Bogota Reports

[Kooper]

First, thanks to you fellas who have provided the map and info about all the places and in and outs (World, Routard, and couple of the other guys). Without that information there is no way I could have explored as easily as I did for my first trip down there recently. I hope this helps anyone else who is first time in Bogota or a complete newbie like me who went for first time ever in Colombia.

Arrival. Arrived in the evening to El Dorado. Spoke to a great Colombian gal who lives in the USA The entire plane trip who was as sweet as could be. It was a great start. She was helpful and also said I was crazy. I'm not fluent in Spanish but can communicate in elementary terms for the most part as needed and would think someone coming here alone would want some basic Spanish as others said to make the trip more enjoyable (if staying for more than 2 or 3 nights). It sucked as for some reason we had to walk downstairs out of the plane and hop on buses to customs. This wasn't the norm the girl said. Follow sign says "Extranjero" for Foreigners (since there was a Colombian guy who actually mistakenly came in our line and you want to try to get to the front). Then, waited a solid full hour in line before getting to the customs person. I got some girl who just smiled and stamped and went on my way past her and to the right.

Money Exchange. I followed the signs and at the baggage claim there was a currency exchange to the right since I needed pesos since had none. Rate 2700 when I asked. It was the only one I saw there at baggage claim. I figured there had to be another one so once you walk past the baggage claim you then go through the final "customs" inspection where you hand the customs person your form and then put your luggage in the machine for your final brief inspection.

Right after this area in front of you are two other exchange places. I asked the first one on the left the rate and the girl quoted me 2200 pesos. I then went to the one 10 feet away in his small window and he said 2700 pesos. I then exchanged money with him and double checked on my currency converter and went walked out the exit.

Taxi. Here, I saw the Taxi sign if you look up and walk out the sliding doors. Immediately walking out was a guy dressed in a suit of course so he would look all official asking if I needed a Taxi along with a few other guys who I all said no to. I look to the left and to the right and see the stand that says "Taxi" with a line of 15 people to the right with all the Yellow taxis pulling in and a guy assisting people. After waiting in line I hopped in my taxi and handed the guy my directions and hopped on Google Maps to make sure he was going the correct way and did. I didn't really do research on cost prior and overpaid of course but was dead tired by this time as it was 12 am.

Location. It was a 20 minute ride right around Parque Virrey as I stayed in a place I found Airbnb walking distance to the clubs. I checked with my contact if guests were allowed and was told they were. There was security guy at front 24 hours a day and had no problems with girls the entire time coming to my room.

Altitude. This was noticeable the first morning I woke up and had a headache all day. It didn't hit me or cross my mind although I read it here but it was an obvious case of mild altitude sickness. I had a headache and very little appetite. I grabbed some Advil at the store and it worked fine and the symptoms disappeared. I was still a bit off the entire trip especially if I didn't keep some food in my stomach but after that second night felt better and made sure to pop in an Advil.

ATM. I setup with my bank WF beforehand online my travel plans so was hoping to have no issues. I went first to BancoColombia. You put in your debit card the same way as anywhere else you've used an ATM then you have the Option to choose your language. Follow the prompts. BancoColombia I tried twice but would not process my transaction. I then looked for the nearest Citibank and found one right by Parque93. Here you follow the same steps, I pressed English, and then you choose your amount. I pressed "other amount" and selected 800 cop. Transaction processed with no issues. I then proceeded to do the process again and take out another round of pesos. I came back on a Sunday and for some reason WF debit wasn't working so figured I'd try my CC (Cap One). The only difference with the credit card is it gave me options to take the money in pesos or dollars which you will see on the screen on the left and right respectively. I chose pesos and it saved me money when I checked once I came back home.

Uber. I used Uber once late from a Club and it was easy as could be. I then used it for my taxi ride back to the airport. I just used the same app I have on my phone I use here at home and the guy was outside the apartment within 8 minutes for the ride to the airport. It will tell you the pesos paid which was $15 us I think for uber black for the highest option, or maybe a little less.

