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Colombia, All or Multiple Cities Thread
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).] |
Moto Discount
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. |
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.
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Remember me?
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 |
Met in Mexico in 2003
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 |
Saludos
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! |
Bogota
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 |
Olla to Paul and other contributors on this thread, and of course to Andy T:thumbup1:
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? :scooter: Patrick |
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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....? |
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oo la la!
But you can bring your hairdryer Molly - a girl's got to look her best!
XX |
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Lol!
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Well researched with link. I'll have a look at the link sometime in the future, probably. |
Medellin: Casa Kiwi
Owned by HU member Paul Thoreson. Garage for the bike, refrigerator full of cheap beer, 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 |
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Medellin, Colombia
I am staying at a great moto friendly hostel in Medellin called Hostel Medellin. It is in a safe neighborhood, close to transportation and has an enclosed garage. It is run by very friendly Colombians who are well connected in the motorcycle community in Medellin. The only problem is that you may not want to leave :))
Hostel Medellin Carrera 65 Nº 48 - 144 Sector Suramericana - Medellín - Colombia (GPS: N 06º15´ 16.5´´ W 075º34´53.8´´) Teléfonos: +57 (4) 230 05 11 Celular: +57 311 334 80 83. HOSTAL MEDELLIN info@hostalmedellin.com |
Any of you guys know a good place to have your motorcycle fixed in Cartegena Columbia. My f650 2001 has water mixing with the oil and is in serious need of fixing.
Thank You, Geoff |
Can't say much about Cartegena, do you think the bike might make it to Medellin? Thats the place to get fixed up. Mauricio at Ruta 40 tel.574-262-30-59 or [ Ruta 40 ]. Also contact the HU community. Hey Tibby, are you out there? Can you help a brother out?
also Moto Angel in Medellin, awesome guys! 2XGatos...beware. Motorcyclists in Colombia are required to carry Seguro Obligatario, insurance. The cost varies, but i know in Medellin you can only purchase one year. I have heard that you can purchase one month in Cartegena, but you have to research. It is well over 100 for the year $$! I saying this because on the road south to Sincelejo there is a police check point. The crusty and extremely corrupt old bastard WILL ask for your seguro. He will then impound your bike until you either produce the seguro or finally offer him a nice bribe.We had to bribe him with $23 each, so avoid this route. This was the only time travelling in all of Colombia that i was asked, and we were both warned about this checkpoint. |
It's come to this?
Just so there is no confusion.
Hostal Medellin, run by local 'paisas' from Medellin, in a quiet part of Medellin, has a website at HOSTAL MEDELLIN CasaKiwi, recently opened by an America, recently took the domain hostelmedellin.com and redirects you to CasaKiwi. They are very different places. |
New Bike friendly hostel opened in Medellin
Hey Bikers. A huge hostel has just opened in Medellin Cra 43e no 5 - 110
Patio Bonito www.mapas.com.co :: Mapa de Colombia It has a secure parking area within the hostel and plenty of room for any work you have to do. With swimming pool, Irish bar, Sauna´s and Jaquzzi, it´s more of a hotel than a hostel. The PitStop Hostel, Medellin http://www.pitstophostel.com/images/photos/pic1.jpg http://www.pitstophostel.com/images/photos/pic2.jpg There is an opening Party on the 15th of March, hope to see some of you there for a beer or 2. Paul |
Hostel in Cali
After riding from Chile all the way up to Oregon and across to Miami, I'm now back in Cali, Colombia with my bike and my Colombian, soon to become wife, Diana and we're expecting a baby in December.
1st of August 2008 we started a super nice hostel in the good and secure part of Cali in Colombia. If you head this way its cheap, quiet, safe and close to everything you need (incl. BMW, KTM, Suzuki dealers close by and the cities best mechanic at Austurias) and we´ll help you in any way we can. We have airport pick-up and since I have flown my bike in and out of Cali, I can help with all the legal matters of arriving or leaving Colombia. Casa Blanca Hostel, Avenida 6 bis, Calle 26n, #57, Santa Monica Residencial, Cali, Colombia. Tel. (+57) (2) 396 38 49 Fax. (+57) (2) 668 99 86 or mail me at mike@casablancahostel.com GPS koordinates: N 03.28.147' W076.31.773 Casa Blanca Hostel > bienvenido! welcome! ::::::::::::::::::::: Check my travel video diary at YouTube - kaiserkyhl's Channel |
Congrats on the new Hostal! Sounds like you've had a long ride!
