Cartagena Reports

[YippieKayay]

Personal drug use / quantities are not criminal / nor can you be fined. Guy got taken for a chump. End of story.

https://www.elespectador.com/noticia...rticulo-622241

You'll never see a judge and if you do you're lucky if they don't tamper with evidence. You're expecting rule of law in a country that is still recovering from a 50 year civil war.

[Gimmedub]

Personal drug use / quantities are not criminal / nor can you be fined. Guy got taken for a chump. End of story.

https://www.elespectador.com/noticia...rticulo-622241

Agreed, there is a good chance you will be stopped and searched by police in Colombia and you don't want to be found in posession of anything illegal. I've been searched a number of times over the years. The most memorable occasion was on a nudist beach in Parque Tayrona when a soldier came (in uniform) and looked into our bags. Never a problem.

I wonder if anybody knows of an actual case where a tourist has gone to jail for posession of a small quantity of anything for personal use. I suspect most cases wouldn't go further than a night in detention and / or a fine or a bribe.

[JL Miami]

Again, moral of the story is prepare to get fucked if you're caught.

A $400 stupid tax is actually getting off easy.

[YippieKayay]

I wonder if anybody knows of an actual case where a tourist has gone to jail for posession of a small quantity of anything for personal use. I suspect most cases wouldn't go further than a night in detention and / or a fine or a bribe.

There were a couple of posts last year about guys being detained for possessing drugs.

I have two stories to share:

One was when I was chatting with a fellow traveler flying out of Colombia. He mentioned some ten years ago when he was younger and more adventurous having gone out and bought some pot in Cartagena from a local dealer. He was immediately picked up as he was walking back to his place and encouraged to pay a fine in US dollars. I forget the amount but the gentleman didn't have it on him so they dragged him back to the police station where he finally got in touch with a friend of his to bring the funds down. Moral of the story: don't expect rule of law. I asked him if he ever saw a judge during the ordeal and he just laughed and shook his head.

My other story comes from a chica who I see regularly down there. She was going back to Bocagrande late at night with a guy who had picked her up. At a check point, which are usually setup at night, they stopped and searched both of them. He had some cocaine on him and the cops immediately placed him under arrest. They then told him, on the spot mind you, that the fine was 400 US dollars. He didn't have as much and they kept him on the side of the road for an hour or so until he got a friend of his to come down with the money. The chica went home without getting paid since the guy was so distraught he just wanted to get the fuck out. Again, moral of the story is prepare to get fucked if you're caught.

If you are going to do it then do it exactly where you bought it and toss that shit away.

[Arcangel]

And then you both spend months / years in Colombian Jail. Beware of dangers of traveling outside your home country!

Agreed, there is a good chance you will be stopped and searched by police in Colombia and you don't want to be found in posession of anything illegal. I've been searched a number of times over the years. The most memorable occasion was on a nudist beach in Parque Tayrona when a soldier came (in uniform) and looked into our bags. Never a problem.

I wonder if anybody knows of an actual case where a tourist has gone to jail for posession of a small quantity of anything for personal use. I suspect most cases wouldn't go further than a night in detention and / or a fine or a bribe.

[Dave Carrera]

Which building or buildings? I was there last week, rented an apartment from Juan, and had threesomes!

I was fortunate enough to break bread with he and his partner (s) last week in CTG. Great guy, lucky women.

Actually, very lucky man!

Dave.

[Sean EZ]

Go to Elektra at 3 am and pick up the cokeheads walking around. They'll be wild. Do yourself a favor and toss your drugs away before going home. They usually have checkpoints and will search both you and the chica.

And then you both spend months / years in Colombian Jail. Beware of dangers of traveling outside your home country!

[Hilltopper]

Any recommendations on a apartment that will allow multiple guests for one person? I usually rent from Juan but he is telling me they are now one guest per person. No threesomes?

Which building or buildings? I was there last week, rented an apartment from Juan, and had threesomes!

[Rzrfl69]

Any recommendations on a apartment that will allow multiple guests for one person? I usually rent from Juan but he is telling me they are now one guest per person. No threesomes?

