macdaddi

As a general rule, the sauna is reserved for early evenings and most patrons are arriving from work for a "break" before heading home. So as a general rule for Sauna 55 and all others in Colombia, you will find the busiest period to be between 4-7pm with weekends being slightly busier. From your research you have probably already noted that the saunas in Medellin generally close at 9:30/10:00pm daily. Most are deserted by 9pm. Only the new El Castilo stays open 24 hours on weekends as far as I know. Other members that have been in town more recently may have other options.

I would check the website (above) for events or simply subscribe to their WhatsApp updates for listings of events plus their notifications when the club is "full" and they do not allow further admissions. Probably the most popular event is the Semáforo event where entrants are given a color-coded wristband indicating sexual preference/role however I have seen them declare the doors closed during the Tattoo event, Interracial night, and the Early Bird event (madrugón) in the early morning. Generally the Bears night is Thursday and the Maduro night (older men) is alternate Wednesdays but they are constantly changing any schedule. So it is difficult to say what day is popular versus what event is popular. They are good about returning messages and holding you a spot (the first time at least) so I recommend checking the calendar for an event that appeals to you.

Everyone that I know in the capital is gone for the holidays, but I will ask around in the new year. Colombia is good for word-of-mouth referrals. You might want to explore this guide to Gay Bogota published by the Alcaldia of Bogota (the mayor is a lesbian) that contains a lot of good information in English about the city. https://www.idt.gov.co/sites/default/files/4.1. GUIA LGBTI INGLES- 29 Sept 2020.pdf

Teatrón is THE spot on a Saturday in Bogotá and you can hang around in the central courtyard area and people watch (until that too becomes an open air dance floor as the night progresses).

Gigolo first then...I doubt you will leave that early with so much on offer. Plus I love watching the second wave of punters show around 11pm, many of them still horny from Dark Club. Checking...live sex show is Saturday nights but they are now adding a new Sex Room feature some nights. Should be interesting...

Claro que si. ¡Felicidades!

You are looking for the Mercure Financial District (Hotel Mercure Bh zona financiera) Cra. 7 #65 01, Localidad de Chapinero, Bogotá 10 minute walk downhill to the action in Chapigay.

Erda. You are correct - Chueca Club (Cra. 13 # 83-19). It has a pretty exclusive door policy so they tend to draw in a more moneyed crowd, hence the working boys. Just wear a clean shirt and a fake gringo accent and you are good to go. Or invite me to do all the talking

Some places to consider that may not be on your list: Zona T (south of Parque Virrey) has become the area of choice for many locals who find Chapigay to be over the top. Suggestions include: 1. Moza (formerly El Mozo) - largest gay dance club in the area and very popular with the best looking men in Bogotá (sorry Theatrón). 2. Cuecha Club - another dance club, however this one has a consistent offering of working boys on site. Open Wed - Saturday 3. El Recreo de Adan (Orignal location on Cra 12a sounth of Clle.80) - while not actually a bar, this is a gathering spot to play board games and you can sign up to play with other groups-singles looking for additional players. The food is okay - burgers and sandwiches - but the cocktails and the crowds that gather here keep this bar popular with the locals. Always a fun way to kill a few hours and meet new people. ¡Hasta pronto!

They will understand. The Colombian word of choice is la verga, not la polla. You will hear the word verga used agressively in day-to-day speech in Colombia.

SDQ = Esedeku bar. There are plenty of hustlers working around the back bar anytime I have been.

There are plenty of options in the DR for bottoms...however the majority of the bugarones working as trade are never going to offer that up as an option. You will need to be clear about what you are looking for, and be vocal about it (hopefully your Spanish is passable) and the local boys will do the rest. If you check out a few places like Pacos, Marlowes and SDQ with this in mind, spread the message and the locals will understand what you want and will oblige. I have had complete strangers approach me at lunch and breakfast offering their services in the capital because "they had heard" what I was looking for. You should have no issues finding local trade (or boys) that are willing to bottom for you in Santo Domingo.

Nothing special to note during those months. As a general trend, Latin America travel is projected to grow 14% in 2023, and Colombia travel by 18% next year. That's a lot of new faces discovering the capital. Anecdotally the presence of foreigners in Medellín, particularly digital nomads, has increased significantly in 2022 and that trend shows no sign of slowing. Oh, i almost forget. With the reopening of travel post-pandemic, there is a string of big-name rock acts performing stadium shows in Bogotá in February and March. The rolos love their rock music.

