10 places to dance salsa in Cali
May 04 2023
Nightlife 
Today we remember one of the greatest figures in Colombian salsa: the titan "Piper Pimienta", legendary vocalist of the Latin Brothers orchestra and an undisputed icon of our Valle del Cauca capital.
At Spiwak Hotels, we take advantage of his birthday on August 4th to tell you a bit about this giant and, if you wish to celebrate, present you with ten (10) options where you can listen to his songs, dance to the best of Salsa Caleña, and enjoy the finest of Cali's nightlife. Check it out!
On this day, exactly 83 years ago, Edulfamid Molina Díaz, also known as:
“The Grone of Salsa”, a great performer of what became the unofficial anthem of our Sky Branch, “Las caleñas son como las flores”, a salsa-cumbia song composed by maestro Jorge Arturo Ospina Piñeros and featured in the Cali Fair of 1975.
This melody catapulted Piper to fame with the help of his discoverer, the genius Julio Ernesto Estrada Rincón, leader of the Fruko y sus Tesos orchestra. It continues to be heard not only in every radio broadcast, bus route, patron saint festival, or family gathering in our country but has also become a classic at every edition of our Cali Fair.
The great Edulfamid Molina Díaz, alias 'Piper Pimienta'
And what is even more touching:
Piper's voice in this composition has transcended all types of geographical, cultural, and age barriers, becoming current inspirational material for international artists of various musical genres, and even:
Being included in highly popular video game soundtracks such as Scarface: The World is Yours for Playstation and Xbox platforms across all five continents.
In his honor, a monument stands in the Obrero neighborhood park, where he grew up doing all kinds of work to help his family, and where he is remembered daily for his tall stature, joy, spicy dancing, and hits like “Buscándote,” “Nunca fui tan feliz” and “Sucesos,” essential songs in the repertoire of the best nightclubs in Cali.
Check out the statue of Piper Pimienta in the Obrero neighborhood of Cali
(Avenida 5 Norte #16-46)
Known as "The Temple of Salsa" and recognized by The New York Times as one of the best places to go out in Cali.
With 28 years of partying, this corner of hard salsa holds a very special place in the hearts of Cali locals: adorned with portraits of its history and salsa stars who have visited, such as Puerto Ricans Roberto Roena, Ismael Miranda, and Pedro Conga; our great Yuri Buenaventura; Colombian actresses Margarita Rosa de Francisco and Juana Acosta; and even international stars like John Leguizamo and Alejandro Sanz. Live salsa to groove, drink, and dance close until dawn.
Zaperoco is the temple of salsa in Cali
(Calle 5 #13-15)
Another spectacular landmark of Cali’s nightlife that is highly recommended for its live Latin jazz and salsa performances.
Despite being a venue with a small dance floor, it has become a haven for true music lovers and anyone looking for high-quality sound in a cheerfully cozy atmosphere, perfect for starting a date with great drinks and excellent music in one of the best bars in Cali.
Under the direction of Jaime Henao, a prominent music producer in our city, the Punto Baré Big Band and La Cuquibanda are the magnificent resident orchestras at this place where you will never be bored.
(Calle 5 #13-27)
Right next to Punto Baré, you'll find this bustling two-story establishment, known for being a favorite spot for many foreigners who come to learn to dance salsa.
A picturesque decor frames one of the busiest tile dance floors in the city, making it one of the most famous dancing spots in Cali.
La Topa Tolondra: international salsa school
Its eighties tavern-like appearance and the intense sound of heavy salsa are perhaps some of the most representative features of this place.
Because when its neon lights in glorious fluorescence welcome you, you know that what lies beyond the stairs is a party from which your body will take time to recover.
Unfortunately, this incredible guaguancó hall remains closed due to the economic effects of the pandemic, but its reopening is imminent. Therefore, we recommend following their Instagram account to stay updated: @tintindeo_cali.
A rumba classic: Tintindeo
In the lively area of Menga, north of our city, you’ll find this newly opened salsa paradise from the same team behind La 40.
Performances by national and international artists have made it the new gathering place for salsa enthusiasts, alternating with Living Night Club, another business from this nightclub conglomerate that dedicates Wednesdays to this rhythm.
(Carrera 40 #11-81, Yumbo, Arroyo Hondo)
But perhaps the most interesting thing about this place is that on the same block, you'll find El Jangueo (for those in your party who prefer reggaeton), 40 Copas (for the heartbroken ones), and Rosa Negra (for those who are always hungry).
