Medellin Reports

Great report! I agree about the older more distinguished cab driver. A young boy tends to be more wild, more willing to "prove" himself. My two cents after 10+ hours of flying I don't mind the comfort of a private car / cab taking me right to my door. The idea of making another stop after those flighs scare me! I thought it was $60K for a cab; have prices risen recently?

Thanks again for the informative report.

[QUOTE=TroyBoy; 1491401]The international airport is located about 45 minutes up into the mountains which that alone keeps the lowlife street scum away as opposed to what one may find in say Manila. I have always felt safe in all areas around the terminal. There is also a very strong narco-terrorist police presence. No one is likely to be screwing with you. These commuter buses into town are one of the main methods of transport. You will be riding next to typical middle class Colombiana. The fares are posted and no rip-off. Here are a few pictures from a previous trip of the bus you will look for. They seat about 18 and usually fill up and depart every 15 minutes. (these pics were 2010-fare is now 8, 000 cop not 6, 500)

There are two destinations these buses go to. If you are staying at the Mansion / Poblado you will want the bus that stops in district: SAN DIEGO All you need to do is ask the gentleman loading the bus: "Para en San Deigo?" and he will either nod yes or point you to the correct bus. Once I did get on the wrong bus and ended up somewhere near the Stadium I think. I just grabbed a taxi and took it to: "Poblado- cerca Mall Oviedo"

In San Diego district the bus will stop and a large % of the passengers will disembark. There will be about 8 taxis waiting to pick up people and take them to whatever destination they choose. Medellin taxis in general are just very honest. Here, however, is probably the most dangerous point in this transport process. There often are "helpers" trying to make a dollar carrying your bag to a taxi. I have never encountered anything like I did at the Manila bus terminal. Usually you can just say "no gracias" and they will not bother you. Then walk to the line of waiting taxis. Some common sense safety considerations:

1. No Bling jewelry. I wear a cheap watch with rubber wrist band and leave my good CITIZEN watch with gold band in my bag.

2. I do separate my money into 3-4 locations.

3. I take a careful look at the taxi driver just to get a 'feel' for his personality. I feel much better with an older gentleman than a young punk who speaks perfect English and calls me "friend"..[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the detail. Much appreciated. May take that way now.

[QUOTE=TroyBoy; 1491401]The international airport is located about 45 minutes up into the mountains which that alone keeps the lowlife street scum away as opposed to what one may find in say Manila. I have always felt safe in all areas around the terminal. There is also a very strong narco-terrorist police presence. No one is likely to be screwing with you. These commuter buses into town are one of the main methods of transport. You will be riding next to typical middle class Colombiana. The fares are posted and no rip-off. Here are a few pictures from a previous trip of the bus you will look for. They seat about 18 and usually fill up and depart every 15 minutes. (these pics were 2010-fare is now 8, 000 cop not 6, 500)

There are two destinations these buses go to. If you are staying at the Mansion / Poblado you will want the bus that stops in district: SAN DIEGO All you need to do is ask the gentleman loading the bus: "Para en San Deigo?" and he will either nod yes or point you to the correct bus. Once I did get on the wrong bus and ended up somewhere near the Stadium I think. I just grabbed a taxi and took it to: "Poblado- cerca Mall Oviedo"

In San Diego district the bus will stop and a large % of the passengers will disembark. There will be about 8 taxis waiting to pick up people and take them to whatever destination they choose. Medellin taxis in general are just very honest. Here, however, is probably the most dangerous point in this transport process. There often are "helpers" trying to make a dollar carrying your bag to a taxi. I have never encountered anything like I did at the Manila bus terminal. Usually you can just say "no gracias" and they will not bother you. ..[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Knowledge;1491430]Just my opinion but I don't get why anyone who can afford rooms at the Mansion would go through the risk and hassle of carrying bags on a shared bus to save a $20 taxi fare.[/QUOTE]Educate me please- I see you are a Sr. Member with many posts-

I have never just taken one of the taxis outside the terminal. Is $20 the normal fare from Terminal to Poblado?

