Cartagena Reports

[World Travel 69]

It is not a monger bus, but it is fun.

I stayed at the Hotel Playa and the bus started out front on San Martin and Calle 4. You can board at other spots around the city.

http://www.cartagenaconnections.com/chiva-tours.html

http://www.tripfilms.com/Travel_Vide...bia-Video.html

What is this Rum Bus night tour that you speak of. Is this different than the standard Chiva tour. I was looking for a monger's version, does that exist?

[LocoGringo]

You have been there for 10 years and you never had filled in the DIAN form named Declaration of Baggage and Currency (Declaraciand de Equipaje why Dinero)? You never saw a custom guy?
WOW...!

FYI, the small desk where you leave the form (I assume you filled it every time), at the exit of the large area for baggage claim at the BOG airport, *IS INDEED* the custom desk. The guy/lady who receives the form from your hands is a DIAN officer.

You can check the luggage in MIA directly to CTG via BOG (or return), because (as I wrote yesterday), also CTG is an international port of entry. There are direct flights MIA-CTG, for example. This does not exempt you from filling in the DIA form and returning it to a DIAN officer (customs). The fact that controls are usually very relaxed does not mean there are no customs there. Otherwise, smuggling would be too easy, obvious indeed.

Of course they take the form it in Bogota. But, your checked luggage goes on to Cartagena, as I stated. Damn, not a big deal. Ahhhhh for the times when we flew.

Aces from Miami. American flew to Barranquilla 14 years ago, stayed there 1 night, too many banditos on the road to Cartagena at night. Many casas in.

Barranquilla, Alvaro transported the next day. Tony was a caucasian, got blacker with each lie.

[BigB23]

What is this Rum Bus night tour that you speak of. Is this different than the standard Chiva tour. I was looking for a monger's version, does that exist?

Don't forget to take the Rum Bus night tour.

The day time bus tour is also a good one.

[Hioctane]

Here is what happened, as I arrived into CTG on Thursday night going through BOG all with Avianca. I saw mixed information with some saying the process is exactly the same as in the USA with going through passport control on your port of entry, and then picking up your checked-in luggage from baggage claim and then going through customs, and then giving your bag to the airline desk for the domestic connection. It did not work like that, and here is my experience.

I filled out a customs form and on arrival at BOG, went through immigration which took about 15 minutes (not that big of a line and it moved fairly quickly), got stamped. Went to baggage claim, and asked someone at baggage tracking if I have to collect my bags here. She asked for my baggage sticker / ticket and when she saw that I arrived on an international flight and was connecting in BOG with Avianca, she said my bags will not come out here. I asked if she was 100% sure, because I did not want to risk dealing with any misinformation and having my bag left behind, and she said yes. As I had nothing to declare I went to that line, gave my form to the agent collecting them and glancing them and went to the Terminal 1 domestic side. My bags showed up in Cartagena, and did not come out in Bogota at all. I waited around at the carousel a good 15 minutes after the other pax checked-in luggage from my flight was coming out but I never saw my bag. I took that as a sign that it does indeed come out at your final destination in the country. So while you do give your customs declaration form in at BOG, you do not see your bags until CTG. It's definitely different than how it is when you arrive in the United States. And at CTG, I just collected my bag once it came out and walked straight through the exit and to the taxi stand. Honestly I'd say it was a very smooth experience.

It varies by country. When you check in at the airport for the first leg, they will put the baggage sticker on the boarding pass where your baggage will come out of.

[World Travel 69]

Don't forget to take the Rum Bus night tour.

The day time bus tour is also a good one.

Here is what happened, as I arrived into CTG on Thursday night going through BOG all with Avianca. I saw mixed information with some saying the process is exactly the same as in the USA with going through passport control on your port of entry, and then picking up your checked-in luggage from baggage claim and then going through customs, and then giving your bag to the airline desk for the domestic connection. It did not work like that, and here is my experience.

