Thursday nights have rhythm. This 2 hour 40 minute experience pairs a beginner-friendly salsa basics lesson with a cocktail and Colombian snack in La Candelaria, plus transport from Parque de la 93.

I like that it is hands-on but low pressure, so you can learn without feeling judged on step one. I also like that you start in Parque de la 93 and end in a real neighborhood dining spot, which helps you get your bearings fast instead of only riding around.

One thing to consider: the tour includes getting you to the restaurant, but it does not include transportation back to Parque de la 93, so you’ll need a plan for your final ride home.

Key things I’d bookmark before you go

• Beginner-focused salsa basics with an expert dancer, designed to feel doable even if you have never danced before
• Parque de la 93 kickoff for an easy start and a quick look at a classic Bogotá meeting point
• La Candelaria dinner-vibe timing without requiring a full dinner ticket
• A refreshing drink plus Colombian snack (tipo coctel), with an option for alcohol or no alcohol
• Transport to the venue included, but you’re responsible for getting back afterward
• Small-ish group ceiling (up to 40), which usually keeps the energy friendly rather than chaotic

Salsa basics at Parque de la 93: an easy start point

You begin at Parque de la 93 (Cra. 11a #93A – 22). There’s a short 15 minute stop here, and it works like a warm handshake with the evening. You’ll be able to settle in, meet your driver, and orient yourself before heading to the older part of the city.

Parque de la 93 is a practical choice because it’s a known reference point and it’s near public transportation. That matters in Bogotá, where distances can feel larger than they look on a map. This first stop also helps you shift gears from daytime logistics into nighttime momentum.

Even if you’re not a dancer, you’ll likely feel more comfortable after that brief check-in window. It gives you time to show up on time, get your bearings, and not scramble with your jacket, phone, and shoes.

The ride down to La Candelaria: included transport, then you’re set

From Parque de la 93, transport takes you to Restaurante Babou in the area of Chorro de Quevedo (Barrio La Candelaria). The total day length is about 2 hours 40 minutes, and that means the ride matters: you’re not stuck in long car time with nothing to do.

Having the driver in Spanish included is also a small but real comfort. If you’re tired or your Spanish is rusty, you can relax and just follow along. It’s especially useful on a night activity where you want to spend your energy on the dancing—not on navigation.

Important practical note: transport back is not included. That means you’ll want to think ahead about how you’ll get from Babou to where you’re staying after the class and snack. If you book a place with easy taxi or rideshare access, life gets simpler.

Restaurante Babou in the Chorro de Quevedo area: where the night turns social

The main event happens at Restaurante Babou (Cl. Del Embudo #12b-49). This is the heart of the experience and where the tone becomes relaxed and social. You’re there for about 2 hours, which is a good chunk of time for a class plus something to eat and drink without rushing.

This format is smart for a few reasons. First, you’re not just learning steps; you’re also practicing timing, confidence, and partner awareness in a real setting. Second, the location in La Candelaria means you get a neighborhood atmosphere, not a detached activity studio.

You’ll also likely meet a mix of people—some who are visiting Bogotá for the first time, and others who want a fun cultural night out. The tour caps at 40 travelers, so it stays more “group night out” than “cattle call.”

What happens during the salsa basics lesson (and why it feels beginner-friendly)

The tour includes a salsa dance class with a dance instructor (an expert dancer). The key word here is basics. Instead of throwing complicated sequences at you, the structure is meant to get you moving with proper fundamentals—posture, basic timing, and simple step patterns.

This is the kind of class that works best when you treat it like a game: you aim for rhythm and comfort, not perfection. You’ll likely learn the difference between counting steps and feeling the beat, and that alone makes the night more fun even if you never dance again.

Here’s the real value: salsa is social by nature. A good beginner class doesn’t just teach footwork; it teaches how to look at your partner, how to stay balanced, and how to recover if you wobble. That’s how you end up enjoying the dance session instead of waiting for it to be over.

The cocktail and Colombian snack: a smart cultural reset

After the dance session, you’ll get a refreshing drink (soda/pop 1), with the option of alcohol if you want it. You’ll also receive a Colombian snack tasting (degustación de comida Colombiana, tipo coctel).

