Barranquilla Reports

I completely agree. Can the apartment renting and tour guide service conversations take place elsewhere? There's so little actual monger talk on this board. And the little that there is is buried between all of these ads.

There's no current doomsday scenario in BAQ in regards to lodging during Carnaval. Maybe the "5-star" hotels in BAQ, El Prado, Hotel Barranquilla Plaza, Dann Carlton BAQ, etc. may be already booked, as probably are Hotel Royal and Hotel Majestik, but I can assure you that there are MANY other reasonable and secure hotels in BAQ available, as well as apartments. Some of the apartments have yet to even list for Carnaval.

Trust me, I have several friends down there in BAQ, and I have already had them inquire on my behalf. I will probably reserve in person in November since I'll be in BAQ again. I would not wait until, say, January to reserve a place, but even in February, you will still be able to find something reasonable. I did pretty easily last year. You may need to leave a deposit, if you have not done business with the hotel previously.

Regarding the shitty American behavior, I don't think that type of behavior is limited to Americans. I will say that the behavior that you speak of is why hotel prices are so high during Carnaval and why everyone views you with a $100USD taped to your forehead. There are normal prices and gringo prices. Can't blame some vendors and ladrones for trying to take advantage of the situation.

In BAQ, Spanish is a must. English-speakers will be encountered, but do not expect it. Each of the best hotels will have at least one bilingual staff member on hand to assist. The smaller hotels and apartment renters will generally not speak English. Prepare yourself and you'll have a great time. It's a great party town on the weekends. That being said, there will be availability.

Also, it's not so difficult to meet chicas in BAQ. They are friendly and generally honest people there. Just speak Spanish.

There are mongering options, however I've generally never needed to use them. There are a couple of places on Murillo, but I never write the names down. There's still Lucitania and Zona Rosa, if you don't want a hassle. Overpriced, but it exists. At night, after 1:00 a.m., you can check out La Arinosa (local hole in the wall), best on weekends, but some putas available during the night. You can always ask the waiters as well to point you in the right direction. Actually, I would advise you to have the waiter check out the chicas that you are interested in for you. Never know who she might be with. And it's not the place that you'd want to offend. They'll give you the yeah or nay, she'll come by and sit with you, you buy her a couple of drinks, then take off. La Troja is another outdoor weekend corner bar that is the same as La Arinosa. I go to both, but I wouldn't recommend it for gringos. If you're a easily scary type, and have a problem drinking with narcos, sicarios, ladrones, etc, just stay away. They don't bother you at all. It is a late night option, nonetheless.

There are very good options for international cuisine in BAQ. Chinese (Jardin de Confucio, Sangrila), Italian (Nena Lela), Mexican (El Cuate), Thai, sushi, steakhouses (Rodizio, La Bonga del Sinu), etc. As well as many local mainstays like Mag Mondongo and Mi Vieja Barranquilla, plus fast food places like Piko Riko, Koko Rico, Pizza Loco, and Amercian Roasted Chicken.

The best beaches in the area are in Santa Marta, not Cartagena. It's an equal distance to either city. Santa Marta is much more comfortable than Cartagena, as far as the beach life goes. Very few touts, and those that are must deal with the very active local tourist police who police the beach and keep the unauthorized away. Pretty much everything is cheaper than CTG. Much more of a Colombian beach experience than CTG. However, it's a place to bring novias or your own girl. While there are putas there, it's nowhere to the extent as CTG. You're more like to find local normal girls out partying or vacationers also visiting SM to party.

Of course, there are drawbacks to BAQ.

- First, the heat. It can be unbearable. To overcome this, just limit your outdoor walking to the morning or late afternoon.

- Second, when it rains down there, it pours. Streets become rivers and do not expect to get anywhere soon, or for your girl to arrive until it's over.

