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Pacific Coast
elle Turístico, cross the road and walk one block along the street to the right on Calle 1. Calle 1a, 2A-71. Tel: 2-241-8028, Fax: 2-2434846, E-mail: granhotel@mibuenaventura. com. Updated: Dec 19, 2007.
Pacific Coast
Hotel Estelar Estación (ROOM: $100-175) Built during an era when decadence and class meant everything, the Hotel Estelar Estación cuts an awkard gait in today’s Buenaventura. Truly the only luxury hotel in the city, its stucco-front balconies set it apart from all of the other lodging options. If it’s luxury you’re after, then pick any one of the 75 suites, bathe in the pool or dine at one of its restaurants. Calle 2, 1A-08. Tel: 2-2434070, Fax: 2-243-4118, E-mail: recepcion. hestacion@hotelesestelar.com, URL: www. hotelesestelar.com. Updated: Dec 19, 2007.
Buenaventura Restaurants La Casa
Enviably situated with an ocean view and a cooling breeze, the restaurant La Casa is a welcoming place to eat in town. Set menus at lunch appeal to the budget-minded traveler. Those looking for something more substantial will find the á la carte menu eye-catching. Shrimp platters and fish grilled in garlic cost about $9. Calle 1, 5A-46. Tel: 2-241-0056. Updated: Dec 19, 2007.
Primos Although it lacks the quality and setting of some other places in the neighborhood, Primos is another decent option on Calle 1. There are generous helpings of typical coastal fare, including fried fish and different cuts of meat. Calle 1, 3. Tel: 2-242-3109. Updated: Dec 19, 2007.
Soles On the 11th floor of the Capilla del Sol Hotel, Soles makes for a pleasant respite from the noise of cars along the Zona Rosa strip. Standard eats are available. Although the food is better than passable, the main reason to come here is the view of the city lights overlooking the Pacific. Calle 1a, Carrera 2a, 11th floor. Tel: 2-242-3000. Updated: Dec 19, 2007.
Rapy Taylor One of six fast food stalls on the shore side of Calle 1 in the Zona Rosa, Rapy Taylor delivers exactly what you would expect. Pizza, www.vivatravelguides.com
hamburgers, hot dogs and other fast food fare is available for diners in a hurry. Calle 1, opposite the hotels. Updated: Dec 19, 2007.
Sabrosuras del Pacífico Strategically positioned on a second story facing the sea, Sabrosuras del Pacífico specializes in seafood dishes native to the area. Although this is an ideal place for lunch, it may not be to everyone’s liking for dinner, when the neighboring club opens and smothers the restaurant with loud music. Calle 1, opposite Hotel los Delifines. Tel: 2-241-7944. Updated: Dec 19, 2007.
Leños y Mariscos In the heart of Buenaventura’s Zona Rosa on Calle 1, Leños y Mariscos is an upscale eatery that offers fairly standard fish, chicken and beef dishes. However, the helpings are sizeable and accompanied at lunchtime by a salad and small dessert. Calle 1, 5B-13. Tel: 2-2422089. Updated: Dec 19, 2007.
Buenaventura Nightlife
Because it is a major port, Buenaventura has a colorful nightlife, to put it mildly. As a tourist, you are recommended to stick to the Zona Rosa on Calle 1, which extends from the Muelle Turístico up the hill to the Mirador Azul bar. Between these two landmarks you should be less likely to run into problems. Rumba the night away in one of dozens of places, like Krypton or Chaplins. Updated: Nov 15, 2007.
Near Buenaventura Juanchaco and Ladrilleros Both areas are swamped during the whalewatching season, which runs from late July into the early weeks of October. Every long weekend or public holiday brings hordes of vacationers from Cali eager to reach the coast and catch a glimpse of the migrating humpbacks. Juanchaco’s beach is littered with driftwood and is not a place you would spread out a towel to catch some sun. But, beaches in Ladrilleros are much more suitable for sunbathers. When the tide is out, the beach widens enormously and vendors set up their stalls. They provide everything from fortified coconut cocktails to fried fish lunches. There are places to stay in both areas, many of which are arranged through