I'm assuming you somehow shipped your bike from Florida to Colombia? I've been searching for the best/least expensive ways to do this. Any info you've got, I'd love to hear it! The distance is so short one would think it would not be too expensive to fly a bike from Miami to Colombia? Thanks in advance! Good luck with the new Hostal! Patrick:mchappy: |
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Yeah your right I flew from Miami to Cali, Colombia, but it was not cheap! 3 month earlier a friend of mine flew cali/miami for 1200 dollars, but now the fuel prices have gone extremely up, so I paid 1900 dollars incl. everything. And they even managed to drop the bike and bust one of my alu panniers. Still fighting the airline agent for a refund. I talked with Copa price about 2400 dollars, same with martianair and avianca, so I found this shipping agent who would do it for 1900 dollars with Arrow Air. If you have time to wait and faith in habour employes I would guess its cheaper to get it on a ship to Cartagena! |
Columbia Bogota new hostel great place bike friendly
The Cranky Croc owned by aussie in Candelaria a new and well done hostal
just off Crta 4 and Calle 15? with free bike parking in Parquedero NEW info bike parking costs but well worth the stop........ clean, reasonable prices, great beds with duvee covers...you will sleep well - barbecue also Fridays worth the trip LOTS of bike shops nearby NEW - just there again hasn't changed still cool YOU WILL NEED TO RESERVE it's getting really popular ! :thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1: :thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1: |
Colombia Villa de Leyva 2 hrs n of bogota
Columbia Highlands hostal just at edge of town
camping 8,000 rooms 12-14,000 clean great place owner is terrific Bike friendly lots of great rides around worth stopping for 2-4 days :thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1: |
Colombia Santa Marta hostel
Divanga, french owned
bike parking ,nice pool , safe area clean and nice they got up at 6 am to make me breakfast (free) because I was leaving early !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5 blocks from beach but worth it as beach aint so great :thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1: |
Hostel in medellin
Hostel Tamarindo, around the corner from Casa Kiwi. Small, quiet and moto parking. Natalie a great host. Casa Kiwi looks great, but very popular and 'the party place'. So if you need a quiet nights sleep, look at Tamarindo.
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I'll ad my 2 cents worth of information on Medellin hostals. I heard from travelers on the road that Casa Kiwi is a party hostal, and you dont get any rest there, so we (My wife and I) stayed at Pitstop hostal. They have nice parking, but is unfortunately also a party hostal with geusts partying right through the night and leave the kitchen in one hell of a mess. Staff seems to be ok with this. We got fed up with the never minded staff and moved to Hostal Porton de Provenza (N06 12.424 W75 33.938). For only 10000 pesos more we had a great stay with locked parking for our bike too. It is near the KTM and Honda shop, also nice up market resturants in the area.
Ruta 40 took good care of my GS and was reasonable with their prices. Johan |
Pasto, Colombia
In Pasto there is a super nice hotel - Hotel Casa Lopez (Calle 18 no 21B-11 La Merced)
Maybe it is not the cheapest option as they ask 45 000 pesos per person, but the rooms centered around the courtyard are great and the service is awesome. The owner himself was trying to make us feel as comfortable as at home. Delicious Colombian coffe was prepared for us and brought to our room, even without asking, as well as hot water bottles to keep us warm. The breakfast was also great, and we even got an explanation of what we were eating (in addition to the "normal" things we were brought a local speciality, arepas). We parked our bike in the courtyard - 100% safe. Wireless internet all over the place. GPS coordinates: N 01deg 12,702min W 077deg 16,666min |
casa blanca.... don't follow this co-ordinates unless u want to camp in a jungle.
