A Dance-Filled Journey from Varadero to Havana
Our 2020 trip was increíble… and we’re doing it again, bigger and better!
From Varadero’s palm-lined playas to Havana’s cobblestone calles, you’ll dance with world-class Cuban instructors, explore legendary music venues, and soak up la cultura like a local.
Whether you’re new to salsa or already have some fancy footwork, this trip is all about connection, comunidad, and dancing ‘til your feet (happily) say “basta.”
7 Days.
Pricing: $2,098 CAD*
* $1598 accommodation to Hola Sun Vacation + $500 to Shumdesalsa for land cost.
*Pricing is based on double occupancy.
*Packages above must be purchased separately
*Both packages must be purchased to reserve your spot.
*Includes airfare, hotels, transfers, classes, and activities.
What Makes This Trip Unforgettable
Dance Like a Local
20+ hours of instruction at ABA Dance Academy and hotel workshops led by Cuban pros who make every class feel like a party.
Cultural Immersion
Go beyond the dance floor. Enjoy guided city tours, local nightlife experiences, and a deep dive into Cuba’s vibrant culture.
All-Inclusive
From roundtrip flights and hotels to transfers and daily meals, we’ve got the logistics covered so you can focus on dancing, connecting, and exploring.
Cocktails & Connections
Start your trip with a welcome cocktail and spend your nights dancing in iconic venues like Casa de la Musica.
Come for the salsa, stay for the memories.
Your All-Inclusive Dance Tour Package Includes:
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Roundtrip flights Toronto ↔ Varadero
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7 nights accommodation (Varadero + Havana)
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All-inclusive meals in Varadero, daily breakfast in Havana
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20+ hours of professional dance lessons
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VIP access to select music venues
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Guided Havana city and cultural tours
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All airport/hotel/event transfers
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Departure taxes
Note: Meals in Havana are not included, about (~$15 USD per meal).
Your Week at a Glance
From sun-soaked mornings to lively Cuban nights, every day is packed with dance, culture, and connection.
Here’s what’s in store for your Shumdesalsa Dance Tour 2026.
🗓 Saturday, April 11 – Arrival in Varadero
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Land at Varadero Airport and transfer to Starfish Cuatro Palmas
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Welcome party & orientation meeting with your hosts
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Settle into your all-inclusive resort and meet your fellow dancers
🩰 Sunday, April 12 – Dance, Dance, Dance
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7:00–8:30 AM: Breakfast at hotel
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9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Dance lesson at dance studio
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(transportation included)
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12:30 PM: Lunch
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3:00–5:00 PM: Optional practice at hotel
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Evening: Dance outing (included) – you may invite your instructor (cover their entry fee)
💃 Monday, April 13 – Steps & Socials
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7:00–8:30 AM: Breakfast
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9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Dance lesson at dance studio
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12:30 PM: Lunch
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3:00–5:00 PM: Optional practice at hotel
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Evening: Dance outing (included)
🎶 Tuesday, April 14 – Perfecting the Rhythm
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7:00–8:30 AM: Breakfast
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9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Dance lesson at dance studio
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12:30 PM: Lunch
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3:00–5:00 PM: Optional practice at hotel
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Evening: Dance outing (included)
🎉 Wednesday, April 15 – Farewell to Varadero
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7:00–8:30 AM: Breakfast
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9:00 AM–1:00 PM: Dance lesson & farewell party
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12:30 PM: Lunch
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3:00–5:00 PM: Optional practice at hotel
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Evening: Casa de la Musica Varadero – Tribute to Buena Vista Social Club, welcome cocktail, VIP seats (included for Shumdesalsa group)
🚌 Thursday, April 16 – Havana Awaits
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7:00–8:30 AM: Breakfast
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Morning: Free time in Varadero
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12:30 PM: Lunch at hotel
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Afternoon: Private transfer to Havana
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5:00 PM: Check in at Mystique Hotel, Prado 163
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Evening: Dinner outing (not included) & Dance outing to Casa de la Musica Centro Havana (entry not included)
🌆 Friday, April 17 – Culture & Celebration
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7:00–8:30 AM: Breakfast
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9:30 AM: Cultural tour of Museo de los Orishas (included) + panoramic bus & walking tour of Havana
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12:00 PM: Lunch in Havana (not included)
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Afternoon: Optional dance practice at Paseo del Prado
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8:00 PM: Group farewell at El Guajirito Traditional Cuban Spectacle (entrance included; drinks extra)
✈️ Saturday, April 18 – Until We Dance Again
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7:00–8:30 AM: Breakfast
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Midday: Group farewell lunch (included)
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Afternoon: Transfer to Varadero Airport for departure
Book Your Spot – Vamos a Bailar
$2,098 CAD (double occupancy)
Includes flights, hotels, transfers, classes, and activities.
