Taste Journey in an Ancient Canarian Village

Taste Journey in an Ancient Canarian Village: A Deep Dive

For those craving a taste of Tenerife’s true character, this Taste Journey in an Ancient Canarian Village offers a charming glimpse into local life, flavors, and history. While I haven’t personally attended, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a genuinely engaging experience that combines food, storytelling, and culture in a beautiful mountain setting.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the opportunity to make and taste traditional mojos with fresh, local ingredients. Second, the authentic village atmosphere—think narrow streets, terraced fields, and an old threshing circle—that transports you away from tourist crowds. Third, the warm, knowledgeable hosts, Ave and Erik, who craft a lively and educational experience.

One potential point to consider is that transport isn’t included—so you’ll need to arrange your own way there. This makes it ideal for those renting cars or staying nearby. This experience suits travelers eager to connect with Tenerife beyond the beaches, especially those interested in food, history, and local stories.

Good To Know

• Authentic Canarian flavors: Learn to make traditional mojos using fresh, local ingredients.
• Cultural immersion: The village setting, ancient fields, and storytelling add depth to the experience.
• Hands-on activity: You’ll get to grind ingredients with a mortar and pestle, making it more memorable than just watching a demo.
• Small group: Limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized and friendly atmosphere.
• Value for money: At $33.25, it offers a well-rounded mix of food, drinks, stories, and cultural insight.
• Ideal for: Food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Tenerife.

Exploring the Itinerary and What You Can Expect

Meeting in Chirche and the Drive to the Village

The tour starts at C. San Felipe In Chirche, a tiny, charming village perched at about 800 meters elevation. You might not realize how quickly the scenery changes from the coast to the lush mountains, and this drive alone offers a taste of Tenerife’s diverse landscapes. Reviewers mention a “narrow winding road” leading to the village, which is part of the adventure and adds to the sense of discovery.

The Village Charm and Historical Setting

Once there, you’re immersed in a 200+ year old house, restored with care to preserve its original features. The village bustles with ancient terrace fields and threshing grounds, providing a tangible link to local life from generations past. Reviewers highlight the calm and beautiful location, making it a peaceful backdrop for learning and tasting.

The Mojo Making Workshop

The heart of the experience is the interactive cooking class led by Chef Ave, a seasoned chef with cruise line experience. You’ll use mortar and pestle to prepare traditional mojos, which are essential Canarian condiments. Expect to work with local, fresh ingredients, and learn about their origins and significance.

Reviewers describe it as “very hands-on” and appreciate the storytelling about the history of the recipes. As you grind and mix, Chef Ave shares entertaining anecdotes, keeping the atmosphere lively. The process not only teaches you how to make the sauces but also connects you to Canarian culinary traditions.

Tasting and Refreshments

After creating the mojos, you’ll enjoy tasting them along with bread, potatoes, and local wine. The reviews speak highly of the delicious food and the convivial ambiance. One reviewer mentions, “good food, good company and interesting stories,” while others praise the local wine that complements the flavors perfectly.

Additional Cultural Insights

Post-tasting, a short walk around the village or nearby gardens offers a chance to learn more about Tenerife’s agricultural history and traditional practices. Erik, another host, adds stories about Tenerife’s past and present, further enriching the experience.

Wrap-up and Return

The tour concludes back at the original meeting point, making it easy to plan your next adventure. Since transport isn’t included, many guests combine this with other local activities or rent cars to explore more of Tenerife at their own pace.

Real Traveler Insights and Highlights

Guests consistently rave about the warm hospitality and authentic atmosphere. One reviewer mentions, “Thank you, Erik and Ave, for a great experience”, highlighting the friendly hosts. Many found the location in Casa Carmen to be incredibly charming, with some extending their visit to nearby sights like Mount Teide.

The small group size (max 8) ensures a cozy, engaging environment. Reviewers also note the value for money—for around $33, you’re getting a cultural lesson, culinary skills, and local wine—a lot packed into just two hours.

The storytelling aspect is particularly praised. Erik delivers “interesting stories about life in Tenerife” while Ave keeps the atmosphere lively through her cooking instructions. This personal touch makes the experience memorable beyond just the food.

Practical Considerations

While the experience is highly praised, remember that transport isn’t provided. If you’re not staying near Chirche or don’t plan to rent a vehicle, organizing a transfer or joining with a local guide might be necessary. The tour lasts around 2 hours, so it’s a manageable addition to your day, especially if you love small, interactive activities.

The price point makes it accessible for most travelers, considering the inclusion of a cooking class, storytelling, refreshments, and tasting. It fits well into a day exploring Tenerife’s inland villages or as a cultural break from beach days.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for foodies eager to learn authentic recipes, especially mojo sauces, and culture seekers wanting a deeper understanding of Tenerife’s traditions. It also appeals to those who enjoy small-group, personalized experiences with storytelling and a relaxed atmosphere.

Travelers interested in local wines and tasty tapas will find plenty to savor here. If you like hands-on activities and enjoy learning through participation rather than passive observation, this tour ticks all the boxes.

The Sum Up

The Taste Journey in an Ancient Canarian Village offers a delightful blend of culinary, cultural, and scenic experiences. With its intimate setting, engaging hosts, and authentic flavors, it’s a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours steeped in Tenerife’s local life. The tour’s affordability, combined with the richness of the stories and flavors, makes it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to connect more deeply with the island’s heritage.

Ideal for curious travelers, food lovers, and those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this experience provides not just a tasting but a window into Tenerife’s soul. Whether you’re alone, with friends, or as a couple, you’ll walk away with new skills, great stories, and a full belly.

FAQs

Is transportation included? No, transport is not included. You’ll need to organize your own way to the meeting point in Chirche, possibly via rental car or local transport.

How long does the tour last? The experience takes approximately 2 hours, making it a perfect short activity to add to your day in Tenerife.

What is the group size? The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

What’s included in the price? The fee covers the cooking class, instructor, refreshments, storytelling, and tasting of the mojos, bread, potatoes, and local wine.

Is this suitable for children or those with health restrictions? Yes, the tour is suitable for everyone and has no health limitations. Service animals are allowed.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Do I need to know how to cook? Not at all. This is a fun, hands-on activity designed for all skill levels, with guidance from your hosts.

What should I bring? Just your curiosity and a sense of adventure. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the walk around the village afterward.

In essence, this tour delivers a warm, authentic slice of Tenerife life in a scenic mountain village with plenty of tasty bites and engaging stories along the way. It’s a wonderful way to deepen your understanding of Canarian culture without the touristy fuss.