N 03.46925 W 076.52967N 03.46925 W 076.52967 N 03.46925 W 076.52967N 03.46925 W 076.52967 N 03.46925 W 076.52967N 03.46925 W 076.52967 the correct one is: N 03.28.147' W076.31.773 nice place to meet travelers. very great kitchen. please inform them if you are coming with a bigger group of bikes or a sidecar. garage space is about 6m x 3m with in-house bike. keep it up! |
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- Mike |
Pasto
N1 12.702 W77 16.666 Hotel Casa Lopez (Calle 18 no 21B-11 La Merced) 90000pesos for 2 person in 1 room. free internet very clean and 5 star hotel service. breakfast included. the only place with safe motorbike parking. El bordo N2 06.932 W76 59.349 GPS co-ordinates not precise. about 130km north of Pasto. We did not stay in this small town but there are about 7 lodging with private parking. Just as what a biker need. go check it out! Popayán N2 26.346 W76 36.343 Hotel Capital, Carrera 5, No. 7-11 15000pesos for 2 person in 1 room without window. very basic. Parking in courtyard. Cali N3 28.147 W76 31.773 Casa Blanca Hostel, Avenida 6 bis, Calle 26n, #57, Santa Monica Residencial, Cali There are no such thing as biker’s friendly hostel but a friendly owner hostel, also an ex-RTW rider. It is more like a home. Owner had his own private bike parking in a very safe compound with armed security guard. He also parked his big bike there. Very good and safe location. 15000peso per person in dorm room (special discount because of low season). Manizales N5 04.283 W75 31.209 Hotel Califonia. Calle 19. No16-37 40000pesos for 2 person in 1 room with private bath. Private parking. Medellin N6 12.349 W75 33.953 Casa Kiwi Carrera 36 # 7-10 (El Poblado) Bike parking in a good safe and lock garage, sharing with the garbage. The time where they open the gate of the garage is when the garbage truck comes and they collect the garbage. NOT able to do up your bike there unless you are a Smurf. Free: internet only you have your laptop. connection is random. Free: kitchen to use. beware of dropping cabinets filled with knife that will drop on your feet. please wear steel toes. Free: wake up calls by the constructions on their ‘extended’ annex at 9am, weekdays only. Free: weed to smoke, offered by one of the hostel staff but I rejected. (there is a notice written something like: The hostel does not allow usage of drugs. All guest have to leave at 2am and to be quite after this time) so… don’t expect it to be quite before 2am and who are they referring as ‘guest’??? Free: get to know the locals. drunk young punks which were non hostel staff nor travellers that were invited in the hostel, smoking weed, making noise and talk about non-sense…….is it safe to keep our belongings around? SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR BIKERS!!! The staff quoted my wife 40000pesos for a private double room without bathroom. It was a special discount for bikers because they usually charge 50000pesos. we agreed because the dorm room was a mess and it was starting to rain. Next day, I heard the other staff/owner quoting to a bag packer 40000pesos for the same room we had. Maybe that bag packer had a motorbike in the bag. Nice guy that helped us a few small but important issues in the hostel. He is an American. I’m sorry I did not get his name. BUT I believe the hostel will get better in time as they are reconstructing the whole building. it’s a bit messy but at least I did not lose anything in this hostel. point to add, it is quite a good location. http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wcWu8PEW9u...Q/s320/084.JPG they had removed the garbage on where i was standing. Taraza (220km north of Medellin towards Cartagena) Hotel Noche Y Dia N7 35.072 W75 23.960 15000peso for 2 person in 1 small, humid but clean room with private bath. very secure and easy parking. Along Ruta 25. we enjoyed the folks in this small town. very friendly but shy people. El Jardin About half hour ride north from Taraza if you don’t want to sleep in a humid room. N7 45.058 W75 15.505 behind the gas station. military checkpoint is just outside the gas station. we didn’t stay here but we did have a look at the rooms. possible place for a night with nice cafeteria. Very nice retired couple running the place. 18000pesos per room. check it out. Cartagena N10 25.358 W75 32.701 Hotel Holiday. Calle de la Media Luna. 30000peso for 2 person in 1 room with TV, fan and exotic bathroom. Have special planks for wheels onto the steps, parking along courtyard BUT have to strip my cases and front bags. just enough for my xrv750. I think it had the best deal. with the same price, could only sleep in a dorm in other places. |
Colombia,Cartagena,hostal Casa Mara.
Hi!
We stayed in hostal Casa Mara in Getsemani, Calle del Espiritu Santo no. 29_139 in Cartagena. It's a beautiful and peacefull place to stay. You can park the bike next to the swimming pool and it's very safe. They have wifi and some rooms have cable tv. It's also between the old part of town and the harbour, where the boats arrive (both 10_15 min.walk). Look at Hostal CasaMara Cartagena de Indias D.T. y C - Colombia And the people who are working in this hostal are very friendly and full of humor. Andy and Maya. Adventure Sidecar - Home |
Colombia: HostelTrail Popayan... and a word on Casa Kiwi, Medellin
You could do a lot worse than visit Tony and Kim in Popayan.
