Barranquilla Reports

[Arcangel]

I have now visited Krasny Spa and can recommend it. I had a great time with a bubbly spinner for only 50 k.

It's not near anywhere you're likely to be, but in a decent neighborhood and easy to reach by taxi. And they are open from morning until 2 am.

Krasny Spa, Calle 80 #76 b-09, upstairs, 50 k 30 min, 3017421725 3015972472 345585466 3105115066 3015970598 3015972400.

[Arcangel]

I'm back in Barranquilla 10 days already, and in between Carnaval parties and processions, I've been doing some search.

New places:

Bloom Massage, Calle 70 c #24 c-28 apt 1 b (white door, no sign, no bell, just knock), 45 k 30 min + 2 k condom, 5 girls 18-20,3043756765, 3015970573.

Krasny Spa, Calle 80 #76 b-09 2 piso, 80 k 30 min, promotion 50 k, 3017421725 (I haven't visited the place yet, just got the address on the phone).

Recommended:

Las Nenas de Lina, calle 58 #44-154, go up stairs, black door ahead, apt 2 A, knock, 30 min 50 k, 9 am-8 pm, 3043387929,3127234263, 3105376576,3043297842.

I reported this new place as "Angels Casa" last year, when it was something like a cooperative of independent paisas. The place has since professionalized (better availability, competitive pricing, but more routine service) and is now similar to Total Relax. Best value for money in town in my book.

Massage Relax Total Carrera 46 #64-37, open 24/7, ask for promotion 50 k 30 min, 3046501478,3205896091, 3046501489.

Closed:

Renuévate (Casa Lindas Chicas), Calle 76 #44-07, piso 2, 3013988776. I reported this place as new last year, and it was one of my favourites, but it didn't last.

Seduction Spa, Cra 49 #72-195,3002164054. This address is now a construction site.

I get my info on http://co.mileroticos.com and then confirm on the ground. To see their adverts, put the phone number in the search box on mileroticos.

Competition seems to have brought the going rate down to 50 k /30 min. Which is much the same as for similar places in Bogota and makes Barranquilla a good value destination.

[Sokta169]

I'm in Barranquilla right now with my wingman. We hit up El Hoyito (Bar Qrquidea) twice in the last couple of days. It's turned out to be pretty good for us, but you definitely have to search for some of the diamonds in the rough, but at 50 K for 30 minutes. I think its worth the effort. This trip we've spent a lot of time in el Centro. We ended up making friends with a taxi driver and were able to manuver realtively safely. The parties in La Ocho in the south have been great, but it seems that most of the guys are there with their girls.

I'll try to write up a good report when I get back stateside.

[Sokta169]

I am not a Barranquilla apologist. I know that it doesn't hold up in many ways against some of the other Colombian cities, but I think it does have charm. I think that because it doesn't get tourists, so many people are surprised and happy to see you visiting their city, especially outside of Carnival time. Furthermore, with some Spanish language skills and an appetite for adventure, a great time can be had. I'm talking about the bars and clubs down la Ocho and Calle 84. I think Siglo XXI is good. The casas are cool and while it is more expensive in the north, there are some bargains to be had in the el centro. I'll be down there for Carnival this year and I'm looking forward to checking out El Orquidea (El Hoyito) for the first time.

Moreover, I think you get a really authentic experience of the coast and it's people in Barranquilla. Cartagena, while a really cool place, is very expensive in comparison, and I think that you have to worry a bit more about people trying to cheat you. I think Santa Marta is great for it's beauty, but so far I've found the nightlife to be lacking (maybe I haven't explored enough). Obviously, you can't beat El Centro in Medellin or Santa Fe in Bogota, but although the scene in Barranquilla is more spread out, I think it offers a great alternative when you get tired of being in the mountains. Just my two cents and none of what I have written applies if you don't speak Spanish.

[HyperCom]

Thanks for the analogy of visiting Iowa. I want to avoid such places in Colombia.

It is a great idea to knock them out while you are in the area. But let me tell you that there is not a damn thing to see or do in Barranquilla. As Arcangel said, they do not get many toursits and that is the reason why. It is like someone in the US planning a vacation to Des Moins, Iowa or more so Shit Beach, Texas. Cartagena is freaking expensive by Colombian standards. One time there was enough for me.

[Tiny 12]

Advantageous, Barranquilla is an armpit compared to Cartagena, not really worth a day trip. You'll probably have an exhausting day and wish you'd stay in Cartagena. It might be worth it if you were going to spend more time and chase non pros.

[Mr Enternational]

And I may find myself to be of the same persuasion, but it's definitely still worth the one-time effort for both places. Doesn't look like I'll be getting much done in BAQ other than my casa run, but that was more or less the only plan I had in mind anyway--resting dogs and people or not, Des Moines would probably be worth the one-time visit for Colombian hookers at that price.

Just wait til you get to the 35K Medellin casas! To me, that is one of the best values on the planet.

[Advantageous]

It is a great idea to knock them out while you are in the area. But let me tell you that there is not a damn thing to see or do in Barranquilla. As Arcangel said, they do not get many toursits and that is the reason why. It is like someone in the US planning a vacation to Des Moins, Iowa or more so Shit Beach, Texas. Cartagena is freaking expensive by Colombian standards. One time there was enough for me.