- Third, nothing to do during the week. I have several local places that I know of that are open for drinks (Calle 79 area) and dancing, and La Arinosa opens each night and attracts some putas, but also unsavory types as well. I never had a problem there. If you can deal in such situations, check out La Troja as well on the weekends.

- Fourth, nothing to do during the day. Everyone's working. You run out of museums to see and the zoo. There's only so many times you can go to Centro Commercial Buena Vista, Exito, Carrefour, Villa Country, or El Centro (dicey even during the day). You can walk the university grounds on Cra 54.

During Carnaval, pretty much the whole town shuts down. Most of the local chicas will have visiting family staying with them, or in town. The clubs will be pretty impossible to get into. You will probably need to reserve ahead. That includes Frogg Leggs, La Quinta, Pa Barranquilla, Vallenato, Juanitos, Cielo, Boobs, Barzovia, Provencia, Maria Mulata, Luna Negra, La Cama, etc. If the chivas are running, you might be able to take them and bar hop. Kilimanjaro is a nice outdoor romantic club about 20 minutes outside of BAQ, right on the beach. You can catch a cab out there, or a chiva.

Hope some of that helps.

[QUOTE=Cream on Top]LOL; I wonder how many guys contact novia's, potential Girlfriends, fuckable materials in Barranquilla.

WE all do appreciate Peter Solano's investments on our behalf (dont misunderstand me), but.... do you guys not trust a real colombiana to find you a bed to sleep during Carnevale ? Barranquilla is very big, lots of appartments and places (also in the safe area's) or even a few miles out of town. Ningun problemas to find yourself a residencia for the hottest party of the year in BAR.

Gentlemen please,

STOP this typical American shitty behaviour. That's what is meant so many times on a forum by BUYING out everything with a dollar bill. Also the wh**s get "victimized" by such behaviour. Or are we going to turn BAR into a second Cartagena or Puerto Rico, where one have to pay US prices to get laid ?[/QUOTE]

WE are just looking 2 enter the market as you guys are in
Please be patient and add substance and we can all draw knowledge and info.
No profiteering is being created.

on this site, when i check out the forums, i generally expect to read information, not advertising. on the baq thread, i just had enough, and as evidenced by a few pms that i received, apparently so did a couple other mongers. so i posted information. what you do with it...your business.

look, i understand that carnaval interests you. i have no problem with it at all. in fact, i'll be there next year. i have yet to make reservations, and several places haven't even set their carnaval rates yet. i'm not worried about it. just do it before christmas, when people travel back home to baq and set their carnaval plans while they are there. there will still be spaces available in baq. and they will require an advance deposit.

as an example, last carnaval, up to the carnaval weekend, i had 4-5 hotels within the el prada/el norte area that would reserve a room for me. it wasn't hotel el prado or hotel royal or barranquilla plaza, but these were suitable hotels and reasonably priced.

here's some info on the 2006 carnaval. el heraldo is the local baq newspaper.
[url]http://web.elheraldo.com.co:8081/web/carnaval/reina.asp#[/url]
the orange buttons on the left column contain plenty of data on carnaval, all in spanish.

much of what is being discussed prior could probably have been done by pm, as the board gains zero value from it. hence the frustration. look back at the posts since you started inquiring about baq and carnaval. have you received any specific details about either to date? just a lot of smoke.

we post on this site to share information and experiences, not to profit. i just posted a bunch of specific info on barranquilla. it's not comprehensive, but it gives people a start. nothing's changed in baq on the monger scene in a while. and i'm not sure what you're referring to with "pitas."

the big deal is there have been over 400+ posts on the baq thread. you have to peel through loads of spam to find any monger information (puterias, nightclubs, things to do in the daytime, where to spot chicas). much of it is advertising spam. this is a free monger site, but it has rules. there should be information posted, just as all other forums on this site, not advertising. the monger scene in baq hasn't changed in years. go back, dig through the crap and find information. maybe you'll see why people are frustrated.

