The whole month in Colombia

[macdaddi]

2 hours ago, Birmingham boy said:

Would you mind to elaborate on this, please? Considering my basic Spanish, would you say it's still worth meeting them in public? What would you consider red flags? I can just meet them, see that they match the pics and don't look aggressive, would that be ok? I'm a bit unsure about how to filter guys out and what I should look for...

Use good sense. There will be those who approach you purely because of a gringo fetish, because you are new and fresh to the scene, and others will be interested what cash they can extract from your wallet. Don't give into temptation; keep your wits about you and be certain that you are comfortable with the person and that they are genuinely interested in you. Finally, as discussed extensively here, remember that the security at your Airbnb is there to protect. They should be aware of your guests and most will not allow guests to exit if you are not with them. Get in the habit of exiting with your guests so the security knows if something isn't right.

Just relax and keep your eyes open. I've had many occasions where I have had instant "boyfriends" who turn into personal security to keep the other punters off their new find. Just watch for the signs or being too aggressive, insistent on spending your money, or overly affectionate within minutes. If it feels too showy or fake it probably is. But if you meet some hunky caleño who wants to show you his moves in bed, I am not telling you that you shouldn't.

[macdaddi]

2 hours ago, 12is12 said:

Pls elaborate about the "men's clubs". R they only gay? How do they work? Any of them especially recommended?

There are many video clubs and men's clubs in different barrios across the city. Some, like Metropolis Club, are larger spaces while most are small, multi-roomed bars where men watch the football game and cruise between drinks. It is meant to be a social space for men to fraternize together. If you want to suck a dick in between halves, then most contain a space to do that. If you search for gay spaces in Cali on Google maps, you will see these clubs spread out across most of the city's barrios.

 

[macdaddi]

On 7/28/2024 at 7:40 AM, Birmingham boy said:

Would it be ok to use metro/public transport during the day to go to touristy spots? Really can't get my head around it considering i'm not even supposed to use my phone/map in public.

Good to be thinking about this. Short answer is yes, you can use your phone in public. However, be aware of your surroundings. You may have seen the videos of moto thiefs grabbing phones from users hands in Colombia. That is a real thing. So be discrete. Don't pull out your iPhone 15 Max in public and think no one is going to notice. As the Colombians say "no dar papaya". Don't make a show of it, don't be obvious.  But don't let paranoia ruin your experiences of the city. Just keep the phone in your pocket, or go Colombian and store your phone in the crotch of your briefs.  Some caleño may even ask you to retrieve his phone for him, it's a not-very-subtle pick up move there.

As for public transit, you can absolutely take the bus during the day. It's the easiest way to get from downtown (north Cali) to the south and the outer suburbs thanks to dedicated bus lanes. 

[xpaulo]

18 hours ago, Birmingham boy said:

I'd appreciate advice on Cali/Medellin/Bogoto

I've stayed in El Poblado and Laureles neighbourhoods and much preferred Laureles just because it didn't seem to be trying so hard... although you may find yourself going to other neighbourhoods for entertainment. Laureles does have Carrera 70 that crosses Circular 1 and 2 with bars, discos and restaurants. The sidewalks are full of people laughing and just generally having a good time.  I stayed in a great place in Cali, an apartment that is one of the 16 listings by the host Mejia Hoyos E Hijos. The Airbnblisting for the apartment I was in is "204) Modern Loft In Granada". Nice neighbourhood, few blocks to the big Centenario shopping centre and good restaurants. Less than two blocks to Phisicus 21 gay sauna. They have a masseur on staff, or they did, and there may be unofficial masseurs for sex in the evenings or late afternoon. Really enjoyed the market tour, the walking tour had lots of info about the history and culture of Cali. There were some interesting looking bike rides in the Cali area.

