"We Don't Talk About Pablo" - a City Tour of Medellín

"We Don't Talk About Pablo" - a City Tour of Medellín

COMDE-PET01 4 hours Available on request

Tour Highlights

  • Understand Medellín's extraordinary transformation from its darkest years to today
  • Visit the Museo Casa de la Memoria, a powerful record of the city's history
  • See El Poblado, Laureles, and the city's thriving modern districts
  • Ride the Metrocable for aerial views over the famous comunas
  • Meet the real Medellín, resilient, creative, and proud

Tour code

COMDE-PET01

Duration

4 hours

Start

Hotel pickup included

Departure

9:00 AM or 2:00 PM

Languages

English & Spanish

Experience Medellín with our eye-opening 4-hour city tour. With many people, when we mention Medellín, the first thing that comes to mind is the infamous name of Pablo Escobar. While many visitors come seeking his shadow, we offer a deeper, more authentic exploration of Colombia’s complex history. This unique Medellín tour takes you beyond the typical tourist trail, revealing the city’s journey from the challenges of the narcotics trade, to its inspiring present-day transformation.

Medellín’s Innovative Metrocable

Travel through the Center-East of Medellín via the innovative Metrocable. In cities around the world, cable cars are used to transport tourists to mountain peaks for unique views and experiences. In Medellín, it has become a form of transportation for local people to travel to certain, otherwise inaccessible neighbourhoods. Witness key historical sites, and conclude at the straight-to-the-heart Museo Casa de la Memoria. Join us to understand the real Medellín – a city of resilience, innovation, and hope.

This tour has been designed to enlighten tourists about the flip side of the Colombian narcotics story that was never told by the many popular TV series. The tour is grounded in actual facts of the Colombian narcotics mega drama.

This tour is unlike the regular Pablo Escobar tours. The narrative and the sites that you will visit, focus on taking you on a journey through the whole context of the development of the ‘narco-traffic’ challenges that Colombia faces. The problem continues to exist today.

You will get to understand the impact on the environment and society; and how the war on drugs left a deep wound that defines the tenacity and the whole social transformation that has made Colombia known internationally.

Museo Casa de la Memoria

The tour will culminate with a visit to Medellín’s ‘Museo Casa de la Memoria.’ This comes with interactive exhibits that will bring to the conversation, the voices of victims of the drug war in Colombia. We will also learn about the radical, positive change the Country has undergone in recent years, and how that came about.

Descriptions of Sites Visited on Medellín City Tour

Comuna 8

Experience the heart of Medellín’s urban transformation in Comuna 8. This neighbourhood exemplifies the city’s journey from challenges to progress, showcasing innovative social programs and community-led initiatives.

Villa Hermosa

Explore Villa Hermosa, a neighborhood that embodies Medellín’s resilience. Witness firsthand how community efforts and urban planning have reshaped this area into a symbol of hope and renewal.

Unidad Deportiva de Miraflores

Visit the Unidad Deportiva de Miraflores, a state-of-the-art sports complex that represents Medellín’s commitment to youth development and community well-being. This facility plays a crucial role in providing positive alternatives for local residents.

Metrocable Linea Bibliometro

Experience Medellín’s innovative public transport solution, the Metrocable. This aerial cable car system not only provides efficient transportation but also symbolizes the city’s commitment to social inclusion and accessibility.

Tranvia de Ayacucho

Ride the modern Tranvia de Ayacucho, Medellín’s tram system that connects historically marginalized neighbourhoods to the city centre. This transportation project exemplifies the city’s ongoing efforts to bridge social and economic divides.

Museo Casa de la Memoria

Conclude your tour at the profoundly insightful Museo Casa de la Memoria. This museum offers a moving and interactive exploration of Colombia’s complex history, honouring victims and showcasing the country’s journey towards peace and reconciliation.

The Tranvía tram in Medellín, Colombia Medellín - Tranvía ©Alexander Canasarango - Pixabay

Summarised Itinerary

  1. 1

    Hotel pickup & introduction

    Your guide collects you and gives a brief overview of what to expect. The tour begins with a frank conversation about Medellín's history and its remarkable reinvention.

  2. 2

    Museo Casa de la Memoria

    An important and moving museum documenting the impact of the armed conflict on Medellín's communities. Essential context for understanding the city today.

  3. 3

    Metrocable, Comunas

    Board the cable car for aerial views over the hillside comunas that were once inaccessible to the city below. The cable car itself was a transformative piece of urban infrastructure.

  4. 4

    El Centro & Botero Plaza

    Fernando Botero Plaza features 23 bronze sculptures donated by Medellín's most famous artist. The Museo de Antioquia is adjacent.

  5. 5

    Tour closes

    Your guide drops you back at your hotel or in El Poblado.

Please note: the order of stops and the timings shown are approximate and may change on the day for your safety and the best experience. See our Tour Terms & Conditions.

What's Included

  • English-speaking certified guide
  • Private transport throughout
  • Metrocable tickets

Not Included

  • Museo Casa de la Memoria entry (small fee)
  • Meals and drinks
  • Gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

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Tour code: COMDE-PET01

Available on request

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