baq is not some big maze. i don't "know-it-all," but i've seen enough of baq to know exactly what i'm talking about. i have enough friends there who have covered much of the city with me. there is no real need for a guide. i've given you the main places to hit. there are casas listed somewhere (amongst others, post #315 by my buddy screwed up) buried in the baq forum. however, i doubt if you'll need them, esp. if you speak spanish.

want to meet up with normal chicas before you get to baq? sign-up for
[url]www.cybercupido.com[/url]
or [url]www.latinamericancupid.com[/url]
or [url]www.amigos.com[/url]
or [url]www.adultfriendfinder.com[/url]
or [url]www.colombia.com[/url]
or [url]www.xxxxxxxxx[/url] you get the drift. barranquilla is always well-represented on those sites. at least you'll know what they look like before you waste any energy. if you look halfway decent, speak spanish, and tell them that you are coming down, your only remaining problem will be how to work out a schedule for meeting them all.

here's a small list of smaller, but decent baq hotels in good area that i had from 2005 carnaval. also listed are the prices quoted for carnaval.

hotel el dorado
calle 79, cra 42f
tel: 0-11-57-5-360-2251 or 0-11-57-5-356-8101
cost: 80.000cop/night

vall claire suites
carrera 55 #72-32
cost: 128.400cop for 2 bedroom apts; don't have the number

hotel boulevard
carrera 58 #70-41
cost: 94.272cop

hotel majestik
139.820cop for a single, 167.320cop for a dbl

hotel costa linda inn
calle 70 #47-37
cost: 64.000cop with a double bed

or you can check out clasificados/propiedades/arriendo/ under [url]http://www.elheraldo.com.co[/url].
hint: you want to be in the area around cra. 54, and north of calle 60.

oh yeah, taxis from the airport to el norte/el prado run approx. cop15.000-20.000. the cabs have no meters, just ask before you get in, or have your hotel call a cab for you and get the rate for where you are going. in front of buena vista, exito, etc., i've never had a bad experience catching a cab alone, nor was charged more than cop4.000-5.000 to my hotel. down to el centro from your hotel, it may cost you cop7.000-8.000. ask first. even catching cabs down in el centro during the day, i never had a problem. the trick is to be sure the cab has a/c, or just move along to the next cab.

no strings attached. just passing along information, as we are supposed to do. i'll step away from this topic now.

good luck.

[quote=motolo]i agree with you and don`t see what the big deal is,it was interesting to read about an event that is gaining importance in the world.
we can read about pitas any day, this forum is cluttered with that.
and i always have second thoughts about those guys that claim to be mr. almighty know it all.motolo. [/quote]

[quote=liucio]
we are just looking 2 enter the market as you guys are in
please be patient and add substance and we can all draw knowledge and info.
no profiteering is being created.[/quote]

Good and useful posts, as usual.

You write that BAQ is dead at night on weekdays (like every Colombian city), but do you know if during January (vacations/pre-carnaval parties) , the non-pro spots are more lively Mon/Thu ?

Thanks

Pro

PS : Anyone here has any infos about the new Dann in BAQ (pool area, rooms, ect), and any idea about the rates ? (can't find anything on this hotel, even on [url]www.hotelesdann.com[/url] )

Thanks

Re: Nightlife during the week. It's gonna be interesting this year, as Carnaval is to occur at the very end of February this year. Last Carnaval (2005), it occurred at the very beginning of February. Many people just stayed in town from the X-mas season and through Carnaval. I doubt that the same will occur this year, as it would mean businesses closing down for 2 entire months.

It's still pretty early. I would assume that in Jan. 2006, the pre-Carnaval rumbas will occur each weekend, as always, leading to the actual event. I would also assume that most of the non-pro spots will be closed during the week (Mon-Wed) as always, until maybe a week or two before Carnaval and then it would be hit or miss. People probably will still be working. When I go back in November, I'll ask around.