On my first few trips to Medellin I had the Mansion send up a private car to meet me, but I think that cost about $70 USD if I remember correctly. I know the Blue / White taxi rate for picking up at Mansion and dropping off at airport is 50, 000 COB ($26 USD). Maybe grabbing a cab waiting there is only $20?

Thanks for any info-

Taxi fare from the airport is $30 to $35 or so depending on exchange rate. It's a set fare. By $20 I meant the difference between bus and taxi fare.

[QUOTE=TroyBoy; 1491531]Educate me please- I see you are a Sr. Member with many posts-

I have never just taken one of the taxis outside the terminal. Is $20 the normal fare from Terminal to Poblado?

On my first few trips to Medellin I had the Mansion send up a private car to meet me, but I think that cost about $70 USD if I remember correctly. I know the Blue / White taxi rate for picking up at Mansion and dropping off at airport is 50, 000 COB ($26 USD). Maybe grabbing a cab waiting there is only $20?

Thanks for any info-[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=SlamCity7777;1491476]My two cents after 10+ hours of flying I don't mind the comfort of a private car / cab taking me right to my door. The idea of making another stop after those flighs scare me! I thought it was $60K for a cab; have prices risen recently?[/QUOTE]I've only ever paid 72,000 pesos for my private car. And like you, I do not mind paying for this convenience considering my driver is waiting for me once my flight arrives, and I can go from the airport straight to my apartment. Plus the driver is someone that my people (who arranged the taxi pickup for me) knows; not just some random taxi driver.

[QUOTE=Knowledge;1491430]Just my opinion but I don't get why anyone who can afford rooms at the Mansion would go through the risk and hassle of carrying bags on a shared bus to save a $20 taxi fare.[/QUOTE]

I was thinking the exact same thing. After paying $800+ for my flight and $300+ for my apartment stay, the last thing I am thinking about is compromising my safety haggling over $38-$40 bucks for a taxi.

[QUOTE=Joe Six Pack; 1491288]Gentlemen,

Today is the last day for some of us, like to end the trip in a blast.

We are organizing a Halloween party in Liquid, party starts at 9:00 PM today (Saturday, Nov 1st ).

You mean Saturday Nov 2nd ;)

Spread the word and let us make this a blast, about 30 girls are expected.[/QUOTE]Yes, and LIQUID is having an Oil Wrestling Contest with the customers judging which Chica was the sexiest fighter. Wish I could be there, but I'm in the States now.

[QUOTE=TroyBoy; 1491531]Educate me please- I see you are a Sr. Member with many posts-

I have never just taken one of the taxis outside the terminal. Is $20 the normal fare from Terminal to Poblado?

On my first few trips to Medellin I had the Mansion send up a private car to meet me, but I think that cost about $70 USD if I remember correctly. I know the Blue / White taxi rate for picking up at Mansion and dropping off at airport is 50, 000 COB ($26 USD). Maybe grabbing a cab waiting there is only $20?

Thanks for any info-[/QUOTE]Airport taxi cost to and from El Poblado is 60k. You can arrange for taxi pickup from hotels, The Mansion, etc from between 70k-80k. 5k propina is sufficient.

I would pay the 70k-80k if it were my first trip. On repeat trips you can grab a taxi off the curb on arrival. For airport return you can call for one 15 minutes before you are ready to leave.

I know every hotel increases prices for the flower festival and Colombia moda. Obviously these are popular days.

However is the talent better during these times? Or are he prices better just because of the events themselves?

I am trying to just figure out if there are more choices for us if we travel there during these times.

Thank you.

[QUOTE=Rickyj; 1491866]I know every hotel increases prices for the flower festival and Colombia moda. Obviously these are popular days.

However is the talent better during these times? Or are he prices better just because of the events themselves?

I am trying to just figure out if there are more choices for us if we travel there during these times.

Thank you.[/QUOTE]I would say the talent is less during Colombian holidays. A lot like to go on vacation with their families to the fincas.

