More than Escobar Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
This is not another Escobar selfie tour. This is a respecful tour with unique perspectives on the matter.
Yes, we talk about him — but this experience goes far beyond. Beyond Escobar shifts the spotlight from the man to the system: from myth to context, from glorification to understanding.
This walking tour explores the natural, historical and economic forces that shaped Medellín’s and Colombia's recent history — beginning with ancient traditions and tracing their transformation into a worldwide phenomenon with lasting social impact.
Discover untold stories, gain fresh perspectives, and see how local events became part of a global narrative.
Thought-provoking and deeply researched, Beyond Escobar is about history, economics, and the human cost of a complex chapter in Colombia’s past — without glorifying crime, and always keeping victims at the center.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
We begin in Parque Lineal La Frontera, a green corridor at the edge of Medellín and Envigado, where we explore the cultural, spiritual, and medicinal uses of the coca leaf among Indigenous communities. We contrast this with its transformation into cocaine, explaining the production process and the devastating environmental consequences of dumping chemical waste into the jungle.
As we move to the next stop, we discuss the global history of coca and cocaine—how it was used by historical figures and how perceptions changed over time. In front of Montecasino, the former residence of the Castaño brothers (infamous for creating the paramilitaries and the vigilante group "Los Pepes"), we dive into the rise and fall of Escobar and the Medellin cartel. Here, we examine the violent era of narco-terrorism, the declaration of the War on Drugs by the U.S. government, and the effects of all that in the Colombian society.
What‘s Included
professional guidance
Transportation
Options
More than Escobar Tour
Reviews
173 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best Tour in Town!!!
jasperk802,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow, what an exciting and informative tour!! The guide Pablo tells the stories so thrillingly and with so much passion that you are only so attached to your lips ;) Through his self-designed picture cards you can follow very well and memorize all the information well. We found this tour particularly good, as the focus is more on the many victims of the whole drug business and a change of perspective is being sought (compared to the often glorifying Pablo Escobar tours). Thank you for this great experience!
Eye opening and interesting
Robert K,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very eye opening and heavy but well worth learning about a victim centric view of Cartels and the ongoing impact to Colombia
Great story telling about the whole story :)
Laurrhi,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with a lot of insight in not only the very dark history, but the origine from the Inca times and current drug economy as well. I hope people keep sharing and talking about what happened. Totally recommend, great storytelling, thank you so much
Realities of Narcos in Colombia
areyely,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a very informative and conversational tour. I enjoyed the range of topics from economics to science. The tour in focused on the realities and experiences of the victims of drug trade
More Than Escobar Tour with Julio!
269jazmine,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Julio was an outstanding guide for the Beyond Escobar tour thoughtful, engaging, and deeply knowledgeable. This is absolutely not a sensational or selfie-style tour, and Julio makes that clear from the beginning with the care and respect he brings to the story of Medellín and Colombia. He speaks both English and Spanish fluently and has an incredible way of explaining complex history in a way that’s accessible, nuanced, and meaningful. Rather than glorifying one man, Julio skillfully shifts the focus to the larger system connecting history, economics, politics, and the very real human cost behind it all. What stood out most was Julio’s passion and integrity. You can tell this tour is deeply researched and that he genuinely cares about honoring the victims while helping visitors truly understand the broader context. I learned so much and left with a completely different, more informed perspective on Colombia’s past and present. If you’re looking for a respectful, eye-opening, and intellectually engaging experience that goes far beyond surface-level narratives, Julio and this tour are an absolute must.
Fair tour
138marleens,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good ‘tour’ that tells the honest story about the drug problems in Medellin and Colombia. Few kilometres, lots of information
Everything from the beginning of cocaine, the war on drugs and pablos destruction of Medellin
BenMilly11,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an unreal tour around the beautiful part of Medellin, had a real in-depth tour from Pablo who was very personal and proud to be sharing the history of his country which I loved.
Amazing tour - very educational!
Akseli I,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Pablo really prepared a unique tour for us, I have not had a walking tour like this ever before. He did extensive research and prepared some cards to interactively tell us about the supply, logistics, history and economics of narcotrafficking in Colombia. Also provide a great explanation for the appearance of paramilitaries and guerillas in the 20th century. At the end we visited a monument for the victims. If you have time for 1 walking tour in Medellin, do this one.
Must do tour in Medellín!
92kaylahg,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a must do in Medellín ! What an amazing tour. So educational and Pablo made it so interesting. Not only does he deliver a great tour about the history of Colombia and war on drugs he gave a personal perspective and could see how much he cared about educating people on the real facts. He also gave us great recommendations on what else to do in Medellín ! Don’t miss out
The real sorry from Colombia
795aimanet,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Please keep telling People your story that definetly needs to be told. Very beautifull experience! Highlight of Medellín!
From US$25.00
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