Plan My Colombian Vacation

jatx · 08-08-2008, 13:22

(I wish that I could put a smiley in thread titles)

Since I received a lot of great advice prior to my last LA trip a couple of years ago, I am back for more. This time, the target is Colombia. I have 14 days scheduled in Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena next month - with a little work and lots of time for fun and side trips.

What should I do and/or see? Any "can't miss" restaurants, museums or nightclubs? Tips on places to stay?

I am traveling alone and have done so in lots of rough places, so standard precautions will be in effect.

Thanks guys!

(PM me if you are down there and would like to connect for a drink.)

dr. mabuse · 08-08-2008, 13:32

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bkleonards · 08-08-2008, 15:23

In Cartagena:

La Vitrola (international)
Cafe San Pedro (Thai)
Enoteca (Italian)
Restaurante Arabe 8Arab Food)
La Langosta (Sea Food)
La olla Cartagenera (Typical Food)
8-18 (Sea Food)
Mauricio Tafarello (Italian)
Santisimo (Sea Food)

They are very good. Enjoy!!!!!!

kgoerz · 08-08-2008, 15:57

Theres Restaurants in Colombia, never noticed any in Bogotá

highspeedmdd · 08-12-2008, 06:59

I lived in Villavicencio for 8 months. Fantastic! It is about 2 hours from Bogota by car and 45 minutes by plane. Could not recommend it any higher...as long as you don't look too much like a gringo. I stood out where ever I went...because I am "puro gringo". I had the governmental permission slip to carry with me where ever I went so things were a little different. Consider that if you decide to go.

My first week I went to Agua Panelas on Thursday. Guys pay about $10 to get in, hot chicks get in free. Ratio was no less than 9:1. Very nice assortment of whatever you are looking for. Also try Capachos which was one of the best night clubs I have ever been to anywhere. Only went there twice...didn't need to go more than that.

Make sure to try "carne a la llanera". Huge pieces of beef slow roasted over open fires all day long. For about $5 you get a whole pound, some roasted potatoes and roasted yuca, and a large bottle of whatever soft drink you want. The "carne a la llanera" can be bought almost anywhere but the best places are right down the street from the Colombian 7th Brigade HQ. Also makes it a little safer. Those ones are good too because they are practically in front of one of the newer universities and there are almost always hot chicks walking around outside. Some will speak English...not many, but some.

Another restuarant to try is Jose Paulo. Can't remember orientation to give very explicit instructions on how to get there, but that was one of my favorite restaurants.

Off of one of the main glorietas north of the center of town is a good Japanese place. A very good place to take a date. Also, the chicks there love Chinese food so another good date place is Toy Juan (Taiwan).

A good place to watch chicks was in Exito which is a store along the lines of Walmart. You can usually make a lot of eye contact and leave with numbers from there as well.

There are 3 or 4 very large malls there, full of chicks working the stores. If you speak Spanish, you should have an easy time leaving with a pocket FULL of phone numbers...if not, you should seek a self-help book and work on your confidence.

PM if you need any more info or if you have questions.

M

jatx · 08-12-2008, 08:45

Thanks for all of the great advice both here and via PM. I definitely asked my question in the right place!

Does anyone have experience in Medellin?

ksgbobo · 08-12-2008, 11:06

Dont know if you considered, and I dont know if they have it there in Medellin, but something to do with Pablo Escobar would be interesting. Just throwing it out there.