in this post. If you click on them and make a purchase, we receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us and let’s chase waterfalls!

Waterfalls in North America

Best Waterfalls in the United States

1. Havasu Falls, Arizona, USA

By Michelle, The Wandering Queen

Havasu Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the United States. The waterfall became famous because of the stark, baby blue water that comes in contrast with the orange, brown canyons surrounding it.

It’s located in Arizona in a hidden oasis of Havasupai Reservation. The reservation has four other waterfalls located on the reservation, but Havasu Falls is one of the most magical of all.

Getting to Havasu Falls is seen as a strenuous hike due to the 10+ miles (16+ kilometers) distance. The permit usually sells out within hours of going on sale, the reservation is not near any large cities, and you have to backpack your gear in all 10 miles.

If you can get through the hike, you’ll surely fall in love with Havasu Falls.

Havasu Falls in Arizona, United States. Photo credit: The Wandering Queen

Read More: UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Foodie Destinations to Visit – Tucson, Arizona

2. Burney Falls, California, USA

By Nina, Where in the World is Nina

Burney Falls is one of those places where your jaw just slacks and hits the floor. You’ve seen pictures, you’ve heard stories, but once you rock up to the waterfall and are face to face, it’s surreal.

Burney Falls is one of California’s most famous and most beautiful waterfalls without a shadow of a doubt. It rages over rocks and dribbles down its mossed sides which gives it a unique characteristic and adds to its beauty.

You’d think something so gorgeous would be hard to get to but it couldn’t be easier. The trail to get to Burney is easy and only about a mile round trip. You can walk right up to the rocks at the base and get misted in the face or take a backseat and enjoy it from the sidelines. It’s worth the visit.

Burney Falls in California, United States. Photo credit: Where in the World is Nina

3. McWay Falls, California, USA

By Raluca, Whisper Wanderlust

One of the most beautiful and spectacular waterfalls I’ve visited so far is McWay Falls, located on the Pacific Coast Highway in the US. Even if the fall is only 24 meters (79 feet) tall, it’s still impressive because it flows directly into the Pacific Ocean and the surroundings are gorgeous as well.

It’s very easy to get to it. All you have to do is pay attention to the markings on the road and stop at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park area. From there to the viewpoint, you’ll walk on a marked path.

Unfortunately, you can only reach the base of the waterfall by boat because climbing is forbidden.

McWay Falls in California, United States. Photo credit: Whisper Wanderlust

4. Vernal and Nevada Falls, California, USA

By Allison, She Dreams of Alpine

Both Vernal and Nevada Falls are located on one of the most popular hiking trails in Yosemite National Park, California, known as the Mist Trail.

The cost to see them is included in your entry pass into Yosemite National Park and a little bit of hiking effort on your part. Parking is available at the trailhead called The Trailhead and is near Curry Village (also known as Half Dome Village).

Hiking to the first waterfall, Vernal Falls, via the Mist Trail is a little under 2 miles (3 kilometers) round trip and is a relatively easy and short hike which makes it perfect for families or those who are looking for a short hike but with great Yosemite views. Once you reach a footbridge, you’ll be able to stop and peak up at Vernal Falls.

If you choose to continue on to the second waterfall, Nevada Falls, prepare yourself for an epic Stairmaster workout. If you’re up for the challenge though, it’s worth the workout. The views from the top are unmatched, and the hike to the Nevada Falls is one of the best hikes in Yosemite.

Nevada Falls in California, United States. Photo credit: She Dreams of Alpine

5. Hanakapiai Falls, Hawaii, USA

By Leah, An Adventure is Calling

Hanakapiai Falls (or Hanakapi’ai Falls) is a beautiful waterfall located on the island of Kaua’i in Hawaii. The waterfall is around 300 feet (91 meters) high and is arguably one of my most breathtaking features on the island.

Seeing Hanakapiai Falls requires a strenuous 8 miles (13 kilometers) round trip hike along the Kalalau Trail (via the Nā Pali Coast). Prepare for the hike with plenty of water, snacks, and hiking stick (optional, but helpful on the rough terrain). Hiking the trail is free, but you’ll need to arrive early (before 8am is suggested) to secure a parking spot.

Start at Ke’e Beach (a lovely beach for snorkeling!) and enjoy the amazing views of the coastline for the first 2 miles (3 kilometers). At that point, you’ll reach Hanakapiai Beach.

This secluded beach is lovely but not safe for swimming and has restrooms. Many travelers turn around here but continue hiking for another 2 miles to reach the falls. Reach a fork and head inland (get ready for a fun, jungle-like experience).

The trail is unmaintained but completely doable for experienced hikers. When you arrive, relax and enjoy the water.

Keep in mind that leptospirosis (lepto) is present in the freshwater on the island, so pay attention to warning signs and suggestions when enjoying the water. To return, head back the same way you came in. I highly recommend relaxing at Ke’e Beach after your long hike!

* Please check Kalalau Trail Facebook for updates on the trail.  

Hanakapiai Falls, Hawaii, United States. Photo credit: An Adventure is Calling

6. Manoa Falls, Hawaii, USA

By Michelle, Travel Fun Fam

The most popular hike on Oahu, by far, is Manoa Falls. It’s a short trail that is easy to manage no matter your level of hiking experience. The only difficulty is that it can get a little muddy making it slippery in some sections.

We recommend wearing proper closed-toed shoes for safety. The length is approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) that takes around 30 minutes each way depending on your pace.

Once you arrive at the waterfall you’ll be tempted to swim, but unfortunately, it’s discouraged.

Manoa Falls is located in the Manoa neighborhood, a university and a residential area about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Waikiki. It won’t seem like you’re headed to a hike since you’ll be going through residences.

The good thing is that if you can’t find parking at the lot ($5 USD) you can always park in the residential streets. It’ll be a longer hike for you.

7. Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA

By Constance, The Adventures of Panda Bear

Multnomah Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, this is partially due to the fact that it’s located near Portland, Oregon. Needless to say, it’s the perfect day trip from Portland, especially if you’re only visiting Portland for a weekend.

The waterfall is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon and the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States. You can see the waterfall from the lower viewing area at the base of Multnomah Falls or hike up to Benson Bridge for a closer look.

From Portland, drive approximately 30 to 40 minutes on Interstate-84 to Multnomah Falls, located between Corbett and Dodson within the Columbia River Gorge. Admission is free.

Don’t forget that some trails may not be open due to damages sustained in the Eagle Creek Fire of September 2017.

Reserve a day tour the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls.

Multnomah Falls in Oregon, United States. Photo credit: The Adventures of Panda Bear

8. Smith Falls, Nebraska, USA

By Theresa, The Local Tourist

Located in the Midwestern United States, Nebraska has a reputation of being a flat state with not much to see besides corn and endless horizons. However, there is more diversity to the landscape than one might expect.

In fact, near a town called Valentine is a 70 feet (23 meters) waterfall. Smith Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state.

The source is a small, spring-fed creek that plunges into a narrow canyon and flows into the Niobrara River. The canyon created by the falls is its own micro-environment featuring flora and fauna not found in other parts of the state.

To see the falls, you’ll pay a $10 entrance fee to Smith Falls State Park. It’s located in the north central part of the state, about four hours west of Sioux City, Iowa.

The drive itself is also a destination since it’s along the Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway. That’s a stretch of 231 miles (372 kilometers) that follows the path of Doc Middleton, the Jesse and Frank James Gang and other brigands.

Smith Falls in Nebraska, United States. Photo credit: The Local Tourist

9. Kaaterskill Falls, New York, USA

By James, Travel Collecting

Kaaterskill Falls is a two-stage waterfall in the Catskills Mountains, about 2.5 hours north of New York City. The total height is 260 feet (79 meters). They’re so beautiful that they’ve been featured in several Hudson River School paintings.

It’s possible to hike to the falls in all seasons. At the end of summer, they can be pretty small, but in spring the water is flowing. In fall, although there may not be that much water, they’re surrounded by beautiful fall foliage. In winter, the path is icy and slippery and using crampons is highly recommended, but your efforts will be rewarded with a jaw-dropping frozen waterfall.

The upper stage of the falls is in front of an enormous natural amphitheater. People do walk along a narrow ledge near the top of the amphitheater to get behind the falls, but this is dangerous and not recommended. Viewing the amphitheater from below is dramatic enough. There is a small pool at the bottom of the top cascade where it’s possible to wade in summer.

There are two trailheads to the falls – from the bottom and from the top. As you drive into the Catskills from Saugerties along New York State Route 23A, you pass a waterfall directly off the road to the right before Tannersville. There is a small parking lot after and another one before this waterfall which is also the lower trailhead to the Kaaterskill Falls.

