Memorial Day Narcos tour – Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia Tour

DESCRIPTION

Whether you’re a fan of Netflix’s Narcos television series or intrigued by the life and death of Pablo Escobar, also known as “the King of Cocaine”, our Memorial Day Narcos tour will take you into the heart of Bogota – the capital of Colombia, and to the old town back streets of Medellin city which was once home to one of the most powerful drug lords in history.

Our tour begins in Bogota where you’ll feast upon Colombia’s fresh and delicious food scene and finish off the evening by playing Tejo, a traditional sport played in Colombia which involves throwing iron balls at explosives. Must be seen to be believed.

The next day we’ll fly to Medellin where you’ll meet our local guide who used to be the personal driver for the big boss man himself, Escobar. He isn’t shy with his stories and will take you to see Pablo’s former residence, the prison which Pablo built and paid for himself when he agreed a surrender to the Colombian government and finally to his resting place which the locals have converted into a shrine. We’ll pass murals and signs of respect the locals still have for Pablo.

During your tour you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the back streets of old town whilst in both cities whilst getting incredible views of this unique country and concluding the tour back in Bogota.

ITINERARY

Friday 22^nd May – Bogotá

Arrive into Bogotá at your own leisure, and transfer to our hotel situated in the La Candelaria historical district of Bogotá. Optional: We can arrange your airport pick up transfer.
Meet at 6pm in the hotel’s lobby to go over the itinerary for the week, and head out for an evening tour of old town.
Dinner at a local restaurant famous for their Ceviche – raw fish cooked in lime juice, incredibly delicious and the most Colombian dish to start the tour.
Time to play Tejo! – a local traditional sport that involves throwing iron balls at explosives whilst drinking beer. Hey, when in Rome!
Overnight in Bogotá

Saturday 23^rd May – Bogotá to Medellín

Early wake up for breakfast at hotel and board a 60 minute flight to Medellín
Once arriving we’ll be met by our local guide who spent his youth working as Peblo Escobar’s driver – he’s very open to answering questions about his time working for the notorious drug lord.
Head to the Monaco building where Pablo Escobar formerly lived, and which was blown up by the Cali cartel.
Visit the notorious La Catedral Prison – this prison was built and paid for by Pablo Escobar himself during 1991 to serve his agreed 5-year sentence in luxury. The prison has been converted to a retirement village run by monks. However, the watchtower and personal helipad remain which offer the most amazing views of Medellín.
We finish the Pablo Escobar tour by visiting his grave and final resting place, where our local guide, and former henchman of Pablo will regale us with stories about his time working for the cartel.
Dinner and drinks in El Poblado, the trendiest nightlife spot in Colombia littered with bars and with unique styles.
Overnight Medellín

Sunday 24^th May – Medellín to Bogotá

Breakfast at hotel
Begin the city tour of Medellín with our first stop riding the legendary cable-metro which offer spectacular views of the city
Visit Cerro Nutibara – another great spot to take in the sights of the bustling city below us – fantastic ice-cream available here too
Continue walking tour in old town where we’ll stop for a chance ot sample some coca tea.
Head to the airport and return to Bogotá on a one-hour flight
Dinner and drinks in YPT’s favourite restaurant in Bogotá. Colombia’s capital has now shaken off its image of danger, and is a vibrant place for a night out!
Overnight in Bogotá

Monday 25^th May – Bogotá

Breakfast in hotel
Meet up with our expert local guide and begin our walking tour of La Candelaria – this is the centuries-old colonial-era heart of this now huge, modern city, where Símon Bolívar – El Libertador, the original Latin American revolutionary – was almost caught, and where various figures of Colombian history met their fate.
Bogotá is famous in Colombia and beyond for its incredibly unique street food, so we take a staggered street food lunch trying almost everything they have on offer, including Mick Jagger’s favourite “oblea”.
Tour concludes – alternatively ask us about tour extensions – visit to Cali or other Colombian cities or join us for the cable car up Monserrate, the 10,000 ft mountain towering over Bogotá.

GALLERY