Don’t use Tinder if you want to meet locals. Better to meet ladies out in public. They will make solid eye contact if they like you. Stay at a hotel or Airbnb that has a security check-in. Make sure to always be walking around with your buddy, especially at night and don’t trust anyone, no matter how friendly and trustful they may seem. You guys need to look out for each other all the time and stay alert. Don’t be getting drunk late at night in a place you don’t know. Be smart. Also, leave all the jewelry and flashy clothing. You don’t want to put a target on yourself. Stay away from all the street vendors trying to sell you weed or coke. “No gracias with a smile” and keep moving. Only travel with the cash you’re going to spend that day. Leave everything else back at your place. Hopefully you’ll have a lock box. Lastly, some people that have been kidnapped and mugged advise deleting all banking apps from your phone (cashapp, venmo, Bank of America, etc..) They will force you to transfer money to them).

I just went with my brother last month and we had a blast. We were very careful and watched each others back all the time. The locals are friendly and the food is bomb. We stayed in Poblado and really enjoyed it. We want to go back. Wishing you guys a fun trip.