[YippieKayay]

Any tips on how to pick the freaks! I like a girl who's wild. No limits. Not shy, but I usually end up picking the stunner and she's usually too prissy.

Go to Elektra at 3 am and pick up the cokeheads walking around. They'll be wild. Do yourself a favor and toss your drugs away before going home. They usually have checkpoints and will search both you and the chica.

[Rzrfl69]

So in response to herbs in Cartagena, I also have experienced only bad quality so far. I smoke regularly at home and good quality. The last time in August I also noticed mine smelled almost of gas. It was very sticky and hit harsh. That area is supposed to have great stuff. Kings of cannabis did a vice TV special in Santa Marta looking for certain strains and saw fields. I have a tout get me some or a girl that does smoke. I am gringo haha.

I have been to Cartagena maybe 5-6 Times now. First about 10 years ago, but the last 4-5 in the past 2 years. I still consider myself a rookie. I know to rent from Juan. Check if guests allowed etc. Tinder does work good. However as I'm planning a trip in 3 weeks I am not noticing much talent?? I have a question. Any tips on how to pick the freaks! I like a girl who's wild. No limits. Not shy, but I usually end up picking the stunner and she's usually too prissy. Do you really ask all the specifics? Maybe girls working alone rather than in a group?

[UrbanCowboy22]

This is simply the best & by far the most informative report on Cartagena that I have read to date. Unfortunately I had to leave yesterday but I did visit LDV, Isis, & Elektra. YippieKayay, I owe you a beer or two then next time I'm in Cartagena. Regarding the girls, if you see someone you like, don't wait to approach. The hottest girls I saw were gone in less than 30 seconds as soon as they walked through the entrance of the Clock Tower & they never returned. One absolute stunner on Thursday night walked in at 10:30 pm & she was gone by 10:31 pm. I got up from my seat & started to approach but another guy beat me to it.

Hello I'll post this to the blog section. Please review and give me your thoughts.

Cartagena Mongering FAQ.

(1) Where should I stay in Cartagena?

The tourist zone begins in the old city, sometimes referred to as "Centro" or "Centro Historico. " It extends south into Bocagrande, then Laguito and Castillo Grande. Bocagrande is very quiet at night and a great place to get an apartment facing the beach. There is also an area caled Getsmani which is south east of the old city. It has been gentrified as well. Bocagrande is the most expensive area from what I've gathered -- despite that it is still quite cheap where you will find nice apartments for less than 90 USD a night.

(2) When should I go?

High season: December to April (up until the end of Easter week called Semana Santa). Many Colombians vacation in December and January. Then come back for Easter. Expect to pay more for accomidations at this point. February and March are better high season months if you want cheaper rates.

Low Season: April (right after Semana Santa) until August. The number of chicas drops drastically. Where you would encounter fifty hookers in a night you will only encounter a dozen during low season.

Mid Season: Starting in August until end of November the number of hookers begins to grow. Many hookers will come during this time to save money for their holiday season. This is actually a bit of a sweet spot if you're looking to save on flights and accomidations since the rates are lower.

(3) Where do I find the hookers?

Unaccompanied women in the old city after 11 pm are almost always hookers. If there's a man in the group or if they're not dressed up then don't approach at all. The best times to encounter them is Thursday to Saturday night. Mondays are absolutely the worst days to go hunting for hookers. The old city is almost empty after 11 pm on a Monday.

Daytime: Playa Hollywood is known for always having a few hookers who come out to sun bath. Any tout / waiter can hook you up.

Tinder: many hookers advertise on tinder. Your mileage may vary as you're using the Internet.

Nighttime: The southern entrance to the old city is called the Torre De Reloj (Clock tower plaza). After 10:30 pm it is ground zero for hookers. Most will do short time for 200 k.

Isis: a strip club found in the old city. Usually opens around 9 pm and is staffed by 10 pm. Most expensive option. 300 k to take a girl to a local love hotel, or 700 k for all night.

La Dulce Vida: A hooker bar on the same street as Isis. Chicas start showing up around 11:30 pm. Many of these chicas were probably already at the Clock Tower Plaza.

Elektra: After hours club. Doesn't really get going until 3 am. Lots of hookers will go to pick up more customers.

Other venues: Clubs in the old city will either tolerate hookers, or charge them a fee, or outright ban them.

There is one golden rule about night time action: they will always start or end their night at the Clock Tower Plaza.

(4) What do hookers charge?

200 k pesos will get almost any of them for an hour or two. Some may quote 300 k. Anything more is a ripoff unless you're getting them all night. Then it's customary to pay for 2 hours (or 400 k).

(4) Are there brothels in Cartagena?

Brothels are found outside of the tourist area and are not recommended unless you know what you're doing. This includes strip clubs like La Isla and Pley Club. If you're reading this FAQ you are probably new to the Cartagena so do yourself a favor and don't leave the tourist zone.

(5) How do I exchange my money? Where do I get the best rate?

The best rate is usually from your bank. Use an ATM card (an actual bank card) without fees on international withdrawals and ALWAYS select the amount in Colombian pesos. This will give you the best rate. Your other option is to go to a currency exchange but they usually don't have the best rates. There is a currency exchange at the airport, however don't expect a good rate.

(6) Where can I find nice beaches or things to do during the day?

Bocagrande, Laguito and Castillo Grande all have beaches but the waters are connected to a river so it does not have that beautiful azure color you come to expect in the Caribbean.

For destinations outside the city by car, bus, or boat:

Rosario Islands. Plural here. There are multiple resorts.

Isla Baru: typically the destination is Playa Blanca which is a nice sandy beach with a lot of tourists and touts.

Cholon: this is also in the Rosario Islands. There's no resort here. You either show up yourself in your own boat or you get a ticket on a boat that's shared by people. I've gone only with my own transportation. Cholon is party central especially later in the week (Thursday to Saturday). The only people who show up are people who want to party and have a good time. It's much more expensive.

Gruta Azul: I believe this is also in Rosario and near Cholon. I don't believe anyone shows up here unless you have your own boat. VERY chill.

There are casinos, bus tours, and much more to be had. Many touts will be able to help you for a tip to arrange these things.

(7) Where do I find chica friendly apartments or hotels?

Most hotels will not be chica friendly. You can use love motels which charge by the hour. There are plenty of these in the old city and the chica will take you to one if you ask her. Otherwise whether its on airbnb or booking through a rental agency you need to ASK ASK ASK and make sure the rules of the building allow visitors and what the hours are for visitors. Many buildings will issue wristbands to residents so they can be easily distinguished when entering. No one here can tell you with certainty where to rent as all it takes is one person to cause a problem at a building for the rules to suddenly change.

[YippieKayay]

Hello I'll post this to the blog section. Please review and give me your thoughts.

Cartagena Mongering FAQ.

(1) Where should I stay in Cartagena?

The tourist zone begins in the old city, sometimes referred to as "Centro" or "Centro Historico. " It extends south into Bocagrande, then Laguito and Castillo Grande. Bocagrande is very quiet at night and a great place to get an apartment facing the beach. There is also an area caled Getsmani which is south east of the old city. It has been gentrified as well. Bocagrande is the most expensive area from what I've gathered -- despite that it is still quite cheap where you will find nice apartments for less than 90 USD a night.

(2) When should I go?

High season: December to April (up until the end of Easter week called Semana Santa). Many Colombians vacation in December and January. Then come back for Easter. Expect to pay more for accomidations at this point. February and March are better high season months if you want cheaper rates.

Low Season: April (right after Semana Santa) until August. The number of chicas drops drastically. Where you would encounter fifty hookers in a night you will only encounter a dozen during low season.

Mid Season: Starting in August until end of November the number of hookers begins to grow. Many hookers will come during this time to save money for their holiday season. This is actually a bit of a sweet spot if you're looking to save on flights and accomidations since the rates are lower.

(3) Where do I find the hookers?