The walk from the parking area to the trailhead is right next to the road, so exercise caution! From the trailhead, it’s a short (0.5 miles/.80 kilometer) fairly steep hike up a clearly marked path. From the pool at the bottom of the top cascade, there is a path that continues around the side in the woods to the top of the falls.

You can access the top of the falls directly along a short, easy path from a second trailhead. To get to this trailhead, there is a turnoff after the parking lot.  This is the easiest access to the falls.

Frozen Kaaterskill Falls in Catskills Mountains, New York. Photo credit: Travel Collecting

10. Watkins Glen Waterfalls, New York, USA

By Margarita, DownshiftingPRO

What will surprise you the most is how you access this beautiful Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes region of New York state. It’s located in the middle of town, across the street from the Schuyler County Sheriff’s.

Once you enter, you’ll begin climbing over 800 steps and see more than one waterfall so take frequent breaks and take it in.

Although the access seems unusual, you’ll be delighted to see the waterfalls and deep canyon carved out by Glen Creek. Within two miles (3.2 kilometers), the glen’s stream descends 400 feet (123 meters) past 200 feet (61 meters) cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The Rainbow waterfalls are accessed by pathways and stairs.

Bring proper walking or hiking boots for comfort.

The cost to enter is $8 USD per vehicle with parking available across the street for an additional cost. The Gorge Trail is open from May – October.  Check out this short video of the Watkins Glen Waterfall.

Watkins Glen Waterfalls in New York, United States. Photo credit: DownshiftingPRO

Related: Magnificent Caves to See in Americas

11. Cummins Falls, Tennessee, USA

By Roslie, Coastlines to Skylines

If swimming and hiking in a scenic and rugged setting sounds like your ideal getaway, check out Cummins Falls State Park in Tennessee. Spanning 282 acres, on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River, the park has been a mainstay for both recreation-minded locals and visitors alike. It also boasts Tennessee’s eighth largest waterfall, Cummins Falls, which rises a whopping 75 feet (23 meters) high.

While many people enjoy a day of swimming in the natural pools below, there are also plentiful hiking trails, picnic areas, and a breathtaking lookout area over the falls. This is a rare example of nature’s beauty at its finest.

How to Get There

From Interstate 40, take exit 280 to TN-56 North toward Gainesboro for 7.7 miles (12 kilometers). Turn right on TN-290 and continue 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers). Turn left onto Cummins Mill Road and left onto Blackburn Fork Road until you reach the state park entrance.

If you’re traveling from Nashville, you can actually catch a Greyhound bus that runs to the park three times a day. The trip takes about an hour and 25 minutes.

Cummins Falls in Tennessee, United States. Photo credit: Coastlines to Skylines

Best Waterfalls in Canada

12. Niagara Falls, Between Canada and United States

By Ryan, Out With Ryan

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to see in the world. Niagara Falls is unique because it borders both Canada and America and is famous for its beautiful blue-green water that creates hydroelectric power.

Fun fact: Niagara Falls is actually three waterfalls! There is the American Falls, the Canadian Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls that collectively called Niagara Falls.

You’ll want to visit the Canada side because the Canadian Falls are bigger than the American Falls! You can also get super up-close to it on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls as you stand at the top of the falls looking over.

Make sure you bring a poncho or rain jacket as mist will always come at you from different angles.

It’s free to see Niagara Falls, but you can also spend money on Maid of the Mist which is a boat cruise takes you down to the water to come face-to-face with the falls. Also, consider checking out Niagara Falls Wine Tasting on the Lake.

Niagara Falls can be reached by walking or taking public transit from the Niagara Fall bus terminal. You can also take a bus from Toronto with several daily services run by Greyhound and Megabus. Journey times without traffic should not exceed 2 hours and 30 minutes.  

If you want an easier way to explore Niagara Falls from Toronto, sign up for a day tour!

Niagara Falls is between Canada and the United States. Photo credit: Out With Ryan

13. Montmorency Falls, Quebec, Canada

By Sherrie, Epiphany to Travel

A 20-minute drive from Quebec City is a waterfall that you don’t hear about too often, however, it’s taller than Niagara Falls that is also located in Canada.

If you Google Map the directions, you’ll be led to the upper falls where you’ll need to pay for parking at approximately $11 USD.

You’re also able to purchase cable car ride that will bring you from upper falls to lower falls and back again for approximately $14 USD a person.

Located at the upper falls you’ll find the restaurant, Manoir Montmorency, where you can enjoy a meal.

It’s possible to cross the top of the falls on their suspension bridge. This isn’t for the faint of heart or anyone that has a fear of heights. Once across there is a walking path and stairs that lead down to the lower part of the falls.

Going down may not be too bad but coming back up is quite the exercise.

Montmorency Falls in Quebec, Canada. Photo credit: Epiphany to Travel

14. Shannon Falls, Vancouver, Canada

By Greta, Greta’s Travels

Shannon Falls in Canada is one of the most popular attractions on the Sea to Sky Highway that connects Vancouver to Whistler. It’s 335 meters (1,099 feet) high and British Columbia’s third tallest waterfall.

Shannon Falls is an hour drive from Vancouver, well-marked and easy to find with a big parking area off the main road and trail that leads up to the waterfall.

There is a wooden boardwalk all around the base of Shannon Falls, that then stretches into a network of short trails from which you can explore the area. There are also wooden picnic tables where you can comfortably sit and enjoy lunch with a view of this powerful waterfall.

It’s a very impressive waterfall and if you’re looking for the most beautiful waterfalls around the world, Shannon Falls should feature on your list.

Consider taking a day tour of Whistler area which includes the Shannon Falls.

Shannon Falls in Vancouver, Canada. Photo credit: Greta’s Travels

Best Waterfall in the Caribbean

15. Toraille Waterfall, St. Lucia

By Kristen, Yonderlust Ramblings

St. Lucia is no stranger to stunning natural wonders and the Toraille Waterfall is definitely one of its showstoppers.

What is unique about this waterfall is that you can actually immerse yourself in the inviting pool at its base and swim right up under its falls. At least once in your life, you have to experience what it feels like to be pelted by the down-pouring of a waterfall!

The Toraille Waterfall is open to the public and costs $3 USD a person to enter. There are bathrooms and changing facilities on-site so guests can change into appropriate swimwear for frolicking in the falls.

It’s possible to visit the Toraille Waterfall by booking a tour or by self-driving. If you go on your own, tour groups frequently include these falls as a stop along their itineraries.

The best time to visit is early in the morning or later in the afternoon if you want seclusion. The falls are located near the coastal town of Soufriere, on the island’s western coast.  

Toraille Waterfall in St. Lucia. Photo credit: Yonderlust Ramblings

Best Waterfalls in Central America

16. Rio Celeste Waterfalls, Costa Rica

By Sally, LuxuriousLifestyles.co

The Rio Celeste Waterfalls are stunning. The spectacular vivid blue color of the river and falls is something so unique I have never seen anything like it in the world. The locals say the river received its color from when God painted the sky blue and he dipped his brush into the water.

The complete round-trip hike in the National Park is 6 kilometers (4 miles) round trip. The falls are near the beginning followed by a large platform offering picturesque views of the forest and Tenorio Volcano. Continuing on the trail, we passed the thermal hot springs (entering the water isn’t allowed) and the blue lagoon.   

The drive from Liberia, Costa Rica to the waterfalls takes approximately 1.5 hours. The park is open daily from 8am to 4pm. However, people are not allowed entrance after 2pm. Parking costs $2 USD and entrance into the Tenorio Volcano National Park is $12 USD for adults and $5 USD for children.

Access to the park is limited to 1,200 people per day and only 400 at a time to help preserve the area.  

Rio Celeste Waterfall in Costa Rica. Photo credit: LuxuriousLifestyles.co

17. Llanos De Cortez Waterfall, Costa Rica

By Alan, More Passport Stamps

One of the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica, Llanos De Cortez is worthy of its status. It’s in a great location off one of the main highways that cuts through Costa Rica, so you can stop by when passing to or from the airport.

I visited on my way back from Playas Del Coco, Guanacaste. The falls are stunning, wide with many streams splashing through the greenery covered rocks.

The falls may be 5 minutes from a highway, but you wouldn’t know it when you’re there. The lush, thick forest surrounds you and you can easily get lost in nature when you combine this with the relaxing sounds of the falls.

The pool at the bottom of the falls is great for swimming, but take water shoes if you have them as it’s a little rocky.

To access the falls head South on Pan American Highway (Route 1) from Liberia, heading towards the town of Bagaces. Around 13 miles (21 kilometers) past Liberia, you’ll see a rusty old sign on your right with “WATERFALL” scrawled in pink letters. You have to be looking out for it to see it! Turn right here, it’s a dirt track rather than a road. A mile or so later you’ll need to turn right, this is signaled by a lady that is collecting for the local school.

