Medellin Reports

[SJobs]

Saturday night at 7:30 PM I was with one of my regulars in Poblado....It's not safe anywhere in Medellin. Carry as little as possible with you, and always be aware of your surroundings, even when it's raining. There's some very cleaver thieves here, and they know what they are doing.

Thanks for this post. I'm sorry this happened to you and I'm glad that you are OK. I walked around Lleras almost every night for more than a month, most of the time I feel safe, mainly because I stayed in areas where there are a lot of people. Based on my experience, Poblado is still the safest area in Medellin, whenever I pick up a chica on the street, I either get a taxi to my apartment right away or I take her into bars and clubs in the park. Thanks for this warning post, I will never take a girl to walk around the empty streets of Poblado.

[Mojo Bandit]

Even with my limited spanish I can tell this obviously about community concern regarding sex tourism in Lleras Park (it is over a year old), anyone fluid in spanish care to convey the gist of what the residence being interviewed are saying?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGB5rZFCdH0

[Knowledge]

It's not so easy to find taxis when it's raining hard. In Surfer's case, he mentioned he and the chica got caught in a sudden downpour, something that is not rare in Medellin, and the street became deserted suddenly. The scumbag bandits had the advantage of surprise. They likely realized they had the drop on the couple and could get close without being seen.

For those who are not familiar with Medellin, that area is not near Parque Lleras. It is in Patio Bonito. There have been reports in the past (none recently that I have seen) warning about possible dangers there. For anyone staying in that area, take a taxi, especially if you are walking with a chica. In a taxi you don't need to be concerned about the rain, and you will be relatively safe. If you insist on walking, tell the chica to leave her bag in the hotel or apartment.

[DetJunky]

Friday night after having dinner in Provenza I decided check out the talent Parque Lleras. I arrived around 10 PM and took a few laps around and within the Park. I saw at least two dozen girls working, they were either sitting alone, in pairs, walking, etc. And there were some very pretty ones out. I got approached by three girls, chit chatted with them, and told one of them in Spanish that I wasn't horny to get her to go away. Another one asked me where I was going and I said to my apartment and she asked me if she could come over, but I told her no. I didn't ask any of the girls how much they wanted as I wasn't interested, and found it refreshing compared to "ground zero" in El Centro as the majority of the girls were dressed very nice versus in rags. For guys who like to party, hit the bars, and speak a fair amount of Spanish, I can see this venue being something to try out on a weekend night. I have been through the Park during the evenings other than Thursday to Saturday and it can be pretty dead so wouldn't recommend going there then.

Adding to that there are many party friendly apartments in lleras now, you can step outside after 11 and you will see girls on cra 38 and infront of the clubs, myself and my baddies booked a decent place in lleras on Airbnb - https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3936727...j5XPDQqP%2BB8M - picked up chicas on the same street, specially on Friday, Saturday they stand outside the clubs smoking or just trying to make eye contact.

During weekdays it is pretty much dead the action starts Thru, Fri, Sat from 11 to 3 AM, lleras is also very safe as no motorcycles are allowed on some streets and good security.

[Combo]

Stories like this is why you should never walk on any deserted street, it doesn't matter if it's in Poblado, Centro or anywhere else. The silver lining to this story is that nobody was injured & it seems that most of the stick up kids are cowards who only prey on the weak so we men will generally be less of a target, I feel bad for the Colombian women though.

To be fair, it has little to do with us being less weak. And everything to do with efficiency. They want to execute the robbery in a few seconds at most. A women's purse is about as quick and easy as it gets. It takes a lot longer to go through a guy's 4 or 5 different pockets. Not saying they won't do the latter -- it's just not as quick.

Agree on the deserted streets, even in nice neighborhoods like Poblado. If you have to walk on them, keep your head on a swivel and be ready to run. Or just take a taxi / uber.

[Fun Luvr]

Saturday night at 7:30 PM I was with one of my regulars in Poblado. We were walking on the sidewalk along Carrea 46, about a block and a half away from the Poblado EXITO. We got caught in an unexpected downpour, and it was raining very hard as we were headed to Calle 10. While we were walking I had an umbrella to cover us and we had are heads down trying to figure out how not to step in the deeper puddles while we were walking. The street was deserted as there was nobody else out because of the heavy rainfall, and all of sudden a motorcycle pulls up with two guys on it, one guy gets off, put's a gun to my Chicas head, and say's give me your handbag or I will kill you. The guy takes the handbag, hops back on the Motorcycle, and they take off.

