Colombia, All or Multiple Cities Thread

[Heiko]

Cartagena:
Hotel Holiday (Calle de la media luna)you can park your bike in the patio.

Medellin:
Casa Kiwi
You can park your bike safe. If you need tyres contact
www.ruta40.com.co. They will link you to Moto Angel for technical service (the name is programm).

Bogota:
go to Hostelling International (Carrera 7 (between Calle 6 & 7).They have a famely room with 4 beds & if it's not busy you are alone.

Villa Leyva:
if you come into town look out on the right for a sign "Colombia Highlands" & ask for Oscar. He has a very nice sight out of town where you can camp (only 10 min.to walk into town). He tells you about things to do around Villa Leyva.
If he is not there go straight to the Plaza, make a left, next right, go down the street, make a left,cross the bridge, make a right (right after the bridge on a dirt road), go up & you see on the left hand side a military post, go ahead for qabout 300m & make a right & go steep up(you see a white house)

Salento (between Prereira & Armenia):
when you get into town have a look down the 1. road on the left (you are on top of the hill). You see a sign "Valle Cocora". Go down the gravelroad, at the end you see on the left hand side 2 places to stay, take the second one & pitch up your tent (tey don't privide rooms). A very nice & relaxing place.

Popayan:
Hotel Capital on Carrea 5 & between calle 7 & 8. Rooms without window but there's a patio where you can stay.

Pasto:
go to the Bus Station here you will find some hotels where you can park your bike safe (i don't rember exactly the place where i staed).

CU out there Heiko


[This message has been edited by Heiko (edited 18 July 2005).]

[Paul Thoreson]

I'm writing about Casa Kiwi in Medellin. Ok, so I own the place...is it legal to make a post here about my own place? I hope so. Anyway, the dorms are $7.00 USD. That's about the going rate in Colombia. For the last year or so I've given moto travelers a 10% discount. When Ted Simon came through about a year ago I hadn't started that yet: Sorry Ted. In the first year of business I've had about 20 bikers stay at my place. The Germans Alex and Henno even camped out on my patio. If you're interested in the biggest discount, that is definately the way to go. And yes, we have a safe garage. In fact, the patio is over top of the garage, so camping out is also the best way to be close to your baby/best friend.

Now I'm happy to announce a 20% discount for all bikers, regardless of whether you show up on a 50cc scooter or a 1200cc Goldwing. You know what, that would only be taking the price down to $5.60, so why don't we just make things easier and call it an even $5.00 per night for all motoqueros. Regardless of your time of arrival, you'll also get a complimentary bienvenidos cerveza.

You might be saying, ''I'm never going to travel to Colombia, it's too dangerous, so who cares about free cerveza.'' Motorcycles are dangerous. Colombia is great, especially on a motorcycle. I rode from Alaska to Ushuaia, arriving in Colombia in May 2004. During that time I have travelled to every corner of Colombia - and opened up a hostel - because I love the country, and especially Medellin, so much. It is by far my favorite country in the Americas. Sorry, this post is turning into something that might belong in another thread, so I'll leave it at that.

Please write to me if you would like more information on Colombia or anything else about Central or South America. And hopefully I'll see you one day in Medellin! www.casakiwi.net

Happy Travels, and keep the Shiny Side Up.

[AndyT]

Thanks for the post. I already knew of your establishment, and hope to stay with you in November sometime. Riding from USA starting August '06.

[Stretcher Monkey]

Hello Paul,

Do you remember me? I was your very first guest back in March 2005. Colombia made such an impression on me that I will be returning later in the year, possibly for good. Thanks for the hospitality, and I expect you to see the fotos that you took on our last day's riding. Good to see you finally made it to Tierra del Fuego in the end.

Saludos

Mick Pugh

[RickMcD]

Paul, My friend Ralph and myself (Rick) (couple of old guys) :=) met you in Guanajuato, Mexico in early 2003. You had just started your trip and were traveling with another fellow. We were doing the "Ruta Maya" as a tune up for a SA trip sometime. Glad to see you had a sucessful trip and made it to Ushuaia. Ralph and I are heading to Ushuaia in Late September or early October after I get back from Prudhoe Bay. Hope we can meet up at your place.
Rick

[Paul Thoreson]

Mick, how could I forget you?! Porfavor! You were my first moto guest, arriving to the hostel about 7pm at night, a couple of hours after dark...and in the rain. I'm glad you enjoyed Colombia so much and have plans to return. Drop in to Casa Kiwi in Medellin when you get back.

Rick, sure, of course I remember you guys too. It seems like so long ago when we met in Mexico. At that time I though it would take me 10 months to reach Ushuaia and Buenos Aires. I guess I let the trip get the better of me, since it actually took 3.5 years to reach the bottom. I'm not complaining though. It's good to hear your South America plans are falling into place. I look forward to seeing you guys in Colombia.

Andy, I look forward to meeting you in Medellin this fall.

By the way, there is a great HU Community in Medellin, Colombia, with different groups doing rides almost every week out into the beautiful scenery surrounding Medellin. There are also a good number of big bikes in Medellin, which also means great access here to parts and service. Ruta 40, mentioned by Heiko, is a great shop, as is Moto Angel.

There is a whole neighborhood in downtown full of shops selling just about any accessory, and shops doing any kind of work you might need. And of course they work the Latin way. If something's broken, fix it, don't throw it away and pay exorbitant prices replacing it with something new - especially when that 'something new' isn't available anyway. They've come to work this way from necessity.

