Cartagena Reports

[QUOTE=Drf1987;2565703]Well one day later the PCR requirement it lifted. That's how it usually goes for me. But not to worry I'm booked for August. Once again have fun boys![/QUOTE]I would advise if it does not say it on the official embassy site then it is not official yet. Site shows Last updated 2021/6/2 but perhaps by 6/7 it will be updated to reflect no PCR required.

[URL]https://co.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/[/URL]

Until the section of Entry and Exit Requirements, bullet point #3 is updated to reflect no PCR is required I would still go with the negative PCR test.

- Are USA Citizens permitted to enter? Yes.

- Limited international flights have resumed to eight of Colombia's busiest airports Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin (Rio Negro), Cali, Barranquilla, Armenia, Pereira, and Bucaramanga. Colombia re-opened most land and water borders for travel on May 19; the borders with Panama and Ecuador remains closed. Further details can be found in the PDF file on this page. Until June 30, travelers coming from India or have been in India during the last 14 days are prohibited from entering.

- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and / or serology) required for entry?

[QUOTE=Nypher;2565871]I would advise if it does not say it on the official embassy site then it is not official yet. Site shows Last updated 2021/6/2 but perhaps by 6/7 it will be updated to reflect no PCR required.

[URL]https://co.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/[/URL]

Until the section of Entry and Exit Requirements, bullet point #3 is updated to reflect no PCR is required I would still go with the negative PCR test.

- Are USA Citizens permitted to enter? Yes.

- Limited international flights have resumed to eight of Colombia's busiest airports Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin (Rio Negro), Cali, Barranquilla, Armenia, Pereira, and Bucaramanga. Colombia re-opened most land and water borders for travel on May 19; the borders with Panama and Ecuador remains closed. Further details can be found in the PDF file on this page. Until June 30, travelers coming from India or have been in India during the last 14 days are prohibited from entering.

- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and / or serology) required for entry?[/QUOTE]Several airlines have already updated their websites that the COVID test is no longer available to enter Colombia but filling out CheckMig is still required. Also the IATA has stated it. Don't worry because the embassy website will update soon. Good times are ahead.

No covid test required to enter Colombia.

[URL]https://co.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/[/URL]

[QUOTE=Nypher;2565871]I would advise if it does not say it on the official embassy site then it is not official yet. Site shows Last updated 2021/6/2 but perhaps by 6/7 it will be updated to reflect no PCR required.

[URL]https://co.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/[/URL]

Until the section of Entry and Exit Requirements, bullet point #3 is updated to reflect no PCR is required I would still go with the negative PCR test.

- Are USA Citizens permitted to enter? Yes.

- Limited international flights have resumed to eight of Colombia's busiest airports Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin (Rio Negro), Cali, Barranquilla, Armenia, Pereira, and Bucaramanga. Colombia re-opened most land and water borders for travel on May 19; the borders with Panama and Ecuador remains closed. Further details can be found in the PDF file on this page. Until June 30, travelers coming from India or have been in India during the last 14 days are prohibited from entering.

- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and / or serology) required for entry?[/QUOTE]No covid test required to enter Colombia.

[URL]https://co.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/[/URL]

Packs of American gringos at Playa Hollywood. Really gross situation. Swarmed by vendors and calling over chicas to perch on their lap. Tony loving this as drink tab piles up. But girls seem a bit pissed off when the "posse" heads off to the next party spot.

[QUOTE=Kafka;2566194]Packs of American gringos at Playa Hollywood. Really gross situation. Swarmed by vendors and calling over chicas to perch on their lap. Tony loving this as drink tab piles up. But girls seem a bit pissed off when the "posse" heads off to the next party spot.[/QUOTE]When I was there about 2 months back we ended up paying for a roped off spot and the vendors still kept harassing us more than what I was used to. I ended up tipping the guy who gave us the cabana to just keep the them away from us. That included the trinket guy, massage ladies, lady selling slices of fruit, Bluetooth speaker guy, domino guy, tattoo guy, etc. Then he constantly grabbed buckets of sea water to wet down the sand by our area so the wind didn't blow it on us or in our food or drinks. He earned that tip and it just might be something ill do in the future.

As for the girls, a lot of the American gringos always do that especially in the clubs. They are just there to take pictures and post stories on Instagram or stream live that they are having a good time with good looking girls then leave the girls there in a state of confusion when the girls think they are going to take them. Chances are you will see that same "posse" later in Centro at Delirium or Space VIP doing the same exact thing. Tiempo es dinero. The more time they waste trying to get the "posse" attention the easier it is for me to negotiate when they are left high and dry.

[QUOTE=MongerHunger;2566135]No covid test required to enter Colombia.

[URL]https://co.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/[/URL]

No covid test required to enter Colombia.

[URL]https://co.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/[/URL][/QUOTE]Looking good all agencies (embassy, airlines, immigration) are on the same page and all that's required is to fill out Check Mig online.

Back to normal or close to it.