The expected payment is 2000 Colones/CRC ($3.30 USD). Continue driving for a few hundred meters and you’ll arrive at a car park. The cost to park is another 2000 Colones/CRC. The falls are signposted from here and you’ll enjoy a 5-minute walk through some jungle on your way!

Llanos De Cortez Waterfall in Costa Rica. Photo credit: More Passport Stamps

18. La Cangreja Waterfall, Costa Rica

By Nina, Nina Near and Far

La Cangreja is a beautiful plunge waterfall found in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Costa Rica. There is a bright blue lagoon at the bottom and lots of rocks where you can relax and have lunch while enjoying the sound of the waterfall.

Costa Rica is famous for its waterfalls, and one of the amazing things about La Cangreja is that it’s one of the least visited and least photographed.

If you want to visit this waterfall, you have a big day of hiking ahead of you. La Cangreja is your reward for a challenging 2 hours hike along the base of a volcano.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park is only 30 minutes outside of Liberia. Go North on the highway (Route 1) that goes through Liberia, and turn right on to a dirt road after Iglesia de Guadalupe. If you reach a medical center, you’ve gone too far. This drive is best done with a GPS! Continue on Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Note that the park is closed on Mondays.

There’s a $15 USD entry fee. To do the hike to La Cangreja, you have to start your hike before 12pm.

La Cangreja Waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Costa Rica. Photo credit: Nina Near and Far

19. Rio Dulce Waterfall, Guatemala

By Dylan, Everywhereish

If you’re ever traveling through Central America, you’ll likely find yourself in the port town of Rio Dulce, Guatemala. And when you do, there will be one spot you definitely won’t want to miss: Rio Dulce’s one-of-a-kind hot waterfall.

Tucked into the woods of Finca Paraíso, hot springs roll down the hills to meet with the cool waters of a neighboring stream. The result: a truly spa-like experience.

On my visit here, my friends and I took turns letting the hot water massage our shoulders, its steam rising around us, before walking up the hill to find the hot spring itself—and its mineral-rich muds.

This may not be the tallest or most impressive waterfall out there, but it’s certainly an unforgettable one!

So, how do you get there? Plan to pay $30 quetzales/GTQ ($4 USD) to take a 45-minute colectivo ride out to El Estor.

From there, it’s a short walk into the woods to find the falls. Don’t worry, the trails are easily marked—and there’ll likely be an enterprising local ready to charge you a $5 quetzales/GTQ ($.65 USD) entrance fee.  

Rio Dulce Waterfall in Rio Dulce, Guatemala. Photo credit: Everywhereish

Read More: Take Cooking Classes Around the World

Waterfalls in South America

Best Waterfalls in South America

20. Chorillo del Salto, Argentina

By Or,  My Path In The World

The town of El Chalten in Argentina is a base for many incredible hikes, but most of them are quite long and difficult.

In case you want to take a much easier hike and see a gorgeous waterfall, Chorillo del Salto is the perfect option. The trail from El Chalten to this amazing 20 meters (66 feet) high waterfall only takes about 30 minutes to walk, and most of it passes through a beautiful, peaceful forest area.

Since most people focus on other hikes in El Chalten, the waterfall is a relatively non-touristy spot, which means that it doesn’t get overcrowded even during high-season.

Visiting Chorillo del Salto is free of charge.

How to Get There

The trail begins at the end of Avenida San Martin in El Chalten. You can also get to the waterfall by bicycle as the path splits into a walking trail and a bike trail.

Chorillo del Salto in El Chalten, Argentina. Photo credit: My Path in the World

21. Iguazu Falls, Between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay

By Warren, Sling Adventures

Iguazu Falls has to be near the top of all-time favorite waterfalls in the world.

Located on the border between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, Iguazu Falls is immense in size and the volume of caramel brown water crashing over its many cliffs creates a rampaging torrent within such a natural environment that has to be seen to be believed. An added unique, adrenaline-charged experience is to take the jet boat ride that actually goes directly into the deafening downpour of the San Martin Waterfall.

Despite being in a remote corner of three countries, access to Iguazu Falls is relatively easy. On the Argentinian side, the nearest airport less than 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the falls and is only a 2 hours flight from Buenos Aires.

It’s a $20 USD entry fee to Iguazu Falls National Park and another $30 USD for the very memorable jet boat ride.

Iguazu Falls. Photo credit: Sling Adventures

22. Salto del Claro, Chile

By Priyanka, On My Canvas

As my friend Alison and I started hiking to this tall waterfall which was a 4-5 hour hike away from our hostel, we realized the more we walked Google Maps showed Salto del Claro Waterfall further away. Don’t depend on Google to reach this place and you’re better off following our directions below.

Your efforts to reach this place is worth it as the waterfall is gorgeous. How often do you see a secluded waterfall in the middle of lush greenery?

Since the waterfall is hard to find, the first time you set your eyes upon the crystal clear water falling freely, you’ll feel that you are part of something majestic.

The waterfall is about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) out of Pucon, Chile. You can either hike all way, bike, or take a collective and walk the rest of the way. Below are the directions via walking:

1. Start walking on O-Higgins street towards the roundabout. At the roundabout, you can go two ways — one road to Villarrica and the other goes straight. Walk straight and don’t take Villarrica.
2. After passing two gas stations, you’ll see the speed bump and take a right to Las Calabazas road.
3. When the road divides into two, stay left as the right side is private land.
4. Continue walking uphill for 30 minutes and ignore any private houses. After the uphill, you’ll find the road splitting – one goes straight and the other to the right. Go straight or you can even call it the “left.” Trees surround this part of the road.
5. Continue walking until you enter a green field. At the end, there is a fence that you have to climb. I didn’t encounter two fences in this field, but some people told me that they did. Don’t try and jump the barbed wire fence, but find another fence that is slightly right to the barbed wire one. See a tree marked with a white arrow from the fence you’re supposed to climb.
6. Follow the marked trees (some are difficult to see) and walk downhill to reach the falls.

Tip: Carry enough water. Bring snacks and a towel, and keep your phones charged as there are no shops or restaurants near the waterfall. If you’re lucky, you can hitchhike back to the town.  

Salto del Claro in Pucon, Chile. Photo credit: On My Canvas

Read More: Explore Santiago in One Day & Easter Island

23. La Chorrera Waterfall, Colombia

By Michaela, Well Balanced Adventures

La Chorrera is an under-explored waterfall about 1 hour outside out of Bogota, Colombia that also happens to be the tallest waterfall in Colombia.

La Chorrera is situated in a beautiful national park that is very well taken care of. The waterfall is quite hidden, so after going up and down hills and sets of stairs, the terrain opens up to show you a beautiful waterfall.

The hike in total takes about 2 hours round trip once you enter the national park, but there are some steep hills that can slow you down (especially if you’re not used to the altitude).

The cost to enter the park is about 12,000 COP ($4 USD).

Tip: Make sure to buy water at the entrance if you don’t have any – there aren’t options inside of the park.

How to Get There

1. Go to the Transoriente Bus Station in Bogota and ask for the next bus going towards La Chorrera (make sure the driver knows where to let you off).
2. Either walk ~ 1 hour from the drop-off location to the park entrance, or pay a few USD for a pick-up truck ride to the national park. There are normally plenty of locals who are willing to give a ride!
3. Take a tour to La Chorrera Waterfall.

La Chorrera Waterfall in Colombia. Photo credit: Well Balanced Adventures

24. La Ventiadora, Colombia

By Daniel, Layer Culture

If you’re backpacking in Colombia and looking for one of the less visited waterfalls don’t miss out on La Ventiadora in San Cipriano.

Already thinking of visiting Cali? Perfect, as this is the best opportunity to see it. I arrived here on Christmas day from Cali and there was not one soul in sight as I got revitalized by the warm, crystal clear water.

You too can easily take a day trip from Cali, you’ll need to enter the San Cipriano National Bio Reserve to get here.

Look for one of the local guides and expect to pay around 30,000 COP ($10 USD) for someone to take you because it would be almost impossible to find it without someone who already knows the location.

La Ventiadora in San Cipriano, Colombia. Photo credit: Layer Culture

25. Marinka Falls, Colombia

By Demi, Around the World with Her

It’s no secret that Colombia boasts some beautiful waterfalls. One of my favorites was Marinka Falls, a short hike away from the bohemian village of Minca.

With a small cafe on-site, you can relax with a beer or juice as you listen to the soothing sounds.

The cost of entrance is 5,000 COP ($1.60 USD). However, there is a toilet on-site and a huge net hammock that you can crawl onto and suspended over the water!

To get there, it’s around an hour walk from Minca. It can be hot and humid, so you’ll be happy to plunge into the freshwater of Marinka as soon as you arrive. Y

ou can also take a motorbike taxi there or back if you don’t have the energy for the walk. The moto taxis can be found anywhere in Minca and there is always one waiting at Marinka in case tourists want a ride back down.

