Colombia, Costa rica or Dominican Republic

[lg10009]

Planning to take one month vacation and go to Dominican Republic or Costa Rica or Colombia. I want to meet local men, go to restaurants and bars. Anyone interested in joining?
I am open anytime before July 2024

[JQ915]

Going to Colombia in April for a few days. Not sure if I can go for a month anywhere

[+ José Soplanucas]

17 minutes ago, JQ915 said:

Going to Colombia in April for a few days. Not sure if I can go for a month anywhere

Colombia where? If Brazil does not get in my way (again), I plan for two weeks in Medellín in November. I wish I could stay an entire month!

[Danny-Darko]

I've been wanting to go to the Dominican Republic for a long time now. Years ago, there used to be lots of information here in the forum about the country, hotels and guesthouses for gay men and reliable trustworthy tour guides. And information about bars, clubs and escorts not only in the capital Santo Domingo but in other parts of the country. Anybody have any recent relevant information about the DR?  Thanks! 

[Marc in Calif]

3 hours ago, Danny-Darko said:

Anybody have any recent relevant information about the DR?  Thanks! 

In 2023, the Dominican Republic is the 8th poorest country in the western hemisphere. I think that's both recent and relevant.

[pubic_assistance]

I had a person trainer a few years back who grew up in the Dominican Republic. When he first told me that I responded that I'd never been there. His response was that "there is NO reason to go. It's a total shit hole. "

99% of travelers are shuttled direct from the Airport to one of the beach resorts that are closed off with arm guards and big fences.

It doesn't sound like a country one just wanders around exploring .

[Danny-Darko]

28 minutes ago, pubic_assistance said:

I had a person trainer a few years back who grew up in the Dominican Republic. When he first told me that I responded that I'd never been there. His response was that "there is NO reason to go. It's a total shit hole. "

99% of travelers are shuttled direct from the Airport to one of the beach resorts that are closed off with arm guards and big fences.

It doesn't sound like a country one just wanders around exploring .

Sounds exactly like what I've heard about Jamaica, The Bahamas and Haiti, yet millions go every year. 

[Marc in Calif]

27 minutes ago, Danny-Darko said:

Sounds exactly like what I've heard about Jamaica, The Bahamas and Haiti, yet millions go every year. 

Comparing those three nations in the same sentence might appear to be clueless. 😦

Travel.State.Gov

U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS

Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest.  U.S. citizens should depart Haiti now in light of the current security and health situation and infrastructure challenges.  U.S. citizens wishing to depart Port-au-Prince should monitor local news and only do so when considered safe.

Country Summary: Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens. Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities, and even convoys have been attacked. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings. Victims’ families have paid thousands of dollars to rescue their family members. Violent crime, such as armed robbery and carjacking, is common. Travelers are sometimes followed and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport. Robbers and carjackers also attack private vehicles stuck in heavy traffic congestion and often target lone drivers, particularly women. As a result, the U.S. Embassy requires its personnel to use official transportation to and from the airport. Protests, demonstrations, tire burning, and roadblocks are frequent, unpredictable, and can turn violent. The U.S. government is extremely limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti – assistance on site is available only from local authorities (Haitian National Police and ambulance services). Local police generally lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. U.S. government personnel are discouraged from walking in Port-au-Prince and other neighborhoods.

Edited March 25, 2023 by Marc in Calif

[Danny-Darko]

1 hour ago, Marc in Calif said:

Comparing those three nations in the same sentence might appear to be clueless. 😦

Travel.State.Gov

U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS

Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest.  U.S. citizens should depart Haiti now in light of the current security and health situation and infrastructure challenges.  U.S. citizens wishing to depart Port-au-Prince should monitor local news and only do so when considered safe.

