🕺 Top 10 Best Salsa Schools in Cali, Colombia

Learn to Dance Like a Local – Even If You’re Just Visiting!

Cali is known worldwide as the capital of salsa, and dancing is more than just a hobby here — it’s a lifestyle. But if you're only in town for a few days, finding the right school can be tricky, since most offer only monthly packages. This guide highlights the top 10 salsa schools in Cali that are friendly to travelers, with options for single lessons, private sessions, or one-week packages in these salsa schools in Cali Colombia.

Cali Colombia is filled with places where you can learn Salsa Caleña, the local salsa style.

⚠️ This is a specialized article on the best salsa schools in Cali for 1-on-1 classes to weekly passes. For a casual walk-in salsa class, check out why La Topa Tolondra is the best place in Cali to learn local Cali style salsa. ⚠️

1. Swing Latino (salsa schools in cali colombia)

This iconic school has trained world champions and performed on international stages like World of Dance (watch here). While they focus on elite dancers, they offer custom private lessons for visitors. If you want intensity and authenticity, this is your spot.

• 📍 Location: near the city stadium "Pascual Guerrero" and behind Mulato Cabaret https://maps.app.goo.gl/LXzsYBCTvrfHBu6Z8

• 📞 Contact: +573178933072

• 🎯 Focuses on: Performance, technique, professional training

• 🗓️ Packages: Private lessons & custom short stays available

• ✅ Good for: Experienced dancers, those wanting a world-class challenge

• ❌ Not ideal for: Absolute beginners or travelers looking for casual drop-ins

1. Swing Latino danced with Jennifer Lopez at the 2020 Superbowl Half-Time show in Miami, Florida.

salsa schools in cali colombia

2. "Feel The Dance" Rumba y Salsa International Dance School (salsa schools in cali colombia)

Located right at the base of the San Antonio tourist district, Rumba y Salsa is more than a dance school—it's a social hub for travelers and locals alike. With free daily group classes at 5 PM and popular events like Bachateame Tuesdays, it’s a welcoming space where making friends and enjoying dance go hand in hand. Their slogan says it all: “Feel the dance.”

Whether you're a total beginner or already have some rhythm, this is an easy-going, energetic environment to learn, dance, and connect with people from all over the world.

• 📍 Location: Central Cali (San Antonio area) https://maps.app.goo.gl/mcmS5UnikFqhGaD37

• 📞 Contact: +573137781713

• 🎯 Focuses on: Salsa, bachata, social dancing & cultural exchange

• 🗓️ Packages: Free daily group classes, special events like Bachateame Tuesdays

• ✅ Good for: Solo travelers, social butterflies, casual learners

• ❌ Not ideal for: Those seeking highly technical or professional-level training

2. 'Bachateame' Bachata nights at Rumba y Salsa International are fun and social.

salsa schools in cali colombia

3. La Escuela de Baile - Fundación Artística

A favorite among travelers, La Escuela de Baile is laid-back, social, and centrally located. The instructors are warm and used to working with beginners. You can join a class the same day — no need to plan weeks ahead.

• 📍 Location: Central Cali – San Fernando Viejo https://maps.app.goo.gl/VpAgddHCfJ3u2iQYA

• 📞 Contact: +573185680946

• 🎯 Focuses on: Beginner-friendly, casual group classes

• 🗓️ Packages: Daily group classes, drop-ins, week passes

• ✅ Good for: Tourists, casual learners, first-timers

• ❌ Not ideal for: Advanced training or competitive goals

3. La Escuela de Baile has a fun vibe and open walls classroom, great for the afternoon breeze.

salsa schools in cali colombia

4. STEP DANCE (salsa schools in cali colombia)

Located in the Ciudad Modelo neighborhood, Step Dance offers an authentic, local salsa experience away from the typical tourist spots. The school specializes in Cali-style salsa and offers flexible options, including daily group classes and private one-off lessons. Whether you're intermediate or advanced, you’ll enjoy a vibrant, community-focused environment.