Walking. Since my first trip, I strictly stayed in the North to make it easy on myself. I knew I'd pay way more but would bite the bullet. It was easy walking everywhere to all the North clubs every night I was there. During the day time, tons of places everywhere shop, eat, drink and walking around easy as well.

Supplies to Stock up. If your hotel or place has a fridge, check out for a Carulla is what I did on google maps if one was close and got some food, Gatorade, water, juice and you can buy liquor or beer there as well. Maybe vets no better options but that worked for me. I just paid in cash. The cashier asked me for phone number or something I guess like a perk program and just said no.

Overall. Everyone was nice I came across with my limited Spanish and I managed to help me as needed with no issues. I didn't explore lots of local eateries and the like as my appetite was nonexistent. So didn't get to venture out as much as I would have liked but will on another trip unless I try Medellin instead. I'll shoot the juicy stuff next post.

[JjBee62]

Cool! Thanks for the reponse. I plan on staying at the B3 vierry hotel in Chapeniero. This will be my first Bogota trip. Any other Chapeniero suggestions would be appreciated. I guess I'll make it to santa fe at some point

I can't personally recommend any of these places, but there are 3 massage parlors all owned by the same company that is also an escort agency. Via Spa and Colorin Spa are close to your hotel in Zona Rosa and Sex on the Way is in Chapinero. Prices run from 80 k to 170 k. They look promising, but I don't know if I'll have the time to check them out. The combined website is.

Http://serviciosprepagos.com

[Brother P]

It's a strip club / disco / brothel with rooms on site, located in Chapinero. Take out is also available.

I prefer to stay farther north around Zona Rosa, Parque Virrey or Parque 93. Hotels tend to get pricier the further north you go. Just a block west of Pussy House are a bunch of love motels. Prices around $20 for 4 hours.

Cool! Thanks for the reponse. I plan on staying at the B3 vierry hotel in Chapeniero. This will be my first Bogota trip. Any other Chapeniero suggestions would be appreciated. I guess I'll make it to santa fe at some point

[Viajando Musico]

If you plan is to go to Pussy House to dance salsa with the girls, you will be up for a big surprise and potential dissapointing. Young girls are much more into Reggaton than salsa, most of the music the play at the second floor (where you can dance with the girls) is reggaton, if you do not know what that music is, look it up (popular artists are Daddy Yankee, Maluma, Nicky Jam and J Balvin. Many others), Dancing Regatton is not that difficult, usually the girls do most of the dancing. If you want to dance salsa, tip the DJ and ask him to play some salsa, is what I had to do a few times.

.

If that is the case with Pussy House, where would be a good place to find chicas to dance salsa with for a lone visitor? Working or not. I found not too many working chicas are good in dancing salsa. The regular girl or semi working chicas are better with salsa dancing. I guess when you are struggling, you just don't have the desire and means to learn and dance Salsa.

[JjBee62]

I'm thinking of hitting Bogota in July. First trip. Is pussy house a brothel? Take out or do them in house? In santa fe? Also what hotel do you normally use? Thanks!

It's a strip club / disco / brothel with rooms on site, located in Chapinero. Take out is also available.

I prefer to stay farther north around Zona Rosa, Parque Virrey or Parque 93. Hotels tend to get pricier the further north you go. Just a block west of Pussy House are a bunch of love motels. Prices around $20 for 4 hours.

[Brother P]

If you plan is to go to Pussy House to dance salsa with the girls, you will be up for a big surprise and potential dissapointing. Young girls are much more into Reggaton than salsa, most of the music the play at the second floor (where you can dance with the girls) is reggaton, if you do not know what that music is, look it up (popular artists are Daddy Yankee, Maluma, Nicky Jam and J Balvin. Many others), Dancing Regatton is not that difficult, usually the girls do most of the dancing. If you want to dance salsa, tip the DJ and ask him to play some salsa, is what I had to do a few times.

.

I'm thinking of hitting Bogota in July. First trip. Is pussy house a brothel? Take out or do them in house? In santa fe? Also what hotel do you normally use? Thanks!

[JHappyDog]

Thank you Toreador.

