Santurce’s famous market – La Placita – has been the hub of San Juan’s nightlife and salsa scene for many years. The historic market plaza and its surrounding streets host what becomes a street party and jam session: people meeting up, drinking, eating and, as soon as the salsa bands start to play, dancing starts and lasts into the wee hours of the morning.

The launch of La Ruta de la Salsa, or The Salsa Route, aims to provide both local and international tourists an in-depth look at the salsa music genre, honoring past legends such as Héctor Lavoe, Ismael Rivera and Cheo Feliciano.

Salsa is the name used to identify an epoch in the evolution of Afro-Antilles popular music.  In Puerto Rico, it is the musical genre of the greatest influence in the music of the world.  Salsa was born in the decade of the 1960’s in New York City at the hands of brilliant Puerto Rican musicians (and a little help from their friends).  Later, it was nurtured in Puerto Rico and shared with the world, guided by legendary orchestras such as La Sonora Poncen~a and El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.

Through the Salsa Route, you will discover with certified tourism guides from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the locations where the fascinating history of Puerto Rican Salsa flourished.  The Route includes visits to the stores of record collectors, monuments, grave sites of famous “Salseros,” public art and the bars, cafés and restaurants where the famous “Salseros” congregated and jammed.
You’ll learn the backgrounds of the major Salsa maestros, their hits and experiences, where they lived, and where you can dance Salsa.  The Route is divided into two trajectories:  Santurce — Barrio Obrero to Parada 15 and Old San Juan — Calle Luna and Calle Sol.
Salsa has its origins in the legacies of African, European and American music, influenced by genres such as traditional Afro-Boricua “Bomba y Plena,” Son Cubano, Son Montuno, Mambo, Guaguanco, Guaracha, Cha Cha Cha, Pachanga, Blues, Jazz, Boogaloo, etc.
Salsa is danced more than any other music in the world. Puerto Rico is the Salsa Capital of the world and it is the country that has produced the most Salsa musicians. The Salsa Fania All Stars achieved fame comparable to that of the Beatles.

“This route is the answer for all tourists and salsa lovers who come to Puerto Rico in search of information about the roots and history of the Island’s beloved salsa music,” said Rivera Rocafort. “This niche audience will be thrilled to dive into the world of salsa with activities such as tours led by PRTC’s certified guides, which focus on places where Puerto Rican salsa originated and made history.”

La Ruta de la Salsa will include destinations such as La Placita de Santurce, Plaza de Los Salseros and Villa Palmera Cemetary, where several prominent salsa dancers were buried. Additionally, travelers will visit Puerto Rico’s most famous salsa record shop, La Cerra Musical, as well as social locations such as Nuyorican Café, Luna Street and Trastalleres, popular amongst salsa dancers.

Salsa is the most influential and lively music genre in Puerto Rico. Although it originated in New York in the 1960s, salsa was cultivated in Puerto Rico and then expanded throughout the world. Salsa legends such as La Sonora Ponceña and Gran Combo de Puerto Rico helped make salsa a national staple within the Puerto Rican culture.

PRTC’s certified tour guides are happy to talk to those interested in La Ruta de la Salsa. Please refer to the contacts on link below.

(Via PRTourism.com)

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Our Address:

154 Calle dos Hermanos, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico

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18.45062418583849, -66.07067452019618