Pereira Inquiry/Note Again

callejero says on May 7, 2009, 17:39:

I've been to both Pereira and Cali within the past year - if you were comfortable in Cali you'll be just fine in Pereira - it is safer than Cali in my opinion (albeit smaller, different climate, etc. etc.).

"I'm no f****ing implicator."

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Platinum_space says on May 7, 2009, 18:03:

I went to Pereira solo, I had a great time. You will know your comfort zone when you are there. There are some severe poverty areas just like any other place. Carry yourself professional and always keep your eyes open around you. Rule number #1 don't panic. I am more concerned about Bogata then any other place.

I roll solo, other countries crimes do not intimidate me.

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calipro says on May 7, 2009, 19:57:

Pereira is certainly cleaner and the down town is much nicer than Cali's.

I drove there a couple of weeks ago which is my third trip there this year. I don't look like a colombiano at all
and had no problems what so ever.

The women are friendly as Calenas and with the stunning good looks of Paisas.

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Simon says on May 7, 2009, 20:37:

Pereira is a great city to visit and it's people are among the friendliest in Colombia.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on May 7, 2009, 20:44:

papiChulo says on May 7, 2009, 20:54:

Isn't it the murder capital of Colombia? Seem to remember posts about that.

I'm givin'er... givin'er HARDCORE

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TravellerNorway says on May 8, 2009, 11:15:

Hi. Im in Pereira right now, basically just seeing another place (one night and day, leaving shortly) on my way to Medellin. It's really just another city, but quite nice walking around the center. I walked around a bit last night as well, it was ok. Also took a taxi to zona rosa to have a beer. Few people (thursday), dark inside all bars, and the typical colombian couples/small groups sitting around the tables. If you are solo and want to meet others, colombia is not easy when going out at night. Btw, saw some women around the plaza, they were maybe hookers (don't know for sure), and that's no good. And there is a casino everywhere in the centro.
Of course, use common sense. When taking taxis, I always open the door next to the driver, and let him see that I memorize his number on the side of the car. Then I get in and say hola. I also only drink beer from bottles, making it easy to guard it. If you want to see Pereira, just go! Haven't seen any other gringo either, which is good. Most hotels in the centro charge about 25.000 for a (double) bed. Keep an open mind, enjoy yourself and use your brain. You will be fine.

TN.

Btw, it's also sunny here today :)

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billyb says on May 8, 2009, 11:27:

"Btw, it's also sunny here today :)"

Wait until 4pm ;)

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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nine inch nails says on May 8, 2009, 12:09:

I wouldn't say I'm a Monger but I do enjoy watching the beautiful womens dance inside some establishments. One in particular (Star Bar) I felt very safe and even saw an Ejercito patrol come thru on their normal rounds and I thought the area it near (nice park) was safer than the the Centro which looked very nice but heard of someone robbery and slashings there even in the day.

Yes I heard lots of murders too but mainly confined to the poorer barrios. When I explored the city on the Megabus felt very safe and even got off at one stop to check a hotel which was a charm, great price and you could tell a familia that would look out after you. I also almost made the mistake of sampling some yellow lines but after a few odd stared at the station thought maybe I had better not because they would lead into some problem areas.

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nine inch nails says on May 8, 2009, 12:12:

Also after visiting the zoo I decided to walk back down to the Megabus station instead of taking a taxi for la minima and passed by these two younger men who made a comment but just kept on walking rapidly back.. Area looked ok but did see some poorer barrios off to the side.

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el norteño (☼Travelguide writer) says on May 8, 2009, 16:47:

STEVENYCER says on May 8, 2009, 19:04:

La Popa / La Badea / Dosquebradas is an awesome party area. There are many different bars and clubs there, the bext of which are Mango Biche, La Cantera, and Paradise.

http://www.pereiravirtual.com/

http://www.discotecaparadise.com/

Newspapers:

http://www.latarde.com/

http://www.qhubopereira.com/qhpereira/destino.php

http://www.eldiario.com.co/inicio

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TravellerNorway says on May 9, 2009, 14:14:

Billyb: Spot on ;)

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billyb says on May 9, 2009, 20:12:

jajaja, you hear that simon? Thanks for the confirm TN.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on May 9, 2009, 21:06: