[Rocco81]

Most cities in Colombia = Safer than Rio, Caracass, Juarez Mexico.

Colombia = Not nearly as safe as most major American cities. Remember to also look at things such as overall Volume vs. % of violent crime per capita as opposed to some simple number comparisons. Bogota might be on par with Los Angeles in sheer numbers of killings, but remember it has 2-3 million less people than LA and is not nearly as spread out land wise, bringing violent areas much closer to the "nicer" areas.

[Vacancier Permanent]

Some of you guys make Rio look like Bagdad or Kabul, which isn't. Sure Rio ain't Kansas as they say, but it's also far from the war zone some of you and some of the media are trying to portray it as. The vast majority of the crime in Rio occurs in the favelas or shanty towns/ghettos. Sure, like any big city in the world, one has to use common sense and just follow some basic guidelines like not flash wealth or a wad of cash in the street but other than that, it's safe if you keep your wits about you and behave accordingly. Of course if you go there with all the latest electronic toys on you such as Iphone/Itouch, Ipad, laptop and gold neckless, bracelets, rings and earings, and dress like a total gringo and flash wads of cash at every chance you get, then of course, you are only getting what you're looking for. I've been to Rio countless times and so far, knock on wood, I have never had any problem because I do follow to the letter the basic stuffs and common sense things that we all know about. If anyone wants to hear about those safety tips, let me know and I'd be more than happy to share them in here.

[elguapo]

I disagree about Rio being dangerous....Rio _can_ be seedy and it is, even Ipanema after 11pm cuz u r never very far from a favela in Rio.

I'd guess if you didn't grow in a big city somewhere, then Rio would feel dangerous upon your arrival.

[Nudge]

I didn't find Rio dangerous at all, felt surprisingly comfortable even walking around at night. I think nowhere near as bad as people make it out to be. The only place I felt uneasy was Quito I have to say especially in Mariscol. But that could have been because it was the first city I went to in South America.

[elguapo]

If you put Juarez into the equation, then you're taking it to another level. Juarez is in middle of a war.

[InternationPlayboy]

Damn, talking about splitting up the crew? I wish I had that many homies where I'm living were into game like that. I only really have maybe one close friend that is down with picking up like I am, and then a hand full of homies that I don't really hang out with on a regular basis. If we told our friends to split up and find the best spots, they would think we were weird. The whole idea for them is just to have fun with friends, which is actually what I'm usually out to do as well, but pick up in the process.

[InternationPlayboy]

(05-10-2010 12:04 AM)elguapo Wrote:  

I disagree about Rio being dangerous....Rio _can_ be seedy and it is, even Ipanema after 11pm cuz u r never very far from a favela in Rio.

I'd guess if you didn't grow in a big city somewhere, then Rio would feel dangerous upon your arrival.

Agreed. I grew up in Vegas, which is supposed to be one of the most violent cities in the country. Rio just never seemed too bad unless you're alone after 11 going through seedy neighborhoods. I usually dress in baggy jeans/shorts and x/l / or tall tees. I think a lot of people thought I would be the one robbing them.

[deebow]

Brandon,

I see what you're speaking about, but travelling in too big of a pack could pose a problem. You can be intimidating to other women at times and some women don't want to give the impression that they are easy. Hanging out with a bunch of foreigners may give off this impression. I agree that it is good to travel with a bunch of guys but I'm just not sure that it is best in Medellin. In my experience in Medellin and all over Colombia you are best going to work with one (two at the most) wingman but not three or four.

[doriangray]

I'd like to share a different view on Medellín. Most of the stuff that is written here is really positive, although it is acknowledged that in Bogota for example there are more things to do.

Anyway, I've been studying here now for quite a while and I am actually getting bored with the place. Coming from Western culture, there are some nice things you start missing here. Of course it's up to each individual what kind of lifestyle you live and what things you appreciate. For me, it's just not enough that city is full of silicon boobs if other things are lacking. Don't get me totally wronge here: I still think Medellín is a nice place to visit and I dont actually regret being here, but I just want to give another viewpoint to people on this great forum who might be thinking about spending more time here.

What's Medellín missing? Here are some things in random order:

Good, quick, somewhat healthy food, like real bread with some stuffings. Sorry, mr, no can do. Only pasteles and overly greasy empanadas available. Food culture in general is pretty sad, as every place has usually the same basic lunch. Of course you find more stuff in Parque Lleras area, but the prices goes up there as well. What about wine? that's available of course, but prices are really high, so there's not really wine culture here. Cultural offerings, like theatre, international bands doing gigs, jazz clubs, electronic music parties with something else than minimal house, nice cafeterias.. Cant find much of them. What there is, though, is crazy amount of generic looking bars with reggaeton, crossover and lots of local music (salsa, merengue etc..). The traffic is also horrible, and speaking about traffic and overall logistics: it's really hard to find a good place to jog in the city, there are not really nice parks, logistics are horrible for pedestrians. And in general, the city is just quite butt ugly. I mean the main square with the important buildings is like a joke.

My spanish is ~intermediate level, so I guess if it was totally fluent, I'd be getting more out of the city: could tap into local cultural offerings better, get more local friends etc. Well, I don't want to sound too obnoxious, but in general the local guys that I've met here are not so interesting. Not many have travelled or really have interesting lifestyles (hate to define ppl like this, but it holds true). I mean, if it's your thing to go and drink aguardiente in Parque lleras every weekend and talk shit, i guess these ppl can be super interesting then. And of course it's always about the social circles. The top ones have not really been available for me, more like middle class ppl that I've got to know. Ironically, I've met many interesting gringos, and many of them actually share the same experience..

I want to point out again that of course the good things are there: the weather, the girls, the drugs (after seen so many gringos coming for these, there's no point denying that this is really one of the attractions here) and so on, but if you want to invest in real estate here for example, or live here for longer, think about all the different things you want to do and what your lifestyle consists. Don't get too much fooled by the silicons

[MiXX]

(06-06-2010 05:20 PM)lavinci Wrote:  

Do you know any good gyms?

The best gym in Medellin is called "Body Tech" in Poblado. It has top of the line fitness equipment, and lots of machines and classes of all sorts. kind of like an LA Fitness.

Ask for a a 1 week trial pass, and you'll get to use it for free if yu'r e only staying a week. Otherwise, they require a hefty 100USD month membership fee.

Mixx

[NeVerGymLess]

(06-07-2010 10:17 PM)lavinci Wrote:  

Mixx,

100 bucks for a gym in Medellin? Wow, ok. Now I want to check it out just out of curiosity. I don't plan on staying in Medellin though, I'm leaving it as my last case scenario. I'm heading out to Pereira, perhaps cause you've sold me on it. Rob showed me the stuff you guys emailed about Pereira and it seems as it's the place to be as for having a good time and staying away from gringos. In case I do get paranoid on off the beaten path in Colombia because I don't know any Spanish and I've never been to South America before, like I said I'll head back to Medellin. Speaking of which, you wouldn't know about any Spanish courses in Pereira, would you? I was trying to look it up online but no luck. I guess I'll ask for it when I get there. Wait, how am I going to ask them - didn't I just say that I can't speak Spanish?!?! Oh boy, it's going to be a hell of a trip!

I dont remember it being $100 a month. IN Rio , it was around 200 Reals a month but in Medellin , I was paying around 20 ,000 per week.

[dlmelvin86]

(06-07-2010 10:17 PM)lavinci Wrote:  

Mixx,

100 bucks for a gym in Medellin? Wow, ok. Now I want to check it out just out of curiosity. I don't plan on staying in Medellin though, I'm leaving it as my last case scenario. I'm heading out to Pereira, perhaps cause you've sold me on it. Rob showed me the stuff you guys emailed about Pereira and it seems as it's the place to be as for having a good time and staying away from gringos. In case I do get paranoid on off the beaten path in Colombia because I don't know any Spanish and I've never been to South America before, like I said I'll head back to Medellin. Speaking of which, you wouldn't know about any Spanish courses in Pereira, would you? I was trying to look it up online but no luck. I guess I'll ask for it when I get there. Wait, how am I going to ask them - didn't I just say that I can't speak Spanish?!?! Oh boy, it's going to be a hell of a trip!

dude your going to pereira with very limited spanish skills!?!?!? thats going to be interesting. i cant wait to hear about your trip. lol

[loosewin]

(06-09-2010 08:15 PM)dlmelvin86 Wrote:  

(06-07-2010 10:17 PM)lavinci Wrote:  

Mixx,

100 bucks for a gym in Medellin? Wow, ok. Now I want to check it out just out of curiosity. I don't plan on staying in Medellin though, I'm leaving it as my last case scenario. I'm heading out to Pereira, perhaps cause you've sold me on it. Rob showed me the stuff you guys emailed about Pereira and it seems as it's the place to be as for having a good time and staying away from gringos. In case I do get paranoid on off the beaten path in Colombia because I don't know any Spanish and I've never been to South America before, like I said I'll head back to Medellin. Speaking of which, you wouldn't know about any Spanish courses in Pereira, would you? I was trying to look it up online but no luck. I guess I'll ask for it when I get there. Wait, how am I going to ask them - didn't I just say that I can't speak Spanish?!?! Oh boy, it's going to be a hell of a trip!

dude your going to pereira with very limited spanish skills!?!?!? thats going to be interesting. i cant wait to hear about your trip. lol

Ah, don't worry about him. I should be in Pereira during the same time and my Spanish is good enough-haven't had any real issues communicating with the locals here in Medellin. But that single Spanish "R" is killing me! I mess it up every time. Is anyone else in Medellin right now?

[MiXX]

Lavinci: you have chosen.....wisely. Do not forget to pick a local girl and go the hot springs called "termales". Must see!!

[dlmelvin86]

lavinci,

did you consider barranqilla (sp)?

i dont think it is too touristy and it has a good mix of hot chicks with a happening nightlife....

[dlmelvin86]

naw, not yet. i think ima try and hit up all the major cities in colombia in nov.

