CARTEGENA, COLOMBIA GUIDE by BonVvnt

CARTAGENA HISTORY:

I know you really don't care, but if you go you need to tell your significant other (or Mom) you did something other than monger the whole time. This is a good link for basic history on the place: http://www.colombiaweb.de/h_reg/c1.htm
Look under, 'THINGS TO DO' for more touristy type things.

GETTING THERE:

Airline of choice? It varies. Personally, I like Avianca. Nonstop from Miami, decent food and a short flight. Almandine78 likes American Airlines, but to get to Cartagena you go through Bogota. No baggage problems so far but YMMV.

ARRIVING AT THE AIRPORT:

Once you're there, collect your baggage (if you use a porter, $1.00US is sufficient unless you have A LOT of stuff. They WILL ask for more), then go through Customs (bag search, but you're coming in so it's short). Go out front and grab a taxi. They're yellow and marked. DO NOT get in an unmarked taxi! Fare to almost ANYWHERE from the airport should be no more than $3.00US (6000 Pesos, more or less). Try not to overpay. Yes, they will ask for $5.00US, and yes, that's cheap compared to what you're used to but it's a pride issue. The local price is less. Pay it, and strike a blow for stupid gringos everywhere!

CUSTOMS:

I recommend AGAINST taking any stupid chances. If you're dumb enough to take drugs or weapons to Colombia (or to try to bring them back) you get what you deserve.

LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT:

Is out in force. Three of us were patted down in Club Muñeca one night. All of us were sober, well-mannered gringos, and our Colombian driver was checked too. As anywhere, being a jerk will get you noticed! Try not to screw it up for the rest of us. Narcotics are a serious NO - NO. If someone wants to sell you some of the local export product, walk away. Do not touch it OR express any interest in it. You are from out of town, and it's obvious. A common sting is for you to make your 'buy', get stopped by a cop (real or pretend) and get shaken down for what ever you have or can get. Most Colombians blame the drug problem there on United States. We use it, and pay so much for it, that lots of money flows into the wrong hands there.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES:

These girls do NOT consider what they do as 'prostitution' (well, not most of them). Condom usage is almost universal. Between these attitudes I believe the risk of contracting an STD from one of the girls picked up at the various 'clubs' is almost zero. (BTW, the girls you see on the street are not necessarily a higher risk. Some of our fellow mongerers do VERY well with the street girls here. Just use the same level of precaution you would with any provider (Use a condom!). Remember, you're not soooo special that you're the first or only guy she'll have unprotected sex with!

THINGS TO DO: (Touristy Stuff)

1.Visit the Convento de la Popa. Built in 1607, It was occupied by George Washington's brother Lawrence Washington's troops during the siege of Cartagena by Admiral Vernon's in 1741. The view is great, and the architecture inside is beautiful. The Convento de la Popa is Cartagena's number 1 tourist attraction.

2.Visit the fort at Boca Chica. You can get there in a water-taxi that leaves from the Muelle de Pegasos, the wharf in front of the clock tower for around US$6...though you have to bargain for it. The boats usually stop at a lot of smaller fishing villages en route. There are several restaurants in the nearby village where you can buy drinks and food.

3.Step inside the Cathedral de San Pedro Claver. Built in 1575, the building had to be rebuilt after Sir Francis Drake partially destroyed it in 1586. San Pedro was a Spanish Jesuit whose bones are encased in a glass coffin under the main altar.

4.For the macabre, check out the Palacio de Inquisicion. Facing Plaza Bolivar, this large building displays Indigenous, Colonial and post-independence exhibits. The Palacio also houses the Cartagena Historical Archives. Don't miss the rack in the Spanish Inquisition's Torture Chamber.

5.Have a drink in Plaza Santo Domingo on a Friday or Saturday night. Once a place where slaves were auctioned off, the plaza is the home to Botero's `gordita' (the fat lady statue), Pacos (see food), and the Santo Domingo Church.

6.Catch a ride on a horse-drawn carriage. They can be found in many parts of Centro and Bocagrande. Rates are negotiable, depending on the time taken, but make sure you agree on the price and route before you climb aboard.

7.Drink, sing and drink through the night on a Chiva tour. These tours are popular with both Colombian and foreign tourists (Lots of tourists!). The tours include live music, unlimited rum and Coca-Cola, snacks and a stop at Las Bovedas. Also included are free entry and one complimentary drink at the La Escollera disco in Bocagrande. The bus will usually wait for an hour or so before going back to your hotel, or you can party on in the disco until you drop dead from exhaustion.