Sorry to clarify I don't care which music. I actually prefer Reggaton, I didn't know it was called that.

Awesome, that is even better I just signed up for salsa but, I suck at any dancing, I will switch to Reggaton.

I just meant I worried about my Spanish.

I will try to learn as much as I can but, I don't think I will be able to understand much of what is being said.

I am sure I can string together a few short sentences. I don't want to be rude and ask them to repeat everything slowly or pull out google translate even if allow in the club.

I was hoping if I was polite, respectful and tried to get along in broken Spanish they might find it cute.

My plan was to ease into the scene. I figured if I buy a couple of drinks and try to speak to a lady and then dance a bit upstairs and then a private dance or more.

Then maybe would try a day casa and / or outcall if all goes well.

If you plan is to go to Pussy House to dance salsa with the girls, you will be up for a big surprise and potential dissapointing. Young girls are much more into Reggaton than salsa, most of the music the play at the second floor (where you can dance with the girls) is reggaton, if you do not know what that music is, look it up (popular artists are Daddy Yankee, Maluma, Nicky Jam and J Balvin. Many others), Dancing Regatton is not that difficult, usually the girls do most of the dancing. If you want to dance salsa, tip the DJ and ask him to play some salsa, is what I had to do a few times..

[GringoTigre]

Similar thread on MDE forum. Looking for Bogota specific answer to my question. And there are of course people who visit one but not the other location.

Question: What are the best love hotels? I am looking for something upper end (with respect to the category) with jacuzzi and any other special features. I found a review site a few years ago but can no longer locate it. There appeared to be far more of these establishments then I've ever seen in person. Some $$$ in Bogota which don't seem connected to what you get for the COP. Chapinero or Parc93 area.

Tips.

I will preface that neither of these are paid placements and I receive no benefit from any of the things mentioned. If you are going for a short time quick visit (to the country or for the hobby), skip these tips.

1. Culture Smart: Colombia. This is a series of books for about 50 countries which gives insight into unique cultural aspects of the country & the Colombia book is no exception. I recommend these for any type of travel (business, pleasure, combo) where you're staying more than just a few days and want to understand where you are visiting rather than just seeing it. I've often shared what I've read in these books with people I'm visiting and often get the response "I've never looked at xxxxx in my culture that way, but that is completely accurate and very insightful".

2. If you have intermediate or better Spanish, learn a few piropos. They will serve you well with semi-pro / non-pro. Google will show you plenty of examples with translations. And creating your own will work too. They're significantly different from pickup lines you may be used to.

3. My best tip. Chaturbate ('chatur' in Colombia). This has become incredibly popular in Colombia -- probably well over 10.000 users with a few hundred online at any given time. There is a particular concentration of users in MDE, BOG & CLO. You'll find Colombians of all ages, types. SP / NP / neither. Most, but not all, are there for 'necesidad economica' and are broadcasting from a studio (which takes 50% of their earnings). You will find varying levels of English fluency. It will help if you have some yourself and / or use a translator. You'll also want to register and buy some tokens. In private, you can speed date and get to know them. If you tell many of them that you'll be visiting, they may volunteer to show you their city before you can even ask. If they don't volunteer, just tell them a few things you are interested in seeing. You'll be able to get whatsapp or twitter but you need to be very discrete about it as it is often prohibited by the studio and they can be monitored. Cam2 cam can be beneficial from multiple perspectives. There are a lot of benefits to this vs CC or anuncios or twitter.

Want to hear your feedback on these. And your best tips.

[GringoTigre]

Look up piropos translations. It will give you some game. Stuff you would never say as a pick up line in English. They range from crude to respectful. Pick a few which suit your level. Yeah, you will be talking to a pro. But they appreciate and will react to the effort no matter how clumsy you are.

Don't limit yourself to dine out locations. There are plenty of solid opportunities for dine in experiences at your hotel. YMMV. Plenty of options here, but you can't go wrong with some of the well screened options from higher end agencies niisha / solitasparati have indication if they speak English.

If you have iPhone / iPad check out sexy Spanish. Fun to teach / learn a few phrases with a passionate teacher at your side (or above / below as you prefer).