For those who are not familiar with Medellin, that area is not near Parque Lleras. It is in Patio Bonito. There have been reports in the past (none recently that I have seen) warning about possible dangers there. For anyone staying in that area, take a taxi, especially if you are walking with a chica. In a taxi you don't need to be concerned about the rain, and you will be relatively safe. If you insist on walking, tell the chica to leave her bag in the hotel or apartment.

[JjBee62]

I can't remember how many times I posted that Poblado was the most dangerous part of MDE for tourists. Not only the ripoffs by thugs. But also murders { tourists } occur there more than any other part of the city. I don't know why I preach about this as I should just let the new fellows just go there to be over charged for everything while they think they are safe from the harm they think is worse in other parts of the city.

The main reason why more gringos are murdered in Poblado is because 80% of the gringos are in Poblado. You'll almost never hear of a gringo being killed in Paris or Manrique, because gringos don't go there. That doesn't mean those are safe places to be walking around at night. In case someone is confused, Paris is a barrio south and west of Bello. Ask your favorite chica about it sometime.

Generally speaking Poblado is safer than most of Medellin. The people with money live in Poblado. Too much crime in Poblado is bad for business. That doesn't mean you're safe. Personal safety is less about location and more about behavior.

People get a false sense of security in Poblado and let their guard down.

[JjBee62]

Thank you and others (except Mr. E of course) for their concerns. It's an interesting question you ask as to why I wasn't targeted. My theory is, that since there were two of us, that it was easier for the ratero to just take my Chicas bag and run, versus telling me to fumble around and empty my pockets. My Chica told me that way more women get ripped off than men here. So I suspect as to what happened to me, they may have just decided to get the bag, versus having a potential confrontation with a male. Additionally, I am not an obvious "gringo" looks wise as I don't have blond hair and blue eyes, and have been told by Colombians that I can pass as a Colombian, at least with with my mouth shut. So perhaps in this situation, if it had been an obvious gringo, the Ratero might of said empty your pockets, etc. As one might assume a gringo may have more things of value on them. I really don't know as it happened so quick.

I agree with your suspicions. These types of robberies are grab and go. Getting her bag probably took 2 seconds. Getting your stuff would have taken much longer. If you had been walking alone they may have passed you by. Or not.

[Wrx2005]

I have to say that on my next trip I might stay in Laureles because a person can save some serious money by doing so, but that being said, if money was not an object than it still depends on other factors. Which means of mongering are you going to be most likely to partake in? I primarily used FB and some tender and picked up some SWs in Parque LLeras. Energy was perfect for me. The building has good security which I respect not so much for my safety but for keeping me out of trouble if you know what I mean. For the square footage though you can probably find something for half the price in Laureles. But it definitely will not have the views that you get from the roof pool area of Energy,

If you stayed in Laureles would you still go to Lleras Park and pick up SW and bring them back to your spot? (In Laureles) Is that doable, or can you find a short time spot right there near the park? I'm gathering intel, since I'm new to the Medellin Forum. I will go back about 6 to 12 months and catch up on the forum. I'm staying in the Laureles area. I'll be there almost a month late Jan until Feb. I also intend to visit Cartegena while I'm in Colombia. I hear it's a short flight from Medellin.

[Charm City Dave]

Saturday night at 7:30 PM I was with one of my regulars in Poblado. We were walking on the sidewalk along Carrea 46, about a block and a half away from the Poblado EXITO. We got caught in an unexpected downpour, and it was raining very hard as we were headed to Calle 10. While we were walking I had an umbrella to cover us and we had are heads down trying to figure out how not to step in the deeper puddles while we were walking. The street was deserted as there was nobody else out because of the heavy rainfall, and all of sudden a motorcycle pulls up with two guys on it, one guy gets off, put's a gun to my Chicas head, and say's give me your handbag or I will kill you. The guy takes the handbag, hops back on the Motorcycle, and they take off. ......... So my Chica got her bag stolen, she had 40 Mil on her, a cheap cell phone, and some clothes in her bag, and her Cedula as well taken.

Lessons learned, if I had been asked to empty my pockets, I would of been totally hosed as I had my USA I phone with me, versus my Colombian burner phone. ......