[Lika]

(04-05-2010 01:55 PM)deebow Wrote:  

I've been hearing quite a bit about how Medellin is becoming over saturated with sex tourists and therefore the girls are less receptive to advances

After 1 month in Medellin, I would never go back there for the girls. the sex tourists have spoilt the reputation of foreigners.

(04-05-2010 02:06 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

I wouldn't worry about the sex tourist thing too much, especially since you speak spanish and can dance salsa. Those two things should separate yourself from the pack.

There is virtually no salsa scene in Medellin with the midlle-high class girls. Any medium-large city in the US or Europe has a better salsa scene than Medellin.


I would definitely go back to Bogotá and I would also try Manizales and Pereira (for whiter girls)

As Roosh says, Cali is not worth it for beautiful girls but much easier than Medellin for average-pretty girls.
In Cali and Medellin, you can get hundreds of phone numbers from beautiful girls easily but they will flake on you. Be prepared to spend your week ends alone... (except if you live there for six months and study at a local university full of girls like Roosh...)

Forget about Santa Marta unless you want to score Western backpackers girls.

I have seen some of the best looking girls (whiter) in Barranquilla but it's too hot, expensive, and full of rude coast people and there's nothing much to do there, except the malls.

My personal taste goes to girls from Cartagena (an amazing mix of white, black and Indian) but it's like Medellin: too many sex tourists to score with the non-pros. They are afraid to be seen as whores if they date a foreigner.

[MiXX]

Wow. That us certainly not my experience in Medellin or Cali in the decade I have traveled there. Your results will vary I guess depending on looks, language skills and local social connections.

[Lika]

(06-15-2010 08:38 AM)MiXXmaster27 Wrote:  

Your results will vary I guess depending on looks, language skills and local social connections.

I'm not complainging in these 3 departments (+ Nordic look) :-)

I am pretty sure Medellin was a paradise for girls 5-10 years ago...

It changed dramatically...

Of course if you have built a good social circle and reputation in 10 years, you might not have noticed...

[gringoed]

It sounds like Medellin has changed for the worse in the last 10 months since I was there.

[MiXX]

Yeah, Medellín seems to be saturated with foreigners and has lost a lot of it's innocence. Gems and beautiful women can still be had, but you have to game directly and lots of cocky funny sprinkled with a dash of neediness. They actually like that, just don't over do it.

[dlmelvin86]

soo whats a safe similar less touristy city to check out now that medellin is getting over run with gringos?

[Roosh]

Tourism to certain cities ebb and flow. I think Medellin will be cock infested for a while until the next "exotic hotspot" is discovered. It did recently make the Lonely Planet must-visit list.

For example look at Rio. Sure there is a lot of gringos but with some work you can find spots where there are none in sight. Doesn't mean you shouldn't check it out.

[eidoos77]

(04-05-2010 01:55 PM)deebow Wrote:  

I've been hearing quite a bit about how Medellin is becoming over saturated with sex tourists and therefore the girls are less receptive to advances. I'm looking to go down in June with 2 to 3 other guys (we plan on going to Medellin, Cali, Cartagena and spend a couple of days in Bogota). I've been there before and successfully did my thing, but I was alone and I stayed with some locals who live there. This time I'm concerned that 3 or 4 black guys from the US roaming the streets will give the impression that we are there simply to hunt for ass and severely reduce our chances. Also, one of the guys that I'm going with is strictly looking for ass and nothing more. He doesn't come out and ask for it and he's not overbearing but you can tell that he's wouldn't care to speak the language, learn about the culture or anything (I'm the only one who can speak decent spanish, and I'm a salsero). I feel like it will seem like I brought a team with me to conquer as many women as possible and that it will ultimately kill my opportunities.

In any case, I agree with a previous blogger in that I'm not traveling there to get with a 6 or 7. No one needs to travel to do that. I gather from many of these posts that it would be in our best interest to go to places like Cali, Manizales, or Bogota. I feel like we won't appear as though we're sex tourists and that we'll be able to relax and game under normal circumstances. I agree that although Bogota doesn't have the weather but it is certainly full of beautiful women. I've never been to Cali or Manizales. My main questions are:

Do you guys feel like the crew I'd be going there with will send the wrong message, or decrease our chances of scoring?

What would you do, where would you go to increase your chances of landing 8 + quality chicas?

If you decided to spend significant time in Medellin, how would you do things to combat the sex tourism impression, and land quality chicas (like I said, I'm not leaving the country to get with 6's or 7's)? We're planning on renting an apartment in parque lleras.

Any tips on setting things off in Cali?

What can I do to put in work when I'm in Cali or Medellin during the week?

I realize that this is a bit much but I really value the opinions on this post, and I'd welcome any advice that could save me some time. Like I said, I've been to Bogota a few times as well as Medellin once and I've had good success there.

Thanks

Dee

I have never been there, someday I will find the time to get there. Eidoos77.

[mlucasone]

I'm going to Pereira, where my exotic status will make it easier to find sex. I was going to Medellin, but it is talked about across the internet as the cool place for gringos to go in Colombia. An earlier post in this forum sold me on Pereira. I have too many insecurities to do as roosh did in medellin.