A different twist on the same issue. Safe transport from MDE
[QUOTE=Always Randy; 1520936]Arrived into MDE about 10 pm. Quoted for a taxi into Parque Lleras at 70, 000 COP. Went upstairs to the departure area for the old negotiate a ride from a taxi dropping off trick as suggested in other ISG forums. Being late, there weren't any taxis dropping off. A couple of pirate taxis offered their services but declined and would never recommend anyone to take that service. Went back down to the taxi stand where a driver suggested to take the Collectivo taxi into San Diego and from there another cab into Parque Lleras which was only about 10 minutes away. 15, 000 COP for each passenger in the Collectivo and other 8, 000 from the drop off point to our hotel. Very well organized and fast. In San Diego, the van pulls up and a flood of uniformed young people race up to the door and help you with your luggage and direct you to one of the many waiting yellow taxis. Gave the kid a 1000 tip. So for my buddy and I to get to our hotel, the cost was only 39, 000 COP.
I can see why the cost of the taxi was so high, it's a heck of a long drive into Medellin from the airport![/QUOTE]I always pre-arrange an airport pick-up with whomever I am staying with or one of trusted few drivers I know. But I was wondering how others handle it when they are stood-up on arrival? I have never been, but expect someday that could very well happen. Sure I could call, but generally when I arrive in MDE, my cellphone minutes from the previous trip have expired. Would welcome any thoughts on your back-up plans or alternatives you have used when this happened to you. Thanks in advance.
Sounds like its your first trip to Medallo!
You sound like a budget traveller. But you are staying in el poblado?
If you want to save real money especially if you're traveling by yourself, take the airport bus service which costs around 8k to el centro behind hotel Nutibara. But will stop anywhere in-between.
Be careful with parque lleras. Personally that's not my cup of tea. It's a magnet for the worst of paisas since they know gringos stay and hang around there.
Have fun and make a report about your experience. This thread benefits from newbies' experiences. So don't take it for granted.
[QUOTE=Always Randy; 1520936]Arrived into MDE about 10 pm. Quoted for a taxi into Parque Lleras at 70, 000 COP. Went upstairs to the departure area for the old negotiate a ride from a taxi dropping off trick as suggested in other ISG forums. Being late, there weren't any taxis dropping off. A couple of pirate taxis offered their services but declined and would never recommend anyone to take that service. Went back down to the taxi stand where a driver suggested to take the Collectivo taxi into San Diego and from there another cab into Parque Lleras which was only about 10 minutes away. 15, 000 COP for each passenger in the Collectivo and other 8, 000 from the drop off point to our hotel. Very well organized and fast. In San Diego, the van pulls up and a flood of uniformed young people race up to the door and help you with your luggage and direct you to one of the many waiting yellow taxis. Gave the kid a 1000 tip. So for my buddy and I to get to our hotel, the cost was only 39, 000 COP.
I can see why the cost of the taxi was so high, it's a heck of a long drive into Medellin from the airport![/QUOTE]