Marinka Falls in Minca, Colombia. Photo credit: Around the World with Her

26. Peguche Waterfall, Ecuador

By Isabella, Boundless Roads

While I investigated on the things to do from Quito, I saw the name of Otavalo everywhere.

Travel agencies organize one-day trips, but I decided to explore more about the little town. I was excited to read that there is more to see besides its worldly popular market, the biggest in Latin America, and the reason why many visitors gather there at least for one day.

I decided to book 5 days in a hostel and check out more interesting sites in the surroundings. In fact, the town itself isn’t that pretty but it’s surrounded by amazing lakes, waterfalls, and mountains to hike.

Peguche Waterfall is about 45 minutes walk from the town center. The walk to the entrance isn’t particularly interesting, or you can get a taxi there for $2 USD. From the entrance to the waterfall, it’s a nice 15 minutes walk in the woods.

There is no entry fee and you can walk around the waterfall, explore the caves, or have something to eat in the refreshing nature.

If you aren’t fond of crowds, you should avoid weekends and festivities. I found it pretty safe as well.

Peguche Waterfall in Otavalo, Ecuador. Photo credit: Boundless Roads

27. Kaieteur Falls, Guyana

By Claudia, My Adventures Across The World

Kaieteur Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world. It’s located in the rainforest of Guyana, in South America, and it’s famous for being the widest, single drop waterfall in the world.

There are only two ways to get to Kaieteur Falls: a 5 days hike through the jungle of Guyana; or a day trip which includes a flight from Georgetown, Guyana’s capital, and a handful of other locations around the country.

The flight carries no more than 12 passengers, and since only one plane can stop on the airstrip at once, this means that the highest number of people there’ll be at the site can never be higher than that. In other words, visitors get to have the place to themselves.

The guided visit takes about 2 hours and it goes to 3 different viewpoints and includes a walk through the forest to appreciate some of the most unique flora and fauna of Guyana – the famous cock of the rock, Guyana’s colorful bird, lives here!

Whether you visit as part of a 5 days hike or on a day trip from Georgetown, access to Kaieteur Falls is expensive but it’s worth every penny.

Kaieteur Falls in Guyana. Photo credit: My Adventures Across The World

28. Fure and Huaruro Waterfalls, Peru

By Tereza, Czick on the Road

If you love waterfalls, hiking and remote places with little tourists, Fure and Huaruro Waterfalls in Colca Canyon, Peru is the place to be.

It’s only possible to get to this waterfalls by feet, and most probably you’ll be the only visitors there.

The first waterfall lies before a little village, Fure, where you can also find simple accommodation in small wooden cottages. To the second and bigger one Huaruro, you’ll have to hike for another hour, but the view will be definitely worth it, especially in the rainy season.

The starting point is a little town Cabanaconde in the heart of the Colca Canyon. The first option is to set on a 3 days trek leading through the canyon – the first day you hike to Llahuar, the second day to Fure, the third day back to Cabanaconde. Read more about the 3-days trek in Colca Canyon.

The second option is to take the bus from Cabanaconde to Llahuar, then hike to Fure (2-3 hours) see the waterfalls and either hike back to catch an afternoon bus to Cabanaconde or other villages in the canyon or spend the night in Llahuar lodge with hot springs.

Fure and Huaruro Waterfalls in Colca Canyon, Peru. Photo credit: Czick on the Road

29. Angel Falls, Venezuela

By Claire, Tales of a Backpacker

Angel Falls is the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world, and one of the most incredible places I’ve ever visited.

The journey there is an adventure in itself, as it includes a flight to the center of the Canaima National Park, then a journey of several hours in a motorized canoe along the river.

We spent the night in a camp by the river, then hiked the last hour to Angel Falls the following morning. The view from across the river was incredible, even though I visited when it was the dry season you could still see the power and wonder of the falls.

When we reached the bottom of Angel Falls, there is a pool at the bottom where you can swim. The water was cold but to say I swam in Angel Falls is an incredible achievement!   

Unfortunately, Angel Falls is in Venezuela, one of the most dangerous countries in the world, and not an easy destination to get to.

The only way to visit the falls is with an organized tour. Tours can be expensive as fewer people visit Venezuela now, and the currency fluctuations mean that prices change daily.

It’s hard to say how much a tour will cost but expect around $500 USD for the three-day excursion including transport and food and drink.  

Angel Falls in Venezuela. Photo credit: Tales of a Backpacker

Huge thank you to our travel influencers for contributing to this epic list! We encourage you to visit their blog and follow them on social media. If you love this post, please share it on your social media channels. Check out the other parts of the series – Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

Which waterfalls in North America and South America do you want to visit? Are there other waterfalls in the world on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below.

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Featured photo credit (left to right): Luxurious Lifestyles, My Adventures Across the World, and Whisper Wanderlust

The post 29 Incredible Waterfalls In North America & South America For Your Bucket List appeared first on Life Of Doing.

Taking cooking classes is one of the best travel experiences during your vacations. It’s a fun and memorable activity and suitable for all ages.

The benefits include immersing yourself in the country’s culture, learning about the cuisine, meeting other travelers, making mistakes and getting help from the professionals, and refining your cooking skills. Plus, you have the opportunity to make the dishes with your new knowledge and impress your guests at the next gathering.

If you’re overwhelmed with choosing the right cooking class, we’re here to help!

We asked 28 travel bloggers to share their best cooking classes experiences around the world that they’ve taken during their travels. Check out the comprehensive list below to learn more about the various classes and cuisines.

Happy cooking and enjoy all of these culinary vacation options!

Click on the links below to learn about the country’s offerings and cooking classes around the world:

• Cooking Classes in Asia – Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam
• Cooking Class in Africa – Morocco
• Cooking Class in Caribbean – Jamaica
• Cooking Class in Central America – Guatemala
• Cooking Classes in Europe – France, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Spain
• Cooking Classes in Middle East – Jordan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates
• Cooking Class in South America – Peru

Looking for more foodie destinations to travel to? Check out our top list of UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy cities.

Cooking Classes in Asia

1. Cambodian Cooking Class at Templation in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Contributed by Callan from Singapore N Beyond

There is a beautiful oasis of a resort in Siem Reap, Cambodia called Templation, the closest hotel to Angkor Wat. It’s pure luxe, eco-conscious, and aims at social upliftment and sustainability. They offer a Khmer cooking class with head chef and a genuinely fantastic person, Toek Menghout. The cooking course is a wonderful way to experience local Khmer culture and tastes.

You’ll start in the morning with an escorted trip to the local farm or the market (depending on how flooded the roads are) to hand select your produce. When you return to the airy grounds of Templation, your setup will be waiting right by the gigantic swimming pool.

There is a set menu that you’ll learn to cook from authentic fish amok to char kroeung to lok lak, and sago pudding for dessert. If you have your stomach set on a certain dish, notify Toek before the class and he’ll make sure you’ll learn how to prepare it.

When you’re done cooking over the traditional Khmer fire and with ice-cold towels and water by your side, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. You’ll then be guided to your seat at the open-air restaurant to enjoy your overly abundant and delicious meal. Prepare for a half day activity in total.

Delicious food at Templation which is one of the best cooking classes in Cambodia. Photo credit: Singapore N Beyond

2. Bali Cooking Class at Rumah Desa in Tabanan, Indonesia

Contributed by Kathryn from Becoming You

The most unique cooking class experience was at a traditional Balinese home in a tranquil Balinese village located in Tabanan, Indonesia, about 30 minutes from Ubud.

The cooking school’s name is Rumah Desa, which means “house in the village.” This home is an experience of its own with beautifully ornate building, traditional home temples, and extensive tropical gardens filled with flowers, fountains, ferns, moss covered statues, and unusual plants.

The cooking class at Rumah Desa involves preparing a menu of interesting Balinese dishes including satay, sambal bejek salad, and the delicious dessert known as sela sawi. It’s mashed cassava root formed into a ball and fried with banana inside. Once cooked, it’s topped with old shredded coconut and eaten as a dessert.

We prepared some of the ingredients and helped chop and roll the dessert balls. However, we left the heavy duty cooking to the professionals while we explored the neighboring rice paddies. During our rice planting experience, we got stuck in the mud!

The highlight at Rumah Desa was enjoying the fruits of our labor, a Balinese lunch surrounded by the luscious gardens of this beautiful home.

Lovely meal at Rumah Desa, a fabulous place to take a cooking class in Indonesia. Photo credit: Becoming You

3. Osaka Cooking Class in Osaka, Japan

Contributed by Amber from With Husband In Tow

While traveling through Japan, a stop in Osaka is a must for food lovers. Whereas in Japan they work hard, in Osaka, they play hard, and that means a passion for food.