I believe I can pick up a lot of vocabulary in the short period of time and speak short sentences to explain what I want and get around as a tourist.

What I fear is I won't be able to understand when people speak in Spanish. Always seems so fast and I have been told Colombian Spanish is a little clearer.

[Toreador]

If you plan is to go to Pussy House to dance salsa with the girls, you will be up for a big surprise and potential dissapointing. Young girls are much more into Reggaton than salsa, most of the music the play at the second floor (where you can dance with the girls) is reggaton, if you do not know what that music is, look it up (popular artists are Daddy Yankee, Maluma, Nicky Jam and J Balvin. Many others), Dancing Regatton is not that difficult, usually the girls do most of the dancing. If you want to dance salsa, tip the DJ and ask him to play some salsa, is what I had to do a few times.

I too am traveling to Bogota for business in a few months.

I read through over a hundred pages here in the last couple of days, I wish I found this site years ago.

Thank you very much for all the info you guys provide including travelers and locals.

I am taking the advice and started to learn Spanish and joined a local group that helps beginners, also signed up for Salsa lessons.

I believe I can pick up a lot of vocabulary in the short period of time and speak short sentences to explain what I want and get around as a tourist.

What I fear is I won't be able to understand when people speak in Spanish. Always seems so fast and I have been told Colombian Spanish is a little clearer.

I just don't want to be a goof or worse offend anyone and they ask me to leave places.

Sorry to go on so long.

Basically I wanted to go a Strip Club like Pussy House have a drink, hopefully talk to a pretty lady in broken Spanish, dance some salsa.

I read you can just get private dances but, nothing extra vs the room rate.

I am easy going, always polite and respectful, I am funny in English and don't mind being laughed at. (I prefer laughing together, jajaja).

I have little game in English so I know in Spanish it will be zero.

I am guessing I can't have my phone out with google translate app running to help me.

Now assuming the strip club goes well I would try a day casa (would that be even tougher?

.

[JHappyDog]

I too am traveling to Bogota for business in a few months.

I read through over a hundred pages here in the last couple of days, I wish I found this site years ago.

Thank you very much for all the info you guys provide including travelers and locals.

I am taking the advice and started to learn Spanish and joined a local group that helps beginners, also signed up for Salsa lessons.

I believe I can pick up a lot of vocabulary in the short period of time and speak short sentences to explain what I want and get around as a tourist.

What I fear is I won't be able to understand when people speak in Spanish. Always seems so fast and I have been told Colombian Spanish is a little clearer.

I just don't want to be a goof or worse offend anyone and they ask me to leave places.

Sorry to go on so long.

Basically I wanted to go a Strip Club like Pussy House have a drink, hopefully talk to a pretty lady in broken Spanish, dance some salsa.

I read you can just get private dances but, nothing extra vs the room rate.

I am easy going, always polite and respectful, I am funny in English and don't mind being laughed at. (I prefer laughing together, jajaja).

I have little game in English so I know in Spanish it will be zero.

I am guessing I can't have my phone out with google translate app running to help me.

Now assuming the strip club goes well I would try a day casa (would that be even tougher?

Been to Cartagena before, but I imagine Bogota is a big different. Been to Costa Rica before (San Jose) and mongered there. Looking for any and all helpful advice and if anyone would be interested in hitting the town. I'm American, but don't hold that against me. Haha.

[MamalaPenga]

Been to Cartagena before, but I imagine Bogota is a big different. Been to Costa Rica before (San Jose) and mongered there. Looking for any and all helpful advice and if anyone would be interested in hitting the town. I'm American, but don't hold that against me. Haha.

[World Jockey]

Thanks for the comparison. I have done plenty MDE and Cali but have yet to hit Bogota. I have been looking for a break down like this. So is this wide variety of girls you got from casas and clubs alone?

You said you can pay for the girls to leave the casa. Have you tried just exchanging numbers with the girls and hooking up later? In MDE this is like the easiest thing to do. I have yet to have a casa girl say no or a casa seem too interested in preventing it. That said is the hotel you mentioned girl friendly? What about other hotels in the area?

