Do I Need The 2 Gringos Guide Book?

[Ken Power]

Fellas,

I wanted a little feed back on the guide book.  Is it an invaluable resource for Coloumbia? Reading different posts, it seems to be dated.  As a student I don't need to throw away $25. However, the site for 2 Gringos claims that they update the book frequently on hotels, agencies (current  prices, dining,sites, etc.  (Sounds invaluable ~ am I wrong)?
Does any one have an up to date copy (2001)?
Cautious

[Larry in Dallas]

... in response to Do I Need The 2 Gringos Guide Book?, posted by Ken Power on Dec 1, 2001

Yes, you need it!!  One of the authors lives in the Metroplex (Dallas Fort Worth area) and I directly bought the book from him.  He flies down to colombia many times each year and updates his book regularly.  GO SPEND THE MONEY!!!!

                                   Sincerely,

                                   Larry in Dallas

[Pete E]

... in response to Do I Need The 2 Gringos Guide Book?, posted by Ken Power on Dec 1, 2001

The 2 gringos book was usefull to alot of guys including me in getting the story on the agency business in Colombia.
Their discussion site was the first one I followed,but after finding this one I do go to it anymore.If you read this site you will get all the imformation in the book and more,but the book can't hurt,so buy it if you are inclined.$25 is a small part of what you will spend if you follow through in this endeavor and maybe a small piece of imformation will help alot.Maybe they have added something new.

Pete

[JunFan]

... in response to Do I Need The 2 Gringos Guide Book?, posted by Ken Power on Dec 1, 2001

I am a big fan of the 2Gringos book and their forum.  Buying that book and participating on their forum (and this one later) was what got me ready to go to Colombia the first time.

The 2G's forum is not as active, but the quality of the content is high in this gringo's opinion.  I still have the book, as a momento.

Mike

[FenixRises]

... in response to Do I Need The 2 Gringos Guide Book?, posted by Ken Power on Dec 1, 2001

Short and sweet!
Buy the 2Gringos Book.
As others have said this will give you access to the 2Gringos Forum. That forum is a wealth of "SEARCHABLE" information.
At a conservative estimate IMO you will save 20-30 times the price of the book because of the information you will find on the forum.
Fred

[pack]

... in response to Re: Do I Need The 2 Gringos Guide Book?, posted by FenixRises on Dec 2, 2001

the book is out dated and the forum is almost silent.

[Ken Power]

... in response to Re: Re: Do I Need The 2 Gringos Guide Bo..., posted by pack on Dec 2, 2001

Thats what I needed to know ~ Thanks

[briloop]

... in response to Do I Need The 2 Gringos Guide Book?, posted by Ken Power on Dec 1, 2001

I bought what I believe is the latest edition of the 2 Gringos Guide Book over two years ago.  I've read and posted to the 2 Gringos forum since I received the book.

Because agencies come and go, and others raise their prices or change membership conditions, the book itself is somewhat outdated with respect to the agency scene in Colombia.   However, the rest of the book should still be fairly accurate as far as arriving in country, clearing customs, getting through the airports, hotels, restaurants, and general descriptions of the major cities in Colombia.  

Upon purchase of the book, you receive access to the 2 Gringos website.  At the 2 Gringos website, there is a webpage that contains an Agency Comparison chart.  The guy who maintains the 2 Gringos website tries to keep the Agency Comparison chart current.  I won't vouch for it being 100% completely accurate, but if you buy the book and monitor the forums you will get up to date information.

In addition to the forums and the Agency Comparison chart, there are web pages devoted to the major cities in Colombia.  For example, there are 10 agencies and 7 hotels listed on the Cali page.  Again, I won't say that all of the information is up to date and completely accurate, but I believe the webmaster does a good job of maintaining the site.

If it is your intention to go to Colombia, the 2 Gringos Guide Book is worth its price.

[cedro]

... in response to Do I Need The 2 Gringos Guide Book?, posted by Ken Power on Dec 1, 2001

Actually if you buy the book, you will be given a user name and password to the 2 gringos website which is LOADED with infomation about colombia, hotels, bed and breakfasts, trip reports you won't see on here and the agencies.  If you know for sure your going to colombia, spend the $25.

[Bueller]

... in response to Re: Do I Need The 2 Gringos Guide Book?, posted by cedro on Dec 1, 2001

It's $25 admission to a very useful forum, plus you get a free doorstop.

[NW Jim]

... in response to Re: Do I Need The 2 Gringos Guide Book?, posted by cedro on Dec 1, 2001

You are right to be concerned about a book getting out of date quickly. Especially the Agency reviews; many agencies have gone out of business, others have had to change their pricing model.

Cedro is right, the forum is the best part of the deal. However, you will see a lot of the same posts here on PL and on LWL. If money were tight, I’d pass, and just read the archives of PL and LWL to get a quick background of the situation and understand the players.

Have you signed up for LWL?, it’s free. Just click on “Other Forums” on the left and go to Latin-Women-List (LWL) and subscribe.

[pack]

... in response to Re: Re: Do I Need The 2 Gringos Guide Bo..., posted by NW Jim on Dec 1, 2001

the book is out dated..save your money...you'll learn more right here on this board.guys like cali-vet,hoda ,happyfeet and others will guide you straight.

[Cali vet]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Do I Need The 2 Gringos Guid..., posted by pack on Dec 1, 2001

Pack

With the number of times you've been to Cali, your knowlege of the agencies (you've visited a couple I've not set foot in) and the long term relationship you had that exposed you to Colombian family values and attitudes I think you're as qualified as anyone on the board to give top notch advise to first time Cali travelers. Also I agree with you about the book, save the money and read the board where there is a constant flow of information from those who are about to go or just got back.

[pack]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Do I Need The 2 Gringos ..., posted by Cali vet on Dec 2, 2001

thanks vet, i can and do give advise on what i do know and have experience at which is limited to cali and bogota but you on the other hand have been from one end of colombia to the other and everywhere in between so i dont even concider myself in the same catagory as you and a few others on this board. as far as the book it was a great resourse at one time but now its out dated and as for the chat board Gringos it has slowly become silent more and more people have stopped posting and now its down to a trickle of postings. this board Planet, is a active board filled with useful information.