Medellin

[Riobard]

My 1-week experience in Bogotá, Autumn 2019, was stellar enough to keep it on my bucket repeat list, from penthouse price to sights to transport app to food to hires. Beyond expectations; it might have set the bar high for an eventual return. 

[Boy69]

30 minutes ago, Riobard said:

My 1-week experience in Bogotá, Autumn 2019, was stellar enough to keep it on my bucket repeat list, from penthouse price to sights to transport app to food to hires. Beyond expectations; it might have set the bar high for an eventual return. 

I am planning a long trip to Colombia besides Bogota planning to visit Cartagena, Santa Marta and Medellin ,Did you visit there as well ? Your experience with the local guys and gay nightlife was beyond expectations as well ? 

[iendo]

1 hour ago, Boy69 said:

I am planning a long trip to Colombia besides Bogota planning to visit Cartagena, Santa Marta and Medellin ,Did you visit there as well ? Your experience with the local guys and gay nightlife was beyond expectations as well ? 

Did you ever been to the altitude of Bogota? I've been and left after a few days because I couldn't handle the altitude. It's only 250 meters higher than CDMX, but that was a world of difference to me.

Something to take into concideration.

[iendo]

1 hour ago, Riobard said:

to transport app

Did you use Cabify?

[Riobard]

3 hours ago, Boy69 said:

I am planning a long trip to Colombia besides Bogota planning to visit Cartagena, Santa Marta and Medellin ,Did you visit there as well ? Your experience with the local guys and gay nightlife was beyond expectations as well ? 

Only been to Bogotá so far.

[Riobard]

2 hours ago, iendo said:

Did you use Cabify?

No, Über.

But leaving for airport the driver was very nervous seeing a cop having pulled over a vehicle, so there may be some tension about various ride platforms. He alluded to illegality of using Über and conflict with conventional taxi use, so best to research this for future? And no, he was not trying to fleece me for a theoretical ‘risk surcharge’. 

I have always used Über in Brazil no problem. Not familiar with Cabify. 

[Riobard]

2 hours ago, iendo said:

Did you ever been to the altitude of Bogota? I've been and left after a few days because I couldn't handle the altitude. It's only 250 meters higher than CDMX, but that was a world of difference to me.

Something to take into concideration.

Didn’t notice though I live at only 25 metres sea level. But I did not do the fitness routines I ordinarily do at home and I don’t recall my area of Chapinero being hilly. I tend to be more bothered by outdoor heat; it was cool how I like it.  

[iendo]

10 hours ago, Riobard said:

No, Über.

But leaving for airport the driver was very nervous seeing a cop having pulled over a vehicle, so there may be some tension about various ride platforms. He alluded to illegality of using Über and conflict with conventional taxi use, so best to research this for future? And no, he was not trying to fleece me for a theoretical ‘risk surcharge’. 

I have always used Über in Brazil no problem. Not familiar with Cabify. 

Yes, that's why I asked.

 

I also heard and seen some videos about people that used Uber. The driver would ask them to sit at the front because then it would look like they were friends. But as I understand it now, Cabify is illegal as well. I know Cabify from Barcelona and the in Medellin they have an app "Easy Taxi."

 

Here is a two-year-old thread from Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g297478-i6346-k12473130-Transportation_in_Medellin_Uber_Cabify_Easy_Taxi-Medellin_Antioquia_Department.html 

 

The agency from which we rent a house is sending a car for us. This service will cost us $80.000 pesos from Medellin's José María Córdova airport, which is equally priced as a regular taxi but I would gladly pay more, just for the safety aspect.

 

https://medellinguru.com/get-to-medellin-from-the-airport/

 

[scott456]

3 hours ago, iendo said:

 

The agency from which we rent a house is sending a car for us. This service will cost us $80.000 pesos from Medellin's José María Córdova airport, which is equally priced as a regular taxi but I would gladly pay more, just for the safety aspect.

 

https://medellinguru.com/get-to-medellin-from-the-airport/

 

Yes, the transportation from Mexellin airport to the city is not very easy to arrange if you don't plan ahead  of time.  But I followed some TripAdvisor poster's instruction, got in line with local folks outside the airport, and got on the share car ride. (I don't speak any Español).  It was a winding, hilly ride.  When you get to the city, you will have to get your own taxi or uber to go to your hotel/apartment. For Uber,  it's true that you have to sit in the front seat because Uber is illegal there.  My trip was 3 years ago though.