They have a six bed dorm and 10 private rooms; singles, twins and doubles with and without bathrooms. The dorm bed is 15,000 a night and the private rooms start from 35,000 for two people or 25,000 for one. The private rooms have duvets and lamps etc and the hostel is very clean and well run. Hot water is provided by heated shower head elements, there is a TV room, cooking facilities and an honour system for drinks. You can't park in the hostel but secure parking is approximately two buildings down on Calle 4 for 6,000 a day. Hostel Trail Popayan - Welcome N2 26.618 W76 36.614 Carrera 11 No. 4-16 tel: 2 831 7871 cell: 314 696 0805 Tony and Kim have a wealth of information about South America and Colombia, they also have contact with a network of hostels throughout South America through their website: South America Hostels & Budget Backpacking Travel | HostelTrail.com I also stayed with Paul at Casa Kiwi and can report that the building work is nearly complete. When finished, in a couple of weeks time, Casa Kiwi will be equipped with a swimming pool and plenty of balcony space up amongst the trees. It was a great place to meet people and was in an excellent position within Zona Rosa. Paul was especially helpul in directing me to Moto Angel and the other workshops near Calle 33 which enabled me to get some additional boxes fabricated and get an Austin Powers style make over for my bike. Paul also gives a 20% discount for bikers and has secure parking in a garage. Winner. |
Cali CO
Hostal Iguana Good Value/Friendly folks nice garden/easy indoor parking decent hot water from electric shower Iguana, the backpackers hostel in Cali, Colombia Avenida 9N No. 22N-46 (+57) (2) 660 89 37 Hostal Sator Ave 8 norte No. 20-50 Garaje Singles for $3000 Cable/hot water/private bath 30,000 per person good choice if you perfer to avoid the backpacker crowd Pasto |
Manizales
Tiger Paw Hostal Calle 65No. 23B-19 http://www.pitstophostelmanizales.com/ They have dorms for COP 19,000/night, Singles for 21,000/night. Jacuzzi. Parking for bikes. Pool table/ping pong/bar. close to all major bars, grocery centers, Cable Plaza, etc. I have not stayed there but, the owner says he can sort out parking at his apartment for a couple of bikes (1/2 block away) or his friends parqedero around the corner for larger groups. I stayed in the hotel California (address above). The owners/help were great people, the room servicable with excellent hot showers, cable and morning coffee 35k cop for 1 person. I have not stayed there. I went to hotel California. |
Medellin
Hostal Porton de Provensa El Poblado Carrera 35 no.7-108 317-77-44 double bed with cable TV 50-60K COP a Nice spot with a garage if there in no room at albert crutcher´s place. Hostal Tamarindo, Medellin, Colombia Calle 7 #35-36 El Poblado Medellín , Antioquia Colombia Phone: 57 4 268 9828, 57 300 255 8232, USA 914 346 6301E-Mail: hostaltamarindo@gmail.com single for 40k COP Nice quiet little spot with a garage, up around the corner from the mini exito Cuacasia Hotel Cuacasia Calle 24 No. 04-29 094-839-32-72 single room with air $60K cop a very nice little place in this squalid town hlf way from Medellin to Cartagena with garage Cartagena Hotel Turis Mar Carrera 1c No. 11-41 313-526-3087 single room with air $60K cop good parking by the pool and an easy entrance go down Media Luna until nearly the end turn right at the church and go 100 meters down the wrong way on the seldom used 1 way street. Bucaramanga KGB or Casa Guana Hostal Calle 49 no. 28-21 57-7-657-6960 no bike parking, but they insist its ok to park in front an the sidewalk Hotel Houston Calle 33 no. 30-44 634-3977 50k cop for one person parking in the lobby, middle of the zona rosa district San Gil Sams VIP Hostal Kr.: 10 No.: 12 - 33 Top Floor E-mail: samshostel@gmail.com Teléfono: (0057) 7242746 Número de télefono mobil: 3102497400 Private for 35k cop Right on the main square, pool Villa De Leyva Hosperderia Colonial Calle 12 no. 10-81 Very Nice room for 25k cop lovely gardin 1 bike can fit in the entry just off the plaza |
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