Private Tour
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This tour neither praises nor promotes crime, nor does it adopt the repressive attitude of traditional institutions. Instead, we strive to deeply understand the causes, context, and consequences.
Visit some of the places that shaped Escobar's life, learn about key anecdotes and historical moments, and understand the drug phenomenon objectively and neutrally, as if you were making a documentary. Our agency uses the approach and techniques of journalism.
This tour allows you to analyze history and reflect on drug trafficking, violence, and corruption in Colombia. We use an independent journalistic approach, not limited to media bias, censorship by authorities, or the personal feelings of those closest to the leader of the Medellín Cartel.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
We will head to the former Monaco Building, the main residence of Pablo Escobar and his family. Today, it serves as a memorial site for the victims of Escobar's criminal activities. The duration of this activity includes arrival and departure transfers.
You will enter the designated areas of La Catedral. From there, you will see cells, a discotheque, former prison halls, a watchtower, tunnel areas, an area of the former soccer field, an area where, according to some sources, a cocaine laboratory was located, and Escobar's escape route. In accordance with local authorities, entry to some areas may be restricted without prior notice, but it will always be possible to stop and walk through some areas of the former prison (now in ruins). Some of these areas have been reconstructed to date.
Pick up and drop off at your accommodation
Native and local guide guaranteed
Air-conditioned vehicle
Visit to the designated areas of the Cathedral
Gratuities
Select a pickup point
Place of Pablo's Death: Complete the essential Pablo Escobar tour by adding this stop. You'll walk around the area and observe the site from the outside.
Pickup included
Basic itinerary
Pickup included
47 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Michaella M,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
Amazing trip with Jairo around Medellin and up to Catedral. He knew so much local and insider info about Escobar and the cartels that we would not have found out online or from another guide. It was so interesting but also really respectful to escobars victims and the damage that was caused. It was not a glorification of Escobar but more of a balanced and informative tour. Would highly recommend Jairo and this tour to anyone visiting Medellin!
morganjG5278MI,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This tour was incredibly informative and full of great stops that truly immersed you in the history in an unbiased way. The energy is heavy in many places but Jairo was our guide and he was absolutely the BEST at sharing his knowledge with us about the cartel, the city, and more in a respectful way. If you are thinking about booking this tour we would highly recommend requesting Jairo as your guide! He is an amazing storyteller and we’ll be waiting for when he gets his book deal and becomes a motivational speaker!! We had the best time 10/10 would recommend to all!!
330garrettm,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Pay for the private Pablo tour with Jairo and you will not regret it! He will give the real story of Pablo's life and take you through his humble beginnings as you visit his family home neighborhood where he grew up and then you can go to The Cathedral where he stayed isolated from his enemies atop a mountain side self built compound and you will hear,see and feel the story from Jairo as he goes above and beyond any other tour guide needs to so you feel like you're almost back in time. He has personal connections with the people who will welcome your questions and provide you with the real stories of the life they lead and not fantasy some people make up. Jairo will not rush through any parts of the tour and go to any locations that you want to visit and provide you with the real deal facts that I had always wanted to see and hear about!








Ceris D,,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Wow what a great tour. Our guide Oscar brought Medellin in the 80's to life. He has great passion for his city and its history. His knowledge is extensive and delivered in a respectful way in consideration of all the victims and their families. we went to memorial,La Catedral ,pablos grave.and other sites relevant to the history of this time. Learnt a lot of new information. Oscar made the tour interesting,fun and time flew by. When tour ended we said goodbye to a friend. Really enjoyed this tour.Definitely recommend







josh h,,Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Very good and informative tour, we visited the memorial of the people who died during Pablo reign, his grave, house where he grew up (just stopped in the car) and the prison (could only see a section of it due to new laws, but feliciano tried his best to make sure we could see everything possible
kevonh192,,Sep 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The morning spent with Feliciano was very informative. Before I arrived to Medellin, I did not know a lot about Colombia and only knew of Pablo Escobar from when he was killed and I was in middle school. Feliciano provided excellent background information that was non-biased and very matter-of-fact, which was excellent. Seeing La Catedral is a bit heavy after you learn what happened there. I had a private tour, which in my opinion, made the day much better as I was able to talk more with Feliciano and ask questions of him as well as at La Catedral. Definitely recommend this tour!



141salvadorg,,Aug 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Good presentation, knowledge, answers to inquiries, logistics, optimal time, flexibility to drink a soda

Mark B,,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
Jairo is simply the best tour guide I’ve ever had!! His knowledge, enthusiasm, flexibility, adaptability to all things is amazing. I have been travelling for 45 years to over 90 countries and this was the best tour I’ve ever been on. I can highly recommend Jairo!
Federica L,,Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Interesting tour with the telling of the story, with our guide who lived the periods told and reports them with precision and awareness! Great Mauricio!
josechristiano,,Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent place. Very interactive and dynamic I highly recommend cars and airplanes safes and photos from all your time
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