[xpaulo]

2 minutes ago, xpaulo said:

there may be unofficial masseurs f

On safety concerns I wanted to invite one of the for hire guys at Phisicus to my apartment for the following day and checked with the guy at the front desk he said I could trust the guy. Like many saunas in Colombia, the front desk guy has a view of the locker area... at Phisicus, he asked another customer to remove his stuff from a locker that was in the front counter for me to put my stuff in. Maybe they're extra careful for tourists, not sure. Had a wonderful afternoon in bed the next day fooling around and eating Doritos. (and then washing the Dorito dust out the sheets after he left.}

[Birmingham boy]

You're absolute legends guys, thanks muchly!  I think I found a couple of those airbnbs incl the one @xpaulomentioned. And I'm leaning towards the private apartment with no security doorman, but electric locks, cameras etc to avoid the hassle of registering guys and overthinking "the slut" situation. However looks like everyone recommend the flat with security included... So I'm going to consider this, thanks! 

[speedoo1]

Cali: Whilst I’m able to endorse the Airbnb listings/the building recommended by xpaulo above (I have stayed there 2 years ago, and had no issues taking visitors to my room; there is no security /doorman but the caretaker on site, Mr Diego is really nice/friendly) the nearby ERE Luxury suites are better value; more upscale and really nicely equipped rooms and has slightly lower rates if you book directly w/ the property/on their website rather than Airbnb. Very good communication in English through WhatsApp. No security staff on site and visitors are no issue. Stayed there 3 times already and is my place to go to in Cali. 
 

In general, in cities like Barranquilla, Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, Cali, etc there is no issue taking guys to your room even in buildings with reception/security staff (no one will ask/bat an eyelid). In smaller /no-high end hotels you will often be charged a small fee for a visitor so inquire about that if important to you. In my experience it is only in Medellin, Bogota (and Cartagena?) the no-visitor policy is often applicable and you need to inquire about this ahead of booking. 

[speedoo1]

11 hours ago, 12is12 said:

Pls elaborate about the "men's clubs". R they only gay? How do they work? Any of them especially recommended?

You have so many questions…😁

To be specific I think the reference is to Black and White sex club (really close to Phisicus sauna) which gets going in the evening /at night during the weekends (until 2 AM). Different themes throughout the week. Entrence fee is 20 mil (at least on Saturdays). Lots of young local guys having sex, also in groups, in dark room or whereever there is space, often at full display. Gay or not doesn’t matter; guys come here to have sex and a good time. Some guys will show interest in mature gringos but certainly not all; again your age, body and appearance in general play a significant role here. A very sociable place also when guys take a break/a smoke in the yard, small talk etc  

I’m told that when the club closes at 2AM Saturdays some of the guys will continue to nearby Phisicus sauna. 

[12is12]

U r right, Speedoo; I do have many questions. One of my many shortcomings... )-:

Regarding no security staff at bnb, I gather the security aspect isnt an issue? i.e. - no need to worry about rough incidents with troublesome guests? 

In other threads, at least some contributors regard sec staff as a desirable.....

[speedoo1]

4 minutes ago, 12is12 said:

Regarding no security staff at bnb, I gather the security aspect isnt an issue? i.e. - no need to worry about rough incidents with troublesome guests? 

Well, it can happen anywhere if you do not do your screening sufficiently or are just unlucky. I suppose security staff may prevent some visitors from turning into violent demanding persons etc but as the OP commented dealing w/ security staff can be a hassle and it gives you less of a slut feeling.
 

Mind you this is not Medellin and the majority of guys will visit you with genuine intentions/to make money by proving sex. I should also add that mostly I’m w/ guys I have meet before so I’m not that concerned about safety, security etc. 

[Birmingham boy]

3 hours ago, speedoo1 said:

nearby ERE Luxury suites are better value; more upscale and really nicely equipped rooms and has

Another legend! Booking this one, love their top floor studio option, looks good even if I'm not going to get anyone in! Any cheap love motels nearby you could recommend? In case I won't feel comfortable bringing guys in.

