
Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 27 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book worth booking?
Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book is a 4-hour experience in Medellín, Colombia, from $65 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 27 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (27)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $65 per person
This tour does not glorify or promote crime, nor does it adopt the repressive stance of traditional institutions. We strive to deeply understand the causes, context, and consequences. Explore places that shaped Escobar's life, learn about key anecdotes and historical moments, and understand the drug trafficking phenomenon objectively and neutrally, as if you were making a documentary. Our agency uses journalistic techniques. This tour allows you to analyze history and reflect on drug trafficking, violence, and corruption in Colombia. An independent journalistic approach is used, without being limited by media biases, censorship by authorities, or the feelings of those closest to the head of the Medellín Cartel. The visit to La Catedral will be limited to the areas that are open, as access policies may change at this location, as determined by local authorities.
What you get
About this experience
This tour does not glorify or promote crime, nor does it adopt the repressive stance of traditional institutions. We strive to deeply understand the causes, context, and consequences. Explore places that shaped Escobar's life, learn about key anecdotes and historical moments, and understand the drug trafficking phenomenon objectively and neutrally, as if you were making a documentary. Our agency uses journalistic techniques. This tour allows you to analyze history and reflect on drug trafficking, violence, and corruption in Colombia. An independent journalistic approach is used, without being limited by media biases, censorship by authorities, or the feelings of those closest to the head of the Medellín Cartel. The visit to La Catedral will be limited to the areas that are open, as access policies may change at this location, as determined by local authorities.
What's included
Included
- Travel insurance for the tour
- Bilingual guide (English-Spanish)
- Access to download the digital book Medellín Up Close - Medellín de Cerca
- Visit to the public area of La Catedral
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Tips (optional and voluntary)
What you'll see and do
Parque Memorial Inflexion
Former Monaco Building, the main residence of Pablo Escobar and his family. Today, it serves as a memorial to the victims of Escobar's criminal activities and the drug war in general.
40 minutes here
Monasterio Santa Gertrudis La Magna
We'll arrive at the section of La Catedral open to the public. From there, we'll show you the areas where the cells, nightclub, lounges, guard tower, tunnels, and Escobar's escape route were located. We'll also show you the site of the former soccer field and where, according to the site's administrators, a mass grave and a cocaine lab were found. You can always stand and walk around the grounds of what was the old prison. Access to certain areas may be restricted without prior notice by local authorities or administrators. Some of these areas have been reconstructed. Some photos added by users show close-ups of the cells, helipad, escape route, the interior of the nightclub, the guard tower, etc. However, as of June 2025, authorities do not allow walking through these areas any longer.
90 minutes here
Envigado
Neighborhood where Pablo Escobar grew up: You'll visit the Envigado area where Escobar's house was located during his youth.
50 minutes here
Cementerio Jardines Montesacro
You'll see Escobar's burial site, which receives numerous visitors, offerings, and talismans at different times of the year.
50 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Medellín
The meeting point is in the Parque Lleras area of El Poblado, on the corner of Calle 10th and Carrera 38. ("Calle" means Street in English). You can use the following Google Maps location to get there: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2NUSwAAwhkQSmrVJA
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The meeting point is in the Parque Lleras area of El Poblado, on the corner of Calle 10th and Carrera 38. ("Calle" means Street in English). You can use the following Google Maps location to get there: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2NUSwAAwhkQSmrVJA
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Medellín Up Close | Medellín de Cerca
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 27 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
27 verified traveler reviews for Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Experience
Absolutely fantastic tour, so all of the Pablo Escobar sites, with Jairo the best tour guide ever!
via Tripadvisor
Very interesting tour with excellent guide Jairo
We had the best experience today with Jairo. He is fluent in English, very personal, friendly and willing to consider our questions. He knows a lot about what happened. It is obvious he knows what he is talking about. He took us to the different sights while sharing the story in a nuanced way and also putting it into the cultural context, which made it super interesting. We would recommend him 10/10. Furthermore he is very relaxed and polite to all the guests. Hé has great sense of humor and knows when to be serious. The tour is very interesting. The sights you Will visit make the story complete.
Response from the operator: Hello Florenst! Many thanks for sharing your feedback. Could you please tell us what part of the tour was not satisfying for you. We ask ourselves this because we read a very possitive review, but you rated this experience with 3 out of 5. Please, let us know if there was something that didn't meet your expectations. Thanks beforehand!
via Tripadvisor
Exhausting and interesting tour
We take a tour Escobar and La Cathedral form Medellin de cerca agency. We was really excited about this tour exactly out tour guide Jairo Calderón. He spoke very well English what is not usual staff in Medellin. His knowledge about history of Pablo Escobar was incredible. He knows plenty of details behind the scenes. He was very polite, talk active and funny. We glad to recommend him and this agency and we will book another tour in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing behind the scene experience
Jairo made a great job as a private guided all day tour for me. He took me all the places and explained a very thorough review of the whole Escobar Story and even more.
via Tripadvisor
Jairo is the best! :)
I came in not knowing much about Pablo Escobar (other than the name). But Jairo, our guide, made it very interesting for us - especially with his personal stories. Staff of Medellin de Circa was also very helpful with my last-minute booking (i.e., me bugging them late night/early in the morning). I also love that it is a small group tour, so we get to ask many questions. Five stars! :)
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $65 to $130
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Medellín Up Close | Medellín de Cerca, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.3.
See everything Medellín Up Close | Medellín de Cerca runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Medellín.
How much does Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book cost?
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Prices start at $65 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Medellín usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Medellín is not rushed.
Is Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 27 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Medellín, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Medellín can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Medellín and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Medellín within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Medellín?
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On Outty we rank every Medellín experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Guatapé Tour: Piedra del Peñol with Boat Tour, Breakfast, Lunch, Half Day Bike Tour in Medellin - Local snack, Coffee or Beer, Guided Tour of Comuna 13 Medellín with Snacks Included. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Medellín?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Medellín?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book?
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Included: Travel insurance for the tour; Bilingual guide (English-Spanish); Access to download the digital book Medellín Up Close - Medellín de Cerca; Visit to the public area of La Catedral; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Tips (optional and voluntary). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book?
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The meeting point is in the Parque Lleras area of El Poblado, on the corner of Calle 10th and Carrera 38. ("Calle" means Street in English). Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Medellín. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Pablo Escobar Tour with La Catedral Prison Visit and Art Book?
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Across 27 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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