We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlotte Serrano Pagan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlotte, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

Starting a business is never an easy task, but for us at Salsa Tours PR, it was a passion-driven decision. We wanted to share our love for salsa dancing and the rich cultural heritage of Puerto Rico with the world. The idea of combining dance lessons with exploring the island’s lively music and dance scene seemed like the perfect way to do it.

Our love for salsa dancing goes beyond just the dance itself. It is a lifestyle, a culture, and a way of expression that is deeply rooted in our heritage. Puerto Rico has a long and rich history of music and dance, and we wanted to showcase it to the world in a unique and authentic way.

We started by researching the market and identifying a gap in the tourism industry. While there were many tour operators offering traditional sightseeing tours, there were not many that focused on dance and music. We saw an opportunity to create a niche market that would appeal to those who wanted to experience the island’s culture through dance.

The next step was to develop a business plan that outlined our vision, mission, and goals. We spent months researching the industry, analyzing the competition, and identifying potential customers. We also developed a marketing plan that included social media, online advertising, and partnerships with local businesses.

We knew that to succeed, we needed to offer a unique and high-quality experience that would differentiate us from the competition. We recruited some of the best salsa instructors and local guides to provide our guests with an immersive and authentic experience. Our tours include not only dance lessons but also visits to some of the island’s best dance clubs, live music venues, and cultural attractions.

Starting a business is not without its challenges, but we are proud of what we have achieved so far. Our guests have come from all over the world to experience our tours, and we have received many positive reviews and feedback. We are constantly looking for ways to improve and expand our offerings, and we are excited about the future of Salsa Tours PR.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Welcome to Salsa Tours PR, where we are passionate about sharing our love for salsa dancing and Puerto Rican culture with visitors from all over the world. Our mission is to provide an immersive and authentic experience that combines dance lessons with exploring the island’s vibrant music and dance scene.

At Salsa Tours PR, we offer a range of services to cater to all levels of dancers, from beginners to advanced. Our group dance classes are led by some of the best salsa instructors in the industry, who bring their expertise and enthusiasm to every class. We also offer private lessons for those who want a more personalized experience, tailored to their individual needs.

What sets us apart from other tour operators is our custom tours of local dance clubs and events. We take our guests to some of the best venues on the island, where they can experience the thrill of dancing salsa with locals and other visitors. Our guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge of Puerto Rican culture and history, and they provide fascinating insights into the island’s rich musical heritage.

We also offer cultural tours of San Juan, where guests can learn about the city’s colonial history and explore its vibrant neighborhoods. Our custom tours can be tailored to suit our guests’ interests and preferences, whether they want to focus on dance, music, food, or culture.

At Salsa Tours PR, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality services that exceed our guests’ expectations. We are committed to creating a fun, safe, and welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable and inspired to dance. Our guests come from all walks of life, and we welcome individuals, couples, families, and groups.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

As a company that is deeply rooted in Puerto Rican culture, we at Salsa Tours PR are always excited to share our favorite spots to eat and things to do with visitors to the island. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning guest, we have a few recommendations for places to eat and things to do that will give you a taste of the island’s rich culture and history.

One of our favorite places to take visitors is La Placita, a popular outdoor market and nightlife destination in the heart of San Juan. Located in the vibrant Santurce neighborhood, La Placita is a lively and colorful marketplace that comes to life at night with music, dancing, and delicious street food. We recommend trying some of the local favorites, like pinchos (grilled skewers) and mofongo (mashed plantains with meat or seafood), and enjoying a cold drink while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Another must-see destination in San Juan is the historic district of Old San Juan. This charming area is home to colorful colonial buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and some of the island’s best restaurants and cafes. We recommend taking a walking tour of Old San Juan to learn about the area’s rich history and culture, and stopping at some of our favorite spots for a bite to eat, like Cafe Berlin or El Jibarito.

If you’re looking for something more active, we recommend taking a hike in El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System. Here you can explore miles of hiking trails, swim in natural pools, and marvel at the lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls.

Lastly, for those interested in exploring Puerto Rico’s rich musical heritage, we recommend visiting Casa de la Salsa in Bayamon. This iconic nightclub is known for its live music and dance performances, featuring some of the best salsa musicians and dancers in the industry. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant music and dance scene and experience the magic of salsa dancing in Puerto Rico.

In conclusion, Puerto Rico is a beautiful and culturally rich destination, and we hope our recommendations for places to eat and things to do will help you make the most of your visit. Whether you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene, a taste of local cuisine, or an outdoor adventure, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful island.

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The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

At Salsa Tours PR, we believe in supporting and uplifting other businesses in our community. That’s why we would like to take a moment to give a shoutout to two other tour companies in Puerto Rico that we feel deserve additional recognition and exposure: Tours To Do and Mariex Adventures.

Tours To Do is a tour company that offers a wide range of experiences, from historical walking tours of Old San Juan to adventurous zip-lining excursions in the lush Puerto Rican rainforest. Their knowledgeable guides and top-notch customer service make them a go-to choice for visitors looking to explore the island in a fun and informative way.

Mariex Adventures is another tour company that we highly recommend. They specialize in custom-tailored tours that cater to the unique interests and preferences of each individual visitor. From food tours that highlight the best local cuisine to off-the-beaten-path adventures that take you to hidden waterfalls and secluded beaches, Mariex Adventures is dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences that showcase the beauty and diversity of Puerto Rico.

We admire both Tours To Do and Mariex Adventures for their commitment to excellence and their passion for showcasing the best of our beautiful island. They are shining examples of the vibrant and supportive tourism community in Puerto Rico, and we are proud to call them our colleagues.

In conclusion, we believe that it’s important to recognize and support other businesses in our community, and we hope that our shoutout to Tours To Do and Mariex Adventures will encourage others to do the same. By working together and supporting each other, we can all help to promote Puerto Rico as a world-class destination for travelers from around the globe.

 

Website: www.salsatourspr.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salsatourspr

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.