Mind you, there are always a few bars (not discos) open during the week. However, they close by around 12 or 1.

I'll get you some info (address, rates, facilities) on Hotel Dann BAQ tomorrow. Really unsure whether there is a website yet. No one's been able to provide me with that to date, and it's been open since pre-July. Not sure what's up with that. It's like it's not affiliated with the rest of the Dann chain.

[QUOTE=Pro]Good and useful posts, as usual.

You write that BAQ is dead at night on weekdays (like every Colombian city), but do you know if during January (vacations/pre-carnaval parties) , the non-pro spots are more lively Mon/Thu ?

Thanks

Pro

PS : Anyone here has any infos about the new Dann in BAQ (pool area, rooms, ect), and any idea about the rates ? (can't find anything on this hotel, even on [url]www.hotelesdann.com[/url] )

Thanks[/QUOTE]

I'm not even gonna bother trying to argue. A guide is not needed in BAQ. The Colombia Lonely Planet guide will do just fine for non-mongering options. It covers it all. Try to learn a bit of Spanish, bring a translation book or something, you'll be fine.

I've been to Barranquilla enough times already. Just got back from a weekend jaunt there 2 weeks ago. I have an idea of what I'm talking about. Not trying to be a know-it-all, but I'm not holding back any info either. When you go to BAQ, see for yourself.

I get zero money from providing the board with free information. Most mongers who post here don't either. Either use the info or not.

I got flamed before for giving specific info on a van service between BAQ/CTG/Santa Marta. Dude chose to read what he wanted to read. Was just trying to help people save money (paying COP25.000 as opposed to COP150.000) in a safe, secure way. Many people on this board have helped me out with information in other places. Free of charge. No "kickbacks" received nor hidden intentions.

If you need a guide, there's now a section for that. Have at it. Every other forum is the same way. I hope you return here to provide information on your BAQ experience.

Anyway, here are some more mongering options for you in BAQ. Never needed a puta (at any cost) in BAQ, but YMMV.

- Lucitania - strip club - cover charge approx. 10.000 COP - Cost to chicas 130.000-150.000 COP for TLN, or 80,000 for 1 hr

- Variedades Loly - casa spot - Carrera 48 #69-84 tel: 358-2032

- Peluqueria Victor - casa spot - Cra 48 & Calle 69 - tel: 358-5943.

- Zona Rosa - Cra. 46 with Calle 74 - strip joint with a show once like every hour, cover charge and you have to buy a bottle of ron or whiskey, about COP100.000 - chica cost: COP150.000 onsite, room costs vary

- V8 or FORD28 - casa - Calle 70 between carrera 45 and 44 - no strip show, but COP120.000COP chica cost

All free of charge. Just information. Not looking for a thanks or anything, just providing INFORMATION.

Disfruta su tiempo alli in La Currumba. Suerte.

[QUOTE=Pro]
PS : Anyone here has any infos about the new Dann in BAQ (pool area, rooms, ect), and any idea about the rates ? (can't find anything on this hotel, even on [url]www.hotelesdann.com[/url] )

Thanks[/QUOTE]Got the Dann Carlton BAQ info for you as stated.

Calle 98 #52B-10
tel: 5-373-7777
Rooms start at approx. COP190.000 for singles/doubles
Pool, bar, restaurant, gym, business center on premises, BanColombia ATM right outside the lobby area

Any Casa or sex shops near the Hotel El Prado and if so how much! Dumb question since this is my forth time to BAQ this year, but how much for a cab from airport to El Prado, my girl usually picks me up fronm the airport, but has to work until 5pm!

So hell I might as well get a little somethin somethin in on the side!!! God us guys are pigs and I for one fucking love it!

Is this a classified ad, or a larger ad in the main portion of the newspaper? Because if it was a classified ad, and rates are more or less the same as in Peru, I would be HAPPY to get $150 from anyone who wants to put an ad in El Comercio (the major Peruvian Newspaper). I´d be making about a 600% profit.