Unaccompanied women in the old city after 11 pm are almost always hookers. If there's a man in the group or if they're not dressed up then don't approach at all. The best times to encounter them is Thursday to Saturday night. Mondays are absolutely the worst days to go hunting for hookers. The old city is almost empty after 11 pm on a Monday.

Daytime: Playa Hollywood is known for always having a few hookers who come out to sun bath. Any tout / waiter can hook you up.

Tinder: many hookers advertise on tinder. Your mileage may vary as you're using the Internet.

Nighttime: The southern entrance to the old city is called the Torre De Reloj (Clock tower plaza). After 10:30 pm it is ground zero for hookers. Most will do short time for 200 k.

Isis: a strip club found in the old city. Usually opens around 9 pm and is staffed by 10 pm. Most expensive option. 300 k to take a girl to a local love hotel, or 700 k for all night.

La Dulce Vida: A hooker bar on the same street as Isis. Chicas start showing up around 11:30 pm. Many of these chicas were probably already at the Clock Tower Plaza.

Elektra: After hours club. Doesn't really get going until 3 am. Lots of hookers will go to pick up more customers.

Other venues: Clubs in the old city will either tolerate hookers, or charge them a fee, or outright ban them.

There is one golden rule about night time action: they will always start or end their night at the Clock Tower Plaza.

(4) What do hookers charge?

200 k pesos will get almost any of them for an hour or two. Some may quote 300 k. Anything more is a ripoff unless you're getting them all night. Then it's customary to pay for 2 hours (or 400 k).

(4) Are there brothels in Cartagena?

Brothels are found outside of the tourist area and are not recommended unless you know what you're doing. This includes strip clubs like La Isla and Pley Club. If you're reading this FAQ you are probably new to the Cartagena so do yourself a favor and don't leave the tourist zone.

(5) How do I exchange my money? Where do I get the best rate?

The best rate is usually from your bank. Use an ATM card (an actual bank card) without fees on international withdrawals and ALWAYS select the amount in Colombian pesos. This will give you the best rate. Your other option is to go to a currency exchange but they usually don't have the best rates. There is a currency exchange at the airport, however don't expect a good rate.

(6) Where can I find nice beaches or things to do during the day?

Bocagrande, Laguito and Castillo Grande all have beaches but the waters are connected to a river so it does not have that beautiful azure color you come to expect in the Caribbean.

For destinations outside the city by car, bus, or boat:

Rosario Islands. Plural here. There are multiple resorts.

Isla Baru: typically the destination is Playa Blanca which is a nice sandy beach with a lot of tourists and touts.

Cholon: this is also in the Rosario Islands. There's no resort here. You either show up yourself in your own boat or you get a ticket on a boat that's shared by people. I've gone only with my own transportation. Cholon is party central especially later in the week (Thursday to Saturday). The only people who show up are people who want to party and have a good time. It's much more expensive.

Gruta Azul: I believe this is also in Rosario and near Cholon. I don't believe anyone shows up here unless you have your own boat. VERY chill.

There are casinos, bus tours, and much more to be had. Many touts will be able to help you for a tip to arrange these things.

(7) Where do I find chica friendly apartments or hotels?

Most hotels will not be chica friendly. You can use love motels which charge by the hour. There are plenty of these in the old city and the chica will take you to one if you ask her. Otherwise whether its on airbnb or booking through a rental agency you need to ASK ASK ASK and make sure the rules of the building allow visitors and what the hours are for visitors. Many buildings will issue wristbands to residents so they can be easily distinguished when entering. No one here can tell you with certainty where to rent as all it takes is one person to cause a problem at a building for the rules to suddenly change.

[YippieKayay]

Hi I will be in CTG at the end of March and mostly see everyone talking about the clocktower square and later on at night. Is there any massage places like in MDE for daytime fun?

No. Not unless you go into Cartagena which I do not recommend. For daytime action you either go to beaches like playa Hollywood and get chicas from there, or you have your numbers from the night before.

[Jbj64]

Hi I will be in CTG at the end of March and mostly see everyone talking about the clocktower square and later on at night. Is there any massage places like in MDE for daytime fun?