Cartagena: Salsa Dancing Tour at Famous Local Bars

Cartagena, the vibrant coastal city of Colombia, is renowned for its captivating salsa culture. Travelers seeking to enjoy this rhythmic tradition can embark on a 4-hour Salsa Dancing Tour, exploring the city’s iconic local bars and indulging in tastings of Colombian beer and national rum. Guided by friendly experts, you will learn basic dance steps and have the opportunity to engage with enthusiastic locals, creating an intimate and lively atmosphere. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, this tour promises to connect you with Cartagena’s rich musical heritage and leave you eager to discover more about the city’s captivating salsa scene.

Key Points

• A 4-hour salsa dancing tour in Cartagena, featuring visits to four iconic local salsa bars and opportunities to learn basic salsa steps.
• Gain insights into the history and Puerto Rican influence of salsa, enhancing the cultural experience.
• Dance with local enthusiasts and practice basic salsa moves in a supportive and lively environment.
• Enjoy a tasting of Colombian beer and national rum as part of the culture.
• The tour offers flexibility, with no upfront payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Salsa Dancing Tour in Cartagena is a 4-hour activity that allows participants to learn about salsa history and its Puerto Rican influence while dancing with locals and visiting iconic salsa bars in the city.

Priced at $44.00 per person, the tour is limited to 10 participants and is available in both English and Spanish.

Guests will meet at the Clock Tower in Boca del Puente to embark on this immersive musical journey through Cartagena’s vibrant salsa culture.

The tour includes tasting Colombian beer and national rum, as well as experiencing the city’s lively nightlife and musical traditions.

Experience Highlights

Participants on the Salsa Dancing Tour in Cartagena will have the opportunity to learn about the history and Puerto Rican influence of salsa, as well as dance with local enthusiasts and master the basic steps.

The tour visits four iconic salsa bars in the city, allowing guests to enjoy Cartagena’s vibrant musical culture.

Alongside the dancing, travelers will also have the chance to sample Colombian beer and national rum.

This experience highlights the lively, rhythmic nature of this iconic Latin dance form and its deep roots in the local community.

Booking Information

With no upfront payment required, travelers can reserve their spot on the Salsa Dancing Tour in Cartagena and pay later.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, ensuring flexibility. Confirmation is provided upon booking, and travelers can rest assured that the tour will run as long as the minimum number of participants is met.

If the minimum isn’t reached, the tour operator will offer alternative dates or a full refund. Travelers can book with confidence, knowing they won’t be charged until the tour is confirmed, and they’ve the option to cancel without penalty if their plans change.

Important Considerations

Pregnant travelers should avoid this tour, as it isn’t recommended for them.

The tour also requires good weather conditions, and alternative dates or refunds will be provided if it’s canceled due to poor weather.

Most travelers can participate in this activity, though, as it doesn’t have any significant physical requirements.

The tour involves visiting several iconic salsa bars in Cartagena and learning basic salsa steps, so it’s suitable for both experienced dancers and those new to the dance form.

Participants can also expect to taste Colombian beer and national rum, further enhancing the culture experience.

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Customer Reviews

The customer reviews for the Salsa Dancing Tour in Cartagena present a mixed picture.

While some travelers praised the friendly guides and unique bar selections, others felt the salsa lessons were unnecessary.

With an overall rating of 3 out of 5 based on just 2 reviews, the tour seems to have divided opinions.

Experienced dancers, in particular, found the basic steps instruction redundant but still enjoyed seeing the local salsa scene.

Salsa History and Puerto Rican Influence

Why does the Salsa Dancing Tour in Cartagena emphasize the history and Puerto Rican influence of salsa?

The tour highlights the deep Puerto Rican roots of salsa, a dance style that emerged from a fusion of influences.

Salsa’s origins trace back to:

1. The rhythms and melodies of African musical traditions brought by slaves.
2. The Spanish-influenced sounds of the Caribbean, like the Son cubano.
3. The bold, passionate movements of Afro-Caribbean dances like the Mambo.

These elements combined in Puerto Rico to create the distinct salsa style that eventually spread across Latin America and the world.

Exploring this rich history allows tour participants to better understand the cultural significance and evolution of this iconic dance.

Dance With Locals and Learn Steps

One of the tour’s key highlights is the opportunity for participants to dance alongside local Cartageneros, learning the basic footwork and rhythmic patterns that define the salsa style. As the group visits each iconic salsa bar, the guide provides step-by-step instructions, breaking down the basic elements of the dance. Participants then have the chance to put their newfound skills to the test, joining the locals on the dance floor and practicing their moves. The lively atmosphere and supportive environment make it an approachable and enjoyable learning experience, even for those with little to no prior salsa experience.

Basic Salsa Steps
1. Forward/Back Basic
2. Side Basic
3. Crossover Basic
4. Turns
5. Dips

Iconic Salsa Bars in Cartagena

During the salsa dancing tour, participants have the opportunity to visit four iconic salsa bars located throughout the vibrant Cartagena city center.

These establishments offer an authentic glimpse into the city’s rich musical culture and lively nightlife. The tour takes guests to:

1. La Havana Club: A legendary salsa institution known for its lively atmosphere and talented local dancers.

2. El Coro: A charming colonial-style venue with an intimate ambiance and exceptional live music.

3. Café Havana: A renowned hotspot that celebrates the influence of Cuban salsa and showcases world-class performers.

Immersing oneself in these iconic salsa bars allows tour participants to fully experience Cartagena’s infectious dance scene and cultural vibrancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Alcohol to the Bars?

It’s generally not allowed to bring your own alcohol to bars. The bars on this tour likely serve alcoholic beverages, so it’s best to enjoy the drinks offered as part of the experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Salsa Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but participants should wear comfortable, modest clothing and shoes suitable for dancing. Casual attire like jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are generally appropriate for the tour’s nightclub and bar settings.

How Much Cash Should I Bring for Drinks and Tips?

The tour includes drinks at 4 bars, so participants should budget around $25-$35 USD for drinks and tips. The exact amount may vary depending on individual drink orders and generosity with tipping the local salsa instructors and bartenders.

Are There Any Health Requirements to Participate?

There are no strict health requirements to participate, but the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers. Most travelers can join, though good weather is required as the activity may be canceled due to poor conditions.

Can I Take Photos/Videos Inside the Salsa Bars?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos and videos inside the salsa bars, but they should be respectful of other patrons and follow any rules or restrictions set by the establishments. It’s recommended to check with the tour guide before taking any photographs or recordings.

Recap

The Cartagena Salsa Dancing Tour offers an immersive cultural experience, blending the vibrant rhythms of salsa with the rich heritage of Colombia’s coastal city. Guests can savor the local flavors, learn from friendly guides, and connect with enthusiastic dancers, creating an intimate and unforgettable evening that showcases Cartagena’s musical spirit. Whether a beginner or experienced dancer, this tour promises a lively and authentic exploration of the city’s salsa scene.

You can check if your dates are available here: