Salsa in Havana, Cuba (9 days/8 nights)

Salsa dance trip Havana, Cuba

Salsa in Havana, the birthplace of Cuban salsa. It’s how the city breathes. Bands everywhere, music everywhere, and every afternoon and evening a dance floor full of Cubans somewhere.

This is a popular trip, and for good reason. You get at least five sessions of three hours of intensive lessons from professional Cuban dance teachers — beginner or advanced, everyone dances at their own level. And here’s what makes it special: every participant gets their own Cuban dance partner. They join you at the parties and on a few excursions. That’s exactly what makes this week what it is — out and about with Cubans. A fan of the Rueda de Casino? We take plenty of time for that.

You will stay in the old heart of Havana, Havana Vieja. Lessons during the day, the city in the afternoon or simply nothing at all, and in the evening dancing at fantastic places, like Jardines 1830, Casa de la Música or a live concert by a Cuban band. We know the places, the schools and the people. All you have to do is come along. Solo or together, both are fine. The group is fun and mixed, with Dutch-speaking guidance on location. The lessons take place in a Cuban dance school.

In between, you’ll discover the city: a guided walk through 350-year-old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a free day of your own choosing — the beach, the tobacco plantations of Viñales, or a ride through the city in an open vintage car. We round off the final dance day on the beach, with lessons in a beach bar followed by the farewell party.

We know the places, the schools and the people. All you have to do is come along.

Solo or together, both are fine. The group is fun and mixed, with Dutch-speaking guidance on location. Flight, hotel, visa, transfers, lessons, parties and excursions — all arranged.

You can choose where you stay — both right in the heart of Havana Vieja.

Casa particular (B&B)
An authentic Cuban casa in the old town. Large, basic rooms with private bathroom, shower and air conditioning. Breakfast included. As close to the real Havana as you can get.

Gran Hotel Bristol — Meliá
Very close to El Capitolio. Comfortable ***** rooms and suites in 1930s Art Deco style, with a rooftop pool looking straight out over El Capitolio.

Karelia Despaigne
Founder, choreographer and dancer of Tierra Kaliente. She trained as a dance teacher and folklore dancer at the EVA “José María Heredia” in Santiago de Cuba, and was lead soloist of the professional company Folklórico Oriente. Karelia has danced in 17 countries and was voted the best Cuban dancer in the world.

More than 100 dance partners
We only work with the three best dance schools in Havana. Every participant gets their own Cuban dance partner — young, well-trained dancers, carefully selected.