[macdaddi]

Transportation to Medellin from the MDE airport is very straight forward since the opening of the western tunnel in 2019. The tunnel goes through the mountains (two sections) and ends with a connection with Avenida Las Palmas in the upper western side of the city (almost directly above El Poblado barrio).

When existing the airport, head to the taxi signs. There will be attendants directing you to the taxis and they will ask what neighbourhood in Medellin is your destination. The flat rate in 2021 is 80,000COP to any destination within the city of Medellin. Surcharges apply for outlying areas (Envigado, Bello, etc.).

If you prefer the security of a named driver pickup, I am happy to share my preferred driver details. Two brothers that run a respectable car service that do pickups. DM me for details.

A good resource for the city (and ex-pats that live there) is Medellin Guru. Here is an article on transportation from the airport and between local cities and towns (like Guatapé).

https://medellinguru.com/get-to-medellin-from-the-airport/?__cf_chl_managed_tk__=pmd_ZRCgMDAg1xVFJi3gkSTHMqsVigOASJXhHPM12pXX5KA-1634591793-0-gqNtZGzNAxCjcnBszRO9

[iendo]

1 hour ago, macdaddi said:

A good resource for the city (and ex-pats that live there) is Medellin Guru. Here is an article on transportation from the airport and between local cities and towns (like Guatapé).

https://medellinguru.com/get-to-medellin-from-the-airport/?__cf_chl_managed_tk__=pmd_ZRCgMDAg1xVFJi3gkSTHMqsVigOASJXhHPM12pXX5KA-1634591793-0-gqNtZGzNAxCjcnBszRO9

Why would you post a link to the same article that I posted?

[Latbear4blk]

Thank you so much, @macdaddi, for all the useful info shared in this thread. I am black to planning my trip to Medellin. in April. @iendoand @bcdaron, you should have already been there. Have you? Any reports? @Novarunner, you are all turned on by your soldier, but were you not planning a trip to Medellin also?

[iendo]

12 hours ago, Latbear4blk said:

Thank you so much, @macdaddi, for all the useful info shared in this thread. I am black to planning my trip to Medellin. in April. @iendoand @bcdaron, you should have already been there. Have you? Any reports? @Novarunner, you are all turned on by your soldier, but were you not planning a trip to Medellin also?

I just got back from Thailand and in two weeks I'm travelling to Colombia. I already made a lot of new interesting friends on Grindr, I'll keep you all posted.

[Novarunner]

22 hours ago, Latbear4blk said:

Thank you so much, @macdaddi, for all the useful info shared in this thread. I am black to planning my trip to Medellin. in April. @iendoand @bcdaron, you should have already been there. Have you? Any reports? @Novarunner, you are all turned on by your soldier, but were you not planning a trip to Medellin also?

I was planning a trip to Medellin but put it off because I was unsure what the quarantine requirements in mid-2021 were there and went to Brazil instead.  I still want to go to Medellin.  You see there was this guy I met years ago while on vacation in Miami from Medellin and I am sincerely hoping the rest of the population looks something, anything, like him but I digress….

In any case though, I have fallen hard for Brazil, especially Rio.  And, now that I’m getting somewhat close to being able say big-boy sentences in Portuguese, it’s not going to be easy to get me to go somewhere else anytime soon.  Between Duolingo and the gay slang I have learned from my new friends in Brazil, I expect my next trip will require significantly less pointing which is a good thing.

[macdaddi]

Hey @Latbear4blk always happy to share what little I know.

I will be in Medellin briefly next week for Noche las velas (Dec 7) which is the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season and my favourite Colombian holiday. Flights are really cheap right now (check Avianca and CopaAir) and I was able to snag a deal from Bogota to the DR for another commitment.

From all reports from my Medellin fam, things have mostly returned to normal functions (schools and offices open again) Will post an update on the local scene -- I know the big clubs (Oraculo, Purple, and Industry) are all back to normal crowds. The strippers and drag shows are packing them in every weekend. Have been trying to update the Colombian business listings in the Colombia forum and will include sauna/massage businesses updates when I return from that trip.

Will be in Colombia from early January until March. May stay longer, depending on weather. Happy to orient you to the city if I am around, but something tells me you will be just fine on your own

[Latbear4blk]

1 hour ago, macdaddi said:

but something tells me you will be just fine on your own

I will survive, I am sure, but your sharing is going to make a huge difference. 

