macdaddi

For a first visit, stay in Chapigay. Everything is walking distance and all of the gay-ness is walking distance.  There are also a few clubs and bars in Zona T immediately north of Chapinero. Yes, the buildings in the hills above Avenida 7 are considered a very desirable place to live with excellent restaurants and amenities.  As for guests, this topic has been covered to death here. The vast majority of hotels will charge for overnight guests. Find out the fee in advance. Some exceptions to the rule have been shared here. If you want total access, it's Airbnb/VRBO for you and expect mandatory registration of all guests with the doorman/security. You may luck out on a building without that, but it is to your benefit as has been discussed previously.  If you absolutely cannot abide either option, there are tons of love motels in the zona and multiple sauna options.
FWIW When in Bogotá I stay either in upper Chapinero or in the Parque Virrey neighbourhoods.  I also walk frequently alone at night because I know the city and the different barrios. For a first-time visitor, use Uber or Indriver and stay safe.  Enjoy!

So we ended up going to Cartagena & Bogota for a few days.
I'm very disappointed that I didn't end up going to Gabanna, a lot of the locals told me not to go, but it seemed like everyone was there during the weekend and someone invited me on Sunday, but by that time I was out & drunk already in the walled city. For this one spot alone I'm ready to go back to CTG, I don't necessarily need a plethora of places, I like off the beaten path. I also got invited to Avatar but never made it, didn't hear or see much about Gemini or Crazy Breeze if it still exists.
Had a really great night at City Club, the one gay club in the central neighborhoods, it's really just a regular club, & very small, but made some friends, one off grindr, & we had a great night. Cartagena was difficult at first because most hotels & airbnbs are very guarded (literally, with door people) about visitors. Some of the guys have spots though. First few days were frustrating, but I finally found some hourly hotels in Getsemani. One wouldn't let me use it if it was with a chico instead of a chica, but the other one was fine & the woman working it was very accommodating. It was 30 pesos for the hour & I think 125 for the night.
Even though I was in Bogota monday to wednesday, tuesday was basically a weekend night because of May Day, & the streets were crawling. We didn't go to Theatron though because someone mistakenly told me it would be open wednesday, but we had a great time at a salsa bar. I figured a lot of people would be off for the holiday, so that was the day I chose to hit up a sauna. I went to St. Moritze, & there must have been at least 50 guys there. 24 pesos I believe to get in. I don't know how much a massage is because I didn't. There were all ages, plenty of fine dudes, & at the same time it was both hot/sexy but also chill & not overly aggressive.
Final conclusion...I need to go back to both places

There are definitely a lot of clubs, saunas & massage parlors, Id say stay in Chapinero close to Parque de los Hippies, you can stay on the nicer side of Avenida 7(?), but overall Bogota isn't that safe to walk around at night unless there's a lot of people out or you're in a group, unless you wanna stay far away from all the action.

You get one guest. That’’s it. If you change the guest and their related info then you will be charged a full night stay which was around $250 per night last week (Semana Santa is always highest rates).
For this reason I normally stay in an Airbnb when you have more flexibility to entertain guests. Remember that overnight guest is usually monitored in Colombia. There are hotels in the Poblado area that traditionally have been more lenient with guests, but I am not current on status. I would recommend looking closely at the guest policy of Airbnb options in the surrounding neighbourhoods of Castropol, Manilla, or Provenza (all easy walking distance) if you need to stay in Poblado. Good luck. 

I am always friendly and smiling and don't complain or bitch about Colombia to Colombians (beyond the why are there no vegetables on the restaurant menus?  you grow the best vegetables!!
there are so many barbers, I was always welcome, and for pedicures/manicure I went to the small "house front" womens shops, they were always happy to have me and very happy because I added 5-7 peso tip.
I didn't really notice an anti foreigner attitude although everyone was unhappy with prices of everything (especially gas)

