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.

• Discover the history of the cocaine trade and its global impact
• Learn about the coca leaf's traditional uses and its transformation
• Explore the rise and fall of Escobar and the Medellín cartel
• Understand the economics of the drug trade and its consequences
• Visit a memorial honoring the victims of narco-violence

Rather than glamorizing Escobar, this tour fosters understanding and empathy, connecting you to the resilience of Medellín’s people and understanding the forces that drive the drug industry.  Discover the real story behind Medellín with the “More than Escobar Walking Tour.” This insightful experience goes far beyond the stereotypical narratives, offering an honest look at Colombia’s complex past. Guided by local experts, you’ll uncover the origins of coca, trace the development of the drug economy, and hear the often-overlooked stories of the countless forgotten victims woven into the city’s history. If you’re seeking an educational, eye-opening experience that respects Colombia’s history while highlighting its ongoing recovery, this walking tour promises a perspective you won’t find anywhere else. Book now for a journey that’s as meaningful as it is memorable.

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.

• LA ALDEA BEER GARDEN, Carrera 43A, La Frontera, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
• Cámara de Comercio de El Poblado, Calle 16A Sur, El Poblado, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia