Medellin - Love Motel and Escort Angelo Real 25cm

[speedoo1]

Thanks - will be in Medellin for the second time next month.

So there is no/little point in visiting calle 57a? 3 years ago I found the short street quite "dead" but I might have been there at the wrong day/too early in the evening. When to schedule a visit?

The advice is still not to venture westward on calle 57 (past the cathedral) at night?

[Latbear4blk]

4 hours ago, speedoo1 said:

Thanks - will be in Medellin for the second time next month.

So there is no/little point in visiting calle 57a? 3 years ago I found the short street quite "dead" but I might have been there at the wrong day/too early in the evening. When to schedule a visit?

The advice is still not to venture westward on calle 57 (past the cathedral) at night?

I have to explore that area the next time. Last April, I walked around in the early afternoon. Definitely, based in what I saw under day light, I would not wander around the are at night, not even escorted by one or two friends. I would only feel safe in a large group.

My local new friends also advised against walking around that area at night. They emphatically recommended me to visit the bars and clubs in the zone (I did not), but stepping out of a car at my destination, and calling for a car from the doors to return home.

[macdaddi]

I would agree. This part of town (La Candelaria)  can be very rough and navigating this alone without a deep understanding of the city layout and where you are headed could be catastrophic.  This area sits next to the largest prostitution zone in Medellin. The girls (and their managers) are aggressive and intimidating if you are not versed in the zone and its rules. You may want to watch a few YouTube videos to get a sense of what it looks like. Pickpockets are common in this zone of Centro.  The park directly in front of the cathedral -- Parque Bolivar -- is an open-use zone (yes, they have those in Colombia) and is a meeting point for drug dealers and addicts. There are also many homeless who congregate here for the food and care they receive at the cathedral each day. If you stand out as a gringo, you are going to get a LOT of unwanted attention just being there after the sun sets. 

That being said, I have been to Machete and Leo's and walked over to La Cantina de Javi from this area, all after 10pm. However, I know the city pretty well and knew enough to enter from Avenida Oriental and stay exclusively on that side of the barrio.  I am also 100% comfortable speaking Spanish with the locals who are going to have MANY questions about what you are doing there in the first place.  As others have pointed out, the "working boys" you will see here are not exactly model material. Many are homeless and working as prostitutes for survival. This is a gritty but real side of Medellin. If that works for you, then proceed with great caution and stay to the east side of the barrio. If you can see even see cathedral, you taking an unnecessary risk.  Please be safe. People are regularly assaulted here with little to no police presence. Now you know.

[12is12]

 Thx for the warning.

Just to b sure: this warning doesnt extend to daytime, right?

Actually, why wld a tourist want to b there at night anyway?

BTW, "locals r going to have many questions..." - why do they care?

[macdaddi]

3 minutes ago, 12is12 said:

Just to b sure: this warning doesnt extend to daytime, right?

You can navigate this area reasonably well in the daytime.  Issues with drugs/dealers/homeless are still there, just less obvious as they are not hanging around in the sun. The pickpockets do not take days off so me mindful about who is around you.  Sundays are especially busy as many will stop at La Cadelaria for the crafts markets, to see the Botrero park statues and tour the landmark Palacio de la Cultura Uribe

Q: Actually, why wld a tourist want to b there at night anyway?

Not my place to question motivation. For some this is a real thrill, and I can appreciate that perspective. Just know that there is a darker side to this neighbourhood.

Q: BTW, "locals r going to have many questions..." - why do they care?

This neighbourhood once served as the centre of commercial life in Medellin and was once the only option for gay men and women (and non-binary) to meet up and socialize. So there is history to this tiny street as it was once the only place in Medellin for openly gay gatherings. As a result, there is still a draw for some locals for historic reasons and because these bars are at an approachable price point. They will be curious why you, a foreigner that can easily afford the more affluent options in El Poblado, Laureles, and Envigado have chosen to spend your time in these tiny (and I mean small, many of these bars hold only 3 tables) establishments that are off the beaten path. Basically they will want to know why the hell you are slumming it when you have many other options available.

Want to add here that I have referenced La Cantina de Javi several times on these forums, but I am not certain that the business survived the pandemic. Will need to check into that...highly recommend their lively cantina to get a glimpse of Paisa living.

[joizy]

27 minutes ago, 12is12 said:

 Thx for the warning.

Just to b sure: this warning doesnt extend to daytime, right?

Actually, why wld a tourist want to b there at night anyway?

BTW, "locals r going to have many questions..." - why do they care?

Personally, I don't think you'd want to go there during the day either. Maybe I'm biased, because I stayed in Poblado and it was so nice there - el centro was very gritty and noisy and generally unpleasant. The exception for me is that you'd want to go to Plaza Botero. I was not really a fan of Botero paintings, but the sculptures are something worth seeing. The area is gritty and the plaza is filled with homeless and addicts. There was a heavy police presence. I recommend going with a local. Based on your posts from the DR, I don't think any of the guys you might find in this area would really appeal to you. It's not worth the risk. If you pick someone up there, where would you take them? I say stick to Grindr, where you seem to have better luck, but as I said in another post, be careful there. Ask for multiple photos and if you still are not convinced do a video call. Plan to meet in a public place if you haven't met them before.

[12is12]

Joizy, the aim there isnt to scout for guys but to visit sites: catedrala, museum, botero, culture palace, etc.....

[speedoo1]

From my trip 3 years ago, I had no issues walking around the city center at day; also around the cathedral and Parque Bolivar - which was actually closed/fenced off at that time - but from reading the warnings in here I didn't walk the streets west of the Cathedral. Homeless people and drug addicts will mind their own business. Obviously, you need to be aware of/look out for pickpockets. It was OK for me and much more interesting area than El Poblado, but maybe it is just me. 

I also walked past the cathedral on the way to the hustler bars in calle 57 one evening, but I agree with the previous posters that this zone should be avoided after dark; even for me it was bit too rough. Plaza Botero and Parque Berrio, however, are fine at night. A lot of people there - and heavy police presence as I recall it. The area east of the nearby main road, Ave. Oriental, also seemed fine to me.

[macdaddi]

To be clear, I want anyone who decides to visit this tiny corner of Medellin to understand what they are walking into.  If this is on your bucket list, then by all means head on down to Calle de los Pecados. Poor Angelo 25cm has seen his discussion forum hijacked

@12is12 Here is a map of the area. Most will enter from the Metro station which is directly to the west (left) of this region.  The area I have discussed sits in the upper right hand corner.  Now if you need to refresh your aquarium, then you will need to visit this part of town as that is where those businesses exist. Otherwise I think it is prudent to skip this area, there are so many other places to visit in this city.  The area with the tourist highlights -- and I do recommend that you visit during the day -- are in the Green Zone. So lots of buffer between then.  Walking down Calle 57a during the day is unlikely going to start an incident, but after dark this neighbourhood is a very different place.

 

[Latbear4blk]

2 hours ago, macdaddi said:

To be clear, I want anyone who decides to visit this tiny corner of Medellin to understand what they are walking into.  If this is on your bucket list, then by all means head on down to Calle de los Pecados. Poor Angelo 25cm has seen his discussion forum hijacked

@12is12 Here is a map of the area. Most will enter from the Metro station which is directly to the west (left) of this region.  The area I have discussed sits in the upper right hand corner.  Now if you need to refresh your aquarium, then you will need to visit this part of town as that is where those businesses exist. Otherwise I think it is prudent to skip this area, there are so many other places to visit in this city.  The area with the tourist highlights -- and I do recommend that you visit during the day -- are in the Green Zone. So lots of buffer between then.  Walking down Calle 57a during the day is unlikely going to start an incident, but after dark this neighbourhood is a very different place.