[macdaddi]

26 minutes ago, Latbear4blk said:

I will survive, I am sure, but your sharing is going to make a huge difference. 

You did comment once that you would probably enjoy Calle de los pecados (Cle 57a) which I would recommend checking out in daylight before you commit to returning in the evening. That area of La Candelaria around Parque Bolivar is a known area for open drug trafficking and use. Muggings and pickpockets are common around the Catedral Metropolitana and your abuelita would tell you to never set foot in that neighbourhood.  Ironically it is  a tourist draw because of a scene from Narcos Season 1 featuring Pablo on Netflix, which might be entertaining except the foreigners often do not know how seedy the area is in reality.  Keep your wits about you when getting oriented to the scene.  The Calle de los Pecados is just off the Parque Bolivar, one block east from the Olimpica supermarket.

For a real authentic Medellin experience, I would cross Avenida Oriental (Carrera 46) and head over to Parque del periodista where you can purchase beer and sit and socialize with the local crowd. All types gather here and people watching is part of the fun. This is an open use drug zone, where police look the other way. A good place to make connections and sample local product, as well as find herb, which can be a challenge in Medellín.  Have had many interesting evenings start from this historical location.

If you carry some street smarts and respect for "la cultura" you will be fine.  And when you are done, La Cantina de Javi is just a 5 minute walk to the north. where the locals will greet you with Paisa charm.

¡Bienvenido!

[bcdaron]

On 11/29/2021 at 6:49 PM, Latbear4blk said:

Thank you so much, @macdaddi, for all the useful info shared in this thread. I am black to planning my trip to Medellin. in April. @iendoand @bcdaron, you should have already been there. Have you? Any reports? @Novarunner, you are all turned on by your soldier, but were you not planning a trip to Medellin also?

 I have been to Medellin twice. I would say when your in Colombia you are considered a "gringo" no matter what your race is if your foreign in Colombia. The great thing about Colombia, if your Black, is that you can blend in, unlike other posters that might stick out like a sore thumb. There are native Black Colombians that look just like Americans . Unfortunately, there is not a large Black population in Medellin. There are really only 3-4 gay places to visit in Medellin. Honestly if your looking for gay fun I would skip Medellin and go to Bogota. Bogota is bigger and has better gay venues

[Latbear4blk]

5 hours ago, bcdaron said:

 I have been to Medellin twice. I would say when your in Colombia you are considered a "gringo" no matter what your race is if your foreign in Colombia. The great thing about Colombia, if your Black, is that you can blend in, unlike other posters that might stick out like a sore thumb. There are native Black Colombians that look just like Americans . Unfortunately, there is not a large Black population in Medellin. There are really only 3-4 gay places to visit in Medellin. Honestly if your looking for gay fun I would skip Medellin and go to Bogota. Bogota is bigger and has better gay venues

I've been considering the idea. In the long term, I wanna visit several Colombian cities and I do not enjoy visiting more than one city per trip. So the question would be where to start. Bogotá or Medellín, one of those two will be my first. And no, I am not really looking for the "gay fun", other than Grindr and local escorts. I do like spending the day with guys, but exploring non gay activities and places, but mingling with the locals. 

Medellin closeness to nature and weather are strong points. Also, I enjoy the more relaxed vibe of some cities (that is why I am not interested in São Paulo). I may be wrong, but in the videos I am watching Medellin strikes me as more provincial, I like that a lot. I would avoid El Poblado as much as possible, for instance, and explore areas that are popular for the locals, not for gringos and other tourists.

By the way, I am Argentinean. Both nationals like each other and have a long story of cultural exchange (Carlos Gardel died in Colombia during a tour). I doubt they will see me as a gringo, and hope they will soon consider me an insider if I start traveling regularly.

[Ethanmiami]

19 hours ago, Latbear4blk said:

I've been considering the idea. In the long term, I wanna visit several Colombian cities and I do not enjoy visiting more than one city per trip. So the question would be where to start. Bogotá or Medellín, one of those two will be my first. And no, I am not really looking for the "gay fun", other than Grindr and local escorts. I do like spending the day with guys, but exploring non gay activities and places, but mingling with the locals. 

Medellin closeness to nature and weather are strong points. Also, I enjoy the more relaxed vibe of some cities (that is why I am not interested in São Paulo). I may be wrong, but in the videos I am watching Medellin strikes me as more provincial, I like that a lot. I would avoid El Poblado as much as possible, for instance, and explore areas that are popular for the locals, not for gringos and other tourists.