Osaka is home to unique Japanese foods that are hard to find elsewhere. It’s great to visit Osaka to taste some of these dishes, but learning how to make them is something else.

Some of these Osaka specialties include okonomiyaki, a Japanese-style pancake, and takoyaki, Japanese-style octopus dumplings. These aren’t even the detailed descriptions of what these dishes are. There is so much to eat in Osaka.

Taking a cooking class in Osaka helps you understand these specialties, and teach you how to make Japanese food at home.

The cooking class that we took was in the home of two young Japanese sisters. They learned everything from their grandmother and share their family secrets with travelers.

The cooking class starts with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Afterward, learn how to make takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and a few other Japanese dishes. While enjoying the Japanese lunch, the sisters teach students about sake.

It’s possible to book this Osaka cooking class here. The class lasts about two and a half hours and starts around $75 USD per person.

Making takoyaki at a Osaka cooking class. Photo credit: With Husband in Tow

4. Laotian Cooking Class at Tamarind Restaurant in Luang Prabang, Laos

Contributed by Jackie and Justin from Life Of Doing

Luang Prabang, Laos is a popular place to take a Laotian cooking class. We couldn’t pass the opportunity to take a full day course through Tamarind Restaurant.

The course consisted of a tour of the local market, transportation to and from Tamarind and to the cooking school location, and food and beverages. If you have dietary restrictions, dishes are customizable to your needs. Jackie is a pescatarian and eats seafood, so dishes were adjusted.

We started out taking a tour of the local market. It was amazing to see the vast amounts of fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, and fresh fish sauce for sale. We learned about unique herbs and rice in the Laotian culture.

After the market, we went to our cooking school location. It’s located in a remote area that has a covered outdoor cooking area and overlooks a beautiful pond with lotus flowers and a small garden.

During our class, we made five dishes – larp, fish amok, deep fried stuffed lemongrass with meat or tofu, and eggplant or tomato salsa. Larp is minced meat with vegetables and Laos’s version of chicken salad. Steamed fish amok is delicious and similar to Cambodia’s version. It was challenging to stuff the lemongrass due to its fragility, so we received help from the chef.

For dessert, we had coconut sticky rice with tropical fruits. Everyone was a chef for the day and created their own meal. Plus, everyone can tailor their flavors or spiciness depending on their preference.

After cooking, it was time for the feast. The meal came with sticky rice which is a must for Laotian culture. Roll the sticky rice in your hands and use it to absorb the sauce in your food.

We had a wonderful time with our chef and our classmates and didn’t leave hungry.

It’s time to eat lunch at Tamarind Restaurant Cooking Class where we learn how to make Laotian food.

5. Malaysian Cooking Class at Indah House Coffee Shop and Art Space in Kuching, Malaysia

Contributed by Jane from Scarlet Jones Travels

Kuching is in Sarawak, a region of Malaysian Borneo. During my three weeks in this riverside town, I often hung out at the Indah House Coffee Shop and Art Space during downtime. Sarawak laksa is my favorite Malaysian food and learned that the Indah House ran cookery classes. I was quick to sign up for the morning class.

On the morning of our class, four of us went by car to the huge food market with Lucien and Khalid. We spent an hour looking around, smelling, and tasting things, and learning about the different fruit and vegetables. The others in my group were vegetarian but I was happy to cook vegetarian food. Meat and fish based classes are available too.

When we returned to town, Emma led the actual class. We made nasi ulam, pumpkin and midin lemak, gula apong, and kerabu, plus my favorite sarawak laksa. The recipes were easy to follow but they included unusual ingredients such as jungle fern and ginger torch flower.

We prepared and cooked our meal at the same time as Emma our teacher and then we sat at a table in the cafe and ate together. Leftovers were boxed up for us to take away for our respective dinners, along with sachets of the special spice mixes used in our dishes and copies of the recipes.

The class was very relaxed but more importantly, it was fun and have new recipes to try. I would recommend it if you’re in the area.

What a wonderful meal at Indah House and a fabulous place to learn how to cook Malaysian food. Photo credit: Scarlett Jones Travels

6. Thai Cooking Class at Blue Elephant Cooking School and Restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand

Contributed by Michael from Accidental Travel Writer

A half-day class at the Blue Elephant Cooking School and Restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand, began with a trip to a nearby wet market, which was one of the highlights of the class.

We returned to the school, where we learned how to prepare a salad, two main courses, and a soup. The menu consisted of the following dishes: spicy and sour green mango salad with prawns, stir-fried mushrooms with black pepper, deep-fried tilapia, a type of fish, with chili dressing, and coconut milk soup with chicken and mushroom.

Our teacher first demonstrated how each course is prepared in a classroom setting. Then we went across the hall to a large kitchen, where we each attempted to prepare the dishes at individual cooking stations. There were kitchen aides to help us if we were confused.

Our dishes were labeled and set aside while we returned to the classroom for the next dish on the menu. After preparing the courses, there was a brief graduation ceremony.

We went downstairs to a beautiful dining room, where the dishes we ourselves had prepared were served to us restaurant style by waiters and waitresses. We were also offered either red or white rice.

Previous cooking classes, I’ve taken before this were either demonstration or hands-on. I enjoyed the format of this class, which combined both demonstration and hands-on elements. The menu was excellent, and we each went home with recipes.

One of the key benefits of taking a class such as this, however, was to learn the techniques of Thai cookery, which cannot be adequately described in a cookbook.

I have been able to incorporate many of these techniques into my personal cooking style – the gift that keeps on giving!

Michael with the Chef at Blue Elephant Cooking School, a great place to learn how to make Thai food. Photo credit: Accidental Travel Writer

7. Thai Cooking Class at Thai Akha Cooking School in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Contributed by Thomas from TripGourmets

Our experience of the Thai Akha Cooking School in Chiang Mai, Thailand started with a visit to one of the local wet markets. We bought the ingredients we needed for cooking and learned a lot about the Thai ingredients. For us, a market visit is always one of the highlights of cooking schools as you learn more about the culture around the local food and eating customs.

The cooking school had 12 individual workstations, so everyone could cook their own meals. In total, we cooked 11 different recipes! For four of these recipes, each person could choose from a range of different options. For all of the meals (except for the meat-based panang curry), there was a vegetarian or vegan option available.

The Thai Akha Cooking Class in Chiang Mai was a unique experience for us. In addition to learning Thai recipes, we also learned to cook three Akha recipes. The Akha are an indigenous Thai hill tribe and their food is even lighter and healthier than traditional Thai food. We really enjoyed all three of these dishes a lot.

Our personal favorite dishes we cooked on that day were definitely the mouthwatering Akha soup and the delicious spicy papaya salad! The cooking school was an amazing experience and perfectly prepared and executed.

Cooking demonstration at Thai Akha Cooking School. Photo credit: TripGourmets

8. Thai Cooking Class at On’s Thai Issan Vegetarian Restaurant in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Contributed by Jessica from Longest Bus Rides

Despite not being much of a cook, I thought I might learn something by joining my new travel buddy in a cooking class in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, west of Bangkok, near the Myanmar border.

It’s a nice indoor activity between days of visiting the nearby elephant sanctuary, motorbiking to Erawan Falls (the pools are amazing!), and traveling overland to Dawei, Myanmar.

My travel buddy researched our options and she selected On’s Thai Issan Vegetarian Restaurant. I love Thai food, but never expected this to be such a fantastic experience that still brings a smile to my face years later!

The morning of our class we visited the restaurant and each chose our dishes to learn from a vast menu of options. When we arrived for our class a few hours later we received copies of all the recipes, including details for adding meat, if desired. The vegetables and curry paste were prepped. Everything was ready for mixing and cooking. The hours-long class was hands-on.

Each student-cook assisted whoever was cooking their dish, with On’s guidance. Students learned all the dishes, and no one was ever left bored or without anything to do.

On is the most cheerful person I’ve ever met in my life. Her small body holds an immense amount of passion for both her craft of cooking and her joy in making others smile.

After hours of learning new recipes, dancing, laughing, and tasting wonderful food, we sat at the table and enjoyed a meal of our delicious efforts. This class is highly recommended!

Veggies prepped for cooking at On’s Thai Issan. Photo credit: Longest Bus Rides

9. Thai Cooking Class at Spice Spoons, Anantara Resort in Phuket, Thailand

Contributed by Allan from Live Less Ordinary

Cooking classes are simple enough to find in Thailand, and I have joined a handful through the Kingdom in the past.

However, our cooking class in Phuket is definitely the most memorable of these experiences, when we were given a 1-hour private cooking class at Spice Spoons at the Anantara Resort. At the time I was not quite new to Thai food; I often cooked with local grannies in the rural parts of Thailand.

