Best country to learn salsa and have a fun vacation

[tocatimba]

Cali is a great choice --- in fact I'm thinking of going there for my next Latin American trip.

I dance casino exclusively. If you decide to go to Cuba, PM me and I'll help you out. I just got back from a couple weeks in Havana and I know the scene pretty well. Cuba in general (depending on what you do) is NOT cheap. However concerts and
salsa instruction is pretty good. World class instruction for 10 dollars/hour in the capital. Big name timba band concierts are 10 dollar admission ... big name rumba groups charge from 1 dollar to 5 dollars depending on the venue.

 

[MacMoto]

What countries/cities do you think are best for a solo salsa traveler who wants to hire a private teacher and also have some nice "normal" tourist experiences?

Since you mention language being a factor, have you considered US cities?

 

[sunsoul]

In Cali the two main salsa clubs in the centre of town (Zaperoco & Tin Tin Deo) are like in Europe/US where everyone dances with everyone else. Ladies will accept offers to dance with guys they don't know... In most other places it is the norm to go out with friends... In Colombia it is easy to make contacts and friends though!

 

[combo]

Just saw this thread. I'll add that any time of year is good for Salsa in Cali. Obviously, la Feria and the Festival have relatively more activities, but there is ALWAYS something Salsa-related going on in Cali. I can't imagine a city more Salsa-obsessed anywhere in the World.

Also, I'd second the recommendation to stay at Ara's place. He can help you to "hit the ground running" on your visit.

 

[salsera_alemana]

Anyway, a salsa dancer from Cali can dance with any other salsa stylist and vice versa, because at the core, the roots of salsa dancing are the same. In another thread here, one of the Puerto Rican style dancers mentioned that she went to a party with a lot of Colombians and she has a great time dancing salsa with them.

That was me. I have not been to Colombia yet but in my salsa beginnings over 20 years ago I danced with dancers from all styles, also Colombians, and the basic step is the basic step, no matter what style you dance, as long as you dance salsa. Every now and then we are invited to all Colombian parties here and many of these Colombians are from Cali. Yes, they do more pronounced stepping as in other styles but that will not impede you from following because they still remain in the basic step. No, there is not much turning in Colombian salsa, from what I have seen.

If I were you, I would definitely go to a Latin country if your main goal is authentic salsa. You can immerse yourself into the dance and the culture. The combination of both, i. e. the dance culture, is very different to the international scene, i. e. in non-Latin countries. People go out to dance for fun, not for competition purposes. The focus is completely different. I just love it and everything else is only a temporary replacement for me and cannot live up to the "real thing" (except here in Florida).

My favorite place is Puerto Rico but that is also probably the most expensive salsa destination. Also, Cuba is a great country for a vacation! You will experience so much authentic Latin culture! And no, Cuba is not that cheap. Fidel (now Raúl) wants your dollars/euros for every step you take.

Now, if you travel all by yourself (i. e. without a companion) you might want to consider another destination. I think, as a woman by yourself, you are more "exposed" as a vulnerable "target" in Latin countries and cannot move around as freely as you e. g. would in Sweden or in the Netherlands. I don't know how it is for a woman all by herself in Cali, though. In Puerto Rico I would not want to drive around to salsa clubs all by myself at night because it is dangerous. Neither would I want to roam around Havana all by myself in the middle of the night. I always travelled with a like-minded (salsa) girlfriend to these destinations (Puerto Rico, Cuba, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Miami etc.) and had the time of my life!

 

[salsera_alemana]

By the way, there are organized salsa trips to Cuba. So if you are all by yourself, that might be an alternative for you. These organizers include salsa lessons with Cuban dance partners into the trip. I am sure that makes it so much more fun!

 

[azana]

Now, if you travel all by yourself (i. e. without a companion) you might want to consider another destination. I think, as a woman by yourself, you are more "exposed" as a vulnerable "target" in Latin countries and cannot move around as freely as you e. g. would in Sweden or in the Netherlands. I don't know how it is for a woman all by herself in Cali, though. In Puerto Rico I would not want to drive around to salsa clubs all by myself at night because it is dangerous. Neither would I want to roam around Havana all by myself in the middle of the night. I always travelled with a like-minded (salsa) girlfriend to these destinations (Puerto Rico, Cuba, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Miami etc.) and had the time of my life!

Oh nonsense. Travelled around Cuba (including roaming Havana at night!), Colombia, Puerto Rico (by publico), Venezuela, Costa Rica and many more countries both Latin and un-Latin as a girl on my own. It's experience and common sense, and you quickly develop a sense of intuition. I travelled through 20 countries on my own when I was 18 (starting in Mexico) then decided to first hit Africa at 20. I'm not special; I just wanted to see the world, and I wouldn't have if I'd waited around until I had someone to come with me. Anyone can do it. You get out there, start to do it, and realise you can. Take Colombia. The bus system is awesome. I often meet people in dorms who want to come out and experience the local salsa clubs. Well, okay, I can swear to hell and back in Spanish. Always helps

 

[salsera_alemana]