• 📍 Location: Ciudad Modelo (local, non-touristy) https://maps.app.goo.gl/7un3aPSWwCw37KCVA

• 📞 Contact: https://www.instagram.com/stepdancecali/?hl=es-la +57573182596848

• 🎯 Focuses on: Cali-style salsa, group and private lessons

• 🗓️ Packages: Single classes, week passes, private lessons available

• ✅ Good for: Intermediate dancers, those seeking an authentic, local vibe

• ❌ Not ideal for: Absolute beginners

4. Step Dance, a local school with a lot of heart.

salsa schools in cali colombia

5. Sondeluz Academia de Baile

'They Are Of Light' One of the top technical schools in the city, Sondeluz focuses on detailed training and competition-ready routines. While regular classes are month-based, they may accommodate visitors with private sessions if arranged ahead of time.

• 📍 Location: Central Cali - close to Swing Latino and La Escuela de Baile https://maps.app.goo.gl/p9VhXcyELFygVSAb6

• 📞 Contact: +573248191388

• 🎯 Focuses on: Technical mastery, competition style

• 🗓️ Packages: Monthly plans, private sessions by request

• ✅ Good for: Serious dancers, long-term learners

• ❌ Not ideal for: Spontaneous travelers or drop-ins

5. SonDeLuz's fully english website is a game changer.

salsa schools in cali colombia

6. School Dance Magia Latina

Magia Latina is a local dance school just a short walk from most hostels in San Antonio, making it a super convenient option for travelers staying in the historic district. They offer Cali-style salsa and Latin rhythms with a focus on good technique and fun energy. Classes are held in small groups, and they’re open to all levels. The environment is friendly, non-touristy, and great for picking up real local flavor while learning to dance.

• 📍 Location: Central Cali, near San Antonio hostels https://maps.app.goo.gl/RxXkYTGGVYKjwvK38

• 📞 Contact: +573001877118

• 🎯 Focuses on: Cali salsa and Latin fusion, local-style instruction

• 🗓️ Packages: Group and private classes; ask for short-term options

• ✅ Good for: Travelers in San Antonio, those wanting a local, low-key experience

• ❌ Not ideal for: Dancers looking for a flashy high-performance experience

6. Steps away from San Antonio, Magia Latina has a great social vibe.

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7. Constelación Latina (salsa schools in cali colombia)

Founded over 20 years ago by three iconic salsa dancers, Constelación Latina lives up to its name — a constellation of stars. Nestled in a very local residential neighborhood in East Cali, near the Marco Fidel Suárez Air Base, this school is truly off the beaten path. More than just a dance school, Constelación Latina has had a powerful social impact, offering affordable training to local youth and helping many build confidence, discipline, and even careers through salsa. While it maintains a strong, structured style of teaching, visitors are welcome for one-off or private classes.

• 📍 Location: East Cali, in a vibrant local neighborhood near the airbase https://maps.app.goo.gl/afvFc32zAtwkm5aQ7

• 📞 Contact: +573155603019

• 🎯 Focuses on: Cali-style salsa, performance training, and community upliftment

• 🗓️ Packages: Monthly programs, plus one-off and private classes available

• ✅ Good for: Intermediate/advanced dancers, cultural travelers, those wanting a meaningful experience

• ❌ Not ideal for: Tourists just seeking a fun, casual intro to salsa

7. Constelación Latina's off-the-beaten-path location will give you a taste of real local Cali.

salsa schools in cali colombia

8. Academia de Baile El Manicero (Sabor Manicero)

One of the most reputable and long-standing salsa schools in Cali, Sabor Manicero is known for its structured teaching style and deep roots in the city's dance culture. While it has a solid curriculum for serious learners, it also offers flexible one-off classes, making it accessible to travelers. The school covers everything from Cali-style footwork to partner work, and it's a great fit for both beginners and advanced dancers alike.