A trendy spot in Menga: Tíbiri Tábara
(Centro de Eventos Valle del Pacífico, Carrera 26 #12-328)
The most celebrated salsa show in the country and, without being too bold, in the world. This circus of dancers and acrobatic artists offers a show like no other where you are not only a spectator of impossible contortions, speed, light, perfect smiles, and colors amidst the best music of Cali, but you can also dance with your partner and even be invited by one of their stunning performers to dance to some of the richest salsa tunes ever composed on the planet!
If you can't get a ticket there, we recommend contacting Mulato Cabaret, a well-known rival that we also recommend and have talked about here. Salsa choke at its finest!
Delirio: a Cali show for the world
Both located in the Obrero neighborhood of Cali.
The first one is defined as the “sentimental institute” of the area, which, although predominantly dedicated to tango, is also an important bastion of salsa in the city.
The second one is described as the old-school spot with its Antillean salsa, sones, and boleros.
If you’re looking to experience the true viejotecas in Cali, these are authentic choices for that.
Old-school salsa at La Matraca, in the heart of Obrero
In the center of the city, in the Bulevar del Río area, this curious place hides in a basement and is one of the most attractive spots for young salsa enthusiasts.
Street-style salsa, montuno, cha-cha-cha, and boogaloo blend with beautiful aesthetics, live musicians, and a fervor in dancing that only the regulars of this place can muster.
If you think you can compete with the average visitors and are in good physical condition, this is your rumbeadero in Cali.
Come dance salsa brava in the basement of Malamaña
Although this salsa club has four other branches (Junin, Ciudad Jardín, AlamedaandMenga), we recommend this location in the Granada neighborhood, in the north of the city, if you’re into romantic salsa.
A place full of sensuality, with DJs, live performances, and in a strategic location in the city for a happy ending: close to our hotels. ♥
Dance to the rhythm of love at Bailatino, Granada
The night is yours. Enjoy it!
Spiwak Hotels: your most complete option for accommodation in Cali, ideal for romantic plans.
Located in the Chipichape Shopping Center, in the Zona Rosa of our city, just 5 minutes from the Granada dining district and the nightlife in Menga. 493 suites, parking, and 12 rooms for social and business events.
We are the largest hotel complex in the Valle del Cauca!
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At Spiwak Hotels, we take advantage of his birthday on August 4th to tell you a bit about this giant and, if you wish to celebrate, present you with ten (10) options where you can listen to his songs, dance to the best of Salsa Caleña, and enjoy the finest of Cali's nightlife. Check it out!
Who Was Piper Pimienta?
On this day, exactly 83 years ago, Edulfamid Molina Díaz, also known as:
“The Grone of Salsa”, a great performer of what became the unofficial anthem of our Sky Branch, “Las caleñas son como las flores”, a salsa-cumbia song composed by maestro Jorge Arturo Ospina Piñeros and featured in the Cali Fair of 1975.
This melody catapulted Piper to fame with the help of his discoverer, the genius Julio Ernesto Estrada Rincón, leader of the Fruko y sus Tesos orchestra. It continues to be heard not only in every radio broadcast, bus route, patron saint festival, or family gathering in our country but has also become a classic at every edition of our Cali Fair.
The great Edulfamid Molina Díaz, alias 'Piper Pimienta'
And what is even more touching:
Piper's voice in this composition has transcended all types of geographical, cultural, and age barriers, becoming current inspirational material for international artists of various musical genres, and even:
Being included in highly popular video game soundtracks such as Scarface: The World is Yours for Playstation and Xbox platforms across all five continents.
In his honor, a monument stands in the Obrero neighborhood park, where he grew up doing all kinds of work to help his family, and where he is remembered daily for his tall stature, joy, spicy dancing, and hits like “Buscándote,” “Nunca fui tan feliz” and “Sucesos,” essential songs in the repertoire of the best nightclubs in Cali.
Check out the statue of Piper Pimienta in the Obrero neighborhood of Cali
Ten (10) Places to Dance Salsa in Cali
Zaperoco
(Avenida 5 Norte #16-46)
Known as "The Temple of Salsa" and recognized by The New York Times as one of the best places to go out in Cali.
With 28 years of partying, this corner of hard salsa holds a very special place in the hearts of Cali locals: adorned with portraits of its history and salsa stars who have visited, such as Puerto Ricans Roberto Roena, Ismael Miranda, and Pedro Conga; our great Yuri Buenaventura; Colombian actresses Margarita Rosa de Francisco and Juana Acosta; and even international stars like John Leguizamo and Alejandro Sanz. Live salsa to groove, drink, and dance close until dawn.
