(Reposted from South America Discussion)

MAIN COLOMBIA POST UPDATE BEING WORKED ON

Security concerns:
1. While the situation in Colombia is not as bad as many people believe, there are problems one should be aware of before traveling. One must remember Columbia has been a violent country since the 1940’s so, to many, violence is a way of life. Current activity by the two revolutionary groups (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN. FARC is the largest and the main problem) is mostly confined to the countryside The major cities, Bogotá, Cali, Medellin Cartagena, Barranquilla are relatively safe due to a heavy police/army presence. The real danger comes when one is traveling outside one of the major cities because of guerrilla activity in rural areas. Generally speaking you will be in a rural area about fifteen miles outside of any major city.

While it is unlikely one would be kidnapped, the possibility of a run in with one of the anti-government groups is high enough I would not recommend travel outside of a city, ESPECIALLY at night. I won’t bore you with the usual routine security advice that is available on the State department’s web site, located at:
http://travel.state.gov/colombia.html.
(However, it would be prudent to review this information for any updates.) Keep your main stash of $$$ and passport in the hotel safe and only carry what you thing you will need. No hotel safe? Buy one of those metal petty cash boxes from an office supply store, bore two holes in the bottom then screw it to the closet floor in your room. Not the most secure place, but it will keep idle hands away. Thefts from baggage are endemic throughout Latin America. I tossed away the cheap baggage locks years ago. I use those plastic cable electrical ties that you can’t open after pulling tight. Just run them through the zippers after closing your bag. You can instantly tell if your bag has been opened just buy looking and they are cheap. Haven’t had any problems since I started doing this. Just carry fingernail clippers in your pocket in case customs wants a look see. You can also run a couple ties together and hook your bag to the airport seat.

I would be especially alert for pickpockets, both male and female. Colombia turns out the best in the world. I had an incident in Cartagena in the area of the beach and 5th street in which two putas attempted to “come on to me” by fondling and grabbing. Being a wise little bear I backed up against a wall and grabbed my pocket. The putas were grabbing something else. No surprise, a dainty little hand was in my pocket and trying to get $$$. A yell and a kick worked fine. BTW, two local guys offered to run them down and beat the hell out of them for $10, and I could watch, I declined the offer but did give it some thought.

Generally, drink bottled water, especially outside the big cities and on the coast. The little street markets have these small, about 16 oz, plastic Baggies of purified cold water. The cost is about .15 USD. Just tear the corner off with your teeth. I usually pick up a jug of pure water and keep it in the room, saves headaches down the line.

In-country travel:
You really only have one choice for long distance, going by air. Avianca has a great deal called, I believe, Discover Colombia. It must be purchased before leaving the United States. You can buy tickets to include three cities, low season $100, high season (June, July, August), $180. Five cities low season, $119, high season $200. If you want to include San Andres/Leticia it’s $260 low season/$290 high season in USD. You can pick the cities after arriving in Colombia. If you elect to change planes in Bogotá, Bogotá does not count as a stop. If you want to know how good a deal this is as of today you could fly Miami to Bogotá then to Cali, Santa Marta, Cartagena, Bogotá back to Miami for $474 USD. High season would be $614. Air travel is relatively inexpensive and the only way to go. Inside the cities taxis are dirt-cheap, but I have had good luck with using local buses-provided your Spanish is adequate (if you are worried, just have someone write down your stop(s). Show it to the drives or a passenger and you will get all the help you need. Bus intracity buses are a great way to explore and to meet locals. For example, you can travel all over Cartagena for a maximum of 60 cents USD (1200 CP). Also, buses are a great way to avoid the street touts in Cartagena. I just hop on a bus, ride a couple of blocks and hop off, cost about 25 cents, (250 pesos.) You can also grab an intercity cab fairly cheaply i.e. Barranquilla/Cartagena 40/50 USD last year on a newly opened highway. No train travel at all and the roads are bad. Long distance bus travel is good but when you go through the mountains you couldn’t pull a needle out of your ass with a farm tractor. Unless you are used to aggressive South American driving I wouldn’t rent a car. Along with its other problem, Colombia has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the world.