• 📍 Location: Central Cali https://maps.app.goo.gl/eVqX2VW58jKAKXhq5

• 📞 Contact: +573152894040

• 🎯 Focuses on: Cali-style salsa, strong technique, structured learning

• 🗓️ Packages: Monthly plans, one-off classes available

• ✅ Good for: All levels — from absolute beginners to advanced dancers

• ❌ Not ideal for: Those wanting a super casual or purely social class

8. Sabor Manicero website shows their flexibility: super popular amongst locals and travellers alike.

salsa schools in cali colombia

9. Salsa Pura

One of Cali’s most respected dance schools, SalsaPura offers top-tier training in salsa, bachata, and kizomba, with group and private lessons for all levels—from total beginners to advanced and professional dancers. Located in the heart of San Antonio, the city’s cultural and tourist hub, they’re known for their structured programs and welcoming atmosphere, especially for international students.

To balance their professional teaching, SalsaPura also hosts Sabaki Night every Thursday—a relaxed social dance event that lets you practice what you’ve learned in a friendly, informal setting with locals and other students.

• 📍 Location: San Antonio, Central Cali https://maps.app.goo.gl/AfMzUYZo5r71FtDi7

• 📞 Contact: +573104939660

• 🎯 Focuses on: Salsa, bachata & kizomba; social and performance training

• 🗓️ Packages: Weekly group classes; private lessons available Mon–Fri

• ✅ Good for: All levels; great for learning fast and becoming part of a community

• ❌ Not ideal for: Those looking for a casual, drop-in-only style without structure

9. Either regular classes or their Sabaki Night, Salsa Pura shines with professionalism.

salsa schools in cali colombia

10. Stilo y Sabor Artistic Foundation

With over 18 years of experience, Stilo y Sabor is one of Cali’s most respected academies, known for shaping young talent into elite salsa caleña dancers. More than just a dance school, it's a place to immerse yourself in the technical depth and cultural pride of a style officially recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

Their academy is thoughtfully divided into two areas: “Artistic Formation” for those pursuing a professional salsa career, and a “Bailadores” section for social dancers who want to master the art without going pro—showing how seriously they take the tradition and structure of salsa. While the programs are highly structured, private classes are also available.

• 📍 Location: Central Cali - La Luna https://maps.app.goo.gl/81DeYWqZqo7L3thB8

• 📞 Contact: +573163309343

• 🎯 Focuses on: Technical salsa caleña, professional and social dancer training

• 🗓️ Packages: Structured programs; private lessons available

• ✅ Good for: Those seeking top-level instruction or cultural immersion

• ❌ Not ideal for: Casual dancers looking for drop-in fun only

10. Stilo Y Sabor's official 2025 staff poster.

11: BONUS

Hostels, Salsa at Your Doorstep

Tailored for international travelers, many modern hostels in Cali like El Viajero or Havana Hostel offer free salsa classes for their guests—or even the option to pay for classes without needing to stay there. It’s a super convenient and low-pressure way to dip your toes into salsa, especially if you're a very beginner and want to keep things simple and social.

• 📍 Location: Mostly in Central Cali (San Antonio & San Fernando areas)

• 🎯 Focuses on: Beginner salsa, social dancing, cultural fun

• 🗓️ Packages: Free or pay-per-class options for non-guests

• ✅ Good for: Backpackers, absolute beginners, casual learners

• ❌ Not ideal for: Intermediate/advanced dancers or those seeking structured technique

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📝 Final Tips for Salsa Lovers in Cali

• ✅ You don't need dance experience to start! Many schools welcome total beginners.

• 📲 Use WhatsApp to ask about availability — it's the most reliable way to book.

• 💡 Friday nights at Boulevard del Río offer free, open-air dancing — a must-do.

• 🎟️ Try a salsa tour if you want to combine dancing with culture and local food.

💃 Want to Dance With the Locals?

Join our Salsa Cultural Tour in Cali! You'll learn the story of salsa, eat like a local, and dance the night away with pro instructors — even if it's your first time!

👉 Book Now