 

Do you know what, Mac? I would include the square in front of the cathedral as a touristic attraction DURING DAYLIGHT. If you are identifiable as a Gringo, I would go with a local companion. I found it fascinating.

It is a mix of

• countless policemen ignoring what was going on around,
• lumpen teens smelling glue,
• above 50s y.o. local clients cruising for a cheap fuck,
• several hot working class young men smoking weed and hustling,
• countless non attractive at all-ill looking-young men obvious and desperately offering themselves, 
• beautiful very young she-males (I do not know what the politically correct term would be nowadays, in my times I would have said transvestites), admirably standing under the sun with their wigs and inches of make-up, and not sweating not even a micro-drop
• groups of White and Asian tourists walking with a guide, grabbing their purses and cameras, close to each other like an infantry platoon opening their way in zombie apocalypse
• Female prostitutes (unlike their male counterparts, they were at least average looking, I did not notice any female junkies), doing their way to avoid their Fabulous competition
• Regular local men and women passing by, walking fast
• Retired men walking around
• street vendors 

In my opinion, it worths a visit. I specially enjoyed observing the interactions between the johns and the hustlers

[12is12]

Latbear, I salute both ur wit and ur power of observation!! It reads like a ppl-watching heaven.

Despite being gringo-identifiable, I'm planning a daytime visit, even if I dont find a body guard.

[macdaddi]

8 minutes ago, Latbear4blk said:

Do you know what, Mac? I would include the square in front of the cathedral as a touristic attraction DURING DAYLIGHT. If you are identifiable as a Gringo, I would go with a local companion. I found it fascinating.

It is a mix of

• countless policemen ignoring what was going on around,
• lumpen teens smelling glue,
• above 50s y.o. local clients cruising for a cheap fuck,
• several hot working class young men smoking weed and hustling,
• countless non attractive at all-ill looking-young men obvious and desperately offering themselves, 
• beautiful very young she-males (I do not know what the politically correct term would be nowadays, in my times I would have said transvestites), admirably standing under the sun with their wigs and inches of make-up, and not sweating not even a micro-drop
• groups of White and Asian tourists walking with a guide, grabbing their purses and cameras, close to each other like an infantry platoon opening their way in zombie apocalypse
• Female prostitutes (unlike their male counterparts, they were at least average looking, I did not notice any female junkies), doing their way to avoid their Fabulous competition
• Regular local men and women passing by, walking fast
• Retired men walking around
• street vendors 

In my opinion, it worths a visit. I specially enjoyed observing the interactions between the johns and the hustlers

I love it -- but it's all about perspective. I have pointed out here in other posts that the Parque Bolivar is a tourist attraction because a pivotal scene in Narcos was filmed there.  So that is what brings in the tourists.  But it is (as you pointed out) an open-use drug zone. Parque del periodistas is another. So if one is not comfortable in that environment then probably best to steer clear. There truthfully is nothing of note in this area, unless you must see all the churches in Medellin or need to update your fish tank (all of the aquarium shops are on Cra47 in this corner of La Candelaria -- no idea why)...

[Latbear4blk]

47 minutes ago, macdaddi said:

I love it -- but it's all about perspective. I have pointed out here in other posts that the Parque Bolivar is a tourist attraction because a pivotal scene in Narcos was filmed there.  So that is what brings in the tourists.  But it is (as you pointed out) an open-use drug zone. Parque del periodistas is another. So if one is not comfortable in that environment then probably best to steer clear. There truthfully is nothing of note in this area, unless you must see all the churches in Medellin or need to update your fish tank (all of the aquarium shops are on Cra47 in this corner of La Candelaria -- no idea why)...

It looks like I have been in all the right places. 😇

I would not compare Parque Bolivar and Parque del Periodista (or de los Periodistas, not sure which one is the name). 

Indeed, I would avoid both places at night. But the daylight experiences are quiet difference in one or the other. Bolivar is a noisy and hyperactive hub where, as I pointed, you can observe a wide diversity of urban fauna. 