Currency:
The Colombian peso uses the same sign, a $, as the U S dollar. Current official exchange rate is 2125 CP to 1 USD and has been staying at about 20500/2200 for the past several months. To save time just divide pesos by 10 to get the approximate dollar amount. An excellent exchange/currency converter site is:
http://www.oanda.com/converter/classic
This site also has a cheat sheet you can printout, clip, and carry in your wallet. The Cheat Sheet comes in $$$ to pesos or pesos to $$$. When you link, look at the “Need a Different Service” pull down at the bottom of the page and go to “Cheat Sheet for Travelers.”

You won’t get a 2125/1 exchange rate when you exchange. For some reason Colombia’s in your pocket rate is always less than the official rate. Today, 06/09/00, the casas de cambios were giving a rate of 1900 CP to /1 USD. You can shop around because the rates vary from bank to bank and from casa de cambio to casa de cambio but not by much. I, personally, do get into a snit over the rate. It simply isn’t worth the bother. You have to be dealing in big bucks for the rate to make any appreciable difference. The difference in changing 100 USD at 1900 or 1950 to 1 is only two bucks. One piece of advice, don’t change at the hotel. You’ll usually get an unfavorable rate. Just about all the ATM machines will work with VISA, AMEX and MC. But the fees and their rate would make the Mafia blush. I use my bank’s debit card or my cash card. That way the fee (for my bank) is $2.00 and I usually get the interbank exchange rate. AVOID CHANGING ON THE STREET, It’s too easy to get ripped off. What do you tell the policia, “I was making an illegal money transaction and I got ripped off, ” yea, right! The same caution applies to the hotels. You never get a good rate there and the rate is enough to hurt. Don’t forget, most banks and many of the casas de cambio are closed on Sunday so don’t get caught short. Most places take Visa/MC/AMEX but as I said I don’t like the exchange rate. Pay in pesos. Remember, you wont have the protection of charge backs on your credit card if the purchase is outside of the USA. For a good little primer on using credit card overseas, read the following:
http://www.smarterliving.com

Charge Cards Overseas: Who Gouges, Who Doesn’t
A few more big banks have started to add their own surcharge to foreign-country charge card billings, but you can still find a few banks that don’t. That’s the latest in the ongoing saga of the overseas charge-card gouge.

First, a quick refresher course in the way MasterCard and Visa transactions work outside the United States. When you pay for something with your charge card, the merchant’s bank pays the merchant’s account in local currency (less a merchant fee) and submits your billing, in local currency, to the international MasterCard or Visa network. The network converts the bill from local currency into U.S. dollars at that day’s going wholesale rate, adds a 1-percent fee, and passes the resulting dollar charge along to your bank, which adds the charge to your bill.

The international networks have been adding that 1-percent fee for years, and it’s low. That’s why charge cards have been by far the most efficient way for ordinary consumers to convert currency. But about two years ago, issuing banks here in the United States started to add their own fees to those foreign charges. It’s not for conversion; the international networks do that before your bank ever sees the transaction. It’s simply another source of revenue to your bank — basically, for doing nothing.

Among the hundreds of bank-issued credit cards in the marketplace, I focus on (1) those that give a mile of airline credit for every dollar you charge and (2) those in widest circulation. Here’s the status of those cards, as of mid-May:

— US Bank (Northwest) was not surcharging any cards, nor were MBNA or Household, two giant card issuers that aren’t affiliated with an airline. You pay just 1 percent for the exchange.

— First USA (United, British Airways, and Southwest) is adding 2 percent on most of the cards it issues. However, a spokesperson told me that the bank was still exempting United and BA cards from the surcharge — no matter what you may have read elsewhere.

— Bank of America (Alaska, America West, and US Airways) has joined Chase (Continental) and Citibank (American) in adding the surcharge on all cards. Providian, which at one time had added as much as 4 percent, has scaled back to 2 percent, which now seems to be the standard. You pay 3 percent, total, for the exchange.

