Cartagena Reports

[RockIt66]

I will give you my quick report, overall I had a good time in Cartagena these are things that might help you plan your trip.

I am no expert this was my first trip.

I do not speak Spanish but Google Translate did help (download the pack before you leave, voice translate only works with Wi-Fi)

I stayed in El Laguito and not in Centro or in the hostel district. Carry a copy of your passport, although I never was stopped.

Money: You will get ripped off if you change at the airport money exchange after you pick up your bags, they charge you like $10 per $100.

Go to an ATM in town. Mostly you can only take at 150, 000 at a time but I saw higher in Centro.

Exchange rate: 1900 = $10, therefore 50, 000 = $26, just half everything.

Taxis: it is always 6, 000. Tell the driver it is 6, 000 before you even get in. This price is still higher than what locals pay.

20, 000 to the airport.

Mobile phone: bring a cheap one with you and buy a chip, you can pay someone to get you this but you will pay double for the convenience $50US.

You can get card topped up at most internet cafes. Girl's text a lot but they always run out of minutes or say they do. They will borrow your phone to make calls on your minutes.

A blackberry might work well for BBM as mostly that's what I saw they were using. The girls live on their mobiles, charging the phone and constant messaging is non-stop.

When you leave you will be one of the 100's of gringos messaging these beautiful creatures.

Food: the food is ok, not great. You can get pizza, fish and beef at local grill type restaurants. If you go into Centro you can go to high end restaurants.

And pay up to $200US a person if you wish. Usually a coffee and a sandwich will run you $9US.

Drinks: you can pay $1. 50US for a beer on the beach or in a bar or go to places like Cafe del Mar and Cafe Havana and pay $10US for a mojito.

One thing about drinking in Cartagena, I could not find a single place where it is a social pub type place to hang out.

The drinking culture is about Latin music and in groups of friends, not a place where you go alone and mingle. If you do mingle with girls you can.

Almost guarantee the girls are pay for play.

Girls.

The street: I never did this, the reports here say go to the clock tower at dusk, but with so many police about I wasn't interested.

The malls: lots of pretty girls at the mall but without Spanish you will be struggling.

The beach: I never did this but saw some on the beach that were average, one was nice.

The discotheque: I didn't go to LDV etc. As these didn't get going until after 11pm and I was going elsewhere.

The brothels: I didn't go to any.

When having girls over to your hotel go directly to your safe and put all cash, watch, credit cards, passport and mobile phone away.

If you texted one girl to come over they may bring a friend. You can be clear and say this isn't what you had in mind and one will leave. If you have both stay but only get busy with one.

The other will expect a few $$ for waiting around in your hotel. The girls are completely familiar with the group situation, may have boyfriends and will stay in bed or shower while you are busy with the other girl.

Wingman: The contact I made before going did bring very good looking girls directly to my hotel. I will go into detail of what to expect from this experience.

This is a business; do not think for a minute that you are special or that the wingman will give you special treatment. If another client is paying more or there is a.

Group of guys paying more, your calls will not get returned until the next day.

When girls are dropped off, there is not a set tip for the wingman and tips of 50, 000 are expected.

The girl usually lives at home or has a child and will be reluctant to stay overnight without planning that beforehand. If they do stay overnight, they may expect to leave at.

5 Am. Without going into my personal experience, and guys here will disagree, you can expect 150, 000 for a couple of hours and 300, 000 from say 10pm-5am.

I would suggest that if you meet a group of girls apart from the wingman; keep these in your back pocket for when the wingman falls through.

Lastly I would say, Centro is a beautiful place, quite small, you can expect to discover it within 3 days. The streets are dusty and untidy but the people are good natured, they are only trying to earn a living like all of us.

You can book a day trip to the islands where the water is clear blue.

Expect to pay double for a boat trip if you go through a contact and check if booze is included to clear up any disappointment.

Cartagena can be a party place if you have a group of friends with you or to visit. It can be very high end or backpacker, hostel.