I filled out a customs form and on arrival at BOG, went through immigration which took about 15 minutes (not that big of a line and it moved fairly quickly), got stamped. Went to baggage claim, and asked someone at baggage tracking if I have to collect my bags here. She asked for my baggage sticker / ticket and when she saw that I arrived on an international flight and was connecting in BOG with Avianca, she said my bags will not come out here. I asked if she was 100% sure, because I did not want to risk dealing with any misinformation and having my bag left behind, and she said yes. As I had nothing to declare I went to that line, gave my form to the agent collecting them and glancing them and went to the Terminal 1 domestic side. My bags showed up in Cartagena, and did not come out in Bogota at all. I waited around at the carousel a good 15 minutes after the other pax checked-in luggage from my flight was coming out but I never saw my bag. I took that as a sign that it does indeed come out at your final destination in the country. So while you do give your customs declaration form in at BOG, you do not see your bags until CTG. It's definitely different than how it is when you arrive in the United States. And at CTG, I just collected my bag once it came out and walked straight through the exit and to the taxi stand. Honestly I'd say it was a very smooth experience.

On to my mongering experience, I did the clock tower area last night and a little bit the first night. It's my first time in CTG, and there were definitely a good number of street walkers and it dwindles down as the night goes on although in the plaza around the reloj it was still busy. As for the quality, it will depend on what appeals to you. While I did see a few 8's and 9's, a good majority were 5's and 6's. There were also a few who I would not even give a second look to, but everyone has their own tastes. I will share more later this weekend as my trip wraps up, CTG is definitely better for tourists as there's a good bit to see during the daytime especially in Centro. The walled city is definitely unique and worth checking out, even in the intense heat. The daytime action in Centro, well. There does not seem to be much really. The street vendors can be annoying, but I have not had much issues. A simple no gracias does it, one did persist but as I continued to walk away he moved on to the next tourist. Most of them did not bother. Oh and as for safety, plenty of police in Centro. I have felt completely safe so far but as always, everyone should take precautions and be aware of their surroundings.

[Puntz79]

Here is what happened, as I arrived into CTG on Thursday night going through BOG all with Avianca. I saw mixed information with some saying the process is exactly the same as in the USA with going through passport control on your port of entry, and then picking up your checked-in luggage from baggage claim and then going through customs, and then giving your bag to the airline desk for the domestic connection. It did not work like that, and here is my experience.

I filled out a customs form and on arrival at BOG, went through immigration which took about 15 minutes (not that big of a line and it moved fairly quickly), got stamped. Went to baggage claim, and asked someone at baggage tracking if I have to collect my bags here. She asked for my baggage sticker / ticket and when she saw that I arrived on an international flight and was connecting in BOG with Avianca, she said my bags will not come out here. I asked if she was 100% sure, because I did not want to risk dealing with any misinformation and having my bag left behind, and she said yes. As I had nothing to declare I went to that line, gave my form to the agent collecting them and glancing them and went to the Terminal 1 domestic side. My bags showed up in Cartagena, and did not come out in Bogota at all. I waited around at the carousel a good 15 minutes after the other pax checked-in luggage from my flight was coming out but I never saw my bag. I took that as a sign that it does indeed come out at your final destination in the country. So while you do give your customs declaration form in at BOG, you do not see your bags until CTG. It's definitely different than how it is when you arrive in the United States. And at CTG, I just collected my bag once it came out and walked straight through the exit and to the taxi stand. Honestly I'd say it was a very smooth experience.

On to my mongering experience, I did the clock tower area last night and a little bit the first night. It's my first time in CTG, and there were definitely a good number of street walkers and it dwindles down as the night goes on although in the plaza around the reloj it was still busy. As for the quality, it will depend on what appeals to you. While I did see a few 8's and 9's, a good majority were 5's and 6's. There were also a few who I would not even give a second look to, but everyone has their own tastes. I will share more later this weekend as my trip wraps up, CTG is definitely better for tourists as there's a good bit to see during the daytime especially in Centro. The walled city is definitely unique and worth checking out, even in the intense heat. The daytime action in Centro, well. There does not seem to be much really. The street vendors can be annoying, but I have not had much issues. A simple no gracias does it, one did persist but as I continued to walk away he moved on to the next tourist. Most of them did not bother. Oh and as for safety, plenty of police in Centro. I have felt completely safe so far but as always, everyone should take precautions and be aware of their surroundings.

[Black Page]

They don't. Unless customs in Bogota strongly suspects a problem you never see the customs guy. Been doing it for 10 years. Actually you can also ck luggage in cartagena to miami via Bogota. As long as it is all on Avianca. Used to be that you could do it with delta/Avianca, not partners now. I know you can do the same from Pereira to Miami.