In contrast, Periodistas is a quiet, calm, and I would even say magic urban corner. It is hard to believe that the rapid waters are not clean but coming from the sewer. The water does not smell, and with its noise covers the traffic and other regular city sounds. It is like stepping into an oasis of calmed nature amidst the above urban craziness. I did not see police, tourists, sex workers of any kind, or anyone older than 30, I was the only dinosaur there. No one was talking. I only saw here and there lonely men and women, or couples, from very young (probably 12 y.o.) to mid 30s, consuming some substances. You could also notice in the grass drugs parafernalia left overs, not enough to say that the place was a dump.

It was the perfect place to sit and smoke one of the empanados we had just bought. 

[12is12]

I searched for this park on ggl maps, found something with that name on carrera 43, but in the photos there was no scene like the one u described.

Is there more than one ?

[macdaddi]

47 minutes ago, 12is12 said:

I searched for this park on ggl maps, found something with that name on carrera 43, but in the photos there was no scene like the one u described.

Is there more than one ?

There is only one Parque del Periodista on Cra43. You can Google the history and how the park came to be. It is a sliver of a city street where people congregate to smoke up and consume other substances. There are four convenience stores along the park where you can purchase soda/beer/rum to consume. For extra you can get a cup with ice. There is a heavy police presence and you are completely safe while people watching.

The park is located at the intersection of Calle 53 (Giradot) and Carrera 43 (Maracaibo). There used to be the infamous Tabu Video cabanas across the road, but that was closed the last two times I was there, so I assume that it is gone forever.

 

[macdaddi]

1 hour ago, Latbear4blk said:

In contrast, Periodistas is a quiet, calm, and I would even say magic urban corner. It is hard to believe that the rapid waters are not clean but coming from the sewer. The water does not smell, and with its noise covers the traffic and other regular city sounds. It is like stepping into an oasis of calmed nature amidst the above urban craziness. I did not see police, tourists, sex workers of any kind, or anyone older than 30, I was the only dinosaur there. No one was talking. I only saw here and there lonely men and women, or couples, from very young (probably 12 y.o.) to mid 30s, consuming some substances. You could also notice in the grass drugs parafernalia left overs, not enough to say that the place was a dump.

It was the perfect place to sit and smoke one of the empanados we had just bought. 

This sounds more like Parque Duque where the Quebrada Santa Barbara river flows down underneath the neighbourhood (Medellin has hidden part of this river many years ago).  The Parque Bicentenario is the park along this river in east Medellin which is a very popular place to chill out on the weekends

[12is12]

Thx MacDaddi for sorting out the mix up.

[Latbear4blk]

1 hour ago, macdaddi said:

This sounds more like Parque Duque where the Quebrada Santa Barbara river flows down underneath the neighbourhood (Medellin has hidden part of this river many years ago).  The Parque Bicentenario is the park along this river in east Medellin which is a very popular place to chill out on the weekends

Yes! I was mistaken! So I have not been in the Parque del Periodista. 

[maump]

On 6/26/2022 at 3:21 PM, Latbear4blk said:

Do you know what, Mac? I would include the square in front of the cathedral as a touristic attraction DURING DAYLIGHT. If you are identifiable as a Gringo, I would go with a local companion. I found it fascinating.

It is a mix of

• countless policemen ignoring what was going on around,
• lumpen teens smelling glue,
• above 50s y.o. local clients cruising for a cheap fuck,
• several hot working class young men smoking weed and hustling,
• countless non attractive at all-ill looking-young men obvious and desperately offering themselves, 
• beautiful very young she-males (I do not know what the politically correct term would be nowadays, in my times I would have said transvestites), admirably standing under the sun with their wigs and inches of make-up, and not sweating not even a micro-drop
• groups of White and Asian tourists walking with a guide, grabbing their purses and cameras, close to each other like an infantry platoon opening their way in zombie apocalypse
• Female prostitutes (unlike their male counterparts, they were at least average looking, I did not notice any female junkies), doing their way to avoid their Fabulous competition
• Regular local men and women passing by, walking fast
• Retired men walking around
• street vendors 

In my opinion, it worths a visit. I specially enjoyed observing the interactions between the johns and the hustlers

I was in Medellin in march, I got a airbnb hostel like place up the street level train line (Cra 41 near train) for 7 days.