Country Summary: Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens. Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities, and even convoys have been attacked. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings. Victims’ families have paid thousands of dollars to rescue their family members. Violent crime, such as armed robbery and carjacking, is common. Travelers are sometimes followed and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport. Robbers and carjackers also attack private vehicles stuck in heavy traffic congestion and often target lone drivers, particularly women. As a result, the U.S. Embassy requires its personnel to use official transportation to and from the airport. Protests, demonstrations, tire burning, and roadblocks are frequent, unpredictable, and can turn violent. The U.S. government is extremely limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti – assistance on site is available only from local authorities (Haitian National Police and ambulance services). Local police generally lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. U.S. government personnel are discouraged from walking in Port-au-Prince and other neighborhoods.

Yet three popular destinations for tourist from my state and cruise ship stops. Go figure. 

[Danny-Darko]

There used to be a very active member who promoted the DR a lot on here. I don't remember his handle, but I remember getting this site from one of his many posts. Maybe this could help those interested in visiting the so called "shithole"? 

Gay Dom Rep

https://www.gaydomrep.com/Gay_Dominican_Republic.php

[CuriousByNature]

9 hours ago, Danny-Darko said:

There used to be a very active member who promoted the DR a lot on here. I don't remember his handle, but I remember getting this site from one of his many posts. Maybe this could help those interested in visiting the so called "shithole"? 

Gay Dom Rep

https://www.gaydomrep.com/Gay_Dominican_Republic.php

I found that the DR and Jamaica seemed both sketchy and dangerous outside of the resorts and cruise ship areas.  They are both beautiful countries with awesome people, but I sometimes felt like I was being observed and measured-up, like a sick zebra waiting to be attacked by a lion.  I didn't feel that way in the Bahamas, but I didn't go into any of the larger towns/cities.  A person needs to travel smart in any country, but especially in places where poverty is a serious issue - North American tourists tend to stand out like a sore thumb so it is best to blend in as much as possible - no flashy clothes, jewelry or sunglasses.  No wads of cash, expensive cameras, or brand-name bags.  Displaying your comparative wealth is a slap in the face to locals who are doing all they can to survive, and it is understandable that a minority might wish to take advantage of the situation.

[pubic_assistance]

I knew a guy in college who had a very "progressive" attitude toward poor countries and loved backpacking and hanging with the locals in various destinations. His last trip was Haiti from which he never returned. His body was found several months after his disappearance. His family were devastated. He was only 25. But that was many years ago. I am going to assume it's even worse now. 

[Danny-Darko]

4 hours ago, CuriousByNature said:

I found that the DR and Jamaica seemed both sketchy and dangerous outside of the resorts and cruise ship areas.  They are both beautiful countries with awesome people, but I sometimes felt like I was being observed and measured-up, like a sick zebra waiting to be attacked by a lion.  I didn't feel that way in the Bahamas, but I didn't go into any of the larger towns/cities.  A person needs to travel smart in any country, but especially in places where poverty is a serious issue - North American tourists tend to stand out like a sore thumb so it is best to blend in as much as possible - no flashy clothes, jewelry or sunglasses.  No wads of cash, expensive cameras, or brand-name bags.  Displaying your comparative wealth is a slap in the face to locals who are doing all they can to survive, and it is understandable that a minority might wish to take advantage of the situation.

I agree with you. I felt that way in Sao Paulo, Brazil and in Manila, Philippines. People in general were kind and welcoming but the horrible crime and the constant danger just made it too uncomfortable to have a good time on my own without the savvy vigilance of locals. 

[pubic_assistance]

15 minutes ago, Danny-Darko said:

I felt that way in Sao Paulo, Brazil

I live in NYC where security bars over windows are common.

I have to say I've never seen such MASSIVE thick metal bars in my life on every building in Sao Paulo. Like at any minute a tank could drive into an office building. Made me very uncomfortable, and I'm a seasoned traveler....so I am pretty good at judging my environment for trouble. That looked like trouble.

[Paborn]

I am a 74 year old retired corporate type who worked in New York for 30 years. I have been traveling to the Dominican Republic for 40 years . I am headed back in June , was there in February. I love the place! I never stay in resorts, I used do to gay or gay friendly hotels now I just use airbnb.