[QUOTE=Knowledge;1491430]Just my opinion but I don't get why anyone who can afford rooms at the Mansion would go through the risk and hassle of carrying bags on a shared bus to save a $20 taxi fare.[/QUOTE]What TroyBoy said was very nicely said. Who's to judge why people do the things they do? Everybody rolls a different way. I know guys that stay at the Mansion yet only do casa girls. I know guys that spend a lot of money on girls yet eats like shit. I know guys that likes to stay in 5 star hotels yet like to go to casas only. Etc etc. All we can do has helpful members is share our experiences and let them do what they want to do.

In my opinion, taxis are pretty safe in Medellin. Just make sure they are yellow and have meters. If you have never been to the Mansion before, you might want to get someone to pick you up the first time. It can be a bit hard to find. After that, you should be able to get any taxi to take you there. BTW, my first trip to Medellin, I stayed at the Mansion. I took the bus to Centro and then cabbed it from there. Very useful tips from members here and other places.

[QUOTE=Knowledge;1491430]Just my opinion but I don't get why anyone who can afford rooms at the Mansion would go through the risk and hassle of carrying bags on a shared bus to save a $20 taxi fare.[/QUOTE]Done this at least 20 times, no risk, no hassle, another upside is you might meet someone interesting on the ride down the hill!

Well-said!

[QUOTE=Hioctane; 1492179]What TroyBoy said was very nicely said. Who's to judge why people do the things they do? Everybody rolls a different way. I know guys that stay at the Mansion yet only do casa girls. I know guys that spend a lot of money on girls yet eats like shit. I know guys that likes to stay in 5 star hotels yet like to go to casas only. Etc etc. All we can do has helpful members is share our experiences and let them do what they want to do.

In my opinion, taxis are pretty safe in Medellin. Just make sure they are yellow and have meters. If you have never been to the Mansion before, you might want to get someone to pick you up the first time. It can be a bit hard to find. After that, you should be able to get any taxi to take you there. BTW, my first trip to Medellin, I stayed at the Mansion. I took the bus to Centro and then cabbed it from there. Very useful tips from members here and other places.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=TweedleD;1492264]Done this at least 20 times, no risk, no hassle, another upside is you might meet someone interesting on the ride down the hill![/QUOTE]I agree with and love you attitude about the bus. You know who takes the bus home from Rio Negro? A poor college student form Bogota who needs some help.

I disagree with the Taxi vs Bus thing. I have to say it's the door to door that I like. No me gusta making extra stops even if its 10 min! I want to take my shoes off, take a shit, a shower, and get a girl on top of me ASAP. Or below me if fine too.

For those who have traveled to both places.

Travels to San Jose is fairly simple.

1. Fly into San Jose, go to upper level of airport, departures and get cheaper taxi to Hotel Del Rey.

2. Hang out in Del Rey or take taxi to Mona Lisa.

3. Girls from anywhere $50-$80 for hour or TLN.

4. Arrange taxi to go back to airport.

Pretty simple and safe. As long as you stay in the hotel, don't wander off at night. And arrange day trips with reputable travel agencies to check out Arenal and other places.

Question. Is that simple to do the same in Medellin. Is that safe and same prices? Are there known spots like Del Rey and Mona Lisa in Medellin.

[QUOTE=Surf Looker; 1492665]For those who have traveled to both places.

Travels to San Jose is fairly simple.

1. Fly into San Jose, go to upper level of airport, departures and get cheaper taxi to Hotel Del Rey. Similar.

2. Hang out in Del Rey or take taxi to Mona Lisa. Maybe liquid lounge.

3. Girls from anywhere $50-$80 for hour or TLN. Can be cheaper or more expensive.

4. Arrange taxi to go back to airport. Easy.

Pretty simple and safe. As long as you stay in the hotel, don't wander off at night. And arrange day trips with reputable travel agencies to check out Arenal and other places.

Question. Is that simple to do the same in Medellin. Is that safe and same prices? Are there known spots like Del Rey and Mona Lisa in Medellin.[/QUOTE]Yes, it is that simple and safe to do the same thing in Medellin, There is no Del Rey in Medellin, The single biggest obstacle is very few people speak English, if you fall into that category stay at [url]http://hotelmedellinplaza.com/[/url] Or [url]http://www.colombiajake.com/[/url]