For those that asked, here you go.
Sauna Cruising Fusion
Carrera 45D  #57 – 44   (barrio El Centro)
Despite comments posted here, this remains the most popular sauna in Medellín in 2024.  You will generally find a lineup to get in after 6pm here most weeknights since this place has the afterwork crowd on lock.
This facility was opened only 3 years ago, so it is in very good condition and kept very clean. There is a large Roman-bath soaker, steam room, sauna and a pool. A billard room  and two bars.  There is also outdoor space with loungers if you like to get in some au natural sunbathing.  This area gets particularly busy after dark.
There is a dark room-labyrinth, a theatre showing porn, several public cabins with glory holes, plus private cabins with tvs (porn).  This sauna does not offer massage service.
The crowd here comes to play and there are breakout group sessions are common around the space. A good mix of professionals, working class and students, this is probably the best looking/fittest crowd consistently in the city.  The parking lot is full of motos by 5pm. Surprisingly quiet on Sundays when other nearby saunas host events – have never seen a promotion event at Sauna Cruising.  This is definitely the horniest scene in Medellín currently.
X   @Cruising_fusion
WhatsApp  +57  313 2047877
 
Saint Moritz Sauna
Calle 56  # 45 – 72  (barrio El Centro)
Has been discussed pretty extensively in this post, this is the newest addition (2023) to the Medellín scene.
The facility is basic but clean. Sauna, jacuzzi, very large steam room, darkroom, and small outdoor space. They do offer massage, however I have never seen more than two attendants on site.  
This space has had a hard time finding its crowd in neighbourhood where you  can find eight saunas within a 10 minute walk.  Best day is Sunday when they run promotions (strippers and live sex shows) or duing holidays/special events. Valentine’s Day (Feb 14) was packed this year.
Website   https://saintmoritzsaunas.com/galeria/medellin/
WhatsApp  +57  313 8810055
Instagram   @saintmoritzmed
 
El Castillo
Carrera 45D  #57-85   (barrio El Centro)
If you are a fan of pollos (young men) you are going to love this place. Just up the street from Crusing Fusion, this is the favourite sauna/cruising bar with the younger crowd. If you are not also pollo, I can not guarantee they are going to be interested in you.
This location is in a residential zone, with a discrete entrance off the street. The space is large with a dark room/labyrinth, sauna and steam room, video room and lots of hallways to explore.
Busiest day is Saturday when they host Rumba Total – a weekly event with entertainment (strippers) and open bar.  There is no massage service here.
WhatsApp  +57  315 5156550
Instagram   @elcastillosauna ß not active
 
Club 55
Calle 55  #45 – 44  (barrio El Centro)
Probably the most dependable sauna in Medellin for packing in the crowds, this place gets busiest on the weekends (Sat - Sun) and fairly busy after work (4:30 - 6:30pm).
Taking over where Club de Tobi (RIP) left off, Club 55 features massage service with two massage rooms on the second floor.  However of late the service seems intermittent so take you chances if this is your motivation. The attendents can be found by the pool/bar area when not busy.
The club has two floors, with a sauna, jacuzzi, pool and bar on the main floor. The second floor hosts a labyrinth (glory holes and private rooms) and steam room which get very busy.  There is a small gym on the second floor.
The crowd is a mix of younger and older that tends to taper off by 7:30pm so get there early.
Telephone   +57 2313100
 
La Casona Spa
Carrera 47  #57A – 32  (2do piso) (barrio La Candelaria)
This Video bar was fully renovated in 2022 and is advertising heavily. The space is small, but includes a bar and show room, turco, jacuzzi, outdoor space and darkroom with a sling.  There are private cabins available to get busy with new acquaintances.
The crowd is older (think 40 plus) but looking to get down to business in a sex positive environment.
WhatsApp  +57  304 5514626
X  @solohombresvid
 
Sauna Atlanta Gay
Calle 51  #40 – 125  (2do piso)    (barrio Centro)
If you want to experience a throwback gay sex club in Medellin, you found your spot.
This is a bare bones location to meet other men and have sex. Think over 40’s crowd that is looking to get busy.  It is located right downtown (Avenida La Playa) so busiest during the week – late afternoons and after 6pm.
There is a rooftop deck, dark room, video room and a sex room with benches and a sling.  The space smells of stale poppers and cum.
If you like your sex clubs raunchy and sweaty you may fall in love with this place.
Telephone   +57 44895054
 