You have been there for 10 years and you never had filled in the DIAN form named Declaration of Baggage and Currency (Declaraciand de Equipaje why Dinero)? You never saw a custom guy?
WOW...!

FYI, the small desk where you leave the form (I assume you filled it every time), at the exit of the large area for baggage claim at the BOG airport, *IS INDEED* the custom desk. The guy/lady who receives the form from your hands is a DIAN officer.

You can check the luggage in MIA directly to CTG via BOG (or return), because (as I wrote yesterday), also CTG is an international port of entry. There are direct flights MIA-CTG, for example. This does not exempt you from filling in the DIA form and returning it to a DIAN officer (customs). The fact that controls are usually very relaxed does not mean there are no customs there. Otherwise, smuggling would be too easy, obvious indeed.

[LocoGringo]

I just checked, and I discovered that CTG can be also port of international entry (there are direct flights for example MIA-CTG). Therefore, the CTG airport has customs and, presumably, it must be possible to send baggages straight to CTG without passing customs in BOG, as I wrote before. I must say that I never did that. In the past, they asked me to take luggage, pass customs, and then leave them at the desk for delivery to the final destination.
Also, I wonder HOW it could be possible to discriminate my luggage at the CTG airport, once I arrive at the domestic gate with a domestic flight and the luggage it is put on the belt with all other luggage of the domestic flight BOG-CTG.

REgardless this can happen or not, what I wrote applies entirely for ANY connection from international to domestic flight via BOG, when the final destination is NOT an international port of entry.

They don't. Unless customs in Bogota strongly suspects a problem you never see the customs guy. Been doing it for 10 years. Actually you can also ck luggage in cartagena to miami via Bogota. As long as it is all on Avianca. Used to be that you could do it with delta/Avianca, not partners now. I know you can do the same from Pereira to Miami.

[Black Page]

Your baggage that you check in Miami is sent to Cartagena unless you ask to get it in Bogota. They will xray it in Bogota (I assume) then it is put on the plane with you, hopefully. I have done this for many times, including today. Occasionally there will be an inspection in Cartagena, but not often.

I just checked, and I discovered that CTG can be also port of international entry (there are direct flights for example MIA-CTG). Therefore, the CTG airport has customs and, presumably, it must be possible to send baggages straight to CTG without passing customs in BOG, as I wrote before. I must say that I never did that. In the past, they asked me to take luggage, pass customs, and then leave them at the desk for delivery to the final destination.
Also, I wonder HOW it could be possible to discriminate my luggage at the CTG airport, once I arrive at the domestic gate with a domestic flight and the luggage it is put on the belt with all other luggage of the domestic flight BOG-CTG.

REgardless this can happen or not, what I wrote applies entirely for ANY connection from international to domestic flight via BOG, when the final destination is NOT an international port of entry.

[World Travel 69]

Not much day time action, except the beach in Boca and maybe the clock tower. Everything is at night, even most of the brothels are night time.

That's is why Bogota, Medellin or Cali are better spots for Mongers. Cartagena is better for tourists. Too expensive.

You are going from International to National. It does not make sense that you can send your bags through. You still have to go through customs in Bogota. Why do it twice?

Thanks for the great info so far. I have to admit I am still a little confused on the bags being checked all the way to CTG and no need to collect them in BOG. Research apart from this forum is mixed on it as well, some say it works the same as the USA but slightly more seem to say you actually don't see your bags until CTG. Interesting. I guess I will find out soon, on Thursday.

With staying in a normal hotel in Centro, what are the best daytime spots? Is LDV worth the can ride to Bocagrande, or should I find plenty of action in Centro around the Clock Tower and other bars in the same area? For short time hotels, is there one that is close by in Centro?

I was really tempted on stopping in BOG overnight on the way to CTG but as my tickets have already been bought I cannot cha he now. I usually don't sleep until later on average anyways so I am not expecting to be tired but travel always takes a little bit of a toll. I may just give BOG a go on my way back. Zona Rosa seems very safe, the safety thing always makes me think. But I always feel that those who are too used to feeling secure at all times when walking in Western Nations will always feel less secure in a foreign country even if there is nothing around them to worry about.

