Medellin virgin

[Tantric]

Happy New Year, gents.

I’m planning a trip to Medellin in a few weeks.  Although I’ve already been to Colombia a few times, this will be my first time in Medellin.  Some insight from the sages on this board would be appreciated!

GRINDR

Thanks to Grindr, I’ve become pretty lazy and now typically order in for dates (both fun and commercial).

• Question 1:  Approximately what percentage of Grindr ads in Poblado are commercial?  Or perhaps an easier question (if you have the frame of reference): is the ratio similar to the ratio in Chapinero (Bogota)?

SAUNAS

Assuming my Medellin hotel will forbid visitors, I’m prepared to venture out to play while in Medellin.  The info in @macdaddi’s 2024 Sauna report is very helpful.  But as I write this, in some parts of the world it is already 2026.

• Question 2:  Is the info in that 2024 Sauna report still mostly valid?

SAFETY

I enjoy walking around cities but take precautions when traveling in South America.  For example, whenever possible, I only walk with a small amount of cash and leave my credit cards, passport and mobile phone in the AirBnB/hotel. And I never wear jewelry or flashy, expensive-looking clothing.  At night, though, I often take my phone (for Uber) and might also take my passport (if required for entering a club).

For this trip to Medellin I’ll be staying at the Hampton by Hilton, which seems to be walking distance from the Poblado hot spots.  I did a virtual walk using Google Street View and the routes seem well developed.

If I meet interesting guys online I assume I’ll play with them in love motels.  In Google Maps I found some of the motels but none (or maybe one) in Poblado.  For safety reasons, I would prefer to pick the motel myself, rather than depend on my date’s suggestion (since he could then also tip off accomplices and arrange for them to meet us there). From this thread, I learned of an app called Motel Now.  However, I did not find that app in the App Store.

• Question 3:  Is the area between the Hampton and the Poblado hot spots generally safe for walking during daytime and early evening?  Or would you recommend using Uber?
• Question 4: Do all businesses (bars, clubs, saunas, motels, etc.) accept cash? Or have some switched to exclusively using cashless payment systems?
• Question 5: Is ID required to enter bars, clubs, saunas, motels, etc.?  If so, for those without local ID, is only a passport accepted?
• Question 6:  Is “moteles” the correct term? How safe are they?  More specifically, is it likely that unregistered guests (read: criminals) could enter the motel room, or would they be stopped by the front desk staff? Or can the rooms be accessed without passing through a central reception area? And are certain motels preferred (or avoided) by same sex couples?
• Question 7: Is there a new app for finding motels?

PRICES

I read macdaddi’s helpful post about elite prices in Medellin and the local scort mafia.  I understand that those elevated prices are only relevant for a certain segment of Medellin escorts and that more reasonable prices are available from other escorts.

• Question 7:  Approximately what percentage of the Medellin escorts are in the elevated price segment (400k)?  Around 10%
• Question 8:  Outside of that elevated price segment, if you have the frame of reference, is the more typical rate in Medellin comparable to that in Bogota?

 

Am looking forward to your feedback!

[macdaddi]

6 hours ago, Tantric said:

Question 1:  Approximately what percentage of Grindr ads in Poblado are commercial?  Or perhaps an easier question (if you have the frame of reference): is the ratio similar to the ratio in Chapinero (Bogota)?

A: I would suggest the rate of disponsible Grindr listings in El Poblado, particularly on the weekends Th-Sat, is higher than in Bogotá. Medellín has become the hot spot this year, and the volumes of foreign tourists looking for a good time in that neighbourhood drives up demand for these services.  During the weekend that ratio is as high as 20% of Grindr listings in El Poblado barrio.

6 hours ago, Tantric said:

Question 2:  Is the info in that 2024 Sauna report still mostly valid?

A: Yes, with one exception.  Sauna Atlanta is becoming problematic because that zona is in decline. I would avoid this place as a first timer.  On the flipside, La Casona has become popular and more reliable.

6 hours ago, Tantric said:

Question 3:  Is the area between the Hampton and the Poblado hot spots generally safe for walking during daytime and early evening?  Or would you recommend using Uber?

A: Yes. That hotel is in the heart of the commercial zone of El Poblado. You are very safe to walk along Avenida Poblado (Carrera 43a) 24 hours a day, I have done it hundreds of times. It is mostly deserted after 9pm. Just keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings.  Stay along this main road, as the side streets, while quicker, are not straight grids, so easy to get lost if you are unfamiliar with the city. It is an easy 15 minute walk and you will get to know your surroundings and local performers-vendors. 

6 hours ago, Tantric said:

• Question 4: Do all businesses (bars, clubs, saunas, motels, etc.) accept cash? Or have some switched to exclusively using cashless payment systems?
• Question 5: Is ID required to enter bars, clubs, saunas, motels, etc.?  If so, for those without local ID, is only a passport accepted?

A: Combining these or we'll be here all day. Cash is accepted everywhere and is preferred.  Just be certain you have understood the final cost (many will show you on a calculator) before you hand over money. That way they know you are expecting change. Unfortunately, the side effect of building a playground for gringos in one of the wealthiest barrios is that scams are gonna pop up. FWIW I use a no fee credit card that does not charge foreign exchange fees for 90% of my purchases.  Bars will generally allow you to run a tab, just agree to that up front.  You are able to use tap payment, but know that you are likely to be hit with a double service fee.

Technically yes, ID is required before serving alcohol. It is seldom that it is enforced, but has happened to me in some establishments.  To enter other premises -- like a sauna, nightclub, etc. No, it is not required that you show ID, however you must have a copy of your ID with you at all times under Colombian law. A photocopy or an image on your phone will suffice.  However, to rent a hotel room or motel, you must has your original paperwork or they can refuse you entry.  Use your passport as your ID since they are familiar with the format. Have also used my driver's license as ID, but am able explain in Spanish what they are looking at and what each section represents. 

7 hours ago, Tantric said:

• Question 6:  Is “moteles” the correct term? How safe are they?  More specifically, is it likely that unregistered guests (read: criminals) could enter the motel room, or would they be stopped by the front desk staff? Or can the rooms be accessed without passing through a central reception area? And are certain motels preferred (or avoided) by same sex couples?
• Question 7: Is there a new app for finding motels?

A: You will hear both used motel and moteles, both are understood culturally to refer places to have sex. They are very safe by design -- guests enter through a reception area (or parking lot), non-guests would be prevented by the secure doors in place. These places are generally secure, and no, a third party could not just casually enter. You are expected to enter and leave as a couple. None in my experience will allow one person to leave until they have physically confirmed the well-being of the other party. 

Regarding same-sex couples, there are many that have not issues with same-sex couples, however others here have reported denials in the moteles along La Avenida Colombia around the stadium. I would reach out on WhatsApp and confirm before going -- that way you have a screen shot of the confirmation. 

Hopefully that helps to get you started. Am certain others here have many suggestions to share around hiring and rates for escorts in la cuidad de la primavera eterna.

Good luck.

[macdaddi]

Adding a note to #4 & #5: Credit card use is odd, since they are supposed to record your ID with use. Generally in restaurants and bars, they don't care. Will run the card (add the 10% service fee) and you are on your way. However in retail stores and service companies, they will almost always ask for your ID. You can show them the photocopy or photo on your phone, but what they need is the six-digit passport number for tax purposes. So if you memorize that number, generally you are okay to use your CC for retail. 

[macaroni21]

I don't often come to this forum on Colombia, and if I do, I have nothing to add. However, I feel compelled today to commend @Tantric and @macdaddi for an extraordinary example of clarity, both in phrasing the questions and in replying. You've set a very high bar for the rest of us, and demonstrated the value that the best of GayGuides can be.

[floridarob]

18 hours ago, Tantric said:

For this trip to Medellin I’ll be staying at the Hampton by Hilton

I've stayed at this hotel a couple of times.... I don't mind them asking for guys ID's, but some of the girls at reception (it's on a high floor) give you sarcastic looks, but there's straight guys bringing girls, so don't pay any attention to them. There is a doorman at the main entrance that depending on the time of day, and if he's there... you might be able to go straight to your room, at your own risk, in case there's a problem with the guy.

They require that the person has a Colombian ID usually original, they can be real bitchy if the guy only has his electronic one and won't accept a photo of their ID in most cases., or if they are from Venezuela with no Colombian ID, and no passport showing they are in Colombia legally with their entry stamp, won't allow them in.

The latter happened to me and we had to search for a sex motel, what a pain in the ass because on subsequent trips I took  that same guy to my airbnb and the security guys accepted his Venezuelan ID. 

Females just like to complicate life, lol