Bogota:
The action during the week can be very spotty so do not be surprised to see virtually empty clubs on a Monday or Tuesday.  Here are some suggestions for central Bogota that I solicited from locals:
Wednesday - Club Chueca (new location in Zona T - not the old Chapinero location which is no more)
Thursday - El Mozo  (Zona T)  -  Leos Bar Mistica (Chapinero)  Good options for crowds but zero strippers
Friday -  Dark Club (Chapinero) - El Bunker (Chapinero)  - Fuzion Bar (Chapinero)
Saturday - Theatron (Chapinero) - El Mozo (Zona T)
Strippers are only a regular feature at Gigolo Erotic House (Chapinero) - DistricheX nightly show (Chapinero) - Garage Gogo Mne (Chapinero)
Several of the saunas feature stripper shows (usually just one stripper) on the weekends to draw the punters in. Check local listings, but most commonly I have seen promotions from Complices Spa (Tesaquillo) and Perseus (Santa Helenita).

It is quite common in most of Colombia for hotels to have a guest policy that does not allow admission to non-registered guests (i.e. at the time of booking).
Of the three hotels listed, I can tell you that the Charlee will allow you to bring in one guest -- who will be registered at the reception desk -- but any more that that one additional name will be charged a full reservation feel for their stay, whether overnight or for a few hours. It is in their policy as of today, since I am staying here right now.

@floridarob  Here in Colombia, unless delivered with a scowl and some spittle, the word "gringo" simply means "foreigner". It is very, very rarely used as a slur (they have other words for that) and has a pretty neutral emotional value. It simply means "you are not from Colombia and you are not latino". I have had some funny conversations with black friends explaining that they too are considered gringos in Colombia.
Yes, I am aware that this is not the case for all Lain American countries. Worth a separate Discussion about other's experiences.
But back to the statement. Yes, Colombians, particularly in the large cities, are feeling fatigued by the incredible growth in tourism over the past 5 years. They have reached the point where the novelty of seeing so many foreign faces has worn off. The cost of living and food have gotten more expensive with global supply chain and fuel issues, and everyone is feeling it here. The easy calculation is to add the two realities together.
Whenever I am asked the inevitable "Where are you from?" (it will always be prefaced with some chit chat because Colombians are very formal when first meeting), I have my go-to answer ready, and you are welcome to steal this. I explain that I am part-Colombian now since I claimed refugee status to escape the inhumanity of Canadian winters, and am working towards obtaining full citizenship. That usually breaks the ice (pun intended). Yes, the language skills help, but my suggestion to anyone is that you need to be ready to help your Colombian friend connect with the human behind the gringo exterior. Once you get past that cultural hurdle, there is much to love about this incredible country.

For those that asked, here you go.
Sauna Cruising Fusion
Carrera 45D  #57 – 44   (barrio El Centro)
Despite comments posted here, this remains the most popular sauna in Medellín in 2024.  You will generally find a lineup to get in after 6pm here most weeknights since this place has the afterwork crowd on lock.
This facility was opened only 3 years ago, so it is in very good condition and kept very clean. There is a large Roman-bath soaker, steam room, sauna and a pool. A billard room  and two bars.  There is also outdoor space with loungers if you like to get in some au natural sunbathing.  This area gets particularly busy after dark.
There is a dark room-labyrinth, a theatre showing porn, several public cabins with glory holes, plus private cabins with tvs (porn).  This sauna does not offer massage service.
The crowd here comes to play and there are breakout group sessions are common around the space. A good mix of professionals, working class and students, this is probably the best looking/fittest crowd consistently in the city.  The parking lot is full of motos by 5pm. Surprisingly quiet on Sundays when other nearby saunas host events – have never seen a promotion event at Sauna Cruising.  This is definitely the horniest scene in Medellín currently.
X   @Cruising_fusion
WhatsApp  +57  313 2047877
 
Saint Moritz Sauna
Calle 56  # 45 – 72  (barrio El Centro)
Has been discussed pretty extensively in this post, this is the newest addition (2023) to the Medellín scene.
The facility is basic but clean. Sauna, jacuzzi, very large steam room, darkroom, and small outdoor space. They do offer massage, however I have never seen more than two attendants on site.  
This space has had a hard time finding its crowd in neighbourhood where you  can find eight saunas within a 10 minute walk.  Best day is Sunday when they run promotions (strippers and live sex shows) or duing holidays/special events. Valentine’s Day (Feb 14) was packed this year.
Website   https://saintmoritzsaunas.com/galeria/medellin/
WhatsApp  +57  313 8810055
Instagram   @saintmoritzmed
 
El Castillo
Carrera 45D  #57-85   (barrio El Centro)
If you are a fan of pollos (young men) you are going to love this place. Just up the street from Crusing Fusion, this is the favourite sauna/cruising bar with the younger crowd. If you are not also pollo, I can not guarantee they are going to be interested in you.
This location is in a residential zone, with a discrete entrance off the street. The space is large with a dark room/labyrinth, sauna and steam room, video room and lots of hallways to explore.
Busiest day is Saturday when they host Rumba Total – a weekly event with entertainment (strippers) and open bar.  There is no massage service here.
WhatsApp  +57  315 5156550
Instagram   @elcastillosauna ß not active
 
Club 55
Calle 55  #45 – 44  (barrio El Centro)
Probably the most dependable sauna in Medellin for packing in the crowds, this place gets busiest on the weekends (Sat - Sun) and fairly busy after work (4:30 - 6:30pm).
Taking over where Club de Tobi (RIP) left off, Club 55 features massage service with two massage rooms on the second floor.  However of late the service seems intermittent so take you chances if this is your motivation. The attendents can be found by the pool/bar area when not busy.
The club has two floors, with a sauna, jacuzzi, pool and bar on the main floor. The second floor hosts a labyrinth (glory holes and private rooms) and steam room which get very busy.  There is a small gym on the second floor.
The crowd is a mix of younger and older that tends to taper off by 7:30pm so get there early.
Telephone   +57 2313100
 
La Casona Spa
Carrera 47  #57A – 32  (2do piso) (barrio La Candelaria)
This Video bar was fully renovated in 2022 and is advertising heavily. The space is small, but includes a bar and show room, turco, jacuzzi, outdoor space and darkroom with a sling.  There are private cabins available to get busy with new acquaintances.
The crowd is older (think 40 plus) but looking to get down to business in a sex positive environment.
WhatsApp  +57  304 5514626
X  @solohombresvid
 
Sauna Atlanta Gay
Calle 51  #40 – 125  (2do piso)    (barrio Centro)
If you want to experience a throwback gay sex club in Medellin, you found your spot.
This is a bare bones location to meet other men and have sex. Think over 40’s crowd that is looking to get busy.  It is located right downtown (Avenida La Playa) so busiest during the week – late afternoons and after 6pm.
There is a rooftop deck, dark room, video room and a sex room with benches and a sling.  The space smells of stale poppers and cum.
If you like your sex clubs raunchy and sweaty you may fall in love with this place.
Telephone   +57 44895054
 

Nobody less gullible asking can’t you just make do?

@floridarob  Here in Colombia, unless delivered with a scowl and some spittle, the word "gringo" simply means "foreigner". It is very, very rarely used as a slur (they have other words for that) and has a pretty neutral emotional value. It simply means "you are not from Colombia and you are not latino". I have had some funny conversations with black friends explaining that they too are considered gringos in Colombia.
Yes, I am aware that this is not the case for all Lain American countries. Worth a separate Discussion about other's experiences.
But back to the statement. Yes, Colombians, particularly in the large cities, are feeling fatigued by the incredible growth in tourism over the past 5 years. They have reached the point where the novelty of seeing so many foreign faces has worn off. The cost of living and food have gotten more expensive with global supply chain and fuel issues, and everyone is feeling it here. The easy calculation is to add the two realities together.
Whenever I am asked the inevitable "Where are you from?" (it will always be prefaced with some chit chat because Colombians are very formal when first meeting), I have my go-to answer ready, and you are welcome to steal this. I explain that I am part-Colombian now since I claimed refugee status to escape the inhumanity of Canadian winters, and am working towards obtaining full citizenship. That usually breaks the ice (pun intended). Yes, the language skills help, but my suggestion to anyone is that you need to be ready to help your Colombian friend connect with the human behind the gringo exterior. Once you get past that cultural hurdle, there is much to love about this incredible country.