The whole area around there is pretty rough at night, I did not feel safe at night even with the heavy police presence. 

I accidently discovered Plaza Botero area during the day, I was amazed.  I never did see any males I could determine were hustlers, but I did see literally a hundred + female workers.  I spent a couple afternoons exploring the area, but never talked to any locals.  I explored wide during the day, maybe never realizing my danger.

Later when I had moved la pueblo (holiday inn) I ran into a straight retired marine who winters in Medellin and is part of a group of men who meet everyday in the area.  their goal is to sleep with as many street whores as possible.  he had a by the week love hotel room he took them to (not where he slept). he said he did two to three a day at 10$ a fuck.  He knew  nothing about prep.....

my local guide did not know the plaza area, and he was afraid of the area at  night.

[Latbear4blk]

12 hours ago, maump said:

I explored wide during the day, maybe never realizing my danger.

I think it is reasonable safe during the day. That is why I do recommend at list one visit to the area DURING DAYLIGHT. 

[davet]

On 7/2/2022 at 5:44 PM, maump said:

I ran into a straight retired marine who winters in Medellin and is part of a group of men who meet everyday in the area.  their goal is to sleep with as many street whores as possible.

Whenever I start feeling nervous about gay sex tourism, I'm reminded that the straight version is 10-20 times as big.

[speedoo1]

On 6/25/2022 at 9:16 AM, speedoo1 said:

Thanks - will be in Medellin for the second time next month.

So there is no/little point in visiting calle 57a? 3 years ago I found the short street quite "dead" but I might have been there at the wrong day/too early in the evening. When to schedule a visit?

To answer my own question.

The small street (calle) with the (gay) bars east of the Cathedral, calle 57a wakes up on Saturday evenings (and presumably Fridays). There are a few bars with guests; I didn't watch any freelancers looking for customers; you would probably have to go the Parque Bolivar for that. I enjoyed the small Kanahan bar (which is actually a lesbian bar if I understand it correctly) which will allow you to sit at a table in front/outside and watch the street life in/around calle 57a (not that it is that exciting) while you drink your Club Colombian beer or sip your drink; nice ambience. If you are in the area on Fridays or Saturdays from 8-9PM and onwards, calle 57a is worth a visit.

[speedoo1]

Parque Bolivar /the area around the Cathedral in Medellin was extensively discussed a few weeks ago (despite the headline of this thead and the initial posts about a certain scort; it is worth to make a separate thread about Parque Bolivar with all the observations/comments from here?)

Anyway, here are my observations from my visit in Medellin last month:

Parque Bolivar and the square in front of the Cathedral is perfectly safe during daytime; actually quite pleasant IMO. Indeed, there are drug/glue addicts and hustlers/prostitutes but they will not interfear or do you any harme.

I suggest to walk and look around in the park. You will be noticed, and some of the guys will wave or try to make contact if you look at them. If you want to interact with the guys, sit down somewhere a bit private and be patient. The are many guys in the parque and some will eventually approach you; they will know why you are there. Have a chat (most will not speak English) and see what happens. The guys know where to take you for fun; nearby hotels have “ocasional room” for 15 mil. Bring condoms and lube. Expect to pay the guy 50-75 mil for sex; to be negotiated of course.

The guys that hang around Parque Bolivar are young but not models/have muscle or gym fit bodies, and appearance wise a bit on the rough side, but if you are into such guys, you will have a good time there; some of them are cute/good looking IMO and most have nice lean bodies. Enjoy!

 

[Axiom2020]

On 5/22/2022 at 5:23 AM, Guest said:

Why do things so easily turn into insults here?

I viewed his comment as his being rather facetious....