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$350 non-refundable deposit secures your spot
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Final payment due November 30, 2025
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Pay in full to lock in your seat and start counting down the días
**Airfare and Accommodation - $1598 **
$1598 (Paid directly to HolaSun Holidays)
**20 Hours of Classes and Lessons - $500**
(Paid directly to ShumdeSalsa)
Meet Your Instructors
Founder & Dance Instructor
Dailyn Martinez
Born and raised in Havana, Dailyn is a seasoned performer and instructor with a passion for Cuban arts and culture. She has danced with world-famous Cuban bands, performed internationally, and taught at top venues in Cuba and Toronto.
Known for her positivity and ability to bring out every dancer’s unique style, Dailyn makes each class a joyful, confidence-boosting experience.
Dance Instructor
Enrico Casertano
With over a decade of professional dance experience, Enrico brings Cuban salsa and its roots to life, Afro, Rumba, Son, Reggaeton, and more. Trained across Europe and Cuba, he’s taught and performed worldwide, even running his own dance studio in the Dominican Republic.
Enrico’s upbeat teaching style, multilingual flair, and supportive approach help every student find their rhythm and confidence.
Here’s How to Secure Your Spot
We’re so excited you’re joining us for 7 días of salsa, sunshine, and Cuban culture!
Because of travel regulations, your booking is split into two simple payments:
Step 1 – Flights & Accommodation
💳 Pay $1,598 CAD directly to our travel agency partner for your flights and hotel stay.
Contact :Veronica (416) 722-9076
email: salesaccts@holasunholidays.ca
****Provide your name as per valid passport, date of birth, mailing address and email.
Step 2 – Lessons & Local Experiences
💵 Pay $500 CAD directly to Shumdesalsa for:
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All your dance lessons
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Some venue entrance fees
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Select lunches/dinners in Havana
You can send this by e-transfer or pay in person at the studio:
📍 527 Bloor Street West, Toronto (during group lessons)
Please complete the mandatory form below to ensure that your reservation has all the correct and required information. We can't wait to dance with you.
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Do I need to be an experienced dancer?¡Para nada! This trip is open to all levels — from total beginners to experienced salseros. Our instructors will adapt lessons to your level so everyone feels comfortable and challenged.
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What’s included in the price?Your flights, 7 nights of accommodations, most meals, 20+ hours of dance lessons, guided tours, VIP music venue entries, and all transfers are included. See the “What’s Included” section above for full details.
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What’s not included?Lunches and dinners in Havana (~$15 USD each), drinks at some venues, your dance instructor’s club entry if you invite them out, and personal expenses like souvenirs.
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What’s the deposit and payment policy?A $350 CAD non-refundable deposit holds your spot. Final payment is due by November 30, 2025. You can also pay in full when booking to secure your spot.
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How many spots are available?We have space for just 16 paying passengers. Once it’s full, that’s it.
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What should I pack?Comfortable dance shoes, light clothing for warm weather, a light layer for evenings, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. Optional: small donations like school supplies, dance gear, or toiletries.
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Why are there two separate payments?Travel laws mean we can’t collect payment for flights and accommodation ourselves. The $1,598 CAD for flights + hotel is paid directly to our licensed travel agency. The $500 CAD for lessons, venue fees, and some meals is paid directly to Shumdesalsa.
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How do I pay the $1,598 for flights and accommodation?Once you’re ready to book, we’ll send you a secure link from our travel agency partner. You’ll pay them directly online.
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How do I pay the $500 land cost to Shumdesalsa?You can e-transfer the $500 CAD to Shumdesalsa or pay in person at our Toronto studio (527 Bloor Street West) during group lessons.
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Is the deposit refundable?All payments are non-refundable, so please be sure of your travel dates before booking.
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I am a complete beginner, can I still join the class?Absolutely! Our classes cater to both beginners and experienced dancers. Our instructors are trained to teach individuals with no dance background as well as those with experience.
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Can I do a trial class?Yes, you can! Contact us directly to schedule a drop-in class for $20 per person. We'll help you find the best level to start with.
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Do I need to bring a partner to register for a class?No dance partner is required. You can attend the class individually or with your friends. We do partner rotation in class, it will be a great way to meet new friends.
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What if I have to miss a class?Please inform us at least 24 hours in advance so we can arrange a make-up session within the same set of classes. If you miss multiple classes, we offer private sessions to help you catch up.
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I have a dance background. Which level should I register for?If you have experience with Cuban Salsa, please contact us directly to arrange a drop in class for $20 per class. In class, we can better advise you on a suitable level for you.
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What should you wear for classes?Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, like workout or gym attire. Street Latin dance shoes are not required for your first class; you can start with jazz shoes or dance sneakers. For special events like 'Salsa on St Clair,' feel free to dress up in festive attire!
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Where can I practice my dance moves learned in class?ShumdeSalsa hosts a Students Night Out Social at Lula Lounge at least once a month. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on all our events. Additionally, we participate in various Toronto dance events like 'Salsa on St Clair' where you can showcase your skills.
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How long does it take to learn?From our experience a minimum of 3 month until you feel fully comfortable and confident with your style.
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How many people are in the class?It depends on the levels and seasons, usually between 6 to 20 students per class.
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What is "shum"?Shum is a unique term coined by Dailyn, representing the free spirit of movement. It's not an English, Spanish, or Cuban word. For Dailyn, it means letting go of fears and moving freely to the music. As she says, "we all have Shum, and it's just a matter of time until we understand how to use it." This concept is central to ShumdeSalsa, making our approach to Cuban salsa unique. Once you learn to "shum," you'll become a danceholic of Cuban salsa.
If we missed something you’re curious about, no worries — we’re just an email away.
Whether it’s about packing tips, payment options, we’re happy to help.
📧 Booking & Payments: salesaccts@holasunholidays.ca
Agent: Veronica (416) 722-9076
📩 General Questions: shumdesalsa@gmail.com
Your Cuba Tour Survival Guide
We’ve got your vuelos, hoteles, and dance classes covered—pero there are a few little cosas that will make your week in Cuba even smoother.
Think of this as your inside scoop from seasoned bailarines: how to prep, what to pack, and a few local secrets to help you dance, eat, and explore like a pro.
Let's Go Dancing!
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Ready to hit the town with your instructor? It's a fantastic way to experience the local scene! Just a heads-up, it's considered polite to cover a few things for them:
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Entrance Fee: ( USD 10- USD 15 )
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A few drinks to keep the party going!
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Weather Watch
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April in Cuba is warm and sunny, 19–27°C, with around 10 hours of sunshine a day.
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Light showers are possible, pack light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and a light layer for cooler evenings.
Food & Drink
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Enjoy local street food, choose items cooked fresh and served hot.
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Drink bottled water only, stay hydrated, especially after dancing in the heat.
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If you feel weak or dehydrated, tell your Tour Leader immediately.
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Try Cuban cocktails and coffee for an authentic taste of la vida local.
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In Havana, lunches and dinners are not included, budget about $15 USD per meal.
Money & Safety
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ATMs are available but limited—bring Canadian cash.
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Inform your bank before travel to avoid declined transactions.
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Keep your passport, money, and tickets in a secure pouch or hotel safe.
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Make photocopies of important documents and keep them separate from the originals.
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Cuba is generally safe, but be mindful of pickpockets in busy areas.
Donations & Tipping
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If you'd like to bring a small gift to share, here are some ideas that are always greatly appreciated by the local community and our friends in Cuba:
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For the Musicians: Guitar strings, drumsticks, instrument cleaning supplies.
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For the Students: School supplies like pens, notebooks, crayons, and USB drives.
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For dance instructors: Dance shoes ,leggies ,workout clothing
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For Families: Vitamins, baby clothes, toys, and small first aid supplies.
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Everyday Items: New or used clothes, shoes, towels, eyeglasses, and personal care products like razors, soap, and toothpaste.
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