— American Express and Diners Club, which do their own conversions, assess a total of 2 percent on foreign billings. Given today’s marketplace, here are my recommendations for travelers:

1. Even with 3-percent fees, a charge card is still the best way to buy goods and services in foreign currencies.

2. Unless you travel outside the United States a lot, you might want to keep using your card, even though it assesses a surcharge — at least if you’re otherwise happy with that card. The extra 2 percent probably doesn’t amount to enough dollars to warrant switching cards.

3. But if your airline card adds a surcharge, that 2 percent add-on completely offsets the dollar value of the mileage you earn. If you already have a second card that doesn’t add a surcharge, you might as well use it outside the United States, especially if it has other desirable features. Or, if you have one, use Amex or Diners outside the United States whenever you can. Carrying two cards is a good idea, anyhow, in case one gets lost or stolen.

4. You might also want to switch to a no-surcharge card if you spend a good bit of money outside the United States. Check with your own bank, other local banks, First USA (800-472-0702 for United, www.firstusa.com), Household (800-477-6000, www.household.com), MBNA (800-932-2775), or US Bank (800-444-1244).

Finally, don’t assume that today’s conditions will last forever. Charge card companies are always looking for new fees and charges, and even the banks that currently don’t surcharge may be tempted by that 2-percent skim. Keep your eyes on the fine print your bank sends you.

Places:
Barranquilla (airport code BAQ)
At one time, Barranquilla was the principal port city of Colombia until displaced by Buenaventura about 140 km west of Cali on the Pacific Ocean. BTW, the quickest way to change kilometers to miles is to multiply by .6. For example, 140 km times .6 is about 84 miles. Barranquilla is located on Caribbean at the mouth of the Rio Magdalena and is really a large industrial/commercial city. The population is roughly 1,000,000 and BAQ is the capital of the Departmento (state) del Atlantico. If anything were worthwhile attending it would be the annual Carnival de Barranquilla in February. The entire city goes nuts and almost everything is closed. It’s sort of a poor man's Mardi Gras and Carnival in Rio. The temperature is hot and humid year round and can be damned uncomfortable. Prices are not too bad and the women are there but many are dark skinned. Any taxi driver can take you to the right disco or casa. I find BAQ rather intimidating and I don't really feel at ease there. One saving grace is its location, about half way between Cartagena, 140 km and Santa Marta, 94 km. If you bargain hard, or get a hotel doorman to act for you if your Spanish isn't good, cab fare should be about $50/60 USD and less than couple of hours drive time over a newly completed highway (damn good road when compared to the old one.). It used to be hard to get a flight to either Santa Marta or Cartagena from BAQ but I think COPA has the short hop flight to Cartagena. Santa Marta is, I believe, only reached by taxi unless you are coming from the interior like Cali or Bogotá. Like a lot of places, it's what you make out of it but I really wouldn't go unless as a waypoint or on business.

Cali (airport code CLO):
I was married to a lady from Cali and people are right. Colombian women, in my book, are the best and the ones from Cali are the pick of the litter, so to speak. I have an interest in a farm outside of a small town just south of Cali (about 35 km/20 miles) called San Antonio and some more property just outside of Jamundi near a little town called Timba (also south of Cali). Have many relatives in Cali, Bogotá and Medellin. Haven't been to Cali in about six months though have made several trips to Cartagena. The areas outside of Cali just aren't safe for travel due to FARC activity. I’m trying to sell the finca, about 2500 acres, but due to the situation, both economic and political (in the middle of a guerrilla hotbed), there are not many buyers at this time. Cali itself should be fairly safe if you take the normal precautions as you would in any large US city. I'd plan to stay downtown Cali and not venture too far outside the city. The guerrillas have taken to setting up random roadblocks and are basically looking for ransom FYI all gringos are presumed to have big $$$. On the plus side in all of last year on 12 US Citizens were kidnapped. You probably are in more danger of being sucked to death by a wild chica but that’s an individual decision. The army and police have a heavy presence and most good restaurants, malls, discos, all banks, etc., have their own security so it’s really pretty safe. I have heard good TSM reports about the