By the way, I am Argentinean. Both nationals like each other and have a long story of cultural exchange (Carlos Gardel died in Colombia during a tour). I doubt they will see me as a gringo, and hope they will soon consider me an insider if I start traveling regularly.

El poblado is very popular with locals. Medellin, until very recently, wasn’t a tourist destination — so there aren’t areas that are just “tourist” spots, like Times Square.  

Just because tourists go to Poblado, doesn’t mean it’s not authentic. Tourists go to Greenwich Village and Central Park — but it’s full of actual New Yorkers who live in and around those neighborhoods. You’d be missing out if you skipped Poblado.  You should stay in Poblado and use it as your launchpad to go other places… I would stay outside a 10-15 min walk radius of Parque Lleras, although you definitely want to check it out on the weekend… it’s where thousands of Colombians descend to chill on the street, hang out in the park or drink and eat. 

[iendo]

I have made it to Medellin and arrived last Wednesday. If you just follow the instruction given by the government, there is no problem coming in.

There is not much to report because I have been sick since day two. On day one we went to bar Chiquita (or something like that) and some other bar at Parque Lleras.

A few things that I noticed which I think are noteworthy:
People in hospitality are nice. I've been to many countries around the world and I can honestly say that I have not been treated better in any other country. Last Friday we went to Industry. Before going there I've read some reviews online and people were pretty negative about the staff. I can honestly say that everyone we interacted with from doormen to bar staff and waiters were as nice and helpful as people can be.

Another point: I have never been in a situation where I got a bill with tip pre-calculated on the bill, but not mandatory. That seems to be normal here. I don't have a problem with it but it was a bit of a culture shock.
As I said, I was sick most of the time and I will be leaving tomorrow. But next month I'll be back and I know there will be many interesting things to write about.

Ohh, it's also warmer than I had expected. 28c some days.

[Latbear4blk]

3 hours ago, iendo said:

I have made it to Medellin and arrived last Wednesday. If you just follow the instruction given by the government, there is no problem coming in.

There is not much to report because I have been sick since day two. On day one we went to bar Chiquita (or something like that) and some other bar at Parque Lleras.

A few things that I noticed which I think are noteworthy:
People in hospitality are nice. I've been to many countries around the world and I can honestly say that I have not been treated better in any other country. Last Friday we went to Industry. Before going there I've read some reviews online and people were pretty negative about the staff. I can honestly say that everyone we interacted with from doormen to bar staff and waiters were as nice and helpful as people can be.

Another point: I have never been in a situation where I got a bill with tip pre-calculated on the bill, but not mandatory. That seems to be normal here. I don't have a problem with it but it was a bit of a culture shock.
As I said, I was sick most of the time and I will be leaving tomorrow. But next month I'll be back and I know there will be many interesting things to write about.

Ohh, it's also warmer than I had expected. 28c some days.

Damn! I hate when that happens. It happened to me when I went to Salvador. Good to hear you are not giving up! My plans to go in April are firm.The only reason I am not making arrangements already is Omicron and the new wave.

[iendo]

2 hours ago, Latbear4blk said:

Damn! I hate when that happens. It happened to me when I went to Salvador. Good to hear you are not giving up! My plans to go in April are firm.The only reason I am not making arrangements already is Omicron and the new wave.

Here, you don't notice anything more than we are (mostly) already used to. People are wearing masks but it is pretty loose. I got a booster vaccine two weeks ago and been tested twice the last 6 days.

My holiday continues in Mexico and we are thinking about Cuba.

No idea what was wrong with me but I feel great now.

I'm (we) are not getting any younger and will not be able to keep taking holidays like this.

[macdaddi]

Found this article which offers up some great advice on neighbourhoods/areas to avoid in Medellín with alternative options.

https://colombiareports.com/go-areas-medellin/

[Latbear4blk]

1 hour ago, macdaddi said:

Found this article which offers up some great advice on neighbourhoods/areas to avoid in Medellín with alternative options.

https://colombiareports.com/go-areas-medellin/

Do you back this source? In my experience, Gringos over estimate threats in South America and under estimate them in the USA.

For instance, Laureles in this source shows as an area where you must practice "elevated caution". However, in mi research I have found unanimous opinions that Laureles is a safe hood. I am even considering renting my airbnb in there.