Mambo, Salsa, Mariachi...

Latin America contains a huge variety of music styles. Many of them we are familiar with today such as salsa and tango's. Below is a map where all the different genres are popular.  And included is a sample of the most popular and distinctive music styles from Latin America.

Mariachi Music originates from Mexico.  It is generally created with an ensemble of stringed instruments, and originated during the post-colonialism era.

Mambo Music originated in Cuba, but spread to other parts of the Caribbean.  Essentially it is lively and energetic music, played in conjunction with dance.

Salsa Music is meant to be hot, wild music, as implied by its name.  Although this music style originated in Cuba, it has gained a global reputation.

Kaseko Music originated in Suriname, and is also popular in French Guiana.  It is rhythmically complex music, that incorporates a lot of percussion instruments.

Huayno Music originated in Peru, and is also popular in other Andean countries.  It is a mix between traditional folk music and popular dance music.

Tango Music is native to Argentina, and is also popular in Uruguay.  It is a style of ballroom dance, and is usually played by a sextet.  The Tango is a genre of music that is well known around the world.

Cumbia music is popular on the west coast of Latin America in countries such as Columbia, El Salvador, Chile, Guatemala, etc.  Historically, Cumbia was a courtship dance, and this music accompanied it.