8.Go sunbathing on one of Cartagena's beaches. There are several choices: Bocagrande, Bocachica, La Boquilla, Islas del Rosario, Isla Baru, Tierrabomba and Playa Blanca. None of them are up to international beach standards, but the chicas, families and touts (vendors) give them a certain something. Bocagrande stays packed, and the touts will drive you nuts if you're not prepared. Islas del Rosario is beautiful. The Isla beaches are only accessible by boat.

9. Learn Spanish with a tutor. There are many language schools in Cartagena, offering classes in English and Spanish. I like Oxbridge Language School in the old city. Contact David Peace (at davidpeace@hotmail.com ) who runs the school. Lessons run $10.00US per hour for private lessons. Bargain for a discount on 'packages'.

LODGING:

Hotel Santa Clara
Calle del Torno, Barrio San Diego. Cartagena, Colombia
Phone: (57) (5) 664 60 70
Fax: (57) (5) 664 70 10
http://www.hotelsantaclara.com/

Highly recommended, if you don't have a budget. No fee for guests, no 'we need her ID'. Beautiful rooms (Get one of the newer ones. While the 'old' rooms are more historic I personally find them depressing as hell. Gloomy, yet tastefully so.) Fantastic pool, good food and a high 'impression factor' with the chicas. Expensive. Rates vary, cheap here is still expensive BUT in this case you DO get what you pay for. My personal favorite.

Hotel Hilton Caribe
Apartado Aereo 1774, Cartagena, Colombia
Phone: (57) (05) 665 06 66
Fax: (57) (05) 665 22 11

Nice lobby, adequate rooms. Guest fee seems to run about $15.00 but YMMV. In Bocagrande, near the action. Expensive (Hilton type rates - YMMV), in my opinion overrated.

Hotel Almirante Cartagena Estelar
Avenida San Martín, Cartagena, Colombia Tel.: (57) (05) 665 83 31
Fax: (57) (05) 665 83 02

Great lobby area, chica friendly (sometimes a fee, sometimes not). Sushi bar! And an American Bar with a decent turnout for futbol (Soccer for you peasants) games. Nice rooms, moderately expensive but good value. If you're just here to monger, skip it and get an apartment or try another hotel. If you're bringing a guest or doing business this is a good choice. In Bocagrande, near the action.

Hotel Charlotte
Avenida San Martín, Cartagena, Colombia
Tel.: (57) (05) 665 92 98
Fax: (57) (05) 665 93 65

In Bocagrande, on the main strip. Close to the action, casinos and beach. Guests no problem, fees vary ($5.00 - $20.00US) depending on who's working the desk and how good your Spanish is. Some times the chica is required to leave by a certain time (5am - 8am). Rooms are smaller, yet newly painted with good furniture. Air conditioners. Some rooms better than others size and view wise - ask to see a few. Best value at approximately $50.00US per night, single occupancy. Good mongering choice if you don't mind sleeping in the same building with those TSM types.

Apartments

Best value, no extra fees for guests and you can entertain 'at home' if you want to have a chica party. Invite a lot of girls over, and have them bring their friends! A local contact and some knowledge of Spanish are required to make this work. When you're ready to go, ask on the board for someone who's done it recently. I have a deluxe one-bedroom apartment (Sleeper sofa too) lined up for my next trip (Dec 17 - Dec 26) for $65.00US per night. Kitchen, AC, living room, balcony. In Bocagrande (El Laguito)

FOOD:

Crepes and Waffles in Bocagrande - cheap, good food, great desserts. Crepes, pitas, etc.

Next to the Hotel Charlotte (the name escapes me) To your right as you face the hotel. Good Lomo (steak) super cheap.

Paco's in the Plaza Santa Domingo. The owner is a Brit ex-Pat named Nick. Good food, good prices.

Sushi bar in the Almirante Hotel. NOT cheap, but fairly good.

Carbon de Palo - Steak place. Good food, nice view of the Plaza Santa Domingo if you eat outside on the balcony. Upstairs.

Los Pelicanos - Upscale seafood. Nice atmosphere, good service. Great place to take a date if you're into fresh seafood.

La Fragata - More seafood. Nice place.

Pizzería Margarita - Sit back from the street or the touts will drive you insane. Great place to peoplewatch. It warms my heart to see all of those older gentleman taking their daughters for a walk!