The DR may be the "8th poorest nation " but I have to question that - is it based on the poor distribution of income? It is, I do know, the wealthiest place in the Caribbean, it is the number one tourist destination in the area. It handled Covid very well and stayed open for travel. indeed, I was there several times during the period.

I have both American friends who live there and Dominicans. It is a very friendly place. I'm deeply shocked by some of the comments here. 

Safe? there are bad areas in every country and in every city. Don't go there. You don't have to stay in a resort - there is a burgeoning middle class and too many restaurants and entertainment venues to mention.

There are a few gay bars and one hustler bar. One can meet a gay Dominican or pick someone up - IT IS NOT HARD. I have made over 160 trips in my 40 years and have heard of people having trouble but I believe they would have had trouble anywhere. 

On my next trip I will be in an Airbnb - very affordable, see movies, go to a jazz club, eat at cheap place and white table cloth one, go to a friends new exhibit at a gallery and, yes, go to a gay bar. I prefer a long term friend and I have one who I will be with. I find the country amiable, the people friendly and sincere. It has its problems but it's not Haiti or Jamaica. Haiti is extremely dangerous a total no go. What I consistently hear about Jamaica is that you must stay in the resorts as it is very dangerous. That IS NOT THE SITUATION IN THE DR - not by a long shot.

[SouthOfTheBorder]

26 minutes ago, Paborn said:

. I have been traveling to the Dominican Republic for 40 years . I am headed back in June , was there in February. I love the place

thank you for the first-person & recent observations re; Dominican Republic 

this forum is full of Nick Minaj cousins friends balls syndrome - lots of “opinions” based on no actual experience 

[SirBillybob]

I have only been to Santo Domingo in the DR, a week in the colonial zone soaking up the atmosphere, wandering around, taking photos, going to the gym, and enjoying the cuisine. I like a slow pace. It was not a focus on hiring local trade but I’m certainly not opposed to it and very often that is one MO of mine when travelling.

I witnessed older travellers in my hotel taking either male or female sex workers up to their rooms and I had a few locals sit themselves down at Paco’s(?) to inquire about my, ahem, interests.

I fixated on my trainer, not available. LOL. I felt a bit uncomfortable walking up to a place called JuanBin for a brief gander but that was likely newbie jitters in unfamiliar surroundings. I tend to dress in garb similar to that of a simple white collar or tourism employee. 

Colombia has also been recently enjoyable and access to trade seemed fairly organized and easier. I lack the skills to go out in an unfamiliar destination and try to safely pick up in a public establishment a local fellow for what, at my age, would be almost certainly transactional.

Edited May 30, 2023 by SirBillybob

[Deadlift1]

Jamaica is extremely homophobic.  

[BSR]

On 3/25/2023 at 12:24 PM, Danny-Darko said:

I agree with you. I felt that way in Sao Paulo, Brazil and in Manila, Philippines. People in general were kind and welcoming but the horrible crime and the constant danger just made it too uncomfortable to have a good time on my own without the savvy vigilance of locals. 

When my aunt & uncle moved to Manila after almost 40 years in NYC, they were offered protection by the local crime lord.  They thought it might be a scam or a joke since they bought into one of the nicer neighborhoods, but friends & family advised them to do so.

At first they bristled at giving money to a criminal, but they grew to appreciate the freedom of being able to walk around without a care in the world.  They are untouchable because no criminal will risk retribution from the crime boss.  They can even  whip out their iPhone 14 Pro Max's in broad daylight!  I wonder if such arrangements are possible in other places.

I know this thread is for Colombia, Costa Rica & DR, but allow me to plug Cuba here.  While foreign visitors to Cuba still have to be wary of ripoffs (like in any tourist spot), crime like theft or kidnapping is a much lesser concern.  Because the regime so desperately needs the hard currency that tourists contribute to the economy, crimes against foreigners are dealt with very severely.  Mind you, a jinatero charging you triple his usual rate is not considered a crime.  But at least you can pull out your wallet or smartphone on the streets of Havana without becoming an instant target.