[QUOTE=Nypher;2566226]When I was there about 2 months back we ended up paying for a roped off spot and the vendors still kept harassing us more than what I was used to. I ended up tipping the guy who gave us the cabana to just keep the them away from us. That included the trinket guy, massage ladies, lady selling slices of fruit, Bluetooth speaker guy, domino guy, tattoo guy, etc. Then he constantly grabbed buckets of sea water to wet down the sand by our area so the wind didn't blow it on us or in our food or drinks. He earned that tip and it just might be something ill do in the future.

As for the girls, a lot of the American gringos always do that especially in the clubs. They are just there to take pictures and post stories on Instagram or stream live that they are having a good time with good looking girls then leave the girls there in a state of confusion when the girls think they are going to take them. Chances are you will see that same "posse" later in Centro at Delirium or Space VIP doing the same exact thing. Tiempo es dinero. The more time they waste trying to get the "posse" attention the easier it is for me to negotiate when they are left high and dry.[/QUOTE]I'm with you on this one. Usually when you see a group of gringos they're usually broke even if they don't look like it LMAO. They do the same in Sosua. Waste the girls time and bounce LOL. Like you I ain't complaining about that since less competition for me, only prob sometimes we may have to wait for the girls pack to leave their fake VIPs. If you watch them on youtube you'll some of them there, group of 5-8 dudes on vaca, always eating together and hanging together and no one's banging, they only call women over for views to help their channels. Nah I'm good, I travel for pussy not sausage fests which is why I leave friends behind when they said they aint got money for hoes.

Anyhow, heading to Cartagena on the 26th, anyone who wants to link up (for pussy hunting LOL) let me know.

[QUOTE=Nypher;2566226]When I was there about 2 months back we ended up paying for a roped off spot and the vendors still kept harassing us more than what I was used to. I ended up tipping the guy who gave us the cabana to just keep the them away from us. That included the trinket guy, massage ladies, lady selling slices of fruit, Bluetooth speaker guy, domino guy, tattoo guy, etc. Then he constantly grabbed buckets of sea water to wet down the sand by our area so the wind didn't blow it on us or in our food or drinks. He earned that tip and it just might be something ill do in the future.

As for the girls, a lot of the American gringos always do that especially in the clubs. They are just there to take pictures and post stories on Instagram or stream live that they are having a good time with good looking girls then leave the girls there in a state of confusion when the girls think they are going to take them. Chances are you will see that same "posse" later in Centro at Delirium or Space VIP doing the same exact thing. Tiempo es dinero. The more time they waste trying to get the "posse" attention the easier it is for me to negotiate when they are left high and dry.[/QUOTE]My friend you are so correct. And so they were there at the Clock Tower tonight. Same guys, same deal.

[QUOTE=MaddTraveler;2566282]I'm with you on this one. Usually when you see a group of gringos they're usually broke even if they don't look like it LMAO. They do the same in Sosua. Waste the girls time and bounce LOL. Like you I ain't complaining about that since less competition for me, only prob sometimes we may have to wait for the girls pack to leave their fake VIPs. If you watch them on youtube you'll some of them there, group of 5-8 dudes on vaca, always eating together and hanging together and no one's banging, they only call women over for views to help their channels. Nah I'm good, I travel for pussy not sausage fests which is why I leave friends behind when they said they aint got money for hoes.

Anyhow, heading to Cartagena on the 26th, anyone who wants to link up (for pussy hunting LOL) let me know.[/QUOTE]Every day this week it's been the same with these posses, the massage ladies surround them like pelicans when the fishermen pull in the nets. Then it's time for the chicas lap dances, photos, phone numbers and then goodbye......and the chicas get these strange looks. When they show up the beach guys practically fight over who is going to get them into chairs

[QUOTE=Kafka;2566369]Every day this week it's been the same with these posses, the massage ladies surround them like pelicans when the fishermen pull in the nets. Then it's time for the chicas lap dances, photos, phone numbers and then goodbye......and the chicas get these strange looks. When they show up the beach guys practically fight over who is going to get them into chairs[/QUOTE]The last time I was in Cartagena the guy surrounded us saying let's sit down at the bar. It was me and my partner and about five guys that came out of nowhere. I told them look guys the rapping is cool, but my friend and I are talking personal business and we need to be alone. You guys might want to fine a new gringo, I don't travel with a posse. They took the hint better from me than they did others that day. I guess it's all about How you carry yourself and express yourself.

I had one Venezuelan that walked four blocks behind me begging. It was the first time I ever experienced it. I literally ignored her but she would not stop. I finally waited until I got in front of a large group of people. Then I stated out loud "I don't like Venezuelans. I only like Colombians and I would never give you people a peso". "If you don't have any money you need to go back home. Your problems are not my problems". I said this loud but nonaggressive. I can't believe I was pushed to that point.

I'll be arriving with some friends on Friday. Can anyone on the ground in Cartagena advise if the city will end the curfews like Medellin is on June 8th. Thanks.

I am arriving on Friday for few days.