What stood out at Spice Spoons were their innovative recipes, techniques, and ideas, which are kind of invaluable in progressing from the usual rough and ready approach of traditional Thai cooking. It was quite technical and precise at times when we did things like skinning galangal, and de-seeding limes, which thankfully were surprisingly fun.

We had a varied list of recipes to choose from, sharing the familiar sweet, sour, salty, and hot signatures of Thai cuisine, such as som tam, papaya salad, and the seaside favorite of tom yum goong, hot and sour prawn soup.

We opted instead for the lesser known and more exciting dishes, such as poh pia sod, fresh spring rolls, which are a bit like Vietnamese ‘summer rolls’ (a personal favorite) only with unique Thai twists using slices of sweet mango, and a fiery chili dip on the side. And in all, we prepared 4 Thai dishes, including a tom yum soup (we had to share at least one fresh seafood dish), khao soi curry, a famous noodle curry from the north, and finally kluay buad chee, a sweet banana in coconut milk for dessert.

The dishes were then served to us directly to our private pool villa, along with the entire cookbook, and complimentary chopping boards and aprons. It was a rather fancy affair.  

Enjoying the final meal by the pool at Spice Spoons, Anantara Resort. Photo credit: Live Less Ordinary

10. Vietnamese Cooking Class at Vietnam Cookery Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Contributed by Markus from The Roaming Fork

I conducted a reasonable amount of research before I made the decision to complete a cooking class with the Vietnam Cookery Centre, in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

For me, there were two compelling reasons for this particular class. First, included in the morning long class was a personalized guided tour of the food section of Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh central market. Second, a chance to cook snake, which I hadn’t done before. Turns out I had misread the menu and that I wasn’t cooking snake but “snake-head fish” as the main ingredient of the day.

The Vietnam Cookery Centre is inside an air-conditioned space but with a wrap-around balcony where they grow lots of herbs and vegetables, which is a nice touch.

Each dish on the menu was delicious and gave opportunities to not only learn how to make that dish, but how to apply those skills when cooking related dishes. For example, cooking the ingredients for the canh chua ca loc, sweet and sour snake-head soup, was easy enough. But getting the balance of the sweet using ingredients such as pineapple, and sour such as tamarind was a skill worth learning.

The other new skill for me was making a caramel sauce, and then using it to cook the fish in. This dish, ca loc kho to, was my favorite of the day, and is one dish I cooked for family and friends when I arrived home. I still do. The other dishes for the morning were goi cuon, fresh spring rolls, and che chuoi xao dua, sautéed banana in a thickened coconut milk, which were both tasty and easy to prepare.

The Vietnam Cookery Centre has a variety of classes to suit all levels of cooks. The chefs and presenters were very skilled and patient with the students and I have recommended this class to others.

Making goi cuon which are fresh spring rolls at Vietnam Cookery Centre, a good place to learn how to make Vietnamese food. Photo credit: The Roaming Fork

11. Vietnamese Cooking Class at Nam Hai Cooking Academy, Four Seasons Resort in Hoi An, Vietnam

Contributed by Julianna from The Discoveries Of

I’m always a fan of learning how to cook the local cuisine. One of the first things I did on arriving in Hoi An, Vietnam was book a cooking class at Nam Hai Cooking Academy at the renowned Four Seasons Resort Nam Hai.

Vietnamese cuisine is unique – a balance of delicate flavors and fresh ingredients with some punchy kicks thrown in here and there. Understanding those flavors and learning how to balance them was as much a take away from that class as cooking the recipes themselves.

We popped into a local market to gather the ingredients. The chef explained the uses of the array of produce clustered high on the stalls. We took the ingredients back to the cooking school. The next few hours were a frenzy of chopping, frying, boiling, and, of course, tasting. It was such an experience.

My favorite dish was the simplest: the summer rolls, prawns and shredded vegetables wrapped in rice paper and dipped in a dipping sauce as you eat them. It’s a dish I’ve made again and again at home: the best reminder of my time in Hoi An.  

Ingredients for summer rolls at Nam Hai Cooking Academy, Four Seasons Resort. Photo credit: The Discoveries Of

Cooking Class in Africa

12. Moroccan Cooking Class at Khadija’s Kuzina in Essaouira, Morocco

Contributed by Michele from Legging It Travel

While travelling we always try and do a cooking class to learn about the food culture of the country we are in.

One of my favorite classes remains, Khadija’s Kuzina in Essaouira, Morocco, as it was such a unique and personal experience. Khadija’s holds classes in her home so you’re learning how the recipes are done in a traditional way.

The class I did was one on one, so I had a good opportunity to ask questions and learn about cooking, daily life, and the challenges of being a woman in Morocco. The other bonus of this was enjoying the cooked meal with Khadija’s husband and son after we finished cooking.

In total, I did three classes as I enjoyed the experience so much and they were such good value at 300dh (about $32 USD).

In the two to three hour classes, you learn how to make a main meal such as chicken and caramelized onion tangine, couscous, or pastella, a pie wrapped in flaky pastry, and dessert-like date biscuits. I still make a fennel and orange salad and couscous recipes quite often and always get compliments when I serve them.

I have also converted some of the recipes to use in a casserole dish as I don’t have a tangine. For some reason, they don’t taste quite as good. I’m sure part of that is I’m not sitting in Khadija’s Kitchen sharing the meal with her.

Group photo with Khadija’s Family at Khadija’s Kuzina. Photo credit: Legging It Travel

Cooking Class in the Caribbean

13. Jamaican Cooking Class at Yaaman Adventure in Jamaica

Contributed by Vanessa at Wanderlust Crew

If there is one thing better than eating jerk chicken in Jamaica, then it has to be learning how to cook it yourself. When you return home, you can relive your journey over and over again in your own kitchen.

During my week in Jamaica, I had my fair share of jerk chicken, which I quickly fell in love with. I knew I had to learn how to make my own, along with other traditional Jamaican fares. I signed up for a cooking class with Yaaman Adventure, where I got more than I bargained for.

We took a tractor ride through the old plantation in the rain. We made our way up the winding hill to the old plantation house where we were greeted by amazing smells and scenery. Our cooking class took place on the grand porch of the old house with smoking grills awaiting.

We learned to mix spices for the jerk spice. The aromatic flavors of garlic, cayenne, onion, thyme, paprika, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and the classic scotch bonnet pepper that defines jerk seasoning were rubbed on the chicken.

While it smoked, we learned to make festival, a traditional Jamaican bread made from cornmeal, sugar, and flour, then fried in oil. We made callalou, a mixture of collard greens, onions, carrots, and garlic sauteed together.

We cooked delicious coconut rice made with powdered coconut milk, which I stocked up on before going home.

Our instructor walked us through each step and ingredient. You can tell she has a love for her country and the cuisine. When our chicken was done, we put everything together and topped it off with some strong Jamaican ginger beer. This was an amazing experience and now I love to cook Jamaican food at home!

Learn how to make jerk chicken at Yaaman Adventure. Photo credit: Wanderlust Crew

Cooking Class in Central America

14. Guatemalan Cooking Class at La Tortilla Cooking School in Antigua, Guatemala

Contributed by Claire from Tales of a Backpacker

I didn’t know what to expect from Guatemalan food. I love learning about and eating local dishes wherever I go, so I was excited to find out more.

La Tortilla Cooking School in Antigua, Guatemala offer cooking classes taught by local women. The ladies who teach the class don’t speak much English, so we had a couple of volunteer translators who explained what we needed to do.

The class was about 3 hours long, including time to eat everything we had cooked at the end of the class. Free-flowing wine was included, which was fabulous!

We learned to make traditional Guatemalan dishes including a chicken stew made with pumpkin seeds called pepian, together with the accompanying rice, beetroot salad, and tortillas. For dessert, we made fried plantain balls filled with chocolate called rellenitos.

The food was easy to make, once you had all the ingredients together. The school also sold packets of Guatemalan spice mixes so you could take the ingredients home with you and may be difficult to find outside of Guatemala.

As I continued my journey for a couple of months afterwards, I didn’t buy the spices. But I do regret not making the dishes again.

The rellenitos were my favorite dish of the day, I’m a sucker for chocolate so couldn’t get enough of the sauce.

The other great thing about the class is that we shared out the leftovers to take home, so I had a yummy lunch the next day too!

Ready to taste the Guatemalan food at La Tortilla Cooking School! Photo credit: Tales Of A Backpacker

Cooking Classes in Europe

15. Macaron Making Class at Le Foodist in Paris, France

Contributed by Kate from Our Escape Clause

I am a little bit obsessed with macarons. I’ve always had a soft spot for the delicious, colorful cookies with their distinctive shells and soft filling. When the opportunity presented itself to learn how to bake them in Paris, France I was all over it.