Just got back since I know many of you guys are looking for a place to stay during Carnaval!

I just stayed at Hacienda Santa Ines in BAQ, located at Carrera 46 No. 84-202 if any of you guys are familar with that area it is right around the corner from beer world!

I have no plans on going to Caraval but as I was leaving it dawned on me that some of my Bro's where interested so,I asked if they where all booked up for Caraval, and front desk dude tells me no they do not start taking reservation till November!

Tel (5) 378 3834 378 6724 378 3302 359 3298 [email]esantaines@hotmail.com[/email]
Hope this helps you guys!

[QUOTE=Latina Passion]Just got back since I know many of you guys are looking for a place to stay during Carnaval!

I just stayed at Hacienda Santa Ines in BAQ, located at Carrera 46 No. 84-202 if any of you guys are familar with that area it is right around the corner from beer world!

I have no plans on going to Caraval but as I was leaving it dawned on me that some of my Bro's where interested so,I asked if they where all booked up for Caraval, and front desk dude tells me no they do not start taking reservation till November!

Tel (5) 378 3834 378 6724 378 3302 359 3298 [email]esantaines@hotmail.com[/email]
Hope this helps you guys![/QUOTE]

As you all can see now. There is ABSOLUTELY no rush to book ahead. (like I told you all before).

Thanks for the info.

Here's a list of hotels in BAQ. The prices may be a little outdated, but you have all of the hotels (address, phone #) listed in one place.

[url]http://www.sociedadcolombianadefisica.org.co/eventos/xxi_cong_nal_fis/HOTELES.pdf[/url]

I recommend staying as close to the El Prado/El Norte area as possible, as they are the safer areas in BAQ. Therefore, around Cra. 49 to Cra 59, with Calle 54 - 98 should be fine.


Also, here is a BAQ city map by barrios. You can click on a barrio for more specific detail on streets.

[url]http://www.maporama.com/share/map.asp?SESSIONID=%7B0E49CEF7-7655-4F18-81D7-D0CA7628820B%7D&COUNTRYCODE=CO&_XgoGCAddress=&Zip=&State=&_XgoGCTownName=Barranquilla&SEARCH_ADDRESS.x=14&SEARCH_ADDRESS.y=11[/url]

Hey Hoof Hunter ... thanks for those links ... muy cool.

Earlier you mentioned some casas I believe on Murillo ... where abouts on Murillo? I see that highway runs a long way North / South.

Gracias amigo.

HH, My first post. I have used this site for a couple of years now for info, but have been a silent monger. I have to say I totally support you regards the Peter situation. I feel strongly that Peter has been using 'smoke and mirrors', and when you read what he has to say/write, well, there is no value whatsoever. Tour Guide and over the top prices, without providing any info, just teasers for the naive mongers. You have 'outed' him big time and as you have mentioned that this is a place to exchange info. with no conditions. Nothing else can change my opinion on this. Anyone supporting Peter is dubious in my opinion, and I question their motives. HH, well done, and please continue the tradition that this web site has set.

Salut

Think Grill San Diego in Medellin, but less classy. Or the Zona de Tolerencia spots like Casonas, Paisa Club, Atunes, in Bogota.

I wish I could remember the cross streets. They are in El Centro. You will probably pass them on your way from the airport. You will definitely know them by sight. Loud, bright, and at least one of them has a "Chicas" sign or something to that effect. I will guess that they are somewhere between the Calle 40-50 streets on Murillo. It's not really a highway, more like a 4-6 lane street.

I'll call down later this week and get more specifics on the street locations for you.

[QUOTE=Ricker]Hey Hoof Hunter ... thanks for those links ... muy cool.

Earlier you mentioned some casas I believe on Murillo ... where abouts on Murillo? I see that highway runs a long way North / South.

Gracias amigo.[/QUOTE]