Dany el Churrasco Argentino - One of my favorites. Meat eater place.
Capilla del Mar - Fantastic seafood! Great view, romantic and very good food. Highly recommended

La Tinaja - Romantic, somewhat expensive for Cartagena. Good food.

Now, let's get to the part you really wanted to know about...

THE HOUSE:

Casa Muñeca ----------------------------------------------------

Noisy, dance music type place. Looks somewhat like a regular club but it's not. Crowded with 20 - 30 chicas even on the weekdays Muñeca is something you have to experience once. Most nights expect only 5 - 10 guys. I consider it my fallback, as I can ALWAYS find something there I like. Many 6 - 7's, some 8's an occasional 9. On premise bedrooms ($15 - $30 per hour (Bargain with the house!), $2.00 tip to the Mamita who shows you to your room). The girls will hit you up for $50.00 or more. DO NOT PAY MORE THAN $35.00! For $50.00 you can have the girl ALL NIGHT at your place. The 'takeout' bar fine varies with your bargaining skills. $25.00 MAX, and I think that's high. If you drink, and plan on staying awhile, buy a bottle of something. All ice, coke, glasses, etc. included in the price. The local rum (Ron Viejo de Caldas) is excellent. Don't buy the Tres Esquinas. More expensive for gringos and nasty tasting. Muñeca is not the cheapest way to go, but it's easy. The girls are dancing with each other to get your attention, great selection, and you just have to wave one over to get her. Poor her a drink, talk to her awhile, and blow her off if you see something you like better. Better yet, ask her if she knows the girl. Most of them don't have a problem with it. I slipped a girl I was talking to (and not interested in) $5.00 to help me pick who would be the best for what I wanted. This is business, and you're not burning any bridges. By the way, the men's room often has chicas wondering in. Be cool about it. Any taxi can get you here. Expect a $2.50 - $3.00 taxi fare. Neighborhood looks bad, but don't worry.

Manila House ----------------------------------------------------

Small house (people will say 'up in the mountains' but it's in town). The neighborhood looks bad - don't panic, the driver is taking you to the right place. When you go in the front door, you will go through a living room type arrangement then out the back steps to a nice 'patio' out back. Girls (15 - 20 seems to be the average this trip) will be seated in a rough circle, with the gent's table in the middle of the open area. All of the girls are trying to make eye contact and with the slightest motion of your hand they'll be over in seconds. Unfortunately, I have to rate Manila House as seconds. A good-sized crop of 5 - 7's. One or two 8's on a given night. Maybe. YMMV. I do have to give them points for not being overly aggressive. Takeout price - $25.00 or so. Expect to give the girl $40.00 all night. To me, a 'hit and git' place.


International ----------------------------------------------------

Now this is a place where the hookers LOOK like hookers! Hit and miss selection for me, others have had better experiences. Mostly 6's, some 7's, one 8 on my last trip. Same general neighborhood as the others. Think of this is the minor leagues. Same general rates and setup as Manila House. If you like them on the slightly 'trashy' side this may be for you. Possible problems getting them into your hotel if they look too 'professional'.

THE CLUBS:

La Dulce Vida (Pro and Semi-Pro) -----------------------------------------------------

WOW! Hmm. Not strong enough. I know, OH SHIT!

Don't be concerned if you fail to see a girl you like immediately (although I don't know why you wouldn't!). The selection of girls at La Dolce Vida is constantly changing. The crop starts arriving at 10pm or so and gets packed from there. 35+ chicas even on weeknights. Some 6's, mostly 7's, several 8's and a couple of 9's. Expect to see something for everyone there. AND, on a busy night I think we saw maybe 10 -15 guys. Dance music, decent dance floor. Buy a bottle, and just ask whomever you want to dance. If she has any interest at all, she'll dance and then head back to your table. Again, keep looking. You'll be amazed. Be patient. You can discover somebody totally hot in the just before closing. Again, buy a bottle of something and grab a table where you can see the dance floor. I'll be the guy sitting there with the goatee and a smile.

Mister Babilla (Amateur and Semi-Pro) -----------------------------------------------------

On the weekend, girls are lined up outside wait for someone to get them in. ALL of the chicas want to go here, but while the $7.50US cover charge sounds cheap to us that's big money for them. Chat up some girls outside (you DO speak Spanish, don't you?), bring them in if you like them. Or, just go in alone and grab a spot at the bar. If you look like an American, you'll get attention. They find a reason to talk to you. You are very much in demand there, pro or not. This is also a good place to take a girl that you've already decided you like and have spent at least one night with. Friday and Saturday are the big nights. It ramps up all week.

THE CASINOS:

The are several, most of them not worth mentioning. Basic table games (no poker that I could find) and a selection of slot machines. Some chica action on the weekends.

Atlantis Casino ---------------------------------------------

I liked this one best, more upscale than the others I visited (but still not the Taj Mahal). Friendly staff, fair number of games running at any given time. Casino opens at 3pm daily.

RETURNING TO THE UNITED STATES:

I hope you saved some money. $40.00US to leave the country. DO NOT FORGET IT. Expect a serious search before you check in. Have an explanation for anything out of the ordinary. Keep receipts on any large purchases. Leaving the United States was easy. Getting back in is slightly more difficult. According to U.S. immigration law, the burden is on YOU to prove that you are "entitled to enter." Guard your passport with your life. I recommend locking it in your hotel safe for your stay. Carry your drivers license and cash in several different pockets.

TIPS FOR A MORE ENJOYABLE TRIP:

1) Ask the girl if she has children, and be enthusiastic when she says yes. They LOVE to talk about their kids and you earn big points towards a GFE this way. Ask to see pictures.

2) If you have kids, bring pictures! They love it. More points. If you don't have kids, borrow some...

3) Carry cash in multiple pockets, with change and a small bill or two in one pocket for negociating. Drag out a big wad of peso and your chances of getting a bargain drop.

4) Bring a few cheap gifts. Go to your local dollar store (.99 store?) and purchase small items to take as chica gifts. I bought several eyeshadow kits (9 colors in each) that the girls loved. Other choices include body washes, perfum sprays, etc. It doesn't take much and it's appreciated. I gave the doorman at my hotel a small 'maglite' type flashlight that I had packed. Total cost, $1.00. It pays off in advice and service.

5) Tipping rules (general): No one here tips cab drivers. Food service, look on the bill and see what is already included. Adjust it up somewhat if you really feel it's warranted or if you're coming back and want special service the next time. Small tips, please. Forget the US 20% or more thinking.

6) Remember, the first price quoted to you is TOO HIGH. The taxi drivers are usually pretty good about quoting you the correct fare (3000 pesos to almost anywhere) but it depends on how you carry yourself and on your Spanish.

great post! i think its always better to pay in the local currency instead of U.S. dollars to keep the prices down.how are colombian girls in bed?do they tounge kiss and swallow cum?

This is good information. Thanks.

Have to say thanks to Amandine78 and GeneBoy for their input on this.

Also, the report doesn't cover the, "I fucked her, she did this" kind of info. Besides the obvious fact that your mileage WILL vary, Cartagena is not a TJ type of destination were someone is going everyday. You may or may not find a girl I mention from week to week. These girls don't always stay around long and rather than have you looking for a specific girl I'd rather you knew WHERE to look.

You WILL find several woman you like. Treat them right and they'll be lined up at the airport when you come back.

Nice report Bonvvnt. Sounds like you ran the same track I took on my last visit. Glad you had a good time.

Thanks to all for the kind comments.

I'll be back in Cartagena the 17th and I'll add more to this report.

A great report Bnvvnt.. However I was wondering,, should you put a copy of this under this section?? ClubHombre.com: TripReports: South America: Columbia
when i first joined this is where i went to see Colombia reports and this area is real lacking..
Now if i can just make my report as info filled as yours.. sigh
treeshark

Rather than decide where it went, I just sent a copy to TJ and said, "here it is!"

I'd really like to get some beach and street girl info from you. Those areas are lacking in my report. How can I find White? I was going to use him next week.

well, i think that it is a great report.. makes it hard for me to work on mine after I have read yours..
just that when i first went looking for colombia reports, it seemed like this site has nothing because only two real old reports in the section that I went to.. guess i need to talk to the man since your report should be in a place that is easy to find..
I can not find my Cartagena book right now that has the maps.. But to find white (his real name is Elberto but everyone calls him white); go along the beach road(the one right next to the beach) until you get to where calle 4 is.. That is the street that is right next to that little park and the one that all of the horse guys line up on. You go to the beachshack where they sell beer and such.. It is right there where calle 4 intersects the beach road.. When you are facing the beach, his section is the one that is to the right and closest to the ocean. White looks a bit like that old africian dictator Idi Amin....He knows Tigershark and Treeshark by their real names so will e-mail you that info.. He is a real nice and decent person. Also a photographer by the name of photoJoe hangs around in that area also. He is also a very nice person.. Just stay away from my chicas please or at least do not post about them too much.. There is also a very cute massage chica that hangs out around there that tigershark was seeing.. You might want to check her out.. Say hello to all of them for me and tell them that I am looking forward to seeing them again soon..
will tell you about street chicas later.. really need a map to do that..