I know I'm waiting for you to get back from the trip with my questions, but if you know any similar secure but no security places/airbnb in Medellin/Bogota - please share. I like the idea of having full privacy even if it means I'd have to pay a couple quid for a love motel from time to time and get the regular guys into my place(if there will be any lol). 

[xpaulo]

10 hours ago, Birmingham boy said:

Any cheap love motels nearby

I am far from the most expert on this site, but outside of saunas I usually turned to mileroticos/rentman/hunqz for sex dates. They often had their own place I could go to. A few suggested motels to go to. They can range from really dingy to quite nice. A guy I contacted on Chaturbate suggested a upscale sex hotel in El Poblado, but when we went in the early afternoon the guy on the desk said there were no rooms available and wouldn't be anytime soon. He was polite, but I think they had a no gays policy. We ended up in basically a storage room with a bed and bathroom in a building adjacent to a backpacker hostel. Still had a wonderful, wonderful time.

[Birmingham boy]

14 hours ago, xpaulo said:

mileroticos/rentman/hunqz for sex dates. They often had their own place I could go to.

Wouldn't work for me as I'm aiming for mostly unpaid activities. But yeah if I'm to meet an escort( and I found a couple I'd pay for, if they offer a discount😂)  that would be an option👍

[Latbear4blk]

28 minutes ago, Birmingham boy said:

Wouldn't work for me as I'm aiming for mostly unpaid activities. But yeah if I'm to meet an escort( and I found a couple I'd pay for, if they offer a discount😂)  that would be an option👍

I was planning to do the following during my last visit to Medellín, but the escorts did not leave me free time.

You should sit in a bar in El Poblado, like Donde Aquellos, and open your Grindr. I bet you will have lots of hits, and you would be already comfortably settled at a table to interview them before taking them to your place. 

[neyger]

I've stayed in Belen, Medellin serveral times and had a great time. Don't expect anyone to speak english though. I would consider to stay in the northern part of Belen (around cc molinos, pq bélen, San Bernardo, Rosales). For meeting local guys and enjoying the local paisa life, the area around parque de la Floresta and Calasanz (lower part) is also fine (there are nearby universities) and reasonable safe (and the metro is nearby).  the metro is safe, even during night time (but watch out for pickpockets). 

Bucaramanga isn't that small. Together with Floridablanca, it has a population of 1 million. It would have been a good option for a week. Plenty of things to do and see and lots of university students eager to practice their English (and more). 

On 7/30/2024 at 6:02 AM, xpaulo said:

So, just did some browsing and saw a story that said the arrival of Venezuelan criminal gangs has more or less doubled the number of serious violent crimes in Cucuta over the past couple of years.... so maybe give it a pass.

I would strongly advise against visiting Cucuta nowadays. Neighborhoods that were rather safe a few years ago became no-go zones. The Cucuteños are still the nicest people I've met in Colombia and it's almost too easy to meet friendly, good-looking guys, but the security situation is dire.

 

[floridarob]

36 minutes ago, neyger said:

I would strongly advise against visiting Cucuta nowadays.

Copa just suspended flights to Venezuela AND Cucuta.....

[Birmingham boy]

1 hour ago, Latbear4blk said:

You should sit in a bar in El Poblado, like Donde Aquellos, and open your Grindr. I be

I found a nice private place in Laureles with electronic door entrance and lovely views, really tempting. Would you say it's a dead end I'd be better finding free horny guys in El Poblado? I mean I can still take an Uber there and get the guy back to my place in Laureles or am I expecting too much 😂

[12is12]

Neyger, is there really much to do in bucaramanga?

On the web it seems it's a green parky city, but not more than that...

[macdaddi]

1 hour ago, Birmingham boy said:

I found a nice private place in Laureles with electronic door entrance and lovely views, really tempting. Would you say it's a dead end I'd be better finding free horny guys in El Poblado? I mean I can still take an Uber there and get the guy back to my place in Laureles or am I expecting too much 😂

No. If you want an authentic experience, stay in Laureles.  El Poblado has become the epicentre for remote workers and ex-pats in the city. If you follow any Medellín real estate accounts, all of those big apartments for sale is because the Colombians (including those who can afford them) avoid the Poblado neighbourhood.

