Salsa con Salsa: Beginner Salsa Class in San Juan
Learn why salsa puertorriqueña is the only salsa you’ll ever need.
Skill level: Two left feet
Duration: 2.5 hours
Group Size: 8-20
Ages: 18+
From: $55 p/p
Salsa is not just steps. Salsa is saoco, sabor, corazón.
It is the sound of Puerto Rico’s streets, the rhythm of our celebrations, the language of joy you speak with your whole body.
If you have ever wanted to try salsa but felt nervous, shy, stiff, or convinced you have two left feet, this class is for you. You will learn the basics, the history, the feeling, and the confidence to step into a San Juan salsa night like you were born for it.
This experience begins with a class in a local park and ends at one of the hottest salsa spots in the city where you can put your new moves to work.
Tour Highlights
- Professionally guided salsa instruction
- Brief intro to salsa’s history and foundations
- Easy, beginner friendly choreography
- Learn shines and partner work
- Take your new rhythm straight to a real salsa hotspot
- Photos and videos of your best moments
- A class designed for total beginners
What You’ll Experience
…and the rest of the story.
1️⃣ Warm Welcome and Meetup at the Oliver Hotel
Your evening kicks off in front of the Oliver Hotel, where the group gathers and the hype begins. The energy is light, fun, and full of “I’m nervous but excited.”
Your instructor, Gabby, sets the vibe from the first saludo. She brings her Puerto Rican and Colombian roots to every class, teaching salsa with joy, connection, and cultural pride.
The group takes a short walk to a nearby outdoor park where the magic happens.
2️⃣ Salsa Foundations, History, and Shines
At 8 p.m. the music starts and the class begins.
Before the moves, you get a quick look into what salsa really is and where it comes from. The forefathers, the sound, the swagger, the reason Puerto Rico claims salsa with pride.
Then it is time to move.
You start with shines, which are individual steps that get your body comfortable with rhythm and timing. You laugh, you loosen up, you find the beat. Or the beat finds you.
This part turns even the shyest dancers into smiling ones.
3️⃣ Partner Work and Real Technique
Once the group loosens up, Gabby splits the class into leads and follows.
You learn how to connect, how to turn, how to communicate without words, and how to make the steps feel natural.
She teaches slowly, with humor and patience, and creates the kind of environment where mistakes turn into inside jokes.
Everyone improves faster than they expect.
4️⃣ Salsa Night Out at a Local Hotspot
Now comes the moment everyone talks about.
You take your brand new moves into the streets of San Juan and step into a real salsa hotspot. The music is loud, the floor is alive, and the vibe is pure Borinquen.
You dance as much or as little as you want.
You watch locals who move like water.
You try a spin.
You laugh.
You get videos and photos that prove you did it.
This is salsa at its best.
(Note: Salsa hotspot visit not included in the 2 p.m. class.)
5️⃣Goodbye for Now, Saoco for Life
Around 10:30 p.m., you wrap up the night.
Some head home glowing.
Some stay because the spotlight feels too good.
Either way, you leave with saoco, sabor, and a memory you’ll brag about forever.
Who Loves This Tour
- Complete beginners with zero experience
- Travelers who want something fun and social
- Guests hoping to understand salsa culture, not just the steps
- People who want to dance but feel intimidated
- Solo travelers, couples, and groups
- Anyone who wants a joyful night in San Juan
What’s Included
- Professionally guided salsa instruction
- Brief history lesson on salsa’s roots
- Beginner shines and partner work
- Videos and photos of your highlights
- Night out at a salsa hotspot (evening class only)
- A supportive, hype filled environment for all levels
Difficulty + Participation
Skill level is pure beginner friendly. No experience required. Two left feet welcome and celebrated.
This class is about trying something new, having fun, and letting the music lead. Confidence grows fast here.
Safety Comes First
We choose open, accessible spaces for the class and guide partner work with care and respect. Hydration and comfort are key, and we encourage breaks when needed. Your instructor sets the tone for a supportive and safe environment.
Why Tranki Tours?
We bring Puerto Rico’s rhythm to you a lo tranki, with energy, laughter, and a deep love for our culture.
We do not teach salsa like a strict ballroom studio. We teach it like the island does, with warmth, with stories, with sabor, with confidence. We share the roots, the feeling, the saoco, and the joy behind every step.
Our guides and instructors:
- Celebrate every tiny victory
- Create space for fun, not pressur
- Teach beginners with patience and humor
- Connect you to the island through music and movement
We believe salsa should be joyful, not intimidating. Playful, not perfect. A celebration, not a test.
So loosen your shoulders, take a breath, and let Puerto Rico move you, tranquilo y con corazón.
Book Your Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any dance experience?
No experience needed. This class is designed for complete beginners who want to learn salsa in a fun, low pressure environment.
What if I really do have two left feet?
Perfect. Two left feet are better than none. Our instructor teaches slowly, with humor and patience. Everyone improves and everyone has fun.
Is this class good for solo travelers?
Yes. Many guests come alone. You will rotate partners and meet new people quickly. Salsa is naturally social.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes you can move in. Heels are not necessary. Bring water and a small towel because Puerto Rico gets humid fast.
How long is the class and night out?
The full experience lasts about 2.5 hours. Class takes place first, followed by a visit to a salsa hotspot for those in the evening session.
Is the salsa club included for every class?
No. The 2 p.m. class ends after instruction. Only the evening class includes the salsa night out.
Is this a good way to experience nightlife in Puerto Rico?
Absolutely. The class transitions into an authentic salsa experience where locals dance, socialize, and enjoy the music. It is a safe, fun, cultural way to enjoy the city.
Do I need to bring a partner?
No. Partners rotate during class. You can come solo, with friends, or with a partner.
What is the cancellation policy?
We follow a firm 48 hour cancellation policy. No refunds for late arrivals, no shows, or same day cancellations.
Ready to Find Your Saoco?
Learn salsa the Puerto Rican way. Laugh, move, feel the rhythm, and take your new steps straight into the streets of San Juan.
Salsa puertorriqueña o nada.