South-Colombia: Cali & salsa, Pacific coast, Petronio Festival
Join two unforgettable weeks immersed in the rhythm of Colombia’s Pacific region. From daily dance classes, vibrant salsa nightlife, and the Afro-Pacific sounds of Cali’s Petronio Álvarez Festival to surf sessions, jungle adventures, whale watching and rich coastal traditions along the Pacific coast, this journey is an invitation to connect deeply with the people, culture, and spirit of a region that will stay with you long after you return home.
When?
14-27 August
Price
1190 EUR
What’s Waiting for You
✔ A chance to reconnect with joy, spontaneity, and aliveness.
✔ Daily morning somatic movement practices to reconnect with your body and tune into how you truly feel.
✔ Daily dance classes in salsa, currulao, bachata & boogaloo with passionate local dancers.
✔ Unforgettable nights out in Cali’s salsa bars, clubs and Petronio Festival events, immersed in a living culture of music, dance, and community.
✔ Surf lesson, jungle adventures, whale watch and Colombia’s wild Pacific coast—one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
✔ Deep cultural immersion through encounters with local ways of life where music, relationships, celebration, and presence come first.
✔ A supportive community of open-minded travelers and locals, sharing meaningful experiences and real human connection.
✔ Guidance from an experienced dancer with years in Colombia, including work with the national dance company and local dance communities, combined with somatic psychotherapy-informed facilitation.
Programme
Day 1 — Welcome to Cali
Arrive in Cali, the salsa capital of the world, and settle into the energy of Colombia. After check-in, we’ll gather for welcome drinks and arepas, where everyone can meet, connect, and ease into the journey ahead. It’s the perfect first taste of Cali’s warm atmosphere, music, and nightlife.
Day 2 — Into the Rhythm of Petronio
We begin our immersion into movement and Afro-Colombian culture with our first dance class before heading into the incredible Petronio Álvarez Festival. During the day, we discover the hidden beauties of Cali’s oldest district. At night, expect powerful live music, dancing in the streets, unforgettable food, and one of the most vibrant cultural gatherings in Colombia. The energy here is impossible not to feel.
Day 3 — Afro Beats & Festival Nights
Today is all about musicality, movement, and deepening our connection to Afro-Colombian rhythms. Through a currulao dance class, we further immerse ourselves to Petronio’s vivid experience. During the day, we discover the colourful cultural hubs of the northern part of the city. As night falls, the festival transforms into a massive celebration of music and dance.
Day 4 — Culture, Dance & Pure Energy
Our final festival day blends our daily movement workshop with a full immersion into the electric atmosphere of Petronio. During the day, we explore the southern part of the city. From live percussion to spontaneous dancing everywhere around you, this day captures the soul of Colombia’s cultural spirit. Get ready for unforgettable moments and late-night dancing.
Day 5 — Salsa Capital Takeover
Now it’s time to step fully into Cali’s legendary salsa scene. We’ll learn with local instructors during the day and experience the city’s famous social dance culture by night. Whether you’re new to salsa or already dancing, Cali has a way of pulling everyone onto the dance floor. We will have the chance to slowly get into the pleasures of social dancing through our open-minded community.
Day 6 — Dance Like a Local
Today we dive deeper into Cali-style salsa: footwork, musicality, and connection with your partners through touch, rhythm, and flow. Beyond the class, we’ll explore the salsa museum and other iconic salsa places that make this city one of the most exciting dance capitals in the world. The night ends where Cali truly comes alive — inside the salsa clubs, discovering new ones each day.
Day 7 — Choreography, Flow & Cali Nights
This day is about confidence in your movement, expression, and enjoying the process of dancing together. After our workshop, we will discover some of the cafés and bakeries where the city’s social life is most abundant. Afterward, you’ll have the chance to experience one more unforgettable salsa night surrounded by live music, passionate dancers, and Cali’s unique nightlife energy, with plenty of social dancing.
Day 8 — Waterfalls & Mountain Escape
After days of movement and nightlife, we escape into the lush nature surrounding Cali, to the river Pance in the mountains. Think waterfalls, rivers, tropical mountains, fresh air, and hidden swimming spots. A full reset day to recharge, connect with nature, and experience another beautiful side of Colombia. In the evening we continue with the relaxed vibes in Cali’s Viejotecas, where live music, old vinyls, and the elderly of the city come together to dance and enjoy life with style.
Day 9 — Journey to the Pacific Coast
We leave the city behind and travel toward Colombia’s wild Pacific coast. Surrounded by jungle, ocean, and small coastal communities, this next chapter of the trip slows everything down. Expect stunning scenery, beach sunsets, and a completely different rhythm of life.