Hotel Windsor Plaza
Calle 17 Norte 4n65
Phone: (2) 660-6390
Fax: (2) 660-1304

just off Avenida Sexta 6th Ave.) just north of down town. I think you can e-mail them try windsor@colombianet.net. This is located very close to downtown and is amiable to our life style. It's handy to a large mall, Chipichape, which is good for chica watching. Cost about 40/50 USD) Don't accept the first price but make up a story about a friend or a business associate getting a better rate-they may accept less, especially with the current economic situation in Colombia The airport is about 30/45 minutes north of the city and you will have to get a cab from the airport unless the hotel you chose provides transportation (in Colombia they don't always show up.). One note. ALWAYS establish the fare BEFORE you get into the cab. This goes for anywhere in Colombia. Quite frankly a lack of Spanish skills may hurt but a smile and a thank you go a long way. . A good little Spanish travel book is Berlitz's "Latin-American Spanish for Travelers" ISBN #2831507529. Pocket size and easy to use.

You will find Colombians, for the most part, genuinely like people from the US and a lot have friends and relatives living here. Your best bet would be to hook up with an honest (oxymoron) cab driver and have him take you around. He will know the hot spots and what to avoid. My ex brother- in- law said the going price short time should be about 24 USD and 60/70 USD all night.

Rule one is don’t be an ugly American. Rule two is bargain hard and remember the $$ goes a long way. Current rate of exchange is 2125 CP to the USD. You won’t find Cali has much in the way non-monger activity-not much of historical importance to see. One good trip is to catch a Rumba Chiva (Chiva (Little Goat) is what a little highly-decorated bus is called in Colombia). Has a band, of sorts, on board and drinks and a "snack" is usually included in the price, If your Spanish is fair it's a good way to meet chicas. Usually no solo chicas onboard, but lots of pairs and one guy will often have two or three chicas with him who are friends and you can meet. Again, a smile goes a long way. These chivas run to an area call Juanchito north of downtown and is loaded with disco activity and non-pros. Juanchito usually rocks out late, especially Friday and Saturday and many people head that way after 1:00 am. Cali’s principal newspaper is El Pias and be accessed on line at: www.elpais-cali.com

Bogotá: (airport code BOG)
Bogotá is the capital of Colombia and a very large metropolitan city of 6,000,000 plus. When I go to Bogotá I usual stay with my brother-in-law who is the current military police commander for the federal district, Santa Fe de Bogotá. With Hector looking over my shoulder I don’t get in a lot of rutting about. One good bet is the classified section of the principal newspaper in Colombia, El Tiempo at http://www.eltiempo.com. Look in the classified (clasificados) section under Otros Secciones, Venden Solo Para Adultos and you will find about 80/90 listings for discos and massages (masajes) Prices should range from 20/100 USD and most of the chicas range from 7/9. The good disco action is located on the north side of Bogotá in the area of Carrera 14/15/16 up around Calle 75/85, again, your friendly taxi driver or doorman at the hotel will be of immeasurable assistance in this area. I have found a $10/20 USD tip to the doorman when first checking into a hotel does wonders, the same for the cab driver. Most drivers have cell phones and are independent businessmen. Get his cell phone number. I won’t comment on hotels or casas because things change monthly-again a “good” taxi driver/doorman is all you need.

If you go to Bogotá a must see is the Museo del Oro down town. This houses the largest collection of pre-Colombian gold artifacts in the word. It is, simply in my opinion, the one thing not to be missed in South America. When I left the building I could only say, "Goddamn, everyone should see this!" I go to this museum every time I am in Bogotá. Lots of interesting things to see in the old section downtown and this area is worth a trip. Need to buy an emerald? This is the place. There is a large mall-like place downtown that does nothing but make and sell gold and emerald jewelry-sorry can’t remember the name. DO NOT buy off the street; you will probably end up with a very nice emerald cut from the bottom of a Coke bottle. A fool and his money are soon parted. Best bet for a meal, Casa Vieja not too far from Monserrate, a mountain that overlooks Bogotá. Monserrate is a good visit and is best reached by the funicular and worth a trip. Be prepared for traffic that is bad-expect long delay, especially during rush hour. During the rush hour or if it rains cabs will be almost impossible to obtain. Don’t forget-always negotiate the price before getting into the cab. Weather is chilly to cold. Altitude is over 9000 feet so it’s in the 40’s at night and about 60ish in the day.