Is it better to get the hotel in the center or near the beach?

[QUOTE=Sailor9001;2567563]Is it better to get the hotel in the center or near the beach?[/QUOTE]Yes! Any place! I prefer the beach, but it is more expensive. Several apartment condos can be rented on the ocean in Laguito, which is a peninsula with a lot of gringos. Used to have a club there for girls, la Dolce Vita, but it moved.

[QUOTE=Sailor9001;2567563]I am arriving on Friday for few days.

Is it better to get the hotel in the center or near the beach?[/QUOTE]I am afraid that you might be asking the wrong question, or at the least that your question needs more context. If you are looking for a hotel for bringing girls back then your first question should be "Which hotels let me bring girls back to my room?" because the answer is that most do not, so then you need to search for one that will.

If you are not necessarily going to be using your hotel room for bringing back girls (some guys do not, they strictly use the by the hour love hotel / motels), then it matters whether you plan on doing a lot a of sight seeing in the "old city" which is Cartagena's largest tourist draw and why it is a UNESCO World Heritage sight, then maybe you want to stay in the old city so you can get up in the morning and hit the streets sightseeing.

Some guys also prefer to stay in the "old city" because that is where all the night time chica action is found. The old city properly is made up of two neighborhoods, Centro and San Diego, these are the two walled neighborhoods that make up the main tourist area, but the complete tourist area is much larger, encompassing about ten neighborhoods. I attached a map below.

These ten neighborhoods might be seen in the description of locations of Airbnb and hotels. Centro is where the clock tower is and it is the central point I will use for reference. Centro is the center of tourism and the center of where to find chicas, San Diego is the other part of the walled old city good for restaurants, shopping, sightseeing. South west of the old city are the three beach neighborhoods of Bocagrande, Laguito, and Castillogrande.

There are also three neighborhoods moving north east away from the old city along the coast, these have seen a lot of new development in the past decade, Marbella, Crespo and La Boquilla. Just southeast of Centro and across the little marina like area and separated by the convention center and Parque Centenario is Getsemani which was listed by Forbes magazine a couple of years ago as one of the top ten coolest neighborhoods to visit in the world. Wedged between Getsemani and San Diego is the small neighborhood called La Matuna and it has great accessibility to both Getsemani and the old city.

The last neighborhood worthy of mention is Manga. Manga lies due south east of Centro on the other side of Getsemani. It is a more modern feel than Getsemani or the old city and is more like Bocagrande, but a little more quiet, activity wise, a little sleepy and more of a local feel to the place, there is no actual beach though one side of the neighborhood is on the Bay of Cartagena and has 3 marinas and some park areas on the water.

If you want an ocean view and an easy walk to the beach nearby then you want to stay near the beach, Bocagrande, Castillogrande, Laguito or something along the coast north east of the old city.

The fact of the matter is that anywhere you stay is going to be 10 - 15 minutes away from anything else and taxis are always coming down the road.

I personally usually stay in Laguito, I find chica friendly buildings there and I get an apartment with a balcony overlooking the ocean. Laguito sometimes even has some cute street walkers but regardless it is a 10 minute walk to Playa Hollywood (beach) and an average 15 minute taxi to the Clock Tower. On a particularly busy Saturday night when you get stuck behind a chiva bus that could turn into twenty-something minutes. Below is photo I took of taxis in Laguito once when traffic got held up for few minutes.

[QUOTE=MojoBandit;2567632]I am afraid that you might be asking the wrong question, or at the least that your question needs more context. If you are looking for a hotel for bringing girls back then your first question should be "Which hotels let me bring girls back to my room?" because the answer is that most do not, so then you need to search for one that will.

If you are not necessarily going to be using your hotel room for bringing back girls (some guys do not, they strictly use the by the hour love hotel / motels), then it matters whether you plan on doing a lot a of sight seeing in the "old city" which is Cartagena's largest tourist draw and why it is a UNESCO World Heritage sight, then maybe you want to stay in the old city so you can get up in the morning and hit the streets sightseeing.

Some guys also prefer to stay in the "old city" because that is where all the night time chica action is found. The old city properly is made up of two neighborhoods, Centro and San Diego, these are the two walled neighborhoods that make up the main tourist area, but the complete tourist area is much larger, encompassing about ten neighborhoods. I attached a map below.

These ten neighborhoods might be seen in the description of locations of Airbnb and hotels. Centro is where the clock tower is and it is the central point I will use for reference. Centro is the center of tourism and the center of where to find chicas, San Diego is the other part of the walled old city good for restaurants, shopping, sightseeing. South west of the old city are the three beach neighborhoods of Bocagrande, Laguito, and Castillogrande...[/QUOTE]Hats-off to you as this is a great lay of the land review, one of the best I have read.

I too know the layout of just about the whole of Cartagena as I have traveled and stayed numerous times over the decades yet I would be hard pressed to sit and write such a comprehensive overview.

Thanks for putting into words what I and others innately know about Cartagena but never took the time to lay it out like you have.

The Tall Man.