Salsa Classes in Cali, Colombia — Learn From The Pros
The Salsa Capital of the World
There’re plenty of places in South America begging to be discovered. Bariloche in Argentina for its chocolate, Uruguay for its severely underrated beaches, San Pedro de Atacama, the driest place in the world over in Chile, and Colombia’s Cali, the salsa dancing capital of the world.
While traveling might not exactly be the first thing you highlight on your résumé, it sure does come with some great experiences.
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Learning Salsa in Cali
Why You Should Take Salsa Lessons in Cali
Bogotá and Medellin might win a popularity contest of Colombian cities but Cali comes first when it comes to rhythm. The metropolis is still qualified as off-the-beaten-path, mostly because of its limited sightseeing. What it doesn’t hold back on however, is dancing.
Cali is the self-proclaimed salsa capital of the world and with good reason! It’s often said that locals learn how to dance before they can even walk — and they’ve got skills you couldn’t fathom. There are hundreds of dance schools and a plethora of passionate salsa teachers just waiting for fresh pupils. In the 40s, Cuban influences made their way to Cali and eventually transformed into the unique Cali-style salsa. Through the bad and the good, whether rich or poor, any and all can join the dance floor of a local discoteca.
The salsa capital definitely sounds like the best place to learn how to strut your stuff. Abuzz with youthful energy and a constant beat, the energy of Cali is infectious and will get you on your feet — no matter if you’ve got two left ones or not.
What to Expect
Let’s get this out of the way: your salsa skills will probably leave something to be desired when compared those around you. Clumsily trying to battle the learning curve in a place where everyone seems to have mastered the art of dance can be a bit daunting — but have no fear, you won’t be the only foreigner trying out salsa and the locals are always happy to teach you. If you’ve already got some skills and are ready to show em’ off, you’re more than welcome to head straight to a salsa bar (LINK DOWN TO SECTION ON SALSA BARS) for a good time. Alternatively, if you’d like to limit your feelings of inadequacy, taking a few lessons is a good idea! To get comfortable with salsa, it might take a few lessons, but plenty of schools sell packages for beginners with a fair share of hours. If this isn’t your first rodeo on the dancefloor, most studios also offer group lessons and intermediate to advanced classes.
Where to Learn Salsa
For the budget-conscious beginner, you’ll be happy to learn that plenty of hostels (LINK DOWN TO SECTION ON WHERE TO STAY) offer free lessons! It’s a great place to get started in a friendly non-threatening environment with plenty of other foreigners. And, it’s free! It’s also a great option for people with limited-to-no Spanish as instructors are sure to speak English. The lessons usually end with everyone shimmying on down to the nearest salsa club. (LINK DOWN TO SECTION ON SALSA BARS)
If you’re looking for some comprehensive salsa classes, a one-on-one with a renowned institution might be just what you need. Cali is packed full with dance schools. Some cater to locals and are strictly in Spanish, others are more for foreigners and a bit more casual. They’ll usually have a package with their recommended number of hours to get a good grasp on the dance. If private lessons don’t appeal to you, plenty of schools also offer group lessons, but keep in mind that those tend to move more slowly and if your days in Colombia are limited, it might not be the most productive use of your time.
Sondeluz is a very well known and respected salsa studio in Cali. While it’s trained some international champions over the years, it’s also more than capable of getting some complete beginners from zero to dance hero. Sondeluz mostly offers private lessons at about US$130 for 10-hours.
Teaching locals and gringos alike since the ’90s, Swing Latino has earned itself quite a reputation as a top school in Cali. 10-hours of private classes will cost you US$145. If you’re feeling brave and finish any of the studio’s courses, you’ll be performing in an end-of-course show!
Ritmo Studio boasts professionally-trained instructors in plenty of different categories: twerking, bachata, zumba, tango, milonga, chachacha and well, obviously, salsa. Right in the ballpark for lessons in Cali, group classes are US$26 for 12-hours and US$116 for 10-hours of one-on-one.
Although quite small, Salsa Viva y Tango Vivo has it all: salsa, tango, zumba, boogaloo, bachata in private and group lessons alike. One-on-ones go for US$13 per hour and group classes are US$28 for four lessons in a week.
The Best Places to Show Off Your Moves
Learning salsa in classrooms is plenty good for the basics, but to get a bit more of the local flavor, heading to a discoteca packed with locals is the way to do it.
Are you all by your lonesome? Tin Tin Deo is the perfect joint for you! You don’t need a partner here — someone will sweep you off your feet in no time. Everybody swaps partners and dances with gringos and locals alike! If you’re still craving a bit of teaching though, head on over on Thursdays, a teacher will get the party started.