Like me, you will meet some of the most beautiful women on this planet. They will make you feel young and alive. Try to keep in mind that this is a fantasy and a vacation.

And enjoy it for what it is. It's only natural to think of how you can make this experience eternal and how you could spend all of your life with this one beautiful girl.

The reality is that while you are seeing her she has probably been with many men that week or even day. She has many guys texting her and promising a better life.

Perhaps she doesn't want a better life; she has a family and a country she loves. She's able to buy the things she needs and look sexy and fashionable, probably gifts from a guys just like you.

Try to think with the big head but good luck to you if you find the needle in the haystack. More interesting stories I found on this topic at colombiahelp dot com.

Se fuerte mis amigos.

[TheShadow2]

I have only been to Cartagena once for a week and will never return. I found the culture to be aggressive and overrun by locals that are trying to take advantage of the tourists. No meters in cabs or set prices on many things so everything is a negotiation. Eating at a restaurant in the old city I counted 55 people in 1 hour asking me to buy something. How in the world am I supposed to relax? It is hot as hell and beaches are not pretty nor are the girls. I found the scene to be full of professional working girls and for someone who has extended time in Latin America I can't deal with this type of scene. I am sure there are some experienced mongers who know the scene well and are getting good experiences but that place is not for me.

Many Colombians travel to this beach and it is the only beach they have ever seen in their life. They return to their home cities in Colombia with great stories of how beautiful the ocean was. Also, many cruise ships stop in this port. This city probably has a better Gringo infrastructure along with working girls than the other stops on the cruise. I see past all of this to see a city that is way OVERRATED.

Maybe I am way off base but this is my 2 cents.

VJ,

I'm going to guess that the restaurant you tried to eat at was in Plaza Santo Domingo? After you get to know Cartagena, you'll know better than to go there. Obviously can't blame you for going there on your first trip, but experienced travelers avoid it like the plague for that reason. Granted, you will get approached by vendors in Cartagena, but after a while, they really don't bother you. Just a simple "no gracias" and then move on.

You state the scene is full of working girls, but again, where did you go? La Dolce Vita? Elektra? Playa Hollywood? Then yes, all you will encounter are pros. Get off the beaten trail and tourist traps, and there are plenty of hot girls. (Although Medellin and the interior cities are better for this, clearly.)

Cabbies? Yes, they will scam you if you don't know the prices, they consider it a gringo tax. Somebody on here posted a link to the official prices, know what the fare is beforehand and give exactly that to the cabbies. (Sure, you shouldn't have to, but.)

The beach is what it is. Is your glass half empty or half full? For me it's a great place to kill a day with friends sipping cold beers, listening to music, and looking at the ocean and the chicas. Beats the hell out of work.

Oh and I'll go out on a limb here, and state with certainty that the water is not dirty or polluted. Get away from the beach and it's actually clear out there. But I'm sure nobody will believe me.

The old city is incredible if you go in the early evening and do some exploring, amazing if you're into old architecture.

Anyway, Cartagena can be a good destination, it sounds like you might just need another trip or two to get dialed in.

[CartaAngel]

Vegas Jeff, I see you didn't have a good experience in CTG, I see what you are saying, I know there are a lot of vendors and hustlers that make you want to break out to tell them off when you are walking on either the beach or in the old town, my wingman there in CTG taught me a sentence (ESTOY MONDAO) every time I use it noone wants to deal with me any more because they think I am a broke ass gringo LOL, it basically means I am tapped out, Lmao. I am used to being harrassed by vendors all the time, in Mexico and Jamaica they can be worse, bottom line is: that is typical of any touristic destination.

I go to CTG because of the quality friends I have there, Bocagrande Beaches aren't all that great but they are still fun, when I feel like swimming or scubadiving in a ocean or beach I get on a boat to Rosario islands, that does it for me, the water is so clean and marvellous, thats why I love that small coastal city.