And I may find myself to be of the same persuasion, but it's definitely still worth the one-time effort for both places. Doesn't look like I'll be getting much done in BAQ other than my casa run, but that was more or less the only plan I had in mind anyway--resting dogs and people or not, Des Moines would probably be worth the one-time visit for Colombian hookers at that price.

[Member #4398]

It is a great idea to knock them out while you are in the area. But let me tell you that there is not a damn thing to see or do in Barranquilla. As Arcangel said, they do not get many toursits and that is the reason why. It is like someone in the US planning a vacation to Des Moins, Iowa or more so Shit Beach, Texas. Cartagena is freaking expensive by Colombian standards. One time there was enough for me.

I disagree, there are things to see. For instance, you could see some dogs and people napping on the hot pavement of some roads and using tree shades, escaping the scorching sun and freaking hot weather. I was impressed of how much dogs and people seem to enjoy that activity there. That was the highlight of my sightseeing in Barranquilla LOL.

[Combo]

I think Cartagena is definitely worth seeing once as it's a pretty interesting with lots of tourist stuff. However, once is enough. Too expensive and too hot compared to MDE or Cali.

[Mr Enternational]

I am of the third class of traveler you described, who wants to see as many places as they can.

It is a great idea to knock them out while you are in the area. But let me tell you that there is not a damn thing to see or do in Barranquilla. As Arcangel said, they do not get many toursits and that is the reason why. It is like someone in the US planning a vacation to Des Moins, Iowa or more so Shit Beach, Texas. Cartagena is freaking expensive by Colombian standards. One time there was enough for me.

[Advantageous]

It all depends on you and what you like, Advantageous.

Some guys like Cartagena because it's touristy and they can throw money around. I like Barranquilla for a more chilled local experience, nobody treats you like just another tourist because tourists never go there. If you want to see as many places as you can: Yes you can do BAQ as a daytrip from CTG.

But if you want the best choice of girls and value, why not go straight to Medellin and spend more time there. Better climate, too, than CTG and BAQ which are equally sweaty.

BTW, I'm planning to be in BOG, BAQ and MDE for a month this winter.

I am of the third class of traveler you described, who wants to see as many places as they can. This was actually a seven-day trip to MDE originally, but it being my first time to Colombia, I wanted to get a sampler of most of the destinations I've considered longer stays at -- this way, I have more basis for future trips. My budget isn't extraordinarily limited or anything; having said that, I have sort of a complex in paying girls anything that looks like an American price, so CTG's 400 k+/ ST girls are probably not making it into my plans -- especially because a lot of them don't look any better tthan the 80-150 k / ST girls I'm seeing on mileroticos and photoprepagos (and I'm sure many of the girls / semis / FLs I'll meet in CTG).

Based on the bit of feedback I've read here and what I read, I think I will make daytripping to BAQ a reality on my 2nd or 3rd night in town -- thanks for the advice! I'm not sure if I'll miss you or not (I'm in Colombia the last week of this month), but if you're there when I am (now or the future), first round's on me.

[Arcangel]

It all depends on you and what you like, Advantageous.

Some guys like Cartagena because it's touristy and they can throw money around. I like Barranquilla for a more chilled local experience, nobody treats you like just another tourist because tourists never go there. If you want to see as many places as you can: Yes you can do BAQ as a daytrip from CTG.

But if you want the best choice of girls and value, why not go straight to Medellin and spend more time there. Better climate, too, than CTG and BAQ which are equally sweaty.

BTW, I'm planning to be in BOG, BAQ and MDE for a month this winter.

[Lmarcone]

Totally doable!

I'm going to CTG for three (weekday) nights to kick off my upcoming trip to Colombia, and I'm wondering if that's too few days to consider a visit to Baranquilla. I'd aim to go relatively early in the day (arriving noonish) to grab some lunch, then spend 5+ hours cruising some of the casas I've read about in the thread before coming back to CTG and chilling for a bit before enjoying the nightlife there.

This was kind of my line of thinking in doing my first trip CTG - CLO - MDE; I think Medellin's going to overwhelm me, so I wanted to work my way up to it. That said, it looks like Barranquilla might be worth the side-trip while in CTG; is it worthwhile in terms of girls and value, or should I just eat the short-term hike in price while I'm in CTG?

[Advantageous]

I'm going to CTG for three (weekday) nights to kick off my upcoming trip to Colombia, and I'm wondering if that's too few days to consider a visit to Baranquilla. I'd aim to go relatively early in the day (arriving noonish) to grab some lunch, then spend 5+ hours cruising some of the casas I've read about in the thread before coming back to CTG and chilling for a bit before enjoying the nightlife there.

I think your report is fair, although I did have a better time in Barranquilla than you did. If you're excluding yourself from casas then you're ruling out 75% of mongering in that city.

I am somewhat glad I popped my Colombian cherry in Barranquilla rather than Medellin. As you prefaced, it may be hard to accept elsewhere in Colombia once you're used to Medellin. My next trip is Bogota early next year. I'm working my way up to MDE, LOL.

This was kind of my line of thinking in doing my first trip CTG - CLO - MDE; I think Medellin's going to overwhelm me, so I wanted to work my way up to it. That said, it looks like Barranquilla might be worth the side-trip while in CTG; is it worthwhile in terms of girls and value, or should I just eat the short-term hike in price while I'm in CTG?