Not sure about racist, definitely classist, as you will discover across many latin countries. The traditional campesinos population is often treated horrifically in Peru. Often they can be looked down upon in larger, urban centers as being less sophisticated than those who live a modern lifestyle. I once lived with a campesino family so I have witnessed this first hand. Lima is a very vibrant international city, with a large Asian population and a very cosmopolitan vibe. The local cuisine is outstanding. Much to love. However the disparity is obvious and, as a foreigner you will need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Your cash will go a long way in Peru, and the scenery and excursions available are next level. The only advice I can offer is to relentlessly check and double check your accommodation to be certain you will get what you paid for. Lots to love about the country and plenty of eye-candy in Lima.

Yes. I will add that I use my American Express card almost exclusively in Colombia because (1) they do not charge a foreign exchange fee on my card, (2) it has great fraud protection and insurance and (3) it is surprisingly accepted almost everywhere. But to answer your question directly, Visa and Mastercard are accepted all over the place, and the Colombian system accepts security PIN for authentication. If you can, definitely secure some Colombian pesos in advance, you will need to pay a cab driver from the airport (limos take CC) and smaller food shops/stands will only take cash. Many bars, including Gigolo's (and saunas) will let you run a tab on CC but the boys will be expecting cash.

should add...all major banks will do an exchange of US dollars (and Canadian) but you will need to sign extensive paperwork and must show your passport -- photocopy or image not accepted. It all goes back to the cartel days when there was extensive money laundering in Colombia. If you are intending to change cash, be prepared for an extended and complex process. The many "exchange" kiosks in the tourist areas will exchange your US cash, but at a rate that is 10-15% below the current bank exchange.

I usually carry a small amount with me from home -- 500K COP is plenty to get you through a few days while getting set up. Most of the major banks (Bancolombia, Banco de Bogota, Colpatria/Scotiabank, Davidivienda, BBVA) will work just fine with your US banking card. Do let your bank know that you are traveling in Colombia (including credit cards) as there remain many financial restrictions on Colombian transactions. I have had issues with Scotiabank transactions being rejected multiple times before I can withdraw cash so be aware. Most will offer to do the transaction in COP or USD. Always choose COP as the currency - the exchange is designed to not favor the recipient and the US dollar exchange rate is noticeably higher. Most machines limit you to a maximum withdrawal of 700K COP. Another local tip -- if you can find an ATM machine with Banco Agrario de Colombia (bright green machines) they always offer the best exchange rates and the highest limit on withdraw (up to 2MM COP).

Still my favourite getaway from Medellín and there are many options. A 90 minute car ride and you feel like you are in another country. Look like you are doing some serious exploring of Antioquia. Enjoy.

A fire broke out at Theatrón in Bogotá last night. Over 4000 patrons were evacuated but no injuries were noted. The fire was reported early at 9:30pm before the club gets crowded. Anyone traveling to Bogotá can expect the club to be closed for a week according to the management. Story in Spanish here: https://www.bluradio.com/blu360/bogota/video-por-alerta-de-incendio-evacuan-theatron-una-de-las-discotecas-mas-grandes-de-bogota-so35

Both hotels are good options and allow guests. I usually stay at small complex up the hill on Cra 4 that has full apartments with an office area. Can't help it, being able to work anywhere means my work travels with me.

Have not booked, but I should be arriving Dec30/31. The big day in Colombia is January 1 where it is traditional to host a large meal (barbecue) with friends and family to welcome the new year. I was going to continue directly to Medalló but I might be convinced to spend a few days in the capital...let me check my usual place (Cra 7 by the Bodytech gym in Chapi).

The Check-mig app and mobile website are nightmares and a case study in shitty User Interface design for small screens. Just trying to "click" on the correct radio buttons on the questionnaire could trigger PTSD. Or worse. I make a point of filling out the form on the website from the comfort of my desktop 48 hours prior to departure and have never had an issue. That way I can print a copy of the completed submission (shown above) and to have a screen of same on my phone as a backup. Ironically on my last trip in May I wasn't asked for my Check-mig but I assume that it was already on the agent's screen and she chose not to request it.

Exhibit A: por ejemplo https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=7906272022777655&extid=NS-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C&ref=sharing