Cartagena (my favorite city in the world. About 700,000 people, Airport code CTG)
The girls are not quite as attractive as Cali, more dark skinned, but this city has so much to offer, both from a singles lifestyle and a tourist spot it shouldn’t be missed. At the present time the depressed economy is hurting the area because the tourists are not coming like they used to. I think all of the US based cruse ships have knocked Cartagena off their port-of-call list, too bad for them. To show how bad things are going you can rent one of the best condos in the area, 2000 sq. ft, ocean front, furnished etc. for about 800/850 USD a MONTH. Where too stay. (A good line to use when quoted a price is to say something like, “ I had a friend last month that only paid xxx, what about me?” Often works. I personally liked the Las Velas on El Laquiito Av. at Las Velas N 1-60 in Boca Grande(the tourist area). Have stayed at the Barlovento, Cartagena Hilton (too pricey and over protective of your well being), Hotel Almirante (Avenida San Martin, Boca Grande. The number is 57-5-665-8811 or 665-8261 (I've had better luck with 665-8811 number). 57 is the country code for Colombia and 5 is the city code used for Santa Marta-Barranquilla-Cartagena area.

The Almirante the former Inter-Continental and is 4/5 star hotel right on the main drag, San Martin Blvd., and is not too pricey, about 75 USD. If your Spanish is good, bargain-times are tough in Colombia. You might want to book into an inexpensive hotel/apartemento (ask any cabby) until you get the lay of the land and can price shop. Prices take a dive after Easter. High season is June, July and August.

Hot spots:
(remember, Cartagena is a tourist city so the action falls off on Sunday (way off) and then gradually picks up, peaking on Friday and Saturday nights). For non-pro action try Mr. Babilla, Calle del Arsenal (Calle 24). This is night club/disco located in the old walled city not too far from the Clock Gate. Wild on the weekends and loaded with chicas on vacation, but, as I said, no pro action. Probably the most romantic place in the world is the old walled city at night. Usually a soft breeze off the Caribbean and if you are lucky enough to catch a full moon coming up over the old city wall you’ll never want to leave. Chicas wait outside looking for someone to pay the cover-maybe you? Five or six other discos are around Babilla so feel free to cruse. La Escollera, at the end of Calle Cinco where it meets the beach. Good open air place that rocks big time, both pro and non-pro action. There are many 7’s, and if you are lucky you'll find an available 8 or maybe a 9. Worth your visit, but the touts will drive you nuts. These people can get you anything you want. If they get too bad a smile and a firm No, gracias usually works. A lot off street action outside of this disco and on Calle Cinco from the beach to San Martin ( watch out, some transvestites). There is a little open-air place across from La Escollera that has some action and you can scope out the passing parade from an outside patio while you have a cold Clue Colombia or Aguilá. BTY, as I said before, the touts will drive you crazy. Rule one is ignore them. Rule two, say NO Gracias.

Noches de America on Av. San Martin. Typical strip joint that to me isn’t worth the money-but some fine looking chicas dance and strip. Expensive and you will be hustled for drinks. If that’s your thing, go. Club Banana or Banana Rama or commonly known locally as Gallo Loco is at the end of the street past the Las Velas towards the beach on the left-hand side. For fine action, both professional and amateur this place should be on your list. Open air so it does get hot. I liked it. Loads of chicas and the music is loud and hot. For the best take out prices come late. I picked up a 19 year-old-chica about 2:00 am. Cost for all inclusive service was30 USD until breakfast time. She just about wore these old bones out. BTW, if you like to gamble there is a very nice casino directly across the street from the Las Velas. This casino is attractive, well kept, and has a friendly staff. Scored once on a Saturday night-nice lady from Medellin.