Oh nonsense. Travelled around Cuba (including roaming Havana at night!), Colombia, Puerto Rico (by publico), Venezuela, Costa Rica and many more countries both Latin and un-Latin as a girl on my own. It's experience and common sense, and you quickly develop a sense of intuition. I travelled through 20 countries on my own when I was 18 (starting in Mexico) then decided to first hit Africa at 20. I'm not special; I just wanted to see the world, and I wouldn't have if I'd waited around until I had someone to come with me. Anyone can do it. You get out there, start to do it, and realise you can. Take Colombia. The bus system is awesome. I often meet people in dorms who want to come out and experience the local salsa clubs. Well, okay, I can swear to hell and back in Spanish. Always helps

Azana, you seem to be fearless. I know other women who did not mind travelling the world by themselves. If you like it and feel safe, then that is great and an advantage for you. I could have never done it myself. However, one should not be naive. Puerto Rico, Venezuela etc. are dangerous places and as a woman by yourself you are much more a target than as a tall, strong guy by yourself (guys are not really safe, either, many have been robbed in places like Mexico and other Latin American countries). Many male Puerto Ricans I know stopped going out to many clubs in PR because they feel it is too dangerous nowadays. Years ago there was an unofficial rule that you do NOT stop at red lights in San Juan at night. You slow down and only stop briefly if there is traffic coming towards you from another direction and then you proceed.

One of my Latina girlfriends told me already 20 years ago how dangerous Venezuela, especially Caracas, is, she was robbed in a bus there. And I did not feel safe in Caracas, either!

If you travel by yourself, you should definitely speak Spanish!

 

[Smejmoon]

I travelled through 20 countries on my own when I was 18 (starting in Mexico) then decided to first hit Africa at 20. I'm not special;

You are special. I know girls who have done this, they all are special. Unfortunately some of them are already dead because of dangers on the road.

 

[sunsoul]

Yes, I was talking to a European girl in Cali the other night and she was saying how men would bother and look at her if she was alone.. If you know the area well and where to go then a few places would be OK to go alone. But, generally a foreign girl should always be with someone - it's common sense! Talking about night time and going to discoteques at least. Travelling in the day with some awareness of local culture would not be so bad..

 

[Salsa Bear]

Oh nonsense. Travelled around Cuba (including roaming Havana at night!), Colombia, Puerto Rico (by publico), Venezuela, Costa Rica and many more countries both Latin and un-Latin as a girl on my own. It's experience and common sense, and you quickly develop a sense of intuition. I travelled through 20 countries on my own when I was 18 (starting in Mexico) then decided to first hit Africa at 20.

Africa gets a lot of bad press; many regions are (or were) amazingly safe. I spent some time in Kenya long ago, and I was blown away not only by the diversity but by people's friendliness - from Kikuyu farmers to the Masai, Indian truck drivers to Arabs on the island of Lamu. Of course, I spent most of my time in the bush, and the wilderness is always safer than civilization. Plus I was seldom really alone.

I spent a little in Mexico alone, and I knew very little Spanish. However, I'm a guy, and I spent most of my time in a remote area where people were really friendly.

But times have changed. The corporate war against terrorism has stirred things up in a lot of countries. I think even a lot of developed nations are becoming more dangerous as they descend into economic and political chaos.

Ironically, I was almost killed by some guys who attacked me on my way to work right here in Seattle. I would NEVER tell a foreign visitor that Seattle's a safe city. There are neighborhoods that are very dangerous, and gangs of U.S. soldiers from Fort Lewis - America's most notoriously troubled military base - were recently assaulting even groups of people right in Seattle's university district. To put it another way, Seattle's safe 95% of the time, as long as you use a little common sense. But there are no guarantees.

I'm also struck by the number of visibly wacko people here in the U.S.; I don't recall seeing those kinds of people in Mexico or Kenya. There were poor people, but they weren't ordinarily violent or mental.

People have warned me that it's dangerous for a gringo to travel alone in most parts of South America. I suspect that will change as Latin economies continue to improve.

If I ever visit Cali, I'll probably hire DJ Ara as a bodyguard. Hopefully, I'll only need protection from all those salseras.

 

[azana]

Still think it's nonsense

 

[tocatimba]

Still think it's nonsense

I think that Cuba is super safe. It has one of the lowest violent crime rates on the planet (I've read this at least and find it believable). If your are going to dance and lesson and are in tourist venues, I don't think there are/would be any problems for a woman. I traveled in several other Latin countries by myself (e.g. Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica, Nicaragua) and I do not think they have the same level of safety as Cuba does. Just a very biased opinion so take it for what it is worth.

 

[DJ Ara]

I'm also struck by the number of visibly wacko people here in the U.S.; I don't recall seeing those kinds of people in Mexico or Kenya. There were poor people, but they weren't ordinarily violent or mental.

The type of violence we see in the US and parts of Europe, where people attack others just for the hell of it are very uncommon in places like Cali. Such characters would NOT fare well here...

Basically if you don't look for trouble, it will not find you. I think that Azana has enough travel experience to keep out of trouble if she just takes the normal precautions, which includes not getting too overconfident.

LOL. I have seen people in relatively good areas of London get assaulted because they let their guards down at the wrong time.