La Topa is cheap and cheerful! Foreigners and locals flock to this bar since there’s always something going on with some live music playing. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
For the complete opposite of cheap, head over to Extasis. This is one of Cali’s higher-end discotecas. Let’s paint the picture: in order to get a booth, you need to buy a bottle.
Siboney is a salsa institution. This club has been vibrating with its beats up ’til 4 AM for more than 30 years.
If you’re looking for a diverse crowd — old, young, foreigners and locals — Zaperoco is a good place to go. The old school salsa bar is a sure shot.
Where to Stay in Cali
For the traveler on a budget, hostels are always a good pick. In Cali, that choice is even easier since most hostels offer free salsa lessons! Viajero is the place to go for a good time. They offer free salsa lessons (of course) and have their very own bar and pool. Bonus: they also offer a free circus show once a week! A bed in a dorm is about US$8 per night at Viajero. Casa Blanca also offers some basic salsa lessons and is right in the middle of Cali’s downtown. A bed in a dormitory here is about US$7 a night, and they also have a couple of private rooms. La Sucursal offers free dance lessons and also has their very own salsa studio for classes — two birds with one stone! They’re right in the middle of the city and mere minutes from cafés and amazing restaurants. A bed is US$7 and a private double room runs for about US$21 per night.
If you’re a creature of comfort and prefer to spend a little more money for a higher thread count, Cali has plenty of adorable boutique hotels. Hotel El Peñón, with rooms starting at US$40 per night won’t break the bank. It’s a minimalist wonder with concrete and wood right in the middle of a lovely colonial neighbourhood. For more of a traditional style, Hotel Stein Colonial is a good pick. The hotel is a historic monument in and of itself and rooms start at US$50. Movich Casa Del Alferez is also set in a colonial building but will set you back US$135 per night. It’s well worth it however as it’s in a perfect location near all the sights (LINK TO WHAT ELSE TO DO).
No matter where you stay, any hotel will be glad to arrange some classes for you or direct you to the nearest discoteca.
When to Visit the Capital of Salsa
Temperature in Cali doesn’t vary too much throughout the year — it’s always pretty humid and warm. If you want to assure a sunny vacation, visit in August, July or June. Cali is at its busiest in January, April and May so do try to steer clear if you can, as it will be quite pricey and busy.
In August or September, Cali is host to a week-long salsa festival! The World Salsa Festival brings 5000 dancers and musicians who roam the streets, offer workshops and lessons and just have a good time. It’s an electrifying time to be in the city! Right around Christmas in December, Feria de Cali is another highlight. There are plenty of parties and opportunities to both learn and practice some steps.
If you can, make sure you’ll be in Cali on the last Friday of any month. That’s when Delirio takes place — a monthly show with salsa as it’s star with a bonus of music and circus-type acrobatics. It’s a celebration you don’t want to miss.
More that Cali Has to Offer
Cali isn’t known for its sightseeing but there are still a couple of sights worth seeing! La Ermita Church, La Merced Church, Jorge Isaacs Park and Caicedo Square can all be found in the center of town. For the cat-lover, Parque de los Gatos has 16 huge cat sculptures well worth the trek over the river. San Antonio is the historical center of Cali and is a great place to wander around on a sunny day, there are plenty of restaurants around.
Speaking of restaurants, when in Cali, eat the local cuisine. Amongst some must-eats you’ll find: pandebono — a cheesy bread, cholado — a cup of fruit drenched in condensed milk, champus — an odd sort of soup with fruits and corn and plenty more. The best place to try all of these is over at Galeria Alameda. The market has all types of dishes, exotic fruits and flowers. You might even find someone selling a love elixir or two. If that isn’t for you however, there are plenty of other souvenirs on offer.
There are also two main large monuments with great views over the city: Cristo Rey — a giant statue of Christ and Cerro de las Tres Cruces. If you do choose to visit, do go on a weekend when it is busier and make sure to have a group of friends along, as the paths can be unsafe when deserted.
Picture this: you’re at an event back home, just busting some sweet moves on the dance floor and someone asks “Where did you learn that?” and you can confidently go “Oh, I learned salsa in Cali, Colombia.” The look on their face is reason alone to hop on a plane and get the experience of a lifetime.
And after Cali, there’s plenty else to see in this amazing country. Colombia has tons of off-the-beaten path destinations just begging for a visit. Bogotá, Medellín, Providencia, Caño Cristales or Guatapé? Where to next?
Want to experience Cali for yourself but don’t know where to start? Our Colombia Experts have got everything covered and will find you the best flights, accommodation, activities and things to do there. Submit a travel survey now to get started!