Word of warning, Cartagena is on the Caribbean and is hot. I lived in Keys West and found Cartagena hotter and more humid. Advice, bring plenty of lightweight changes because you will sweat like an ironworker. The beach is fairly good and not as dirty as some in Latin America and great for girl watching. You can rent a small cloth covered cabana with two beach chairs cheap. Find the biggest meanest looking vendor and rent from him. Slip him a couple of bucks and he and his many minions will watch you like a hawk. He’ll keep the ladrones away and will hassle the touts for you.

Casas:
A bunch, this is where a good taxi driver can help because things change and new ones are added all the time.(BTW, there are about seven billion taxis in Cartagena so take your pick. You will think you are being attacked by small kamikazes when you walk down the street) Its a good idea not to ask a taxi driver,” How much?” You make the initial offer, say like 3000 CPs, and see what he comes back with or says. A couple of the casas are Casa del Marino and Casa De Rosario. Rosario is an older house in a not too up scale neighborhood. You wont find it with out a cab. Ask if the driver knows where it is so you wont waste a lot of time looking. The driver waits you will be expected to buy him beer or two and a good tip for the time he is off the street. Girls are hit or miss. Don’t recommend a short time there because the rooms are rather depressing, small, hot and rather sparse. Girls are available for take out. Price range for all night, including house fine, about $80 USD. Girls at any of the casas are available for takeout. Price depends upon you, your negotiating skills and language ability. I have found several nice chicas at Rosario. Many of these girls are from Medellin, Palmira and Pereira and are college students who, believe it or not, are paying there way through college. If you find one you like and want girlfriend sex see if she wants to be your traveling companion for a few days.
Food.

Two places I would recommend are Margarita Pizza (hell of a pizza and open air to watch the passing parade) located on the corner of San Martin and Calle Cinco; and Dany's, an Argentine steak restaurant on Calle Cinco south of San Martin two blocks from the beach. Try the arequipe ice cream for a real taste treat. Tons of restaurants around and the seafood is great. Two other outstanding ones are the Bodgeon de la Candelaria and the Capilla del Mar (one of the best restaurants I ever ate in). Someone told me it’s one of the top five restaurants in South America. It’s in an old house and is very romantic if you find that special chica.

Things to do:
Buy a good guidebook and have at it. The old walled city is not to be missed and it is easy to walk. You would think Sir Francis Drake was going to pop up over the wall any minute. Unbelievable if you do it at night with a full moon over the sea. Castillo de San Felipe is not to be missed. This old fort (unbelievably huge) is the outstanding example of the Spanish military architecture in the new world. Try La Popa, an old monastery on top of a 600 ft hill overlooking the city. Has a great view of Cartagena, the Caribbean and surrounding area. Be sure and see Grand Palace of the Inquisition in the old walled city. Make your hair stand on end thinking what must have taken place in side the walls.

Recommendation: Hire a guide or take a tour, it’s worth it.

Villa de Leyva... You know your Colombia. Its been so many years. I recall that it's the hometown of on of Colombia's more imfamous presidents. I remember lamb chops and a restaurante by the stream. Donde Cantan las Ranas?

The president was probably Rojas Pinilla back in the 50's. He claimed to be from Tunja up the road but a lot of people said he was born in Villa de Leiva and that Tunja was used for political reason. He was using Tunja since Tunja is the capital of the Departamento de Boyacá and a fairly important state, at least in the 50's. Don't remember that restaurant but there is a great one in the Hotél de Mesopotamia, a 400+ year-old sugar mill converted into a hotel.. The restaurant is in the old sugar mill and the stream that turned the mill stone run through the restaurant/bar. VERY romantic spot.

King,

Next time post on the "main" south americian board. people dont come to "colombia" on a regular basis. Too bad about bogotá-did you make it to the zona rojo on the north end?