People have warned me that it's dangerous for a gringo to travel alone in most parts of South America. I suspect that will change as Latin economies continue to improve.

I would say that South America is safer than the general publicity would have us believe.

I live in a safe part of town. The salsa hotel is less than a minute's walk from my apartment. In the evenings you have senior citizens walking their dogs. There are lots of cafe's and restaurants in the same area, so on the weekends the area is buzzing, but no major incidents for the two years I have been living there. Actually, not even hints of incidents.

Other times I am out and about enjoying the salsa night life, specially during the festivals. Same story. All fun and games.

If I ever visit Cali, I'll probably hire DJ Ara as a bodyguard. Hopefully, I'll only need protection from all those salseras.

I will use a very small stick to keep those salseras away....LOL!

Seriously, no need for bodyguards. One will just need a local Salsero friend to advise and make the right recommendations so that one can make the best of his or her time in Cali.

 

[Salsa Bear]

Still think it's nonsense

WHAT'S nonsense - the idea that it's dangerous for a woman to travel alone in Latin countries? I disagree, but I wouldn't argue about it to your face, because you'd probably kick my ass.

 

[Salsa Bear]

Incidentally, I've heard that even Medellin - the famous drug cartel city - is pretty safe. I've also heard it's a very beautiful city? Is that true? And what kind of dance scene does Medellin have, anyway?

 

[londongirl]

It is nonsense. You need common sense, street 'smarts' and respect for the culture & society you are in.

I think what a lot of men forget is that for many/most women every single day is full of potential threats where-ever you live*.

I never walk alone at night or through a lonely place at any time of day without making constant assessment of risks. Also walking past groups of men at any time of day; do I cross the street or not, do I turn around, do I go into that venue/shop/cafe whatever. Ditto what train compartment I get into, when I walk into a bar, when someone offers me a lift home etc etc etc etc.

I have travelled and worked in Latin America, East and Southern Africa, Far East, plus Europe and Northern Americas over the last 15 years...

...the city I've felt most unsafe and had most bad experiences = Paris.
2nd worst = Amsterdam. 3rd worst = Washington DC.


*((and also actually most violence against women comes from people they know))

 

[azana]

Sorry, guys, I'm just in the habit of hearing from people who've never travelled as a woman on their own about how dangerous it is and how brave I must be, and it tends to annoy me! "Fearless"! Absolutely not Latin America? While yes, it helps that I speak good Spanish, it is still probably my favorite place on earth. Try getting across Tajikistan and back on your own - virtually no infrastructure, constant bargaining to the death over the price of seats in marshrutkas...As I said before, I'm also not going to stay at home and miss out if I have no one to go with. I is just normal girl

respect for the culture & society you are in.

Hugely important. It's also the way you travel - for me it's local, public transport and simple, functioning hostels. You meet the local people and have a greater sense of immersion. I detest tour groups and tend to avoid hotels and hotel districts, where you're more of a target anyway. I find you receive a lot of respect from local people when you travel simply.

 

[DJ Ara]

You need common sense, street 'smarts' and respect for the culture & society you are in.

Respect for the society you are in is fundamental.

I think what a lot of men forget is that for many/most women every single day is full of potential threats where-ever you live*.

I never walk alone at night or through a lonely place at any time of day without making constant assessment of risks. Also walking past groups of men at any time of day; do I cross the street or not, do I turn around, do I go into that venue/shop/cafe whatever. Ditto what train compartment I get into, when I walk into a bar, when someone offers me a lift home etc etc etc etc.

That makes London sound a hell of lot more unsafe than Cali...

There is an additional factor that one should consider in parts of South America, such as Cali. If you are a woman and some nut starts bothering you in the street, he may end up having his lights knocked out before he knows it. People do tend to help in the unlikely case of some body overtly using threatening behavior against an innocent passerby.

I have travelled and worked in Latin America, East and Southern Africa, Far East, plus Europe and Northern Americas over the last 15 years...

...the city I've felt most unsafe and had most bad experiences = Paris.
2nd worst = Amsterdam. 3rd worst = Washington DC.

The point you just made illustrates that a lot of crime has a psychological basis to it. In some areas of the world gratitious violence is tolerated and even encouraged (not by accident) by light sentences.

In parts places like Colombia, people who go out to cause trouble for the hell of it, would not be around for too long. The society does not accept this kind of behavior.

So, the traveller to Cali, should avoid the rough neighborhoods. Take extra care in certain parts of town at night and make local contacts and connections to have a smoother and a more 'efficient' experience.

 

[bailar y tocar]

The random unconnected and unpredictable street violence typically happens in places where people go out in larger groups to get drunk and carry on. Another factor is an active street drug scene. Street drug scenes (Amsterdam, Zurich) are not necessarily violent but there will always be a lot of theft and petty robberies in the neighborhoods where drug addicts hang out.

Cuba is very safe regarding violent crime but although Cuban pickpockets are amateurs compared to the ones in Budapest and Rome, there are so many, one just can't risk having anything of value (cameras, phones, purses, wallets) in plain sight.

I was pleasantly surprised that the pickpockets in Cali Colombia were either not interested, on vacation or enjoying La Feria themselves.