I've got two contacts for all fellow mongerers. First of all let's start with an apartment. This is the only way to go. I've been to Cartagena 3 times and the best one can be found a cartagenacondos.com. It is run by Mark Turner it is in a good location and the price is more than half of what anyone is asking in the Laguito or Bocagrande areas.

Next, Francisco is a professional guide and translator. He'll take you wherever you want to go, plus he'll tell you where you shouldn't go. Yes, there are places in Cartagena where a "gringo" can be "set up." He knows plenty of chicas and he will tell you which ones are unsavory. Yes, they exist in Cartgena and thanks to Francisco he has pointed them out to me. His translations skills are invaluable with the chicas believe me. This helpful to the newbies and anyone else who has learned just a little Spanish. You don't want you pesos to do all of the talking for you, do you? What are you going to do when you run into one of the "non-pros?" They're sweeter than the pros although I must admit that the pros have their merits. But I digress.

From the posts I've read, Tony only operates on the beach and not much of it. Francisco covers all of Cartagena plus Barranquilla too. Barranquilla is a city that has been overlook by the guys that are "stuck" in Cartagena. Francisco is 24-7 and he know where the clubs and "casas" are located. If you don't know by now, the casas open, close, and change location with regularity. Francisco will know where these casas are located by the time you get to Cartagena. He can be reached at 310=363-2521.

The reason why the apartment you mention is half the price of what people are asking in Boca Grande or Laguito is because of it's location.

It is across the street from the beach, but then so is half of Cartagena. Most guys will regret not staying in Boca Grande or Laguito. If you want to be off the beaten path (and some guys might) then the cartagenacondo apartment might be right for you.


And at $50 a night, it's not half the price. No one pays $100 a night for a similar-sized apartment in Boca Grande or Laguito, certainly not in the off-season which is most of the year.

If you are, then you're getting ripped off.

You can get a great apartment in Laguito for $50 - $60 a night. I know this from personal experience.

WS is right, location is key, especially with the cabbies charging so much and many not having A/C. I also checked out many great apts for between $40-$60 tops for a beachfront Condo next to the beach.

Also, I don't recall hearing anything about set ups in CTG. I've always felt relatively safe in CTG, although I bet it can happen, as it does in the US as well. I certainly wouldn't consider it a widespread fear or concern. Also, many of the larger casas have been around for years--Manila House, Rosies, Internatiocional, Casa Marinero, etc. Maybe you're talking about some of the tiny houses that come and go.

Can you post some pics of gals this Francisco introduced you to? Perhaps we can see what he's all about before calling him.


(Message edited by merlin on March 13, 2005)

I am afraid Baq is a bit of a dump, its OK to visit for a short trip, say over the weekend the regular discos are pretty good, better than in Ctg.

But for P4P its not as good as Ctg.

As for Francisco, I can't comment on him, but on another board somebody recommended a translator/etc (tout), called Alex, in the end he was found to be ripping people off, so he has got a bad name now. The guy who originally recommened Alex, has apologised for recommending him several times now on the board, so be carefull about recommending these guys Miglvoz7.

There ae several options for apts in Ctg, I have not heard anything bad about cartagenacondos.com, the only problem is that the apts are situated in Marbella, which is off the beaten track, it is located on the beach road between the old city and the airport. The prices seem a bit high, because you can rent very nice apts in Laguito off season for about $40-$50, which are closer to action central.

Also the area is not as secure as the Old City or Bocogrande/Laguito, not talking kidnapping, just potential mugging. In the day time, you need to be more aware of whats going on, in the evening I would only recomend taking a taxi to where ever and not walk around that area.
There are few shops, supermarkets and restaurants close to this building, so you will have to walk further to these or take a taxi more often.

My friend owns an apt in the building where Mark Turner is renting apts, he has no problems with the building.

Hunter

Hunter, good advice, especially regarding recommending a translator/guide; which is always a touchy subject and shouldn't be taken lightly.

No slight against you Mig, but Newbies should always be careful when selecting a guide/translator; if not referred from a poster you know well, make sure the guide translator establishes himself/herself as reputable and knowledgeable by other means. I'm speaking from experience, and not just in Colombia. I have heard stories similar to Hunter's and also stories of some guides possibly being LE.

(Message edited by merlin on March 14, 2005)

Hello Hunter and wallsteet,

I will be in CTG in may and would be interested to rent an apartment in laguito for a fair price.Do yo know good adresse?

Thanks

Kerboul30, I generally recomend the two people below, Mery rents my apt in the link below, both Mery & Juan have about 20 apts between them:

Mery Salence:

http://www.travelnet.cx/cartagena/

Juan Ventura:

http://www.zepelion.com/apartamentos/index.htm

Hunter

Fellow Travelers:

You would be well advised to listen to Tio Hunter's advice concerning this matter. To paraphrase the old George Jones song,"

"Hunter Was Cartagena When Cartagena Wasn't
Cool."

I predate him somwhat in Colombia ( had a condo in the Manga Section a few years ago-sold and moved. Too damn hot and humid) but the man DOES know what he is talking about.

Tenga en cuenta lo que yo he dicho.

Thanks Gator, but who was the person who gave me the majority of my Colombian advice, before I travelled to Colombia for the first time.

None other than Gator, who has know Colombia for far more years than me and far better than I.

Hunter

It's a love-fest!

Hunter -

Your apt looks very nice online and the location is great. What's the a/c situation? Hot water I can do without (in Cartagena), but for me the a/c is the second most important factor when getting an apartment in CTG (after the location).

Wallstreet, this is the mutual appreciation thread, one day I will meet Gator, been corresponding with him for 6 years now.

