Casas/Reservados:
Chapinero District - Along Avenida Caracas from about Calle 53 until Calle 75 or so, there are tons of reservados. They all have more or less the same motif and same quality. You go in and have a seat, and each of the available girls will come by and introduce herself by name. You are then asked to make a choice, which is of course your option to decline. If you choose to utilize the service, the costs will run about 30K COP for a half hour to 50K for one hour.
The quality of girls varies by time of day, place, and luck. A good M.O. is to walk up and down Caracas, accepting the little cards that the touts are handing out. Take a card, read the address and if you get a good vibe then walk in and cheek it out. If you see something you like then go for it...you can always do the same thing the next day and check out different places.
Here is a typical example of the cards that they'll hand to you in the Chapinero area:
Cleopatras - This is a casa in the Chapinero district, but with a slightly different twist. Cleopatras is located at Calle 58 #14A-53. Here the quality of girls is generally higher. You also pay 20K COP to get a striptease/lap dance from each available girl as a means of helping you make your choice. The cost is a little more too, at about 100 COP per hour.
Marlay District - Close in proximity to Chapinero, the marlay section runs around Carrera 13 between Calle 45 and 55. Here there are also many touts handing out business cards with addresses of reservados. In addition there are some places that are more like bars, where you can have a drink, kick back and select the girl at your leisure. The pricing is similar to that in the Chapinero section.
Bars/Clubs:
La Piscina - This is a bar/club closer to El Centro where you can invite a girl to your table and talk her up before selecting. I've always found good quality here and all of the taxi drivers know it. About 80K will get you an hour with a girl, and is usually worth it. In this neighborhood there are many other clubs, short-time hotels, street girls, etc. I've never trine any of that out.
Extasis - This is a higher-priced nighttime option where you can order a very expensive bottle of whatever and invite a lady (or several). The girls tend to be harder and more professional, the prices more expensive, but there are some real beauties as well. Located on Calle 86 between Carrera 14 and 15.
Casanovas - Right next door to Extasis, this place if anything tends to be more crowded and more expensive, in my experience.
Restaurants:
El Viejo - A very upscale Argentine restaurant in the north of Bogota. Located at Sede Norte ?Av. 19 #114-36, tel #214-18-90. This is a good place to bring a girl on a date if she has enough class not to embarrass you. This is a very nice section of town, and the ambiance is enjoyable although reserved. Great steaks, great service, and proper attire recommended (e.g., don't go in a t-shirt and ratty jeans).
Cocina Criolla Peruana - Located right next door to El Viejo, this is one of the best Peruvian restaurants I've ever tried (and I like Peruvian food a lot!). The exact address is Av 19 #114-34, tel #215-43-79. It's a pretty upscale place, so dress nicely and don't bring a street girl or someone who might embarrass you.
Ajiaco y Ajiaco - Ajiaco is a Bogota specialty. It's a bisque-like soup that has chicken and vegetables, and is really good. The best I've had is at Ajiaco y Ajiaco, located at Av 15 #118-63, tel#620-61-24. Not really upscale at all, but the food is awesome.
Lodging:
Suites Real 85 - This has always been my favorite place to stay in Bogota, but the prices are getting too high in my opinion. Lacted at Carrera 18 #84-56, tel #218-01-00. It's a nice but simple aparthotel with hot water, cable, mini-bar, breakfast, etc. The staff are nice and it's chica-friendly. The rate as of March 2007 is 138K per night, which isn't insane but is getting too close to other places, like the St. Simon, which are much nicer and more comprehensive hotels.
Suites Real 97 - Located at Calle 97A, #10-45, tel #610-97-00. Same owners as the Suites Real 85, with the same ambiance, quality and service. The location is not quite as good but is still very good. The rate as of March 2007 is 125K per night.
Here's their card:
Hotel Lago 76 - Located at Carrera 15 #76-15, tel #236-07-25. You get a very simple and inelegant room with hot water for 84K. You'll be safe and comfortable here, but there are absolutely no amenities and chicas won't be impressed (not like they really care though).
Here's their card:
Gyms:
Body Tech - Regarded as the best gym in Bogota, I believe there are several around the north. I went to the one at Carrera 7 con Calle 63 (or, "La septima con 63?. It was a good gym with all of the modern facilities of any good gym. The cost is 25K per use, with the first time free. You need to bring your I.D. with you to work out.