100 USD for two hours most have been the "gringo wearing a rolex" price.

BTW you must have a death wish to drive from bogotá to medellin by bike. The road is dangerous as hell (not bandits but kamakize traffic).

In Medellin try these areas: Poblado and Las Palmas. Both have lots of discos and restaurants to good restuarants are: LA FRAGATA, Calle 16 Nº 28 - 195, or MONSERRAT, Variante Las Palmas

If you want to get out of the city go to El Penol. It's a big rock (like Rio's sugar loaf) set in a lovely landscape with hills and lakes. It's nice going there to get out of the city.

Great wat to get around an avoid traffice is to ride the new Metro

SV:

Colombia is the South American country most similar to Mexico, so they say. Also, Cartegena is supposed to be reeeaally nice, and Medellin not so (that's what they were telling me along the border with Colombia earlier this year).

"Colombia is the South American country most similar to Mexico, so they say"

Similar in what ways pray tell?

Economically, culturally, racially.

Viking,

Cartagena is great. Are you planning to be there? If so, when. several of us will be there next week.

email if you're going that way.

solofeliz@netscape.net

I have been traveling to Bogota' now for about 3 years now. During the last year and a half I have been driving from Bogota; to a small town about 5 hours south called Neiva. It never seems to amaze me, the women in these small southern towns are allways in the 8-10 range. Whenever I go there and go to one of the small discos on the main strip, I am with 3-5 women within minutes, and I never go back to the hotel alone. It seems these smaller towns have a real man shortage, and the women (beautiful!)love us gringos. I am heading down again on the 12th of December. If any of you mongers are heading down that way (Bogota')send me an email and maybe hit the town together. I know all the good hot spots.

Agree big time-if you have the language skills.

How safe is it these days? I would love to go some time preferably with someone who knows the scene. And I speak the language.

I feel that it is safe, as long as you play it safe. I NEVER go anywhere outside of Bogota' alone. I allways travel with the friends I have down there. There is something to be said about traveling in numbers. Now, when I get to the towns, I try to stay at the most reputable hotel around (that doesn't allways say a whole lot), and I am allways making sure of what and who is around me. I am not trying to sound like I am constantly on the lookout, but I just try to take mental visual snapshots whenever I can. I guess that I've been going down so many times now, that its just part of me when I am there, and I don't even notice that I am doing it, but I am. As far as traveling, Like I said I will be arriving in Bogota' on Wednesday evening the 12th. I usually head for my favorite club over on Calle 82, about 1/2 block from Andino Mall. I've been there enough times, that everyone who works there knows me fairly well. The club is called Coconuts. If any of you plan on being down there let me know. On Monday, the 17th, I'll be heading to Neiva for a few days.

Very sage advice

December the 12th is a little too soon. Next time! Have fun report back.

Harry

Well, it seems that SV claims to have been a guest of the ELN since his last post here.. I am not sure what all has been going on, but I am glad that he is safe and would like to hear a bit more.. Did not know that he planned to ride around Colombia on a bike until after the shoe fell.. I would have put the odds at 99% that something would have happened to him doing a stunt like that.

Viking posted on this board (see Nov. 4th above)a November 4 he was enroute from Bogotá/Medellin via motorcycle. Not heard from until Friday when ELN released him. When he posted I advised him to be careful of this road. The San Luis refered is probaly the one about 4 milesjust off the principal route Bogotá/Medellin. Very rural area. I sincerely hope he is OK. It was bad enough when I was only stopped for about five minutes years ago by FARC outside Cali. The pucker factor increases until they couldn't pull a needle out of you ass with a farm tractor.

From newspaper story:"

Leftist guerrillas have freed an American backpacker kidnapped in Colombia last month, officials said Sunday.

Fighters from the National Liberation Army, or ELN, released the hostage - identified as Glenn Hereggestard of California - on Friday, said army spokesman Capt. Luis Hernandez.