[Tomasb]

Most of your questions have been answered on the the last several pages. There is very little day time action in El Centro. I suppose the beaches in Bocagrande or Laguito later in afternoon.

Thanks for the great info so far. I have to admit I am still a little confused on the bags being checked all the way to CTG and no need to collect them in BOG. Research apart from this forum is mixed on it as well, some say it works the same as the USA but slightly more seem to say you actually don't see your bags until CTG. Interesting. I guess I will find out soon, on Thursday.

With staying in a normal hotel in Centro, what are the best daytime spots? Is LDV worth the can ride to Bocagrande, or should I find plenty of action in Centro around the Clock Tower and other bars in the same area? For short time hotels, is there one that is close by in Centro?

I was really tempted on stopping in BOG overnight on the way to CTG but as my tickets have already been bought I cannot cha he now. I usually don't sleep until later on average anyways so I am not expecting to be tired but travel always takes a little bit of a toll. I may just give BOG a go on my way back. Zona Rosa seems very safe, the safety thing always makes me think. But I always feel that those who are too used to feeling secure at all times when walking in Western Nations will always feel less secure in a foreign country even if there is nothing around them to worry about.

[Puntz79]

Thanks for the great info so far. I have to admit I am still a little confused on the bags being checked all the way to CTG and no need to collect them in BOG. Research apart from this forum is mixed on it as well, some say it works the same as the USA but slightly more seem to say you actually don't see your bags until CTG. Interesting. I guess I will find out soon, on Thursday.

With staying in a normal hotel in Centro, what are the best daytime spots? Is LDV worth the can ride to Bocagrande, or should I find plenty of action in Centro around the Clock Tower and other bars in the same area? For short time hotels, is there one that is close by in Centro?

I was really tempted on stopping in BOG overnight on the way to CTG but as my tickets have already been bought I cannot cha he now. I usually don't sleep until later on average anyways so I am not expecting to be tired but travel always takes a little bit of a toll. I may just give BOG a go on my way back. Zona Rosa seems very safe, the safety thing always makes me think. But I always feel that those who are too used to feeling secure at all times when walking in Western Nations will always feel less secure in a foreign country even if there is nothing around them to worry about.

[LocoGringo]

Your baggage that you check in Miami is sent to Cartagena unless you ask to get it in Bogota. They will xray it in Bogota (I assume) then it is put on the plane with you, hopefully. I have done this for many times, including today. Occasionally there will be an inspection in Cartagena, but not often.

[Hilltopper]

That's not correct. Bogota is the port of entry: after immigration, you need to collect bags (checked in to the final destination) and pass the customs. After that, you leave them to the desk where they will route them to the final destination.

2. 5 hours is more than enough: the BOG airport is very efficient. Also, both flights are Avianca. Please note that since this year domestic Avianca flights DO NOT leave from Puente Aereo, but from the same international airport where you land.

Good and accurate information in this post from BP in re to an international flight from USA landing in Bogota with a connection to Cartagena. I'd personally make my connection and get onto CTG, but that just a personal preference and falls squarely into the old saying of "different strokes for different folks".

[World Travel 69]

By the time you get to Cartagena and check in you will be too tired to go out and check the city out.

You want to do that in the day time.

Stay in Zona Rosa area in Bogota.

Great safe area to start.

Check My Map, there are many places close by.

You can walk to these:

17. Chicas Milenio, Calle 71 # 14 A-20.30 Chicas in Shifts. Prices: 30 k 20 min. , 40 k 30 min. , 60 k hour. Tel: 249 2927,312 5074. Hours: 9 am to 3 am. (#4 on Tung's Chapinero Map).

18. Chicas 2000 / Las Profesionales, Calle 71 # 14 A-27-33.6 Chicas. Prices: 30 k 20 min. , 40 k 30 min. , 60 k hour. Hours: 9 am to 9 pm. (#1/30 on Tung's Chapinero Map).

Prices might be a little off.

From where I am, the flight to Bogota is 3 hours. Maybe 3. 5. Onwards connection to CTG is just an hour.

However, I am giving serious consideration to staying a night in Bogota on my way back. I've read that there is a tolerance zone in Bogota, but not exactly the safest place to be walking. I've thought about escort options, has anyone tried in Bogota?

Or, maybe the better questions is. If you had one night in Bogota for mongering. What would you do?