Medellin: Escobar Sites & Comuna 13 Street Art Small Group Tour

Summary

Medellin’s past & hope in Comuna 13 with Escobar stories

You’ll walk Medellin’s streets with a local guide who tells hard truths—visiting Escobar’s grave, La Catedral prison, and Comuna 13’s vibrant murals. You’ll hear about loss and resilience from people who lived it, ride outdoor escalators through colorful neighborhoods, and feel how this city keeps moving forward—even when the past is never far away.

What’s the experience like?

There was this sharp snap of spray paint as we stepped into Comuna 13—kids running past, someone’s cumbia playlist echoing off the walls. Our guide, Andrés, waved us over to a mural, his voice low but steady. He didn’t sugarcoat anything about Pablo Escobar or what Medellin went through—he just told it straight, sometimes pausing like he was weighing every word. I caught the faint smell of fried empanadas from a cart nearby (wish I’d grabbed one), but we kept moving because there was so much to see.

I’ll be honest—I thought the Pablo Escobar part might feel weird or sensationalized. But standing at his grave with our small group, it felt more like a lesson in grief than anything else. Andrés pointed out the names on the headstones and talked about police officers and families who lost everything. Someone asked about the “Robin Hood” thing and he just shook his head—said it’s complicated here. The air was heavy but not hopeless. A woman tending flowers at another grave nodded at us; I still think about that moment.

La Catedral was next—a prison that looked more like a mountain retreat than anything else. Fog rolled in while Andrés explained how Escobar made deals with the government up here, and you could see all of Medellin spread out below. It was quiet except for birds and distant traffic; kind of surreal after all those stories. When we finally reached Comuna 13’s escalators (yeah, outdoor escalators!), kids were laughing and painting new murals right in front of us. The city felt alive—like it refuses to be defined by its worst days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Pablo Escobar and Comuna 13

• Depart from El Poblado at 8 AM or 2 PM
• Visit tribute to victims and heroes
• Visit Pablo Escobar's grave and family info
• Tour La Catedral and enjoy city views
• Learn about Escobar's escape and pursuit
• Visit Los Olivos community and shooting site
• Drive near stadium to see capture site
• Enter community built by Escobar
• Explore Comuna 13 street art and escalator
• Return to starting point in El Poblado

Top questions

What time does the Pablo Escobar & Comuna 13 tour start?

The tour departs daily at 8 AM and 2 PM from El Poblado (Parque Lleras).

Is transport included in the Medellin Escobar tour?

Yes, air-conditioned minivan transport is included throughout the tour.

Does this tour glorify Pablo Escobar?

No—the focus is on victims’ stories and Medellin’s resilience, not glorification.

How long is the half-day tour?

The tour lasts approximately half a day, including all site visits.

Is Comuna 13 included in this day trip?

Yes—the tour includes time exploring Comuna 13’s street art and escalators.

Where does the tour start and end?

The group meets at El Poblado (carrera 38 #9A-26) and returns there after the tour.

Are children allowed on this Medellin tour?

Yes—children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this small group tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes—the vehicles and most locations are accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from a central spot in El Poblado, all taxes and entry fees covered, transport by air-conditioned minivan, plus stories from a knowledgeable local guide before returning to where you started.