Day 10 — Mangroves, Rivers & Pacific Sounds
Today we explore the natural beauty of the Pacific region through mangrove trips, river adventures, and waterfalls hidden in the jungle. Later, we connect with local music traditions through a percussion and rhythm workshop, inspired by Afro-Pacific culture. Nature and music come together everywhere here.
Day 11 — Surf, Ocean & Slow Living
Wake up to the sound of the ocean and spend the day fully connected to the Pacific coast lifestyle. Surf class kicks off the day, beach time, fresh local food, and sunsets by the sea create the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. This is Colombia at its most raw and beautiful.
Day 12 — Jungle Adventures & Coastal Culture
We continue discovering the magic of the Pacific coast with jungle walks and a trip to the most amazing waterfalls you probably have ever seen. Every part of the region feels alive with music, nature, and tradition. The evenings here are unforgettable — simple, authentic, and deeply connected beneath infinite stars and the sounds of the most biodiverse place on Earth.
Day 13 — Final Beach Day & Celebration
Our last full day on the coast is about soaking it all in one more time. Whether it is whale watching, depending on migration patterns, or surfing, swimming, relaxing in hammocks, or dancing on the beach at sunset, this day is about celebrating the friendships and memories created throughout the journey.
Day 14 — Back to Cali & Goodbye
Our last full day on the coast is about soaking it all in one more time. Whether it is whale watching, depending on migration patterns, or surfing, swimming, relaxing in hammocks, or dancing on the beach at sunset, this day is about celebrating the friendships and memories created throughout the journey.
✳ We reserve the right to change, replace, or cancel any part of the programme due to weather, safety, local conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. Alternative arrangements may be provided where appropriate.
What does the price include?
Accomodation (8 nights in private airbnb, 5 night hostel in the pacific coast in the middle of nature)
Transportation (long distance buses and boats)
Taxis or private mini-bus in Cali
All covers for bars and clubs
Tickets for concerts
1 meal full organic healthy meal per day (lunch, sometimes dinner because of the programm)
Entries for national parques
Every day group dance classes (salsa, currulao, cumbia, bachata)
Mucis workshops (marimba, traditional drums)
Professional tour guiding
Every day short somatic/mindfullness practice
What does it exclude?
Flight(s) to arrive to the meeting point in Cali
Airport taxes
Health insurance (obligatory), or tarvel insurance if you decide to make one
Vaccines and medications
Any extra costs during programms (beers, snacks, souvenirs)
Other meals except the 1 warm meal included,
( kitchen is available)
Frequently Asked Questions
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This trip is for everyone who wants to join an adventurous travel experience across the region. It’s an inclusive community open to travelers who enjoy exploration, culture, and connection, typically ranging in age from 20 to 45. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, it’s designed for open-minded people looking to experience South America together.
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The workshops are designed to be fun and accessible for everyone, with no prior dance or music experience needed. The goal is to open new perspectives, build confidence through the arts, and help you fully enjoy Cali nights with the basics and joy of dance.
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Moderate level—no extreme experience needed, the hikes and activities are about relaxing and enjoying, but a basic fitness level is necessary.
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Yes, many travelers in our trips join solo and connect with the group during the trip .The guide is also an experienced solo traveler.. -
Large backpack: According, with what you can walk with in shorter distances. A waterproof cover is recommended.
Small backpack: useful for day trips.
Rain jacket: country, so a rain jacket is essential.
Long pants: simple jeans are fine, some Salsa bars require it for the entry.
Hiking shoes: preferably breathable; that can get wet, and are comfortable to walk and dance in.
Sandals or flip-flops: useful not only in hot areas but also essential for showering.
Other clothing: 1–2 sweaters, shorts, and T-shirts.
Electronics: headlamp,power- bank, etc.
Health kit: bandages, plasters, antiseptic, pain and fever relief, anti-diarrhea medication, antispasmodics, mosquito repellent, etc.
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Small groups (6-8persons), typically designed for a social and personal experience. -
In South America, including Colombia, most risks come from petty theft rather than natural dangers or violent situations. It’s recommended to keep valuables secure and not visible, carry your backpack close (especially on buses), and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated areas at night. Cash should be split and stored in different places, with only daily spending money easily accessible.
Like any travel destination in the world, Colombia and South America do have some inherent risks, but these are generally manageable with basic awareness and common-sense precautions. We also designed the itinerary in the safest possible way, choosing routes, locations, and activities with local knowledge and careful planning.
You will also be traveling with an experienced local guide and his local friends, providing additional safety, cultural insight, and support throughout the journey.
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Yes, travel and health insurance is strongly recommended and in many cases healthy insuranceis required for Colombia trips, from border controll. You can get one easily and quite cheaply usually in your country of residence.