Appreciate your sharing. I wonder if Laureles is much safer or not. I often carry everything around in a slash proof, zipper locking pacsafe shoulder bag. I'm 6' tall, with light hair, blue eyes and I do not blend down here. I have long thought pick pockets are the greatest danger. Guess I got to rethink that. I have taken to leaving my ATM debit card in the room and only taking it out when I got to do an ATM run.

[RudeBwoy100]

Stories like this is why you should never walk on any deserted street, it doesn't matter if it's in Poblado, Centro or anywhere else. The silver lining to this story is that nobody was injured & it seems that most of the stick up kids are cowards who only prey on the weak so we men will generally be less of a target, I feel bad for the Colombian women though.

[D Cups]

I can't remember how many times I posted that Poblado was the most dangerous part of MDE for tourists. Not only the ripoffs by thugs. But also murders { tourists } occur there more than any other part of the city. I don't know why I preach about this as I should just let the new fellows just go there to be over charged for everything while they think they are safe from the harm they think is worse in other parts of the city.

I was there eight days in November and did not experience any problems. Then again I don't go out late at night preferring to hole up early with my chosen chica for the evening.

[Surfer500]

Got damn Surf. What you doing in Poblado? You better take your ass back downtown where it is safe.

Your'e right as always Mr. E.

[John Gault]

Saturday night at 7:30 PM I was with one of my regulars in Poblado. We were walking on the sidewalk along Carrea 46, about a block and a half away from the Poblado EXITO. We got caught in an unexpected downpour, and it was raining very hard as we were headed to Calle 10. While we were walking I had an umbrella to cover us and we had are heads down trying to figure out how not to step in the deeper puddles while we were walking. The street was deserted as there was nobody else out because of the heavy rainfall, and all of sudden a motorcycle pulls up with two guys on it, one guy gets off, put's a gun to my Chicas head, and say's give me your handbag or I will kill you. The guy takes the handbag, hops back on the Motorcycle, and they take off. This all happened in less than ten seconds and there wasn't much I could do about it. We were sitting ducks on a deserted street during a heavy downpour, and were unaware of our surroundings as we were walking with are heads down trying to figure out where to step. I was surprised that the thief didn't ask me to empty my pockets which I asked my Chica about, and she said for some reason women with bags seem to be targeted versus the men. I suspect that's because the thieves assume that a woman may not put up a fight, versus a man might. Regardless, if any one has a gun, I'm not going to put up a fight. So my Chica got her bag stolen, she had 40 Mil on her, a cheap cell phone, and some clothes in her bag, and her Cedula as well taken.

Lessons learned, if I had been asked to empty my pockets, I would of been totally hosed as I had my USA I phone with me, versus my Colombian burner phone. As far as money in my wallet, well a couple of hundred mil which means nothing to me versus losing my USA cell phone. So not only do we have to worry about the Chicas ripping us off, here's just something else to be concerned about. It's not safe anywhere in Medellin. Carry as little as possible with you, and always be aware of your surroundings, even when it's raining. There's some very cleaver thieves here, and they know what they are doing.

I can't remember how many times I posted that Poblado was the most dangerous part of MDE for tourists. Not only the ripoffs by thugs. But also murders { tourists } occur there more than any other part of the city. I don't know why I preach about this as I should just let the new fellows just go there to be over charged for everything while they think they are safe from the harm they think is worse in other parts of the city.

[Surfer500]

Glad you are okay, sorry that this happened to you. Only a fool would put up a fight in that situation. Those guys are scum. I am shocked too that they targeted her instead of a gringo.

Thank you and others (except Mr. E of course) for their concerns. It's an interesting question you ask as to why I wasn't targeted. My theory is, that since there were two of us, that it was easier for the ratero to just take my Chicas bag and run, versus telling me to fumble around and empty my pockets. My Chica told me that way more women get ripped off than men here. So I suspect as to what happened to me, they may have just decided to get the bag, versus having a potential confrontation with a male. Additionally, I am not an obvious "gringo" looks wise as I don't have blond hair and blue eyes, and have been told by Colombians that I can pass as a Colombian, at least with with my mouth shut. So perhaps in this situation, if it had been an obvious gringo, the Ratero might of said empty your pockets, etc. As one might assume a gringo may have more things of value on them. I really don't know as it happened so quick.