Something happening in Medellín is a growing resistance to foreigners. I found it increasingly difficult this year to get a proper manicure/pedicure in the city as many spas will tell you they don't offer their serivces to men (not true but what are you going to say/do?)
I found a new barbershop that I am happy to share -- Desert Eagle Barba VIP in the Mall Gran Via  (Transversal 75B #5-106 - barrio Belén) that offers a complete set of services to men in a funky and friendly environment.  They offer bar service and a pool table while you wait your turn with one of eight barbers.
Services include haircut, shave + beard services, facial exfoliation, manicures, pedicures, and waxing (ears, nose, eyebrows). Prices slightly higher than other barbershops but happy to pay to get everything done in one stop.
WhatsApp  +57 302 3427971

Mexico City, Bali and I'm sure there are others are in the same situation...

The current reigning hot spot, the Black & White club is a sex club. This old building contains mazes, two dark rooms with slings, lots of low seating for those who need to be sat a low height for whatever reason, and a large outdoor smoking area with porn.
They have a different dress code daily (shirts no underwear, jockstraps, boxers, etc.) The most popular day is Sunday which is totally nude.  Saw lots of fucking and groups in every zone within the club, so there is no particular special room. Air conditioned with fans in all dark rooms is a nice touch for Cali.
Crowed was quite young (25-35) with a few grey hairs around the space. Cali can be quite reserved so this was a nice surprise to find a straighforward gay fuck club.
Open daily  3pm - 9pm (until 10pm for special events like the poster attached)
Calle 14Norte #38  (the Phisicus Spa is around the corner on the same block) 
Tel +57 321 5068071
WhatsApp  +57 318 574307
Twitter: @Bwhitecats_

Something happening in Medellín is a growing resistance to foreigners. I found it increasingly difficult this year to get a proper manicure/pedicure in the city as many spas will tell you they don't offer their serivces to men (not true but what are you going to say/do?)
I found a new barbershop that I am happy to share -- Desert Eagle Barba VIP in the Mall Gran Via  (Transversal 75B #5-106 - barrio Belén) that offers a complete set of services to men in a funky and friendly environment.  They offer bar service and a pool table while you wait your turn with one of eight barbers.
Services include haircut, shave + beard services, facial exfoliation, manicures, pedicures, and waxing (ears, nose, eyebrows). Prices slightly higher than other barbershops but happy to pay to get everything done in one stop.
WhatsApp  +57 302 3427971

Re-reading original post, sounds like trip to Baranquilla is set already.  Happy to share some notes on the nightlife scene there. It is a large city so there is a thriving scene to be certain.

I will be in Cartagena next week (Mat 20) and can update you then. Spending a few days witth friends before winding down in the islands for some vacation. 
I can ask for specific updates, you may want to take a look at my club report (pre-Gemini) on the Cartagena scene. Can answer specific questions about Gabannna (I walkfrom Getsemani but can understand why others would not) City Club, and Aventura. 

Mompóx is one of my favourites, but a long trip by car. Feel free to DM me and I can discuss — have driven down to Mompóx from Cartagena and from Tolú. 
If you want something different, I suspect you would enjoy Bogotá scene over Medellin simply because Bogotá is in your face while Medellin takes a bit to figure out. Just pack for cooler nights.
i have been spending my winters here in Medellin for the past 7 years (here now) so feel free to send me specific questions and I will try to answer quickly. 

the flight isnt booked, just a cancel-able hotel. Id appreciate any insights, as I just wrote in another reply im thinking of flying us to Bogota instead and adding an extra night, because it seems early in the week will be quiet in Quilla, but also to get to see a different side of Colombia outside the caribbean. But im open to all possibilities, if youre willing to share

Yeah i have a lot of friends from Colombia, mostly from Medellin, some from Bogota, & a couple suggested Tayrona but I think its too far for this trip since we'll mostly be based out of ctg and not bq, & frankly i dont feel motivated enough haha. The beaches look beautiful, & that sounds hot, but I can find plenty of beach action in the summer in new england

Mompóx is one of my favourites, but a long trip by car. Feel free to DM me and I can discuss — have driven down to Mompóx from Cartagena and from Tolú. 
If you want something different, I suspect you would enjoy Bogotá scene over Medellin simply because Bogotá is in your face while Medellin takes a bit to figure out. Just pack for cooler nights.
i have been spending my winters here in Medellin for the past 7 years (here now) so feel free to send me specific questions and I will try to answer quickly. 

