Pablo Escobar Tourism — A Critical View

Yes, we need to talk about it. Netflix's series "Narcos" has sparked a wave of Escobar tourism: Tourists pose smiling in front of his grave, on his former estate, and in bars bearing his name. For many Colombians, this is deeply hurtful.

Why the Hype is Problematic

Pablo Escobar was responsible for the deaths of an estimated 5,000–10,000 people — including politicians, journalists, judges, police officers, and countless civilians. He caused planes to crash (Avianca Flight 203, 107 dead), set off car bombs in shopping centers, and blew up entire neighborhoods. For the families of the victims, the glorification is a slap in the face.

The people of Medellín say it clearly: "Medellín is not Escobar. Medellín is the city that overcame Escobar." Comuna 13 tells the story of violence and reconstruction — without glorifying a single criminal.

What to Do Instead

If you're interested in the history, you can experience it responsibly:

• Museo Casa de la Memoria (Medellín): The Memory Museum documents the entire conflict — not just Escobar, but the guerrillas, the paramilitaries, the victims. Free entry, moving and respectful.
• Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour: The neighborhood's history tells the transformation of Medellín from the perspective of the residents — not the perpetrators.
• Centro de Memoria Histórica (Bogotá): The national center for historical memory with documentation on the armed conflict.