Cartagena Reports

[The Tall Man]

Thanks for everyone who replied. Yes the idea would be to take a girl there as pretty easy with those direct flights from MDE. I stayed a couple of times in Santa Marta and didn't really saw it as a "honeymoon" destination. Maybe my mistake was that I stayed in the actual town itself (I was backpacking at the time) and didn't explore the more resort-like scene.

The one I currently have on the go would like to go to Buenos Aires but no way I am going to fly a girl for over 6 hours just to spend some time with her for what will basically be a long weekend. I told her she could get anything that was flying direct from Medellin so should be safe from that point of view.

You may not see it as a great destination but yes the majority of the population of Colombia would jump at the opportunity to visit the coastal areas. For many this is a dream come true. Believe it or not.

Just a month ago I took 2 paisa chicas to Covenas for 4 days, we all stayed in one room right on the sand and ate, drank and swam the days away, they were fascinated as both of them had never been before, nope they have never set foot into the ocean, these areas hold a fascination to the Colombian that we will never fully grasp.

The Tall Man.

[Tomasb]

I took that flight from MDE to San Andres several years ago. As others have commented, there is very little to do there; the beaches are not that nice with half of the island surrounded by volcanic rocks and only a few sandy beaches that offer decent access to the sea. The night life was almost non existent and the hotels are woeful with very little decent dining available.

There is a house of ill repute where I stopped by one night and took a long time date back to my hotel. It's near or was near the airport. Everyone knows the location. I noticed some fine looking girls there but it appeared to me that it's not that easy to break into that scene. The pax hanging around this place seemed to be very chummy with each other and I was lucky to find one girl who had just arrived from MDE.

I think the island is run by a few families who have little interest in upgrading the island infrastructure as there are a lot of illicit activities going on, mainly involving the transport of drugs and harboring of fugitives, which they would prefer stay that way and outside prying eyes. There have been violent disputes within the sphere of these families fighting over turf and the drug trade, though tourists generally would not be affected. There are also a disproportionate amount of gold and jewelry shops for such a small place and you can draw your own conclusions from that observation.

I did not make it to Providencia, a nearby and smaller island, though it's expensive and / or time consuming to get there. Either a long boat ride in choppy seas or a short and expensive prop flight. But I have heard it's a nice place to visit for a day or two due to its remote location.

I read here there isn't any real mongering on San Andres. If you do a search you'll find the posts.

[Linyjo]

Thanks for everyone who replied. Yes the idea would be to take a girl there as pretty easy with those direct flights from MDE. I stayed a couple of times in Santa Marta and didn't really saw it as a "honeymoon" destination. Maybe my mistake was that I stayed in the actual town itself (I was backpacking at the time) and didn't explore the more resort-like scene.

The one I currently have on the go would like to go to Buenos Aires but no way I am going to fly a girl for over 6 hours just to spend some time with her for what will basically be a long weekend. I told her she could get anything that was flying direct from Medellin so should be safe from that point of view.

Maybe honeymoon was a bad context. I just meant that there are not a lot of hookers walking the streets like you see in Cartagena. You are among other couples that have real relationships.

In Tangana, although the town is a shit hole, the view from Hotel Jaba Nibue is world class and very romantic.

Hotel Bahia Taganga also is one with great terraces with to die for views.

In Santa Marta centro, the presidential suite at the Hotel Suite Boutique El Cactus is one that will keep her panties wet the entire trip. Only 8 suites in the place so it always seems private and you don't run into a lot of other people.

The boat rides to the secluded and beautiful beaches of Parque Tayrona also make for very special moments in special places. Certainly not like hanging with her on a Bocagrande beach.

Agree, 6 hour flights are a trek and cost if you are not staying for at least 4 nights.

Happy trails.

[Baudelairemod]

If you are taking a girl with you, there are two good choices.

San Andres or Santa Marta area.

San Andres is less than $100 RT from Cartagena. It is small and not much to do besides hang at the beach and eat. I do not think the hotels are great and there are few condos. Not much selection and the restaurants are thin too.

Santa Marta is a 4 hour luxury bus away or you can fly there from Bogata.

Many more options, plenty of things to do and many hotels, condos and restaurants.

Both can be honeymoon like destinations. I prefer the options and activities of Santa Marta over San Andres, which lacks a lot of options or activities.

If you just want to trap her and fuck all day, San Andres is good.

If you want to do things, Santa Marta a better option.

If you just want to give her a treat, either one is a great destination.

All in, Santa Marta will be less expensive.

Thanks for everyone who replied. Yes the idea would be to take a girl there as pretty easy with those direct flights from MDE. I stayed a couple of times in Santa Marta and didn't really saw it as a "honeymoon" destination. Maybe my mistake was that I stayed in the actual town itself (I was backpacking at the time) and didn't explore the more resort-like scene.

The one I currently have on the go would like to go to Buenos Aires but no way I am going to fly a girl for over 6 hours just to spend some time with her for what will basically be a long weekend. I told her she could get anything that was flying direct from Medellin so should be safe from that point of view.

[Linyjo]

from time to time I find myself taking a girl away. I usually go for Cartagena

If you are taking a girl with you, there are two good choices.

San Andres or Santa Marta area.

San Andres is less than $100 RT from Cartagena. It is small and not much to do besides hang at the beach and eat. I do not think the hotels are great and there are few condos. Not much selection and the restaurants are thin too.

Santa Marta is a 4 hour luxury bus away or you can fly there from Bogata.

Many more options, plenty of things to do and many hotels, condos and restaurants.

Both can be honeymoon like destinations. I prefer the options and activities of Santa Marta over San Andres, which lacks a lot of options or activities.

If you just want to trap her and fuck all day, San Andres is good.

