Cali Colombia: Dance your heart out

TRAVEL / LATIN AMERICA / COLOMBIA / CALI

Here, those who dance, win.

Welcome to the Salsa Capital of the World

Lovers of spicy latin culture, salsa dancing and street parties, this is the place for you. This city has a uniquely vibrant and passionate energy – nightlife here is one of a kind 🔥 

At any salsa club you’ll find several 70 year old grandpas on the dance floor, spinning girls around so fast they can barely keep up – I’ve never been so repeatedly awe-struck on any dancefloor.

The best part however isn’t the skillful dancing, it’s the warm smiling faces, the mothers and daughters twirling each other around, getting lost in the rhythm, parties of friends singing at the top of their lungs to the classic salsa hits, the energy of people having the time of their lives. It was infectious and I was instantly addicted, ever since my trip to Cali, I haven’t stopped dreaming about salsa… in fact, you’ll find me regularly at social salsa on the Gold Coast. 

You will find people of all ages, shapes and abilities dancing the night away, every night of the week. Whether you’re at a salsa club, street party or reggaeton club, at every venue you will find the most incredible dancers you’ve ever seen in your life – dancing with a fiery passion, no holding back.

Growing up in two conservative and reserved cultures (Aussie + Chinese), I felt it unlocked a dormant part of me, setting a fire within me that I never want to dim. 

Salsa caleña

Salsa caleña is the style of Salsa you’ll find in Cali. It’s a rapid style of salsa with intricate footwork, sometimes incorporating lifts. I had so much fun learning this style of salsa while in Cali, although the smoother Cuban style is my ultimate favorite, I cannot deny there is something so explosive and cheeky about this style.

If you’re looking for some private or group lessons with the maestro of Salsa caleña – I’ve got you covered, I had an absolute blast with him. Meet Jhonjario, salsa god, check out his instagram below:

Although salsa caleña is huge in Cali, you’ll find people from all over the world dancing all styles from Cuban style, Puerto Rican Style, LA style, linear style, chacha, mambo, bachata, freestyle (like me lol) you name it, someone will be dancing it.

Where to stay

9.5 rating on Hostelworld with 548 reviews

“Awesome place and small enough to feel like family. Not many that i’ve been in had matched the vibe of this one. Free dancing classes everyday on the terraza”

“Great hostel near the Parque Del Perro. Relaxed vibe but still social. Very homey & comfortable with salsa classes, would recommend”

9.5 rating on Hostelworld with 243 reviews

“Great location, great place, great people, great vibe, great value. Located in a peaceful safe location, within walking distance from San Antonio and some of the most important salsa bars in the city, see La Topa Tolona, La Caldera del Diablo. Many common areas to socialize or just chill.”

Where to dance

You can check out Barrio Granada, for a hub of nightlife with the nicest clubs and bars.

An absolute must in Cali, a really big venue with a great DJ, and really fun vibes. I came here almost every night, there are free big group lessons from 7-9pm then social salsa after on several weeknights.

A reggaeton club with a rooftop bar, they have multiple rooms with different styles of music, salsa, house, etc. They also do live music and themed nights, people love to dress up here!

Street Party

You’ll find parties on the streets from Friday night into the weekend – they look a little like this:

Where to see a show

Cirque de Soleil meets salsa celebrating the culture of Cali. Incredible choreography with the rapid salsa Cali is known for, it’s a great evening out with a big group of friends. It is a little outside the city but worth the trip!

Safety tips

  • The crime in Cali is higher than in Medellin or Bogata, a drawback of my time there was having to uber/taxi everywhere for safety, I love walking and exploring a place but it’s not safe to do so in Cali.
  • Make sure you keep hold of your possessions and don’t walk too close to the side of the road. I heard many instances of people on motorbikes snatching phones/bags from people walking.
  • Less english is spoken here, it will be difficult getting around without any Spanish (but it can be done!)

I hope you also create some fantastic memories passionately dancing the night away in this epic city!