I like this setup because it solves two common problems with dance tours:

• You don’t have to hunt for food while you’re sweaty and focused on learning.
• You avoid an awkward “what do we eat now?” moment with a group.

At $35, this kind of included food-and-drink value adds up. You’re not paying only for a class; you’re paying for the full package: instructor time, the venue hang, and a snack that feels local rather than generic chips.

Also, because it’s a snack-tasting style offering, you don’t need to turn it into a full dinner plan. That’s helpful if your schedule includes another meal later, or if you’re traveling with limited hunger.

Timing and opening hours: plan for a Thursday-night window

This experience runs on Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (during the listed dates). That three-hour window is perfect for an evening activity that doesn’t swallow your whole night.

The tour length being about 2 hours 40 minutes means you should show up on time and not plan a second stop immediately before. On a dance night, a late arrival can throw you off—especially when you’re asked to shift from standing around to learning steps.

If you get cold easily, dress for Bogotá’s evening temperature changes. The experience operates in all weather conditions, so you should plan for the possibility of rain or cool air. A light layer you can take off during dancing is usually a good move.

Price and value: why $35 can make sense here

At $35 per person, you’re paying for:

• Salsa basics instruction
• A drink (soda/pop, with or without alcohol)
• Colombian snack tasting (tipo coctel)
• Transport from Parque de la 93 to the restaurant
• A driver in Spanish

That’s not a bad bundle for an evening activity in Bogotá. Many “culture nights” charge similar amounts but only include one piece—often a class with no food or no drink, or food without an actual lesson. Here you get both the learning part and the social part.

The main trade-off is what’s not included: dinner and transport back to Parque de la 93. So the best value comes when you either eat elsewhere after, or you make Babou your planned light meal stop. If your hotel is far or hard to reach late, budget extra time (or rideshare costs) for getting home.

Who this tour is best for (and who might want something else)

This is a great pick if you want a fun Bogotá experience that doesn’t require nightlife confidence. Most travelers can participate, and it’s designed so you’re not doing advanced moves on arrival. If you’ve never danced salsa, you’re the target audience.

It’s also good if you like meeting people while still having a structured activity. You’ll be with a group, but the lesson format helps you interact naturally without awkward small talk for hours.

If you’re the type who wants sightseeing packed into every minute, this may feel too focused. The time is mainly for the lesson and the snack-and-drink portion, not for a long list of stops.

A note on safety and comfort: keep your expectations realistic

One review comment in your set of information shows a broader theme people notice in Bogotá: city comfort can vary by area and by how long you’re in transit. For this particular experience, the plan is straightforward—short start in Parque de la 93, then a ride to La Candelaria, then you’re anchored at Babou for the class and tasting.

That means you’re not wandering aimlessly. You’re with transport and a structured program, which tends to reduce stress. Still, because you finish at Babou and transport back isn’t included, pick a pickup/drop-off plan you feel comfortable with.

Should you book Jueves de Noche Colombiana?

Book it if you want a low-pressure salsa night that includes more than dancing: you get a drink, a Colombian snack tasting, and simple transport to the venue. It’s especially worth it on a Thursday if you want a cultural activity that feels social but not overwhelming.

Skip it or consider alternatives if you need a full dinner included or you don’t want to arrange your own ride after. Also, if you’re hoping for hours of sightseeing, this one is designed for a specific, fun goal: learn basics, eat a little, and enjoy the rhythm.

If you do go, I’d show up ready to move and treat the basics like your personal training session for the night. You’ll leave with at least a few steps you can repeat—plus the kind of story that makes Bogotá feel like more than a checklist.

FAQ

What is the duration of Jueves de Noche Colombiana?

It runs for about 2 hours 40 minutes (approx.).

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Parque de la 93, Cra. 11a #93A – 22, Bogotá, Colombia.

Where does the experience end?

It finishes at Restaurante Babou, Cl. Del Embudo #12b-49, Bogotá, Colombia.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a salsa dance class, one soda/pop drink (with or without alcohol), a Colombian snack tasting (tipo coctel), the dance instructor, and transport from Parque de la 93 to Restaurante Babou, plus a driver in Spanish.

Is transportation back included after the tour?

No. Transportation back to Parque de la 93 is not included.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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