I participated in a basic macaron baking class with Le Foodist, where we made four different flavors of macaron filling (chocolate, chocolate-coffee, traditional vanilla, and lemon), and several different brightly colored shells. The process itself was tons of fun. We started with making the filling before moving onto the shells themselves, careful to be as precise as possible along the way.

The macarons finished baking and came out perfectly. It helps to be in a controlled setting with a great teacher.

Our group sat down to the most fun part of all: eating them. I wisely didn’t count how many macarons I ate that afternoon.

After class was over, we each got to take home a box of a few dozen leftovers. I was sad on the day that I devoured the last one. The experience of baking macarons in Paris was so much fun that I may even go back and do it again next time.

Look at the colorful macarons made at Le Foodist. Learn how to make macarons here! Photo credit: Our Escape Clause

16. Pastry Class at Pâtisserie à la Carte in Paris, France

Contributed by Pamela from Travel Like a Chieff

There are plenty of cooking classes around the world, but Paris is the perfect place to learn how to make pastries.

I looked for a fun activity that both my husband and I could enjoy while in Paris and came across Pâtisserie à la Carte. The classes are offered in English throughout the week and sometimes on weekends. The baking school is a 15-minute walk from Montmartre so you can combine the pastry making with sightseeing.

Some of the class offerings include making macaron and ganache filling, French eclaire and choux pastry. Or enroll in the croissant and French breakfast pastries class. The class lasts three hours.

We were lucky to have the teacher to ourselves since the third person never showed up. The teacher explained the techniques and walked us through the steps, which we then repeated. Little did I know that making croissants and pain au chocolat would be so tricky!

It turns out that layered yeast-leavened dough is one of the most technical doughs to make. My husband excelled since desserts are his forte but mine didn’t come out too bad. Ingredients and tools are on-site, and no preparation required before the class.

It’s recommended to attend the class hungry so you can enjoy the freshly baked croissants and pain au chocolat while they’re warm.

If you can’t finish them, pack them up and bring them with you. That is what we did! There is nothing better than strolling along the streets of Paris while savoring the delicious French pastries you made!    

Carl and Pamela enjoying their finished croissants at Patisserie A La Carte. This is another cooking class in Paris to take! Photo credit: Travel Like A Chieff

17. Irish Cooking Class at Dunbrody House Cookery School in Wexford, Ireland

Contributed by Grace from The Idyll

The wild Hook Peninsula in Ireland’s Co. Wexford is an idyllic setting for a cookery school. This is where you’ll find Dunbrody House Cookery School, surrounded by 300 acres of parkland. The school offers courses to suit all abilities in the kitchen. So whether you want to learn the basics or perfect a specialty, there will be a class to suit you.

When I stayed at Dunbrody House, which is also a hotel, I had the chance to spend an hour and a half in the cookery school with Julien Clemot.

Julien, the cookery school chef, makes learning new recipes fun. His enthusiasm was infectious that day and he showed endless patience when I couldn’t get the hang of piping pastry. He showed me how to whip up an easy smoked salmon and caviar to start with. We ended the class with delicious profiteroles, brushed with a simple lemon glaze.

At Dunbrody House Cookery School, the chefs focus on seasonality and locally sourced produce. The ingredients we used were either grown in the hotel’s herb and vegetable gardens or bought from local producers. For me, knowing that the dishes were fresh and wholesome made the experience extra special.

Beautiful salmon dish at Dunbrody House Cookery School. Photo credit: The Idyll

18. Italian Cooking Class at Juls Kitchen in Colle Val d’Elsa, Italy

Contributed by Chris from Explore Now Or Never

Taking a private one-day cooking class with Giulia Scarpaleggia from Juls Kitchen in her childhood home in the Tuscan countryside at Colle Val d’Elsa fulfilled a bucket list wish for me. The class is located an hour’s drive from Florence. Giulia offers one, two, and three-day classes and can accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diners.

Our class began with a market visit to taste local meats and cheeses and plan our menu for the day and ended with a leisurely lunch enjoying the fruits of our labors.

In between, we fried delicate squash blossoms and sage leaves, made a traditional savory chickpea cake with zucchini flowers, and rolled out homemade pasta that was served with a simple sauce of asparagus, zucchini, garlic, and stracciatella cheese.

After that, it was on to roasted mackerel with dill and potatoes and then fresh ricotta and berries for dessert.

It was lovely to hear all the stories behind the traditions of Giulia’s homemade limoncello and green walnut amaro that we sipped after the meal.

The roasted mackerel with potatoes are ready at Juls Kitchen. Photo credit: Explore Now Or Never

19. Italian Cooking Class at Context Travel in Florence, Italy

Contributed by Katy from Untold Morsels

An important part of every visit to Italy is discovering local food. Every region in Italy has its own specialties and favorite dishes, and the food from Tuscany is some of the most famous.

We took a market tour and cooking class in Florence with food writer and cook, Patrizia, from Context Travel, to discover how to prepare some of the region’s classic dishes.

Visiting the Mercato Sant’Ambrogio was an important part of our experience. After learning our food preferences (mainly feed us everything except offal!), Patrizia scoured the market stalls for the best cuts of meat and freshest fruit and vegetables for the recipes we would prepare.

We took a gentle stroll through the streets of Florence back to her apartment. She shared some old family recipes for beef peposo, fresh pasta with tomato sauce, and crostata, a delicious Tuscan jam tart. Peposo is a 600-year-old beef stew recipe that is said to have fed the workers making tiles for Brunelleschi’s dome on top of the city’s beautiful Duomo (cathedral). The meat is slow cooked, tender, and flavorful which was the highlight of our meal.

Over the half day we spent with Patrizia we learned how to cook some classic Tuscan dishes. They have been easy to recreate at home. We also learned about the history and character of Florence from the heart of the city over a delicious meal. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.

Making homemade pasta at Context Travel. Photo credit: Untold Morsels

20. Italian Cooking Class With Chef Fabio Bongianni in Rome, Italy

Contributed by Sherrie from Epiphany to Travel

Attending a cooking school while we took a holiday in Rome, Italy was my husband’s idea, since he is the cook in the house. I’m open to having new experiences, so I was in.

Our school began with meeting Chef Fabio Bongianni at his restaurant, “That’s Amore.” This was a semi-private cooking class. A group of us headed to the market to pick out the ingredients we needed to begin our cuisine collaboration. I was happy that my favorite food, carciofo, also known as artichoke, was included.

We headed to Chef’s actual home, which was equipped with everything we needed.  The atmosphere was relaxed and fun-filled. We laughed, made mistakes, and learned a lot. Making the actual pasta from scratch was something I have never done before. I loved learning Chef Bongianni’s techniques.   

Within 3 hours from start to finish we had a lunch set for kings and queens. Spinach and zucchini ravioli with tomato sauce and basil, carciofi alla Romana, baked eggplant with tomato and basil, and bruschetta with fresh tomato and basil. To end this delicious meal, we dived into strawberries with balsamic. Delicious!

Fresh pasta in the works at Chef Fabio Bongianni’s class. Photo credit: Epiphany to Travel

21. Italian Cooking Class at Cantina Goretti Winery in Perugia, Italy

Contributed by Andrew and Brenda from Dish Our Town

Taking a cooking class was never my thing. It always felt like a social event in which I’m rushed through, rather than getting an education.

During our last trip to the region of Umbria, in the town of Perugia, that all changed.

While there, we visited a family run vineyard named, Cantina Goretti. The estate is sprawling, and the aesthetic a hybrid of medieval architecture and James Bond chic, replete with brick tower structure and helicopter launch pad.

There are private rooms for tastings and parties in the tower. Near the fields, there is a wonderful glass structure in which cooking classes are held. Of course, there are the beautiful vineyards themselves.

We were introduced to the matriarch of the family, Nonna Marcella, who was in charge of the cooking class. Her granddaughters, Giulia and Sara, who now run the company, joined us and helped navigate us through some of the language barriers. We learned about their wines and served what they recommend to pair with them. We also received some background on the actual products that we were using that day to cook, from their own olive oil to the herbs we picked from their garden.

Before we were able to touch a rolling pin or put on an apron, I felt my family and I had already received more education than any other cooking class we had taken previously.

When we did get to cooking, Nonna was patient, yet strict to how we approached the materials and products. There was no timeline other than not stopping until we arrived at the recipes perfectly.

We made a few things that day. The one that stands out most was a simple flatbread recipe that came out tasting like no other bread product I had ever tried making.

It was a lesson in patience and the use of good products. It was simple, but the most satisfied I’ve been when it comes to cooking classes.