Spinning Center - I liked this place, located at Calle 94 #14-47, tel # 636-05-90. It cost 20K per entry, was a little bit smaller than Body Tech but had a very nice and friendly staff. The equipment was modern and wide in selection. Very close to Parque 93.
Transportation:
Taxis - Whereas the taxi drivers in Cali and Medellin were generally nice, in Bogota I did not find this to be the case. Unfriendly, un-talkative and typically looking to find a reason to jack the fare up as much as possible. They have that system where a the meter rund a number starting somewhere around 25 (I think) and moving upwards. This number corresponds the the fare you are supposed to pay. Make sure the taxi driver uses the meter and check the price he charges against the chart. Getting screwed by a taxi driver usually means that you've spend, in U.S. terms, about 75 cents to one dollar more than you needed to. Perhaps not a big deal, but for me it's more about being treated with respect. When a taxi driver is especially nice and helpful, I leave a tip along with the fare. When he's a jerk, I make sure to pay the precise amount and no more.
Transmilenio - This is a "super bus?type of system that one can use to travel around Bogota. For those familiar with major metropolitan transit systems, it's pretty easy to figure out. A ride costs 1300 COP and can bring you to or close to most places you'd want to go. I would recommend sticking with taxis until you're familiar with Bogota. Once you're comfortable, the transmilenio is interesting.
Shopping:
La Zona Rosa - The Zona Rosa is the area between Carrera 11 and 15, and Calle 80 ?85. Encompassed within are 2 malls, restaurants/bars, hotels, and lots of boutique-style shops. It's a great place to walk around and get anything from a leather jacket, a Cuban cigar or an inexpensive t-shirt to give to your neighbor who walked your dog while you were away.
Unicentro - A large, comprehensive mall in the north of Bogota. They have everything you'd expect to see in a decent mall in the U.S.
7 de Agosto - This is a neighborhood a little bit west of Chapinero where you can find really good deals on thinks like leather products, sneakers, suits, etc. It's an industrial zone, and the best thing to do is walk around and window shop. You can get good bargains on very high-quality stuff. I have purchased about 15 futbol jerseys here over the years. You'll find a great selection of Colombian club teams, national jerseys and international club teams as well.
Medellín
Casas/Reservados:
Cassandras - Located at Carrera 68?#43-16, tell the taxi driver that it's "Circa la 70 con San Juan?or "Circa al Makro.? The hostesses name is Lily, and she's a funny lady in her mid-30s. I like this place a lot as it is fun, relaxed, had attractive girls and costs 70K for an hour as of March 2007.
New Life - Located in El Centro, it's a clean but basic massage/brothel type of place. Located on Calle 56 (a.k.a. Bolivia) #43-39, 2nd Floor, tel#216-27-04. I've only been once, but there were three women there whom I'd consider attractive. 55K for an hour as of March 2007.
Loutrons - A real high-class type of house, located at Calle 12 Sur #10-245, tel#311-11-79. The girls are all very attractive, the staff very professional, it has a private and secure ambiance. The cost of 170K as of March 2007 is worth it, in my opinion.
Bars/Clubs:
Club San Diego - Located at Calle 37 #45-15. Hit or miss quality with reasonable prices. One time they tried to charge me an exorbitant amount for the salida, but otherwise I've always liked the place. The rooms on-site are clean and functional.
Face Dos - A more expensive option in Medellin, with a salida of 150K, or a one-hour price of 150K. The girls here tend to be very hardened professional types, some of whom are very attractive. Located at Carrera 74 #49-102.
Restaurants:
Crepes & Waffles - You'll find these in malls and popular areas around Medellin and all over Colombia actually. I absolutely love the food. The "Camarones al Curry con Espinaca?is to die for. Great desserts as well.
Leños & Carbon - Fantastic steaks. This is the best food-court in a mall type of place I've ever been to, in any country. The Baby Beef Angus is out of this world...I recommend ordering it medium-rare, as they serve it on a hot skillet that keeps cooking it as it sits at your table.
Parque Lleras Restaurants - This area has some great restaurants. There's a sushi place at the top part of the hill that was as good as the average sushi place in Manhattan. Excellent service as well. Parque Lleras has a wide variety of places...you can just walk around and ask to see the menu at each. When you see something that looks good then go for it, because it probably is really good.