That particular apt has 1 tonne splits in each bedroom, the living room only has a fan, but the balcony is ocean facing, so there is a nice breeze.

My company has 4 apts, two of the others are better quality than the one above, they also have 1 tonne splits in each bedroom etc.

The one bedroom studo apt, has a 2 tonne split, because it gets a bit warmer in the day time and the 2 tonne is enough to do the bedroom and the living room/kitchen.

Not many complain about the aircon, when they do, they normally say its to cold.

All of the apts have hot water, 2/3 Tvs, cable Tv etc.

Hunter

Hunter;

There are two Alex's...

The alex who drives for Mery, is a standup guy.

The other Alex is a loudmouth thief. He got to me one time, he and a girl named Kelly, who is hot, but who is a thief also. This guy is bad news. He makes Tony the Tout look like a gentlemen. I cut my losses after the first time and told him that if he fucked with me one more time, I was going to kick his ass. He then tried to bullshit me, but I just walked away from that fucker. Also how can a tout not have a car or a driver's license?

Anyway- Alex the Tout is bad news, all readers stay clear.

"...how can a tout not have a car or a driver's license?"

He can't afford a car and probably will never have one. Why would he need a driver's license?

I know him and do agree that he is to be avoided.

Mjgdogs, there are going to be quite a few more than two Alexs in Ctg, the post was just about being carefull about recomending touts, not any one person in particular.

Hunter

Is Francisco still available?

Any new information on guides? I have my tickets for may '09

(Message edited by bluelight on November 03, 2008)

You don't need a guide in Cartagena. Go the the LDV at night, spend some time on the beach and hanging around Laguito during the day.

Anyone been to CTG lately? I'll be there in September for my first time.

See my recent report. PM me if you have any questions.

Cougarhunter,

I was just in Cartagena. It is a pretty easy city to find yourself around. I like to start at LDV (all working girls), Cafe Del Mar (to eat and drink )Tu Candela, (a couple of working girls or bring one), if out late at night Electra. Electra doesn"t get going till 0200-0300.

Isis is a small strip club in the old city that has some hot girls. Isis is not too far from Cafe Del Mar. A lot of girls go to Electra after their places closes.

If you like long term (all night) you have to ask them. A lot of them want to go for two hours then go back to the club. You might get them at LDV then they will go to Electra after they are done with you. It is busier on the weekends so they are more likely to want to only do two hours. Of course it depends how good they look and how hardcore they are.

Some are not as hardcore and don't mind hanging out all night. Some want two to three customers per day. Most are not from Cartagena. Some become hardcore pros and stay there a long time or come often. Others don't like it and would rather have the steady money if you like long term.

If you have a phone I would collect numbers and look around unless there is something you have to have.

It is a lot slower during the week. Last night I was there I was at LDV and it was slow. A couple of the girls I knew want to go to Tu Candela so I took three to Tu Candela but was just taking one of them home. They normally can't get into Tu Candela by themselves. So they wanted to look for a customer their and if not they would head to Electra later. You can walk from Tu Candela to Electra.

If you like to drink Bottles are the way to go. You can by a half (375ml) or full (750ml) bottle. You can but Aquardiente, Rum or Vodka. Aquardiente is better without sugar. Less of a hang over. They actually order it by the color of the top. I think without sugar is a blue top.

Vodka is more expensive they have smirnoff, absolute and some have gray goose. You can also leave with the bottle if you don't finish it. They will give you a plastic cup to take a drink to go.

At Tu Candela there is a cover charge. You get a free drink with the ticket or you can apply the ticket towards a bottle.

If you want to save money buy a bottle of what you want and the girls can drink from that. Normally if you ask them what they want they order something expensive and per drink cost more. They will order scotch, margarita, red bull or something expensive.

If you want a cab driver there is one named Pedro (313-510-9990) I used on the last trip and he was really cool. You can hire him for 20,000 cop and hour. Around $11 and hour. He will take you on a city tour if you want to see all the sights which doesn't take too long. You can also take a bunch of pictures at one time and bring a girl if you want. A lot are not from Cartagena and might want to see the city tour.

As always I just would confirm the prices.

If you want to see all the locations to go at night he can also drive you around and show you them. You can see where is LDV, Tu Candela, Mister Barbillas, etc.

He can also get you a sim card if you have an unlocked phone. He got me one on the street and it was fast and cheap.

I always rent my apartments from Juan. He is a nice guy. I have rented four different apartments from him. If you find one you like I would reserve it now.

http://www.venpro.net/fotosapartamentos/english.htm

Juan's site.

Playa 802. Stayed there twice. Has A/C and WIFI. Never had a problem with guest. Can walk to LDV and Playa Hollywood. Will see some girls walking around the apartment.

1102. Stayed here twice. 3 bedroom with a/c and wifi. right across from the beach. close to rio casino. the door guy gave us a problem on time. it was the third different girl in 24 hours. after that we did not have a problem. i would use some caution and try to be discreet at that place. i like they apartment especially if there are three of you.

1402. newer building. stayed here once. cool place. you can rent the entire place or just half. if you rent half get the part with the hot tub. no problems bringing girls. only problem the hot tub does not have hot water. not really a problem during the day. it is nice to hang out. we had the who place then my buddy left and i just had the top of it. the hot tub had a problem later but he gave me a discount. juan has always been fair.

1301. I looked inside this apartment but never stayed there. It looked pretty cool if you have three people. it has a real hot tub.
I think this one is $300 a night and he does not go down on the price. Other places are much less.

any other questions ? day trips ?