Getting around the city is an issue since everything is split West-East because of the Medellín river. The local boys won't care, they are used to it. They are most likely to live in an area far from Poblado so don't let that factor into your decision.

[neyger]

2 hours ago, Birmingham boy said:

I found a nice private place in Laureles with electronic door entrance and lovely views, really tempting. Would you say it's a dead end I'd be better finding free horny guys in El Poblado? I mean I can still take an Uber there and get the guy back to my place in Laureles or am I expecting too much 😂

Free and Poblado, you never see those words together. But I'm biased, I'm not a big fan of Poblado. Manila (in Poblado) has some charm, but overpriced like everything else in Poblado. 

Laureles is imho a better & cheaper option.  

[neyger]

1 hour ago, 12is12 said:

Neyger, is there really much to do in bucaramanga?

On the web it seems it's a green parky city, but not more than that...

I enjoyed my visits to Bucaramanga (BGA). I was also combining doing remote work and hollidays.  The city vibe feels a bit like Medellin, but without provenza or the metro. The climate is also moderate.

Cabecera is the more upmarket part of town and a good place to rent an Airbnb.  It's the Laureles of BGA, but without the gringos. Prices are moderate and plenty of good coffeeshops & restaurants.  There are large shopping malls as well.  Gay life (bars / discos) is a bit limited, the only (gay) disco I visited was 'Deja Vu'.

You can visit Giron, 30 minutes from BGA, a nice colonial town. An other nearby town, Piedecuesta, was a success for boy hunting and I made a couple nice nature walks and  a visit to small waterfalls with a local guy. 

San Gil is a must visit if you like adventurous sports (rafting, parapente, ..), but it's a 2,5 hours bus ride from BGA. 

There's also a natural park that is worth visiting, Chicamocha.  It has a small water park that the uni guys love to visit.  

The area just before the airport is nice to visit as well. Take a coat, since it can get cold, but there are a couple restaurants with impressive views there. 

That's probably my main beef with BGA. The airport is in the mountains and when it rains, the clouds hinder air traffic. In both occassions I had to fly out of BGA, it was raining and my flight was delayed. 

[Birmingham boy]

1 hour ago, macdaddi said:

you want an authentic experience, stay in Laureles

Great, decided on that one! Thanks everyone for contributing! Cali and Medellin accommodation booked:)

Any similar authentic but safe places in Bogota? I suspect I need to be close to Chapinero for local horny guys gathering around gay saunas etc, but any other options? Local, authentic, safe , not touristy but not dead retirement home style of a neighborhood? I'd need to book a couple of different places 1 w each to explore 2 different areas ideally...

[12is12]

Thx nyger (-:

[Latbear4blk]

4 hours ago, Birmingham boy said:

I found a nice private place in Laureles with electronic door entrance and lovely views, really tempting. Would you say it's a dead end I'd be better finding free horny guys in El Poblado? I mean I can still take an Uber there and get the guy back to my place in Laureles or am I expecting too much 😂

That particular scenario stayed on my imagination because during my first visit to Medellin I went to Donde Aquellos with two fuckbuddies, and my phone drove me crazy with hits. Unfortunately, I was taken. However, my base was in Laureles. El Poblado is not my favorite hood, but in Medellin you will not find a higher PPM (Puto Por Metro cuadrado). It is a good hunting area, and then you take your preys to your castle, wherever it is located. 

[Birmingham boy]

Random q. Found in description on Airbnb in Cali that water isn't safe to drink and bottled water is provided. Is this true and applies to the whole city or would that be that particular building? Just thinking about washing ass procedures etc which require shower water to be safe🤔 Also most of the showers are American style so I'm going to buy a regular euro cable shower and just attach it for the period of my stay...