Group photo with Nonna Marcella’s family at Goretti Winery. Photo credit: Dish Our Town

22. Seafood Cooking Class at Sapori e Saperi in Viareggio, Italy

Contributed by Ann from Ann The Adventurist

Sapori e Saperi, located near Viareggio, in the Tuscany region of Italy, was worth every nickel and dime.

I took the 6 hours cooking lesson in May 2017. Our chef’s name was Gabrielle. She is Italian and has lived in Italy throughout her life.

We first met up at the pier at 9am and spent approximately 20 minutes there. Gabrielle brought some freshly caught seafood from vendors and showed us some of the sea creatures for sale. We saw a fisherman’s boat used to catch prawns. The following is a list of fresh seafood items purchased at the pier: mantis shrimp, eel, sea snails, cuttlefish, mussels, small local fish, grey mullet fish, and prawns.

The cooking lesson was somewhat hands-on. Gabrielle did the majority of the cooking while we assisted with the preparation.

For appetizers, we had marinated eels, stuffed mussels, sea snails, broiled prawns, and white bread. The stuffed mussels and prawns were delicious. I loved the eel the most. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it blew me away.

The first course was spaghetti with mantis shrimp. It was so scrumptious that I had a second plate.

The second course was a seafood stew, which included mussels, cuttlefish, prawns, and some kind of fish with a simple lettuce salad. The cuttlefish was tough to chew. The salad needed more ingredients to conceal the bitterness.

Dessert was strawberry sauce with ricotta and cream which I enjoyed. Simple and quick to make. Choice of beverages were homemade limoncello and Pecorino terre di chieti.

If you love seafood, I recommend this lesson. This was one of my top highlights in Italy.

The finished product – spaghetti with mantis shrimp at Sapori e Saperi. Photo credit: Ann The Adventurist

23. Asian Cooking Class at Culinary On in Bucharest, Romania

Contributed by Violeta Matei

If you visit Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, and have one evening to spare, join the Culinary On cooking classes.

I attended an Asian food cooking class which was both useful and entertaining. We were 20 people, split into teams of 4. Each team had its own cooking bench. The ingredients were already selected by the staff, so we only needed to peel, chop, and prepare them.

In the beginning, a professional chef explained to us what we had to do. He showed us how to handle the cooking utensils. I learned an easy way to peel ginger roots with a small spoon. I also learned that you can remove the stone of an avocado by sticking a knife blade into it and twisting it a little.

We cooked California maki, spicy soup with ginger and lemongrass, pasta, and sticky rice.

This was for the first time in my life I made pasta, and I was impressed with the outcome. You need to mix eggs and flour, and then let the dough rest for 30 minutes to one hour. We had a pasta making machine, so the process was fast. At home, I’m going to do this by hand, so I expect it to take a bit longer.

The cooking class started at 7pm, and ended at midnight. The cooking part took less time, but we also had dinner together to enjoy the results of our work.

Always smile when cooking at Culinary On! Photo credit: Violeta Matei

24. Spanish Cooking Class at Mimo Cooking School in San Sebastian, Spain – PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Contributed by Anisa from Two Traveling Texans

**Note: This cooking school is closed as of March 2020

We took a Pintxos cooking class at the Mimo Cooking School in San Sebastian, Spain, and I cannot say enough good things about it! I loved that it was a small class with several chefs to coach us.

San Sebastian is known for its pintxos which are Basque-style tapas. We made five different pintxos and then dessert. The cooking class was scheduled for four hours, but we were having so much fun it lasted almost six!

My favorite thing that we made was the croquetas. We made croqueta de txangurro which has crab, but you can adjust the recipe to make mushroom, ham, or any other kind of croquetas. I always thought that croquetas had potatoes in them, but I learned that isn’t the case. The inside of the croqueta is made of butter, flour, and milk.

The class included unlimited adult beverages which we enjoyed after preparing the ingredients.

We received the recipes for the dishes we made during the class. I’m a little embarrassed to say that we haven’t made any of them. I guess when I’m at home I tend to cook simple dishes.

Cheers from making pintxos at Mimo Cooking School! Photo credit: Two Traveling Texans

Cooking Classes in Middle East

25. Jordanian Cooking Class at Beit Sitti in Amman, Jordan

Contributed by Ayngelina from Bacon Is Magic

Jordan is home to breathtaking deserts, awe-inspiring ruins, and incredibly friendly people. But people often forget to mention the delicious Jordanian food.

One of my favorite experiences was taking several cooking classes in Jordan and one that stands out is Beit Sitti, which means “my grandmother’s house.” It’s been running for eight years and started by three sisters who wanted to pay tribute to their grandmother.

Beit Sitti is located in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Amman, Jabal Al Weibdeh, which is now known as an artists neighborhood. Maria runs the weekly classes and shares gorgeous vintage photos of both her grandmother and her mother in the house. It’s comfortable and feels like you’ve been invited into someone’s home to make traditional Jordanian cuisine.

I loved learning how to make my favorite dishes like the mouttabal, roasted eggplant dip, along with siniyet kafta, which is similar to a meatloaf topped with potatoes and tomatoes.

Delicious Jordanian Food at Beit Sitti. Photo credit: Bacon Is Magic

26. Turkish Cooking Class at Turkish Flavours in Istanbul, Turkey

Contributed by Clemens at Travellers Archive

Istanbul is one of our most favorite cities in the world. It’s diverse, bustling, and full of surprises.

After having traveled to this Turkish metropolis for several times and eaten our way through the little alleys and along big roads, we wanted to get an insight into daily life in Istanbul, into the pots, and into cooking.

Hence, we decided to meet a true local and to spend one day with her. Selin grew up in Istanbul and she loves cooking. Combining both, she started organizing her own cooking classes at Turkish Flavours.

We met Selin at the spice bazaar in the morning. Neither was it busy back then nor felt as if we met a stranger. Together with Selin, we bought spices that we needed for our meal.

An hour later, we took the ferry from the European to the Asian side of Istanbul and found ourselves right in Selin’s living room. It felt as if it was our home; it was cozy and super nice.

We started cooking and made a three-course meal. We loved how passionate our Turkish host was about the music she played, the wine we drank, and the dishes we cooked.

In the end, our group of 10 sat down at a big table. We listened to Selin’s stories about her Istanbul, her kitchen, and Turkish food. It was a truly magical experience that we’ll never forget.

Thanks to the little recipe book we received as a present, we can now cook some Turkish dishes at home.

The whole class included transport, nice spices tasting at the bazaar, cooking four dishes, and wine and water. It took around 5 hours and costs $100 USD.

The group is ready to eat at Turkish Flavours. Photo credit: Travellers Archive

27. Arabic Cooking Class at Al Maeda, DoubleTree Hilton in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Contributed by Aneesha from Om Nom Nirvana

One of the fun things to do in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is to try out an Arabic cooking class at Al Maeda in the DoubleTree Hilton at Jumeirah Beach Residence area.

Chef Lawrence Al Najjar has a different theme for delicious Arabic food every week. These classes happen every Tuesday for 199 AED ($54 USD) per person that lasts over 3 hours, but you can get them on request too.

You’ll spend time making a selection of 2 starters, 2 main courses, and a dessert, which is quite a lot. It’s a group style cooking class, so everyone helps each other out and helps out the chef in a rotation process.

Arabic cooking is usually a long and laborious process, so I thoroughly enjoyed Chef Najjar’s hacks on how to cut short time as much as possible.

I particularly loved his kunafa recipe, it’s my favorite Arabic sweet and I’ve relished it time and time again. You can also choose to make use of the hotel’s pool and facilities, which is a nice benefit.

The kunafa is done at Al Maeda, DoubleTree Hilton. Photo credit: On Nom Nirvana

Cooking Class in South America

28. Chocolate Making Class at Chocomuseo in Cusco, Peru

Contributed by Thais from World Trip Diaries

In a lot of Latin American countries, you’ll find this lovely and delicious place called Chocomuseo. They’re all great, but – and trust me, I’ve visited almost all of them – the one in Cusco, Peru is the best.

When we were there, we tried the workshop called Bean to Bar. We learned how chocolate is made, from the cacao beans to the incredible chocolate bars. The workshop lasts around 2 hours and it runs quite a few times every day.

Besides making the chocolate, we also had the chance to try a few drinks made with cacao, including one drink from the Inca period and the lovely cacao shell tea. In the end, we molded and packed our chocolates to take home.

It was an incredible experience, that everyone can enjoy. Chocomuseo offers other kinds of workshops and cooking classes too, and they vary depending on the location, so it’s worth to check each of them. The Peruvian chocolate was, by far, the best we had in all Latin America!

Roasted cacao beans at Chocomuseo. Photo credit: World Trip Diaries

We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of 28 amazing cooking classes around the world that you can take on your next adventure.

Which cooking classes from the list would you want to take? Have you taken a class before on your vacation? Let us know in the comments below.

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