About this trip
Go off the beaten path to Santiago de Cuba. It has beautiful plazas such as Parque Cespedes and Plaza de Marte, a vibrant music and dance scene, and colorful architecture and art. Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar founded the village on July 25, 1515. It’s the second largest city in Cuba and was previously its capital. Santiago is located in the Oriente province of Cuba, meaning the eastern province, and is known as the most Caribbean city due to its geographic location.
Over the course of the week, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in daily dance classes taught by expert Cuban teachers. The classes will include Rumba, Rueda, Son, and Casino (Cuban Salsa). In the afternoons, go on excursions to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Gran Piedra and El Morro Castle, participate in workshops about Santeria, a popular Afro-Cuban religion or Son, the predecessor of salsa. In the evenings, the dance teachers and accompanists will join us at the city’s best night clubs for live music and dancing.
Travel with Salsa to Cuba and experience Cuban life up close and personal. In order to give you a more authentic experience, we’ll stay in casas particulares, or bed and breakfasts, owned by Cubans. This gives you the opportunity to connect with Cuban people directly. Your casa hosts care for your every need, and soon you’ll feel like part of the family. The daily dance classes and nightly outings give you a chance to develop friendships that last long after you return home. Stay in Santiago for a whole week, settle in, and really get to know the city, the people, and the culture.
What’s included
- accommodation
- Walking TourWalking Tour of historical city center
- Dance ClassesDance classes including Rumba, Rueda, Son and Casino (Cuban Salsa) 8hrs, all levels welcome
- Cuban dance teacher(s)Cuban dance teacher(s) for all levels
- Cuban dance partnerCuban dance partner for each participant
- Welcome ReceptionWelcome cocktail reception to meet the dancers
- Organized nights outThree organized evening activities with our dance teacher and dance accompanists. Entrance fees included for Cuban dance partners and teachers. First round of drinks included for everyone
- Workshops with localsMeet local musicians such as Septeto Tipico Tivoli, Conga de los Hoyos, dancers from Cutumba National Folkloric Ballet of Santiago de Cuba or local artists
- ExcursionsExcursions to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as El Morro, nature excursion to Gran Piedra and visit Santiago's most important church El Cobre
- MealsDaily breakfast, 3 lunches, welcome dinner and farewell dinner party with dancers
- Money GuideHow much spending money to bring, type of currency used in Cuba
- Orientation programEverything you need to know before you go
- Travel LicenseAmericans Traveling to Cuba: This trip is permitted through the “public performances, clinics, workshops, other athletic or nonathletic competitions, and exhibitions” category authorized by the Depart
What’s not included
- Flight
- Travel Insurance
- Medical Insurance
- Visa / Tourist Card
- Meals not listed
- Night Club entrance fees
- Private dance classes
- TransportationTransportation to and from airport. Can be organized upon request
- Checked bag fees