Thanks for letting me play 20 questions.

I'm having such a great time in Bogota that I've decided to waste my return ticket home from Medellin and stay here only. I've been going to MDE for 5 years now. Couple times a year. The convenience and selection and variety in looks of women to choose from here in BOG blows MDE out of water. I've had tiny paisas from Medellin, curvy with huge tits and ass from Venezuela, models from Armenia, blondes from Bucaramanga, and cuties from Cali. It's a smorgousboard here.

Best of all all, the mongering is 10 min walk from hotel. No taxis and no traffic. Love it.

Girls are 40 K in the little casas on street and 60 K in clubs. That's $13/$20 for models. La Isla and Fase Dos Quality in Medellin. Action is from 10 am-2 am. Most of the girls visit from their hometowns for 1 week to 3 months then return home...

[Cessna2100]

I'm having such a great time in Bogota that I've decided to waste my return ticket home from Medellin and stay here only. I've been going to MDE for 5 years now. Couple times a year. The convenience and selection and variety in looks of women to choose from here in BOG blows MDE out of water. I've had tiny paisas from Medellin, curvy with huge tits and ass from Venezuela, models from Armenia, blondes from Bucaramanga, and cuties from Cali. It's a smorgousboard here.

Best of all all, the mongering is 10 min walk from hotel. No taxis and no traffic. Love it.

Girls are 40 K in the little casas on street and 60 K in clubs. That's $13/$20 for models. La Isla and Fase Dos Quality in Medellin. Action is from 10 am-2 am. Most of the girls visit from their hometowns for 1 week to 3 months then return home.

Now the 3 negatives.

1. Haven't been able to get BBJ yet but didn't try to upsell.

2. Red light district not for faint of heart. Its a 3 block radius. If you don't mind Medellin el centros worst streets, not the good ones, then you'll be fine. But clubs and Atunes are nice inside.

3. It's a short time culture here. Everything is 15-20 min. When you get in the room, get to business. Clock is ticking. I don't like it either but for the price I ain't bitching.

You can pay double for double the time or pay to take home the girls to your hotel. But with so much selection and beauty, and the price, I have not had the desire.

For hotel I stayed in Hotel San Francisco in El centro.

$45/ night on Booking.com. Walking distance to Santa Fe.

Don't waste any time mongering in any other location other.

Than Santa Fe. North Bogota: Zona Rosa and Parque 93 very nice with good restaurants and beautiful people but 45 minutes from Santa Fe with traffic and expensive girls. They are just as hot in Santa Fe at 1/4 price. Historic Distiric called La Candaleria very nice for a daytime stroll and lunch. European feel.

Daytime girls: Atunes 1 pm-6 pm. 60 K for chicas. (Small Heineken sign above entrance). Also little houses on streets in Santa Fe. 40 K. 10 am-1 am.

Night time faves. Little houses on streets in Santa Fe again.

Paisa Club, Fiebres, Troya.

[Viajando Musico]

I went to the one around the corner on the main street (Lido's was back one block). I suspect they are owned by the same guy. Girls were very pretty and well dressed but too expensive. She quoted me 200,000 for just a private dance and 700,000 for sex - (can't remember if that included the room fee) but I worked it out to be $300 total. If Money hadn't been a concern I might have gone for it. But still there's lots of cheaper options. I ordered in from a service and it cost $280,000 - and the front desk clerk brought the girl to my room!

People go to these high end clubs to establish contacts with the girls they desired and meet outside afterwards to avoid the high cost. At least, that was what I did. In the club, the girls are required to charge you the preset prices. Or you can wait till closing, then the girls can leave with you and charge their own prices. It seemed to me that those clubs I went didn't care either way. In fact, they don't even require you to buy lady drink. When I was in these clubs, I only buy drinks for the girls when I felt some connection with the girls. I felt very confortable in these clubs. But other than in Lido, there were very few clients in these clubs during the week. Of course, my experience was limited to the few I went to in the North. Planning another trip in 3 weeks. Will find out more.