Barranquilla to Cartagena by taxi/bus, safe?

gringoloid says on Jul 5, 2007, 18:37:

I've taken the bus and the taxi. The bus, never again!

Call the BAQ taxi company and ask for a new taxi; or kind of new anyway.

The cost for two stops in Cartagena that were far apart was $60. He stopped to deliver packages about 4 times to soldiers along the way. it was worth because the car was new with good AC that you probably won't get on the bus.

There is this little town along the way where these crazy ass people try to jump in front of vehicles to get them to stop to make a donation. It's crazy and I wish someone who knows what this is all about can explain the behavior of these people.

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Robert Jorge says on Jul 5, 2007, 18:50:

Contact Elmo. His cousin or nephew has a brand new taxi and will also act as your bodyguard.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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robi666 says on Jul 5, 2007, 18:58:

A "puerta a puerta" will cost 25.000 pesos. Good service and cheap. Ask for a "puerta a puerta" service, they'll pick you up at your hotel or apartment in BAQ and leave you at your place in CTG.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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CuriosJoe says on Jul 5, 2007, 19:26:

ok thanks everyone. 25K pesos =~ 25 dollars? are you sure that's enough?
how long is the ride? is the road safe?

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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 5, 2007, 21:21:

daytime safety in a taxi is relatively good.....but if you look like a fair-skinned gringo, and if the police at the checkpoint (there are 2 checkpoints between BAQ/CTG) get a look at you they will assume you are Bill Gates and order your taxi to the inspection point for a search, ID check, and a mordida...but if they are busy at the time, then you will drive right on through after slowing down.....door to door vans normally have multiple passengers and AC....private taxis with AC where you are the only passenger are $50-60 USDs......and 25k pesos is not $25 USD.....with an exchange rate of roughly 2000:1, its about $12.50 USD....roughly to give you an idea....but RJ has a good idea.....Elmos brand new taxi...maybe he will give a PBH discount...jajajaj....

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 5, 2007, 21:21:

PS...you will need AC................

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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Robert Jorge says on Jul 5, 2007, 21:37:

I believe I remember Elmo quoting 100.000 from BQ to Santa Marta. That's about 50 usd right now. Elmo's taxi seems to be a great option. You will have great security, be with a driver who is trustworthy and honest, and have a hell of a conversation during the trip. If I go to the coast, I am looking up Elmo's taxi service. He even has a state of the art sound system blasting musica de costa. Damn, what else do you want? The windows are even limo tinted, so you can have a prepago along for the ride without being seen, and can tip back a few shots of fire water.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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el flaco says on Jul 6, 2007, 03:17:

I looked up my notes and Elmo's taxi phone number is 3116637212. Also there was this:
Peter is the guide in BAQ that I used and that I also highly recommend. His contact info is as follows: email address: petersolano at gmail.com cell number: 310 624 4078

I haven't used any of them.

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Peter (Moderator) says on Jul 6, 2007, 04:31:

Should be perfectly safe.

Poor but snappy

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bensark says on Jul 6, 2007, 04:50:

very safe just take the bus no problem

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elmodefoque says on Jul 6, 2007, 04:59:

In the Caribbean coast you gringo guys could wear American flag shirt, ala Abby Hoffman, Yankee cap and USA military green cargo pants while listening to Sweet Home Alabama real loud and no one will bother you.
I’m not gonna lie, you might hear and occasional Gringo MARICA from costeños but they mean no harm.

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one. CURRAMBA, EL MEJOR VIVIDERO DEL MUNDO!

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Philly says on Jul 6, 2007, 06:12:

I took the bus and enjoyed it. It was a tour bus making a couple of stops. It was 2 of us, it was not expensive. You will see the poorest towns on te coast. It was safe, we traveled durin te daty

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toneloc24 says on Jul 6, 2007, 12:32:

There's Elmo's cousin Jhon, who I'd recommend, with Elmo's new taxi, which I was fortunate enough to ride in last Friday nite. One more time than Elmo even has. LOL!!! The number's been given already. He's honest, trust-worthy, about 5'10, 250 lbs and connected. Perfect wingman. Speaks a little English too.

Or, you can call a porta-a-porta (door-to-door) express service, where you need to reserve a timeslot, but will make it between BAQ and CTG within 60 mins to 75 mins. Prices vary between COP18.000 - COP 25.000 each way. Look up Invertours, Caribena, and Marsol, amongst others. They generally don't leave either city after 8:00 pm.

Unless you're broke or just cheap, I really wouldn't recommend the bus, even if express. One "express" bus from BAQ-CTG took me 3 hours to get there. No lie nor exaggeration. Just pay the extra for the porta-to-porta.

FYI - Most taxis will quote you COP150.000 each way. It's only a good option if you can find other travellers to split it with you. Good luck with that!!!

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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Miguel says on Jul 6, 2007, 13:13:

Tone, John hasn't seen 250lbs for about 4 years now! He IS the perfect wingman.

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CuriosJoe says on Jul 6, 2007, 15:20:

Is Porta-aPorta a van, 18-25K per person? - thanks!

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toneloc24 says on Jul 6, 2007, 15:33:

18-25K per person

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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toneloc24 says on Jul 6, 2007, 15:34:

Migs-

I was being nice. LOL!!!

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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CuriosJoe says on Jul 7, 2007, 20:04:

Ok thanks again everyone !

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