Edited May 31, 2023 by BSR
Rewritten

[Deadlift1]

How is Colombia's crime.?

[SirBillybob]

10 hours ago, SouthOfTheBorder said:

thank you for the first-person & recent observations re; Dominican Republic 

this forum is full of Nick Minaj cousins friends balls syndrome - lots of “opinions” based on no actual experience 

Nick Minaj? Ms Minaj’s 3rd cousin twice removed? That’s even a lot more degrees of separation from informed experience on a La Romana scrimmage court. 

[SirBillybob]

I went to Santo Domingo for a few days one fairly recent winter and we stayed in the colonial zone. A very nice hotel close to the river (canal?) and some traffic of what I assumed to be local trade of both genders, that is, older gents bringing up the elevator young males or local women presumably not related. There appeared to be a group of American men, not sure if they were like a buddy pack, that engaged with what appeared to be a local “sexertainment” middle man at times accompanied by a few young females. Out in the open yet discreetly, and the staff knew the deal. But it didn’t seem smarmy and I thought it was a system that worked out for everybody.

However, one older male hotel guest ended up on the lift with me and I thought the local youngster with him was quite young, though I assume legal age because I am told that non registered guests ID are checked. Perhaps it was not a sexual transaction anyway.

The area of several square blocks seemed almost UNESCO world heritage badged, maybe it is? I thought the overall feel as far as the area not including oceanfront was somewhat like Puerto Vallarta, so not like a cloistered hotel property but comfortable and an appealing environment and certainly a lot of interesting sights and places to relax, particularly if you do not need or like lollygagging on beach sand or slowroasting your skin by a pool. As long as the weather was nice it was very pleasant and no boredom set in. There seemed ample potential for picking a favourite public terrace to perch and chill out, safely, with a vibrant mingling of local families and visitors.

If there is a process, overt or subtle, for engaging trade within that context, it certainly appeared to be a user-friendly district with good amenities within which it could be done comfortably, not risking life or limb.

Overall, a top 3 experience of winter getaways over a few decades. I’d do it again. 

Edited May 31, 2023 by SirBillybob

[Paborn]

There have been "pimps" who work with make tourists for years. They can provide a good service but at a price. there is a bar called Marlowe's that is excellent . I have never even heard credible reports of violence against gay tourists. The Colonial zone is well accustomed to it. As are the surrounding areas -all Dominican hotels check the ID of anyone who goes into the hotel with you. In fact, they keep the cedula at the desk until the guest leaves. Often, they will call up to verify. 

the Colonial zone is indeed. a world heritage site. It is the oldest continuously inhabited European city in the new world - the first cathedral in the new world. The place was, literally, founded by Columbus. 

You are only warned, as do here, against Grindr. It can be very good but if you take yourself outside the system at least have the sense to meet at Paco's ( coffee shop) or Marlowe's. 

[SirBillybob]

Good tips, thanks. The coffee shop would be the nearest thing to the concept of grinding for me. Beans there, done that many times first would be the play. Would wanna be much more integrated into the community. 

Edited May 31, 2023 by SirBillybob

[soloyo215]

I know the last post of this thread was in May, but my inlaws and I are planning on visiting Punta Cana, DR this coming May 2024. Never been to Punta Cana, but I have been to Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, Santiago, La Romana, Higuey, Boca de Yuma and Cabarete. I've never been by myself, and only one time I've been to a resort in Santo Domingo. I never feel 100% safe there, and I find it super annoying that one cannot stand on a street for 5 minutes without some kind of character approaching you for something, some sending children to ask you for money. Trying to sell you something, selling merchandise, wanting to give you a tour of the city, offering money exchange, or offering women, men, children or themselves.

It's been a while since the last time I went (probably 2010, way before I started hiring, for sure), so if there's anyone who decided to visit recently, I'd like to know information about whatever is necessary to know. I "behave" when I'm with my husband and inlaws, but it's good to know where to go or what to expect just in case.

So I'm bumping this topic for any updates or useful information if anyone has it.

Edited December 31, 2023 by soloyo215