In Cartagena, you have to remember that this is really three cities -- the old Walled city and next-door Getsemani, the Hotels along the water in Bocagrande and the suburban outpost of El Castillo, and the main city of Cartagena proper (including the Manga neighbourhood).
You want to spend time in the Walled City, walk around and soak in the ambience. Grab a drink at Cafe del Mar and watch the sun set.  Visit Gabriel Garcia Marquez's former home.  Have lunch by the pool at the Santa Clara hotel (a former monastery).  Explore the graffiti covered streets of Getsemani and walk under the hanging umbrellas that protect you from the sun.
As others have pointed out, the beaches along Bocagrande are not great. The best beach is in El Castillo next to the Hilton hotel. It is a public beach so feel free to set up there. Otherwise, you can grab a day charter from Muelle de la Bodegita where dozens of companies will sell you packages for day trips to Cholón (over priced but popular), Playa Blanca and Barú.  There are tons of shops, restaurants and smaller bars in Bocagrande-El Castillo, which becomes very lively in the evening.
You are definitely going to want to go out at least once. There are dozens of rooftop bars/clubs in the walled city. The best known are Alquímico, Tsunami, and Ajeno.  The scene at Donde Fidel (on the street across from the Hard Rock) is fun and you will get different entertainment looking for tips.
As far as Baranquilla goes, it is not well developed for tourism. It actually came into existence because of its location on the Magdelana river so it has extensive history and interesting culture.  Unless you are very comfortable with the language and know some locals, there is little to see and do outside of Carnaval each year.  The suggestions to explore Tayrona and Santa Marta are good ones since both are relatively close.  You may also want to just spend more time exploring the many sites around Cartagena such as El Tutumo (mud volcano -- fun half day outing), see the flamingos at the Avario nacional de Barú, swim with photoplankton at night in Barú, learn about AfroColombian culture with a day trip to San Basilio del Palenque, or tour the mangroves outside Cartagena.  There are many other options to see - do so I encourage you to keep exploring the many possibilities for your trip here.  Enjoy your time in Colombia.

In Cartagena, you have to remember that this is really three cities -- the old Walled city and next-door Getsemani, the Hotels along the water in Bocagrande and the suburban outpost of El Castillo, and the main city of Cartagena proper (including the Manga neighbourhood).
You want to spend time in the Walled City, walk around and soak in the ambience. Grab a drink at Cafe del Mar and watch the sun set.  Visit Gabriel Garcia Marquez's former home.  Have lunch by the pool at the Santa Clara hotel (a former monastery).  Explore the graffiti covered streets of Getsemani and walk under the hanging umbrellas that protect you from the sun.
As others have pointed out, the beaches along Bocagrande are not great. The best beach is in El Castillo next to the Hilton hotel. It is a public beach so feel free to set up there. Otherwise, you can grab a day charter from Muelle de la Bodegita where dozens of companies will sell you packages for day trips to Cholón (over priced but popular), Playa Blanca and Barú.  There are tons of shops, restaurants and smaller bars in Bocagrande-El Castillo, which becomes very lively in the evening.
You are definitely going to want to go out at least once. There are dozens of rooftop bars/clubs in the walled city. The best known are Alquímico, Tsunami, and Ajeno.  The scene at Donde Fidel (on the street across from the Hard Rock) is fun and you will get different entertainment looking for tips.
As far as Baranquilla goes, it is not well developed for tourism. It actually came into existence because of its location on the Magdelana river so it has extensive history and interesting culture.  Unless you are very comfortable with the language and know some locals, there is little to see and do outside of Carnaval each year.  The suggestions to explore Tayrona and Santa Marta are good ones since both are relatively close.  You may also want to just spend more time exploring the many sites around Cartagena such as El Tutumo (mud volcano -- fun half day outing), see the flamingos at the Avario nacional de Barú, swim with photoplankton at night in Barú, learn about AfroColombian culture with a day trip to San Basilio del Palenque, or tour the mangroves outside Cartagena.  There are many other options to see - do so I encourage you to keep exploring the many possibilities for your trip here.  Enjoy your time in Colombia.

Done.