Medellín: More than Escobar Walking Tour

Not a glamorized Escobar tale. This tour uncovers coca’s roots, the drug economy, and the forgotten victims at the heart of Colombia’s history.
Begin your tour in Parque Lineal La Frontera, where you’ll explore the natural, spiritual, and medicinal uses of the coca leaf among Indigenous communities. Contrast this with its transformation into cocaine, learning about the chemicals used in the jungle during production, and the devastating environmental consequences of dumping chemical waste into the jungle.

As you move to the next stop, 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"), dive into the rise and fall of Escobar and the Medellin cartel. 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 Colombian society.

Next, head to the Medellín Chamber of Commerce, where you’ll examine the economics of the drug trade, including demand, supply chains, elasticity, money laundering, and the shadow economies that influence real-world systems at local, national, and global levels.

Finally, visit the Parque de la Inflexión, built on the site of the former Monaco building, once owned by Escobar and bombed by the Cali Cartel. End your tour with a visit to the memorial honoring the victims of narco-violence, bringing together all previous discussions and encouraging new conversations around solutions and global responsibility.

This tour does not promote drug use, drug trafficking, or glorify criminal figures in any way. All information shared is based on credible sources and academic research.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.