If you want to do things, Santa Marta a better option.

If you just want to give her a treat, either one is a great destination.

All in, Santa Marta will be less expensive.

[NeilGeorge]

I read here there isn't any real mongering on San Andres. If you do a search you'll find the posts.

No mongering there. Small town. Place to take a sweetheart if you want her to fall in love with you. The Colombian women really love being taken there.

[YippieKayay]

Hi there,

I am usually a Medellin aficionado and rarely venture anywhere else in Colombia but from time to time I find myself taking a girl away. I usually go for Cartagena as it's pretty close and pretty much a sure thing. I have just noticed however that there is a direct flight from MDE to San Andres and was wondering how it compares to Cartagena? I assume it's much quieter (which I don't mind) but is it worth it? Are there things to do during the day? Or should I just stick to Cartagena?

Thank you!

Be.

I read here there isn't any real mongering on San Andres. If you do a search you'll find the posts.

[JayOnem]

Just posted about my first South American experience, in Quito. It was fun, but for various reasons not optimal (E. G. Group tour). My next trip will be for the sole purpose of fun and relaxation with amiable companionship. Thinking about my criteria, Cartagena seems like a great pick. Here are my considerations:

Availability of high-quality, affordable companionship. I'm torn between the idea of having a "guide" for a week versus sampling a variety of ladies for multi-hour / overnights. From what I have seen here, money is not going to be an issue. Ease of hooking up, selection, and safety are the primary issues, although it relieves a lot of stress if she speaks some English.

Location. Pleasant climate and natural beauty are a must. I have a preference for nice beaches, but I'm open to other areas if they have some "Wow" factor. 420 decriminalized is preferable.

Upscale accommodations. I like comfortable surroundings and modern conveniences. I don't need five star, but 3 1/2 to 4 star is reasonable, keeping it under $100 per night.

Things to do / day trips. I like a combination of relaxing and down time with some activities, preferably with a companion. Boat trips, historical tours, parks, sporting events, or anything else to get out and experience the area.

Access from Miami. Looking for non-stop flights, the shorter the better.

Food / drink. I like good food and a variety of alcoholic beverages. Definite plus for places with a great culinary reputation, and for places with great street food.

Historical interest. I like history and archaeology, so anyplace with a good story is interesting to me. Old towns, museums, historical tours are all great. If there are ancient ruins involved that's even better.

Music / nightlife. I'm too old for the club scene, but someplace with good local music and some places to go that are interesting and lively, but mellow enough for an old man.

Putting it all together, Cartagena seems to stack up pretty well in all dimensions. Any thoughts relative to other destinations in the Caribbean / Central American / South American region?

[Baudelairemod]

Hi there,

I am usually a Medellin aficionado and rarely venture anywhere else in Colombia but from time to time I find myself taking a girl away. I usually go for Cartagena as it's pretty close and pretty much a sure thing. I have just noticed however that there is a direct flight from MDE to San Andres and was wondering how it compares to Cartagena? I assume it's much quieter (which I don't mind) but is it worth it? Are there things to do during the day? Or should I just stick to Cartagena?

Thank you!

Be.

[YippieKayay]

Does anyone know if there will be any major events like these happening in early to mid June?

I will try to check out these new clubs and report back. Not sure of the chica quantity and quality in June. Does anyone know?

Nonetheless, I am pretty sure these chicas would move in and out of these clubs like they always do from the clock tower square and back again into these clubs.

I was there last year in early July and it was fine. I also booked for mid June this year. November and September both are consistently good months if you avoid the festivals in November.

[Ggekko2009]

It was shut down a while ago. Some scandal involving the mayor of the town I heard. Elektra is also shut down. There are two more clubs opening on the street of La Dulce Vita but I'm not certain if they are open yet.

Low chica count on my last trip but I went during the Barranquilla carnival. Many of them had fucked off to Barranquilla to work or hang out at the carnival. I find timing is key to going there. Any kind of holiday or special event fucks shit up.

Does anyone know if there will be any major events like these happening in early to mid June?

I will try to check out these new clubs and report back. Not sure of the chica quantity and quality in June. Does anyone know?

Nonetheless, I am pretty sure these chicas would move in and out of these clubs like they always do from the clock tower square and back again into these clubs.

[Linyjo]

Uber is a rip off down there.

Uber is real hit or miss.

If you taking a trip over 30 minutes out of town, they can be a good alternative to a taxi or bus.

I would not take them for short trips to and from Centro or around town. Cabs are everywhere, no waiting and only cost 8,000 per ride.

[Linyjo]

Last apt we had did not have a washer. 7 days of sex with 5 different chicas force me to turn my sheets and pillow cases over. My apt in may has a washer and dryer cause we are staying for 2 weeks this time.

Did the building offer maid service? It is usually very cheap.

You can always just take them to a laundry and drop them off. Usually ready in an hour or two.

[ThadMax]

It was shut down a while ago. Some scandal involving the mayor of the town I heard. Elektra is also shut down. There are two more clubs opening on the street of La Dulce Vita but I'm not certain if they are open yet.

Low chica count on my last trip but I went during the Barranquilla carnival. Many of them had fucked off to Barranquilla to work or hang out at the carnival. I find timing is key to going there. Any kind of holiday or special event fucks shit up.

Thanks for the confirmation. Timing is everything, it seems. Agreed on holidays / special events -- it's the worst time to visit. Crowded streets and depleted talent. Sadly, I will likely forego Cartagena in favor of other destinations.

[PirateMorgan]

USA Banks have nothing to do with your conversion rate from dollars to pesos. The conversion rate is set by the bank here in Colombia that owns the ATM. You request pesos at the withdrawal and the local Colombian bank decides how many dollars it will debit from your USA Account.