"Stay away from my chicas, please", THEN "there's a cute one tigershark is seeing, check her out"!

My kind of guy! Give away HIS girls! (just kidding)

Thanks for the info on white and for the card too.

I had a problem with MOST of the Colombia reports on the web. Gator's was the best, but it's getting a bit dated. So, I just wrote the report I would want to read if I was headed that way.

Glad you enjoyed it.

I sent in a report also but it was also posted here and never placed in the Columbia reports section.

Yoosin, I'm not sure why they don't get moved. Maybe we are sup[posed to do it.

I liked your report. Very helpful. AND I recommend Tatianna too! Very nice GFE. Unfortunately, I didn't keep her long enough.

However, I'll be back NEXT WEEK (Ha!) and she's on my list. This time, I'm thinking about keeping her for a few days...

Beautiful.

(Of course, now that I've said that, I'll probably find 5 others I want to take home too)

Bonvvnt I am envious, next trip is quite a ways off. I am considering revising my plans and moving it up to January or February. I made the same mistake with Tatianna because she was the first chica I saw there. She wanted to spend the day shopping etc. and I told her I had other things to do and maybe we would connect up later. Of course I was out searching for others but none really compared from the GFE service standpoint. I have her cell, maybe I call her just to keep things alive for the next visit. There is another chica that I did not get to see named Lena and she will NOT be missed next time.

Yoosin

Awesome Report! This may be the kick in the ass report I need to make me choose Cartagena over CR for my summer trip. Feel guilty going to CR so many times and I wanna check out a new place. I like what I hear about Cart. and it seems like the next step. This report really lays out the basic info from clubs to language school in a way I havent seen in alot of more dated reports on other sites.

What worries me is Ill be going alone for a whole month!. In CR its always easy to meet up with others. I have a feeling thatll be much harder in Colombia with no huge expat ground zero bar like the Blue Marlin. I suppose I could meet with someone on the boards but it would be better if I knew I had a good fulltime trip buddy, especially for the first week while I learn the ropes and meet the first few girls. So im about 60/40 Cart now. Cart. is a new place, close to the beach, with alot of history you wont find in CR. From everything I know it should be a step up in girls over CR too. But in CR is so damn convenient, I know the ropes and would be right in the groove day one. Ahhh choices. I'll think aloud more when I do my CR report thats already a damn month late. Again, this is a top flight report, great work.

Yoosin, Let me know the Feb dates. I'll be going to Cali then and can probably make a side trip!

Dapple, thanks for the comments. I recommend Cartagena! I quit going to CR several years ago when I realized ALL of the chicas I was most attracted to were from Colombia! Plus, it's getting to be too 'business like' in CR for my tastes.

There's usually someone from here going to Cartagena. If not myself then Yoosin, Treeshark or Amandine78. PizzaDude is there now. Hunter lives there. Keep everyone here posted on the dates you have in mind and you might be surprised.

Use my report and you'll be up to speed the first day. If you have any Spanish, it'll go easy.

I promise you won't be alone long!

Been playing and made a new section called trip reports 2001..
go to topics at left then distinations then South America: Colombia: Trip Reports for 2001 ..

you will find two great reports there now..

Someone is worried about being alone in Cartagena.. I wish I had that problem ,, :-)

treeshark

Bonvnt - I just noticed that my October report was moved to the Columbia reports section on 12/08. Guess it just takes awhile. If I can move up my travel plans I will let you know. I wish I could figure out a way to live there part time.

Dapple - make the trip, I am sure you will be happy with the results. Spanish is nice but not required. I know 10x more now then in December because Columbian chicas are emailing and calling everyday. (who needs school, they have promised to be my personal professors). Spoke to one chica today for an hour via the internet w/webcam (god is she cute).

The history part of Cartagena is very interesting and one of the thngs that attracted me this October.

Yoosin

Bonnvnt,

Thanks for the excellent report. I will be making my first trip to CTG in February. Thanks to you and Gator I feel well prepared.