I have had bad experiences in Bogota, Medellin, Cali and pereira, I got robbedtwice in Bogota and once in Medellin, food at restaurants in all these cities mentioned was horribly nasty and not fresh at all, any ways I am going to make a big memorandum out of the bad experiences I had but after getting booty nothing else to do, I did have lots of fun with friends in Medellin, Medellin is good to me my second choice after CTG, whats up with Ferias de las flores, I heard it is a good time of the year to visit Medellin though the prices double, I hope they don't emulate that high season model type that we all know

[Vegas Jeff]

Joe Shmoe, respecting all opinions from anyone on this board, I don't think Cartagena beaches are filthy otherwise it wouldn't be the most wanted destination by Colombian people in general when vacation time is on.

I have only been to Cartagena once for a week and will never return. I found the culture to be aggressive and overrun by locals that are trying to take advantage of the tourists. No meters in cabs or set prices on many things so everything is a negotiation. Eating at a restaurant in the old city I counted 55 people in 1 hour asking me to buy something. How in the world am I supposed to relax? It is hot as hell and beaches are not pretty nor are the girls. I found the scene to be full of professional working girls and for someone who has extended time in Latin America I can't deal with this type of scene. I am sure there are some experienced mongers who know the scene well and are getting good experiences but that place is not for me.

Many Colombians travel to this beach and it is the only beach they have ever seen in their life. They return to their home cities in Colombia with great stories of how beautiful the ocean was. Also, many cruise ships stop in this port. This city probably has a better Gringo infrastructure along with working girls than the other stops on the cruise. I see past all of this to see a city that is way OVERRATED.

Maybe I am way off base but this is my 2 cents.

[Vitrea]

HAHAHHAHA, I knew everybody would trip over that one, I did too when I heard it from Tony once at Hollywood beach, LOL, I agree with Vitrea, Cartagena beaches aren't great because of the dark sand, though I have never heard or seen anyone getting sick from swimming in that filthy ocean as I read on here, the one thing we all have to agree is that Colombia is a cool country that offers different experiences depending on where you go and what activities you want to do, I love its people, to me some of the best I've ever encountered

Amen. I keep telling my friends that it is the people (not just the girls) that keep drawing me back to Colombia but most people that have not experienced the Colombian hospitality find that hard to believe. It is their loss.

[CartaAngel]

HAHAHHAHA, I knew everybody would trip over that one, I did too when I heard it from Tony once at Hollywood beach, LOL, I agree with Vitrea, Cartagena beaches aren't great because of the dark sand, though I have never heard or seen anyone getting sick from swimming in that filthy ocean as I read on here, the one thing we all have to agree is that Colombia is a cool country that offers different experiences depending on where you go and what activities you want to do, I love its people, to me some of the best I've ever encountered

[Vitrea]

I love Cartagena and I love to hang on the beach there but make no mistake, the water is filthy and it is NOT from boats, it is from all the sewerage dumped into the water.

Not to mention the trash on the beaches.

One natural downside is the black sand. Black sand beaches are by nature not that attractive. They also make the water look darker than it is there by adding to the "filth" effect.

[Always Randy]

For everyone that chooses Cartagena over Medellin, my question is why?

I'm looking to plan my first trip to Colombia and I'm deciding between Medellin and Cartagena. What are the pros and cons for both?

If you can swing it, do both. My buddy and I did that in January as we were in Cartagena for two weeks. Got a round trip ticket to Medellin on Avianca for about $100 USD and spent 5 days there. Check online for the best fare based on different days and times.

The price of P, as in p*ssy is about $80 to $150 in Cartagena from LDV for a couple of hours whereas it you can find daytime action in Medellin casas for about $20 to $30 for 30 minutes.

[Nino Bravo]

The beaches don't look as nice as the bahamas' but you can be sure they are clean, the water is not crystaline because of all the boats and jetskiies coming to shore and stirring up the sand from the bottom with thier propellers.

Probably one of the most ridiculous statements I've ever read on the internet, let alone this forum.

[Legal Tender]

UNfortunately and easy answer. Next time I travel in the South American direction I will be travelling with the Mrs (Colombiana) and SHE wants to go to the beach. Opportunities for me will be very limited. Personally I want to go back to Thailand.

