Want to learn to dance salsa in Colombia? There is no better place to dance salsa than in Cali! Here you can read about our own salsa adventure in Cali.
At the end of the evening there was a kind of dance battle between the best couples of the evening. Everyone gathered in a circle around the dancing couples.
Salsa bucket List
Like many other travelers, Cali was on our bucket list because of salsa dancing. We stayed at The Pelican Larry hostel, where they also offered salsa lessons. From beginners to advanced, everything is possible and any shame and insecurities can be thrown overboard before you step into the door. Amazing!
I’m not kidding when I say you literally step into a dance scene from Dirty Dancing II. Well, after first having a beer at the bar and watching all those people dancing, we too felt like throwing our Dutch hips into the “battle”.
Patient teachers
We didn’t have to wait long, because before we knew it, we were being asked to dance by two Colombian boys. Still somewhat shy, we hesitated for a moment, but both of us quickly decided that we were going to make a bold move. With endless patience, fun and passion for salsa, the boys taught us the basics and we were soon in the middle of the crowd.
After about three songs, it was time to hydrate, because man…. all those dancing people made for a high temperatures in the room. Not much later, the next Colombian guy approached us and asked if we wanted to dance. This way you switch dance partners several times during the evening (also nice for the locals not to have to dance all the time with a beginner -:)). Yet they don’t say a bad word about it and teach you with the biggest smile!
Dance battle
At the end of the evening, there was a sort of dance battle between the best couples of the evening. Everyone gathered in a circle around the dancing couples (a bit like what happens in Step Up when people are challenged to a dance battle). Yelling, screaming, whistling: everyone was totally absorbed in what was happening on the dance floor. Then a winner of the evening was chosen and the evening came to an end.
Amazing atmosphere
It was enchanting. My travel companion and I both didn’t bring a phone (unfortunately), so we have no images of the evening itself. Maybe that’s why we were totally immersed into the dancing and atmosphere.
In our opinion, your trip to Colombia is not complete without immersing yourself in salsa culture!
Written by Mellijn
Travel date January 2018
photos @La Topa Tolandra and The Pelican Larry hostel)
#ColombiaMyWay Tips
(Updated August 2025)
- Admission to La Topa Tolandra costs a few dollars
- Update 2025: In 2025, the entrance fee generally ranges between 10,000 and 15,000 COP—about US$3 to US$4—depending on the night or event
- Feel free to turn someone down if you don’t feel like dancing for a while, Colombians don’t feel rejected and will look for another dance partner
- Put on something light, it is/will be hot inside!
- Look here for more information: Facebook La Topa Tolondra and the Pelican Larry hostel.
- Check out our tips for the best salsa clubs in Cali, the best salsa tours and the best neighborhoods to stay in Cali.
Read more about Cali in our travel guide Cali.
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We do not take payments from tour operators or hotels for our reviews and we pay for our own stay and tours.