Zaperoco is the temple of salsa in Cali
Punto Baré
(Calle 5 #13-15)
Another spectacular landmark of Cali’s nightlife that is highly recommended for its live Latin jazz and salsa performances.
Despite being a venue with a small dance floor, it has become a haven for true music lovers and anyone looking for high-quality sound in a cheerfully cozy atmosphere, perfect for starting a date with great drinks and excellent music in one of the best bars in Cali.
Under the direction of Jaime Henao, a prominent music producer in our city, the Punto Baré Big Band and La Cuquibanda are the magnificent resident orchestras at this place where you will never be bored.
La Topa Tolondra
(Calle 5 #13-27)
Right next to Punto Baré, you'll find this bustling two-story establishment, known for being a favorite spot for many foreigners who come to learn to dance salsa.
A picturesque decor frames one of the busiest tile dance floors in the city, making it one of the most famous dancing spots in Cali.
La Topa Tolondra: international salsa school
Tintindeo
(Calle 5 #38-71)Its eighties tavern-like appearance and the intense sound of heavy salsa are perhaps some of the most representative features of this place.
Because when its neon lights in glorious fluorescence welcome you, you know that what lies beyond the stairs is a party from which your body will take time to recover.
Unfortunately, this incredible guaguancó hall remains closed due to the economic effects of the pandemic, but its reopening is imminent. Therefore, we recommend following their Instagram account to stay updated: @tintindeo_cali.
A rumba classic: Tintindeo
Tíbiri Tábara
(Carrera 40 #11-81, Yumbo, Arroyo Hondo)In the lively area of Menga, north of our city, you’ll find this newly opened salsa paradise from the same team behind La 40.
Performances by national and international artists have made it the new gathering place for salsa enthusiasts, alternating with Living Night Club, another business from this nightclub conglomerate that dedicates Wednesdays to this rhythm.
Tíbiri Tábara
(Carrera 40 #11-81, Yumbo, Arroyo Hondo)
But perhaps the most interesting thing about this place is that on the same block, you'll find El Jangueo (for those in your party who prefer reggaeton), 40 Copas (for the heartbroken ones), and Rosa Negra (for those who are always hungry).
A trendy spot in Menga: Tíbiri Tábara
Delirio
(Centro de Eventos Valle del Pacífico, Carrera 26 #12-328)
The most celebrated salsa show in the country and, without being too bold, in the world. This circus of dancers and acrobatic artists offers a show like no other where you are not only a spectator of impossible contortions, speed, light, perfect smiles, and colors amidst the best music of Cali, but you can also dance with your partner and even be invited by one of their stunning performers to dance to some of the richest salsa tunes ever composed on the planet!
If you can't get a ticket there, we recommend contacting Mulato Cabaret, a well-known rival that we also recommend and have talked about here. Salsa choke at its finest!
Delirio: a Cali show for the world
La Matraca
(Carrera 11 #22-80)La NellyTeka
(Carrera 10 #21-69)Both located in the Obrero neighborhood of Cali.
The first one is defined as the “sentimental institute” of the area, which, although predominantly dedicated to tango, is also an important bastion of salsa in the city.
The second one is described as the old-school spot with its Antillean salsa, sones, and boleros.
If you’re looking to experience the true viejotecas in Cali, these are authentic choices for that.
Old-school salsa at La Matraca, in the heart of Obrero
Malamaña
(Carrera 4 #9-59)In the center of the city, in the Bulevar del Río area, this curious place hides in a basement and is one of the most attractive spots for young salsa enthusiasts.
Street-style salsa, montuno, cha-cha-cha, and boogaloo blend with beautiful aesthetics, live musicians, and a fervor in dancing that only the regulars of this place can muster.
If you think you can compete with the average visitors and are in good physical condition, this is your rumbeadero in Cali.
Come dance salsa brava in the basement of Malamaña
Bailatino
(Calle 16 Nte #8 N - 30)Although this salsa club has four other branches (Junin, Ciudad Jardín, AlamedaandMenga), we recommend this location in the Granada neighborhood, in the north of the city, if you’re into romantic salsa.
A place full of sensuality, with DJs, live performances, and in a strategic location in the city for a happy ending: close to our hotels. ♥
Dance to the rhythm of love at Bailatino, Granada
The night is yours. Enjoy it!
Spiwak Hotels: your most complete option for accommodation in Cali, ideal for romantic plans.
Located in the Chipichape Shopping Center, in the Zona Rosa of our city, just 5 minutes from the Granada dining district and the nightlife in Menga. 493 suites, parking, and 12 rooms for social and business events.
We are the largest hotel complex in the Valle del Cauca!
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