Gali

I suggest San Andres. It's beautiful, clean. You'll love it.

[Manizales911]

Joe Shmoe, respecting all opinions from anyone on this board, I don't think Cartagena beaches are filthy otherwise it wouldn't be the most wanted destination by Colombian people in general when vacation time is on. The beaches don't look as nice as the bahamas' but you can be sure they are clean, the water is not crystaline because of all the boats and jetskiies coming to shore and stirring up the sand from the bottom with thier propellers.

2 things you have to consider: if you are looking for a quality vacation you may want to choose CTG, it is very charming, safer, full of history and if you deal with the right people you can have an unforgettable time without spending a whole lot of money, you get more variety in CTG.

I love Cartagena and I love to hang on the beach there but make no mistake, the water is filthy and it is NOT from boats, it is from all the sewerage dumped into the water.

[CartaAngel]

Joe Shmoe, respecting all opinions from anyone on this board, I don't think Cartagena beaches are filthy otherwise it wouldn't be the most wanted destination by Colombian people in general when vacation time is on. The beaches don't look as nice as the bahamas' but you can be sure they are clean, the water is not crystaline because of all the boats and jetskiies coming to shore and stirring up the sand from the bottom with thier propellers.

2 things you have to consider: if you are looking for a quality vacation you may want to choose CTG, it is very charming, safer, full of history and if you deal with the right people you can have an unforgettable time without spending a whole lot of money, you get more variety in CTG.

About Medellin, it is a lovely city with a nice weather but it offers tourists a different experience, if you are strictly looking for pussy Medellin is the right choice but after you are jaded of that, what else can you do, you should do both cities and then judge them for youself, Saludos.

[Ricardo Torres]

Haha, I couldn't decide where to go but I've narrowed it down to Colombia, Brazil, or Panama City. How do the girls compare in Cartagena to Medellin? I hear girls from all over the country go there including ones from Medellin. So I would assume a bigger variety in Cartagena.

I guess I feel better about Cartagena because its more touristy and I don't know much about the casas in Medellin. But I always hear people raving about how great Medellin is.

As you say you are on a budget so I would highly recommend Medellin and staying at the Mansion, as Cartagena is very very expensive if you like to party, and do not know the lay of the land. Whatever you can find in Cartagena you can find in Medellin. As I wrote in my previous post Cartagena has a dirty beach and filthy ocean waters, but it is still a beach that can be fun, and Cartagena offers a great nightlife, but it is very expensive.

[Galinsoga]

For everyone that chooses Cartagena over Medellin, my question is why?

I'm looking to plan my first trip to Colombia and I'm deciding between Medellin and Cartagena. What are the pros and cons for both?

UNfortunately and easy answer. Next time I travel in the South American direction I will be travelling with the Mrs (Colombiana) and SHE wants to go to the beach. Opportunities for me will be very limited. Personally I want to go back to Thailand.

Gali

[Joe Shmoe]

Reviewing your posting history over the past 3 weeks you have posted in various threads that you are going to Brazil, Dominican Republic, Curacao, and now Cartagena or Medellin but have little money. LOL I will however bite and answer your question.

Cartagena:

You have the beach and better nightlife, but double or triple the cost of Medellin on almost everything. Very expensive place for a first time visitor.

Medellin:

Casas and more opportunity for day time action because of the casas. Also better suited for the budget traveler or for a person with little or no spanish speaking ability, as you can stay at the Mansion or whatever it is called these days with other gringos who can show you around. Also has a great transportation system for getting around.

Haha, I couldn't decide where to go but I've narrowed it down to Colombia, Brazil, or Panama City. How do the girls compare in Cartagena to Medellin? I hear girls from all over the country go there including ones from Medellin. So I would assume a bigger variety in Cartagena.

I guess I feel better about Cartagena because its more touristy and I don't know much about the casas in Medellin. But I always hear people raving about how great Medellin is.