Hernandez said the ELN, the nation's second-largest rebel army, abducted the 29-year-old backpacker on Nov. 4 from a rural highway outside the town of San Luis in Antioquia province. He was released in the neighboring village of San Francisco, 117 miles northwest of the capital, Bogota.

A U.S. Embassy official in Bogota confirmed that an American abducted by the ELN had been released, but said he could not identify the hostage.

The official said the hostage required no hospital treatment following his release. It wasn't clear if ransom had been paid."

Hopefully he will post, if it will not endanger others, some of his experiences.

Best to him,

Gator

This was a comment to another post concerning Cartagena and the problem at this time. What the other poster said confirms my intelligence from those in Colombia who should know.
I am revising my list of cities in Colombia I consider safe to visit at this time. It is a short list, easy to understand:

1. None of them.

(Why? Elections for president are less than a month away. FARC, et. al., MUST make a statement. Police are recovering large amounts of explosives from FAREC cells in the cities).

If I really, really wanted to make the trip which city MIGHT be the best bet? Cartagena, but still risky.


Colombian police on Thursday seized 3.5 tons of explosives near Bogota. Marxist rebels fighting in the country's largely rural parts planned to use in attacks on the capital. The current offensive has been named "Thanatos", the Greek word for death, by FARC. An attempt was mad to blow up a tunnel near Guarne out side of Medellin on the priiincipal route from Bogotá. You are not reading about many of the incidents be cause they have been realtively small with no loss of life. BUT, it is happeninf all over Colombia so, INMHO, it is only a matter of time.

I MUST go to Medellin in the next three weeks and I am not looking forward to the trip. For all the buddies in CTG and Colombia, look sharp

very intresting, Gator!

But what a wonderful turn around in two years, people starting to travel, economy improving, general outlook on life more upbeat-amazing what Uribe was able to do-even more amazing he has been able to last this long.

Let us hope it continues.

BTW I am working a massive update to the Guide and would welcome any observations.

Gator,
I am eagerly awaiting your update as I have developed a serious desire to visit Colombia later this year. Thank you for the information that you have provided in your guide.

whats the latest with columbia?? hoping to get to ctg june. what should i pay for accommodation . must be able to take in daytime chicas from the beach. (so ive heard...)

Any suggestions on whether Colombian companions are available on the Colombian island of San Andres???

I have heard there are some there, but not that many.

Just checked the State Dept website, and Columbia is back on the travel warning list. Is this normal for Columbia? Is it worth the risk?

Madmax, its normal, I don't think its ever been taken off the list.

Hunter

Yes but you will some more pissed off MAFIOSOS!! Be Safe Mongers!


$50 million drug-money seizure may be biggest score ever
POSTED: 10:55 p.m. EST, January 17, 2007
Story Highlights
• Colombian police find millions in U.S. currency, euros in three raids
• Large quantity of gold found behind wall
• U.S. drug agents present during raids
• Money, gold thought to belong to top cocaine-trafficking cartel
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Colombian national police recovered close to $50 million in U.S. currency as well as other money during three raids in the past week on houses used to stash drug proceeds, a U.S. official told CNN on Wednesday.

It is thought to be the most money ever seized by a law enforcement agency in the world, said the official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the investigation.

The raids were conducted following a tip from a source working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the official told CNN. The DEA then provided information to the Colombian National Police.

The first of the raids -- all of which were conducted in the Cali area -- took place Friday, and $13 million and more than €2 million was seized. The cash was in a false cabinet and wall that led to a hidden room. Another cash seizure took place Tuesday, when police recovered $16 million to $18 million.

Separately, another house was searched on Wednesday and a large quantity of gold was found. Officials said a wall had to be destroyed to get to the gold.

DEA agents accompanied Colombian police on the raids, the DEA official said.

The money and gold likely belonged to a member of the Norte Valle Cartel, which dominates the cocaine trade in Colombia, the official told CNN.

In Medellin there is a hotel called the Mansion. How do you make reservations at the hotel? Do they have a service like RIO where Don or Ken or Roberto meet you at the airport and drive you there?

Try posting this request on every thread that has anything to do with Colombia.