Senor Itto - This is another sushi place in Medellin. I really like sushi so I checked it out. It was also pretty good...as good as the average sushi place in New York.
Here's their card:
Lodging:
Hotel Capitolio - This is a good option for the budget-minded monger. It's a safe hotel in El Centro. I wouldn't advise walking around at night, but for 45K COP as of March 2007, you can rest your head, take a hot shower, watch TV and bring a lady friend back with you. Located at Carrera 49 #57-24, tel# 512-00-12.
Here's their card:
Hotel Lukas - A nice hotel on La Setenta in Medellin. Ask for the corporate rate, which as of March 2007 is 107K COP, taxes included. You get a spacious room with wireless internet and a hot shower with great pressure. There is also a TV, a safe in the room, laundry service, etc. They do have a guest fee of 25K COP, but you can arrange to pay for a double instead which comes out cheaper. Located at Carrera 70 #44a-28, tel #260-17-61.
Here's their card:
Gyms:
Gymnasio Laureles - A decent gym. It is semi-outdoors, which with the weather in Medellin is quite nice. What I didn't like was the lack of standard measures on the bars and free weights, but it was adequate. I did not write down the location...sorry! 15K COP per use.
Forma Fitness - I really liked this gym! Nice equipment, nice, helpful staff, nice looking girls...I will definitely work out here on future trips to MDE. It was also very reasonably prices at 11K COP per visit, as of March 2007. Located at Calle 50 #69-92, tel #230-02-19. It is very close to El Estadio and La Setenta.
Transportation:
Taxis - I found the taxi drivers much nicer in Medellin than in Bogota, but that may have been a matter of chance. What I really liked is that the taxi meters read the price of the fare, as opposed to some single-incrementing number that equates to a price at the end. There's a 500 peso surcharge at night, but otherwise just pay what the meter reads.
Metro - Because I am a complete nerd I like to explore the metro systems of different cities to which I travel. Medellin's metro is nice, clean and efficient, if not expansive. The fare is 1300 COP as of March 2007, and can be used to go to El Centro, El Estadio and EL Poblado (a healthy but manageable walk from Parque Lleras). After some time and acclamation to Medellin, it's worth checking out.
Grooming/Self-Preservation:
Diva Spa - This is a very nice spa in the Poblado area where you can get a manicure, pedicure, haircut, waxing, massage, etc. It's very high-end, but reasonably prices compared to U.S. standards for the same services. I got a therapeutic massage for 46K COP, did some waxing, manicure and pedicure as well. I think the whole thing cost me about 120K in all. Very professional and well worth it. I know that's somewhat metrosexual, but Colombian men groom themselves well and the women there like it. Located at Calle 14 #40a-54, tel#266-99-80.
Here's their card:
Guides:
Victor - I wrote a good bit about Victor in the detail section of my trip report. Let me first make it clear what Victor can offer you. For 20K per hour (agree with him at the beginning what you should pay...he's a really personable guy and it's a comfortable conversation) he can help you as follows:
* Introducing himself to girls at the malls and asking if they'd be interested in meeting you
* Translating (he speaks perfect English)
* Showing you around and giving you tips on safety and etiquette in Medellin
* Showing you where the good clubs are
Victor can be reached at 311-396-75-49. I think that it is well worth it, as he can give you some great advice and save you a lot of time. He also really knows how to approach girls in the malls in a very non-threatening way. Victor can probably also show you where the bars and casas with chicas are...you'll just have to ask him. He's a good kid who studies hard in college and could stand to make a few extra bucks. He's not a pimp and is not going to try and peddle his prepagos at you. If you're interested in that kind of thing though, talk to him. Maybe he can help you with that as well.
Shopping:
Oviedo - A very nice mall in El Poblado. It has lots of shopping, food, caf?bars, and lots of great scenery. Also, it has a lot of Mansionistas, so I think that the people who work & shop there are used to seeing gringos on the prowl. Ask any taxi driver and they'll know where it is.
El Tesoro - Similar to Oviedo, in fact I think it has almost the exact same stores. Good place as well. Any taxi driver knows where it is and will take you directly there.
Cali
Casas/Reservados:
La Piscina - One of the many casas located on Av 2Bis Norte (Barrio San Vicente), La Piscina is probably the best. I do not know the exact address, but it is at the very end of the road, close to Chipechape. You can sit, have a drink, receive an introduction form all of the girls and invite one or just hang out for a while. 60K COP as of March 2007 will get you an hour with the girl of your choice in one of the rooms.