They really are very ingenious in the way that they see problems and come up with solutions using whatever materials they have available. And yes, the fixes usually last a long time. Example: in Medellin I can fix my clutch cable for $2, just replacing the cable and using the existing hose. The full cable and hose unit from Kawasaki in Seattle costs about $30. So, where would I prefer to do mantainence on my bike? Anywhere south of the US border!

[Antonis Vassiliou]

Bogota
Definetely I suggest PLATIPUS hostel. A wonderfull place to stay with very friendly people. Is in the historical center.
The address : CALLE 16 No. 2-43
www.platypusbogota.com
email: platypushotel@yahoo.com
tel (571) 341 31 04 or 341 28 74

Antonis

[mollydog]

Olla to Paul and other contributors on this thread, and of course to Andy T

In Heiko's post he seems very concerned about bike parking,
and safe this and safe that. Does he know something the rest
of us don't?:confused1:

How much risk is there of bike theft in Colombia?

In Mexico most Hotel owners take extra steps to ensure
your bike is safe. Many have night guards or they INSIST you bring
it in to the lobby.They know that if its stolen the cops
will be questioning them very closely....and they never
want that.... as it usually costs them money.

Unlike in the USA, a theft of a guest's property on Hotel
grounds IS the responsibility of the Hotel owner.
(this is true in at least some Latin American countries)

Are Foriegners being mugged in the street in Colombia?
Forced off their bikes? Anything like that going on?

When I was in Colombia (ages ago) the only problem I
had was with the secret police, and even they had a good
sense of humor when they saw I could speak Spanish to them.
There were some pick pockets and petty grifters here and there
but that was about it. (1970's).

In Mexico and other Latin countries thieves know that if they are caught
stealing a motorcycle the police will, before anything else, beat the living
shit out of them. My house was robbed in Guatemala and after bribing them,
the cops went straight out and found the guys who did it and got back
90% of our stuff. It cost us $100 in Multas. I found out later, they nearly
killed one guy until he gave up his buddies. At the time I had NO IDEA this was SOP down there.

I realize in Mexico and Central America the police recognize the value of
tourism and protect travellers somewhat. Maybe thats not the case in
Colombia?

So Paul, what's it really like? Should I be carrying Mr. 9mm?

Patrick

[Caminando]

Originally Posted by mollydog

Olla to Paul and other contributors on this thread, and of course to Andy T

In Heiko's post he seems very concerned about bike parking,
and safe this and safe that. Does he know something the rest
of us don't?:confused1:

How much risk is there of bike theft in Colombia?

In Mexico most Hotel owners take extra steps to ensure
your bike is safe. Many have night guards or they INSIST you bring
it in to the lobby.They know that if its stolen the cops
will be questioning them very closely....and they never
want that.... as it usually costs them money.

Unlike in the USA, a theft of a guest's property on Hotel
grounds IS the responsibility of the Hotel owner.
(this is true in at least some Latin American countries)

Are Foriegners being mugged in the street in Colombia?
Forced off their bikes? Anything like that going on?

When I was in Colombia (ages ago) the only problem I
had was with the secret police, and even they had a good
sense of humor when they saw I could speak Spanish to them.
There were some pick pockets and petty grifters here and there
but that was about it. (1970's).

In Mexico and other Latin countries thieves know that if they are caught
stealing a motorcycle the police will, before anything else, beat the living
shit out of them. My house was robbed in Guatemala and after bribing them,
the cops went straight out and found the guys who did it and got back
90% of our stuff. It cost us $100 in Multas. I found out later, they nearly
killed one guy until he gave up his buddies. At the time I had NO IDEA this was SOP down there.

I realize in Mexico and Central America the police recognize the value of
tourism and protect travellers somewhat. Maybe thats not the case in
Colombia?

So Paul, what's it really like? Should I be carrying Mr. 9mm?

Patrick

Ola Molly
Don't you bring that pistol - someone will easily take it off you and shoot you with it. Do you think you can cross borders and police checks with that on you or on your bike? Very unwise.... Don't put your faith in Hollywood solutions, you're not as naive as that....?

[Dodger]

Originally Posted by denis brown

Ola Molly
Don't you bring that pistol - someone will easily take it off you and shoot you with it. Do you think you can cross borders and police checks with that on you or on your bike? Very unwise.... Don't put your faith in Hollywood solutions, you're not as naive as that....?

[Caminando]

But you can bring your hairdryer Molly - a girl's got to look her best!

XX

[Dodger]

Originally Posted by denis brown

But you can bring your hairdryer Molly - a girl's got to look her best!

XX

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_air_gun

[Caminando]

Originally Posted by Dodger

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_air_gun

Nice one Todger

Well researched with link. I'll have a look at the link sometime in the future, probably.

[AndyT]

Medellin: Casa Kiwi

Owned by HU member Paul Thoreson. Garage for the bike, refrigerator full of cheap , interesting mix of other travellers, the hot water works, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Ducati dealers within walking distance plus a bunch of independent shops, and you won´t go hungry with all the restaraunts in the neighborhood. Pool table, big screen TV (didn´t get American football though)It doesn´t get much better than this. www.casakiwi.net

[Lone Rider]

Originally Posted by AndyT

Medellin: Casa Kiwi

Owned by HU member Paul Thoreson. Garage for the bike, refrigerator full of cheap , interesting mix of other travellers, the hot water works, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Ducati dealers within walking distance plus a bunch of independent shops, and you won´t go hungry with all the restaraunts in the neighborhood. Pool table, big screen TV (didn´t get American football though)It doesn´t get much better than this. www.casakiwi.net

Sounds like a nice haven...or heaven.