With its own merits, the city of Cali, located in southwestern Colombia, has earned the reputation of the “world capital of salsa”, an Afro-Latin musical genre, from the Caribbean and that for many years marked the culture of the Valle del Cauca capital . Thanks to this, today there are more than 400 salsa schools in the city and the spaces called “salsa temples” await locals and foreigners to enjoy an evening full of music and joy. And it is no secret to anyone that visiting Cali and walking its streets is to go to the rhythm of the key, the timbale and the trumpets; basic instruments for a good salsa song that, even the most timid, makes them dance.  In order for you to have a complete cultural experience during your visit in Cali, take classes or go dancing, it must be on your itinerary. It does not matter if you are already an expert or you are going to take your first steps, in this guide we recommend the most renowned salsa schools and clubs in Cali so you can get all the Latin flavor and live unforgettable moments with local dancers.  

Sabor Manicero 

 If it's your first approach with a salsa class, Sabor Manicero is one of the best alternatives. It is one of the most traditional dance academies in Cali and its main focus is caleña salsa. Together with their instructors and their students, coming from all over the world, they enliven evenings with music to teach beginners and advanced dancers.  
For your salsa classes remember to wear comfortable clothes and hydration! / Photo: Source 
  Located on the 5th street and 39th street, it is open from Monday to Saturday and offers four classes a day with a duration of two hours. On Fridays and Saturdays, they include a bachata class for those interested in learning or practicing another Latin rhythm, as well as private classes for those seeking a more personalized experience.   Address: Calle 5 # 39-71 Tequendama neighborhood Monday to Friday: 4:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. Price per class of salsa in group: $ 15,000 COP (US $ 4 approx). They offer lower prices if you hire a package of classes per month.   Travel Tip: Book your transfers to and from Cali Airport and enjoy the best of Salsomania!  

Tin Tin Deo

Do you want to know and live the salsa culture in Cali? Then book a night on your agenda to go to Tin Tin Deo. Visiting this emblematic bar is an experience in itself, highly recommended for those interested in enjoying salsa as part of their activities in Cali. Its name translates to "the sound of the gods" and as part of its musical proposal, it is possible to listen also to Cuban and African rhythms.  
Tin tin deo was founded by four musicians and students from the Universidad del Valle who saw the need for a space to share their music / Photo: Source
  Thursdays are the days when they teach salsa and it is the moment that foreigners enjoy the most thanks to what they call international meeting and rumba. So if you are a foreigner, this is your time to shine and show how infected you are with Latin swing and joy. Fridays area all about rumba with pure salsa and on Saturdays they are dedicated to Afro-Latin rhythms, in order to complete a weekend of flavor and good "tumbao".   Address: Calle 5 # 38-71 Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 8:00 p.m. at 4:00 a.m. Sunday open if it is a holiday Monday. Entry value (Friday and Saturday only): $ 5,000 COP US $ 2 approx. Thursday and Sunday free admission.   Travel Tip: Walk the colorful streets of Cali and let yourself be enveloped by the sweet taste of sugar cane while enjoying a spring weather. Book a Cali Classic City Tour now!  

The Topa Tolondra

 This disco bar is one of the largest and can receive up to 700 people. It is a favorite of tourists, music lovers, caleños and bohemians, thanks to the fact that from Monday to Saturday there is a different proposal and everyone is invited to dance.  The atmosphere is very friendly and pleasant and the arrangement of the tables allows for interaction and dialogue between all. If you were looking to meet new people and live a cultural exchange, La Topa Tolondra is your best choice.  
After the salsa classes you can stay to continue roaming and why not, show your best steps! / Photo: Source 
  For those looking to start with a salsa class in Cali, on Mondays the theme is “Friends Salsa Party”, a space in which professional dancers instruct about 200 people from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. From then on, everything is party and rumba.  If you want to listen to a live orchestra, Thursday is the ideal day and Fridays and Saturdays are exclusive to the traditional Cali rumba, where everyone dances at their own pace and style.    Address: Calle 5 # 13 - 27 Monday to Wednesday: 7:00 p.m. at 3:00 a.m. Thursday to Saturday: 8:00 p.m. at 4:00 a.m. Entry value: $ 5,000 COP US $ 2 approx.   Travel Tip: Get on board one of Colombia's most representative vehicles to live the funniest party of your life with a chiva tour of Cali.  

Zaperoco

If you are ready to be part of a typical night of salsa and live unforgettable moments, dancing in Zaperoco is an excellent option. This bar has been recognized for preserving the tradition of caleña sauce for 25 years, creating even a community of faithful visitors.  As part of their interesting decoration, they have something similar to a wall of fame with photos of the most frequent visitors, among which there are even celebrities such as, Ismael Miranda, Yuri Buenaventura, Juana Acosta and Pedro Conga, who have witnessed In this place, why Cali is called La Salsa Capital.  
Zaperoco is located in the Granada neighborhood, one of the best in the city and close to interesting tourist attractions related to salsa / Photo: Source 
  The nights in Zaperoco are a complete and unforgettable experience. The rumberos enjoy not only the salsa caleña and Thursdays of Live Orchestra, but also a combination of classics of the New York-style salsa, Puerto Rican, pachanga and are Cuban. In short, one of the most sought after places by those who love nightlife in Cali.    Address: 5th Avenue North # 16-46 Thursday and Saturday: 7:30 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Friday: 5:30 pm to 4:00 am Free entrance   The offer of dance academies that focus on Latin styles, especially salsa, abound in the city and depending on the area in which you decide to stay in Cali, you will surely have a fence. Other schools that also offer classes and that will help you dabble in this beautiful dance genre are: Swing Latino (recognized for having dancers representing Cali in salsa world championships), Latin Fever, Son de Luz, JoyDance school of dancers and Arrebato Caleño.  Regardless of how many kinds of salsa in Cali you participated, with one or two basic steps it is more than enough to dance to exhaustion, enjoy a rhythm that is in the veins of the caleños and let yourself be infected with the rhythms that mark the maracas and the timbale. Travel Tip: Take advantage of the ideal place to learn to dance this rhythm so catchy and fun with the best Salsa Classes in Cali for all levels.    Dare to enjoy the best of the culture and diversity of Cali, a city with a wide range of places to go at night, that will allow you to know and understand a rhythm that is intertwined with the entire history of the region's culture.  
By: Vanessa Figueroa González, caleña passionate about digital marketing and the world of tourism. Professional in International Marketing and advertising.