Kaliente - Located in Barrio San Vicente on Calle 25 N #2Bis-47. Kaliente is a casa where you can do anywhere from a half-hour at 70K to 3 hours (you can take the girl out) for 200K COP, as of March 2007. This place usually has good-looking girls who provide good service. A bit more expensive than other casas in Cali, but as close to a sure thing as there is.
Equilibrio - This is a daytime place close to La Sexta, where you can get a massage and an hour of full service for 80K as of March 2007. I've only been once but was very impressed with the girls. Located at Calle 17N #6N-27, 2nd floor, tel#668-62-26.
Here's their card:
Bars/Clubs:
Faraones - Located on Av 2 (a.k.a. Avenida del Rio), about one and a half blocks north of Aparthotel del Rio. It's much more of a bar/club than a casa, although the pricing structure is similar to the other casas in Cali. As of March 2007, 60K COP will get you an hour upstairs with the girl of your choice. It's very hit-or-miss, but oftner times there is good talent, and if not it's an okay place to have a drink before moving on.
Restaurants:
Crepes & Waffles - You'll find these in malls and popular areas around Cali and all over Colombia actually. I absolutely love the food. The "Camarones al Curry con Espinaca?is to die for. Great desserts as well.
Leños & Carbon - Fantastic steaks. This is the best food-court in a mall type of place I've ever been to, in any country. The Baby Beef Angus is out of this world...I recommend ordering it medium-rare, as they serve it on a hot skillet that keeps cooking it as it sits at your table.
Sheraton 4 Points - I know, it's a hotel, but the restaurant is pretty good. They have a salmon entrée that I really like, and it's a good place to have a few drinks and use the wireless internet as well. Located at Calle 18N #4N-08, tel#685-99-99.
Lodging:
Apartotel del Rio - A clean, comfortable and chica-friendly hotel in the north. During the day it's an easy walk to a lot of the casas, and is reasonable to Avenida Sexta or even Chipechape. Ask for un "habitacion sencilla," which is a basic room. About 100K COP per evening as of August 2006. Located at Calle 21N #2N-10, tel#660-27-13
Gyms:
Gymnasio Escandinavia - A very good gym, with clean and fairly modern equipment. The staff was friendly and in the evening there are a lot of nice-looking girls working out and socializing. Located at Avenida 2N #3N-87, tel#667-77-87. 15K COP per use.
Here's their card:
Transportation:
Taxis - I found the taxi drivers in Cali to be nice and helpful in general. The system is that the meter runs a number that corresponds to a price, as opposed to displaying the actual price. There's a 500 peso surcharge at night. Taxis are abundant, and I never had a problem finding one.
Grooming/Self-Preservation:
Peluqueria Innovacion - I forgot to write the exact address down, but it is located right on Avenida Sexta, right around calle 22. Icame here to get a therapeutic massage, which was well-done for 38K COP. You can also get any other spa service desired here. There's a fairly prominent sign, and it is on the east side of the street (or, right-hand side of the street if you were walking towards chipechape).
Guides:
Fernando - Fernando drives a regular, licensed taxi in Cali, and knows all of the good spots that gentlemen of our ilk enjoy frequenting. He speaks no English, but is a fun guy to talk to if you speak even basic Spanish. What I really like is that, as opposed to entering the casas with you looking for a commission, he will go in and at like a prospective customer. He'll inquire about the prices and ensure that you are paying as the locals pay. All-together a really good guy, and for 23K COP an hour as of March 2007 you can hire him to show you the places I've written about and many, many others. Call him at 315-575-66-86 and tell him you're a buddy of La Muerte, and he'll take care of you from there.
Shopping:
Chipechape - This is probably the most popular shopping center for gringos. Lots of nice stores and lots of nice-looking women as well, it is located on Avenida Sexta at about 38th street. Any taxi driver will know it. This is where a lot of Cali's upper-class come to shop.
Unicentro - This is a mall in the south, with many of the same stores as Chipechape but a little more down to earth than Chipechape. I personally like it better than Chipechape.
Palmetto Plaza - Another mall in the south. It is newer, but seems not as bustling as the other malls, in my few times having visited.
