Santa Marta...

bickerss says on Aug 11, 2008, 22:15:

I like Santa Marta and would go for sure. i like staying Rodadero more than Taganga or Santa Marta main. The place is not however 24 / 7 party unless its in the holiday season - but the weekends are great fun (for night life). There is diving from Taganga (5 km the other side of Santa Marta) and I believe in Park Tayrona as well. You also get hassled a lot less than in Cartagena. The best nightlife IMO in this region is in Baranquila - a disco called seven rocks - but again only Thurs to Sat nights - and you could easily travel there for one night (2 hrs away in super taxis).

Investment Strategy - buying when others are crying!! Offloading when others are gloating!!!

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guacharaca says on Aug 11, 2008, 23:10:

Your nice girl will not be impressed with the miramar. You will be able to get hotels in the downtown area for 30k per night (fan) since it will be low season. Leave Barranquilla for the return trip on the chance you decide you need the extra time in SM.

Colombianos: Las armas os han dado independencia, las leyes os daran libertad. (Santander)

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scumbuster says on Aug 12, 2008, 06:20:

I was in Santa Marta in October last year. The weather was hot. Rodadero was the nicest area to stay, close to Santa Marta. My wife found a place on the highway in from the airport only about 5 min from the ocean. This was the opposite side of Santa Marta that you will be coming in. It was a small but clean house for about $60. a night. There were about 8 homes inside a walled and fenced compound. It is nice and relaxing there but if you’re a partier I am not sure you would like it, although I am sure there are some places there more your speed. Taxies were cheep. We took the bus about half the time.
I went diving several times out of Taganga. http://www.poseidondivecenter.com/
These guys are German expats but have been in Taganga for years. Very knowledgeable on diving and where to go in the area. There rates are reasonable to dive. I had the basics with me and needed to rent a BC, weight belt, tank and reg. ( 3mm suit is good) The rental equipment was in good shape. It cost me about $70. for everything. For a buck or two tip the helpers will clean up and hose off all your equipment and wetsuit and bag it up for you. We would leave about 9:00 and go out maybe an hour. Do our first dive, then head for an island or shore for lunch. Spend about 1 hr on shore and maybe 30 min to a new dive spot for another dive. Usually back at the docks about 1:30. Dives were good however I am sure its not as clear as other waters you may have been in. This time of year it’s a little cloudy. It’s best diving early in the year (Jan.-Apr.) before the rains muddy the waters. I was told this time of year it depends on the currents and how recently it’s rained. The ride out is interesting. I took as many pictures on the way out as in the water. The mountains fall directly into the ocean along the coast. Very scenic.
PS. They have 3 apartments above the dive shop you may want to check out. The dive shop was nice and clean so the apartments may be good for you. I didn’t know about them until we had already paid for our place, or we would have checked them out. Very convenient for the morning dives. There was a nice little restaurant for breakfast next to the dive shop overlooking the ocean.

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jeff8875 says on Aug 14, 2008, 07:02:

Thanks for all the tips... man I really want to go to Mangos :)... trying to figure an economical way to go... hmmmm..... guess I will be bored out of my mind during the week?

How much better is Barranquilla? I like the idea of spending a night or two there and enjoying the nightlife, thanks for the suggestion Bickerss.

I found a place across the street from Miramar that is 15-20 a night, not too bad :) Cant remember the name now though.

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elmodefoque says on Aug 14, 2008, 07:17:

for you gringo guys, i recomend all the clubs in north barranquilla.
check this out,
i don't do any of these places, i'm too old and even if i werent and old modefoque still NOT my scene.
i prefer whore houses

http://www.lacheca.com/index_destapador.html

i gotta be honest, MOST barranquilleras prefer barranquilleros

I'll get there, when I get there!

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elmodefoque says on Aug 14, 2008, 07:21:

no barrio girls here

yes,most north barranquillera girls prefer barranquilleros.
barranquilla is the most racially diversed city in colombia and unlike the mostly injun interior they're not gonna be impress by white guys

I'll get there, when I get there!

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elmodefoque says on Aug 14, 2008, 07:27:

them there is a small sample of the famous monas de curramba

I'll get there, when I get there!

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elmodefoque says on Aug 14, 2008, 07:31:

a couple years ago i almost banged this broad in north barranquilla that looked just like my german/dutch girlfriend from CT. she was a blonde stunner, beautiful, but my wify was seated next to me.
esa mona currambera was all over me like fly on chit

I'll get there, when I get there!

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jeff8875 says on Aug 14, 2008, 12:20:

LOL well I love that look, northern baranquilla it is, I dont need the gringo lovers :) I do alright on my own hahaha but man I like the looks of those girls woah! german look with the spanish fire hmmm interesting combo... baranquilla it is... nice :) Ok just have to find an economical place to stay... anyone law enforcement friendly? LOL

I will post a different thread but anyone want to play and/or show me around I would love to get a few cold ones with some PBH guys.

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