Located off the coast of Colombia, Cartagena is a historic city that attracts many tourists each year in search of adventure and a change of scenery. However, this picturesque city hides a turbulent past linked to one of the most famous criminals of the 20th century: Pablo Escobar.
Discover the different facets of the controversial legacy of the drug lord in this paradisiacal region. We will discover a mysterious island, once owned by the drug trafficker, and we will see how it has been transformed into an innovative ecological and tourist project.
Where is the island of Pablo Escobar?
Located on the Colombian coast, near Cartagena de Indias, the Isla Grande was once a place of escape and rest for the famous drug baron Pablo Escobar. Today, this island paradise is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, discovering its fascinating history and enjoying its pristine beaches. Although the island is best known for its links to Escobar, it also has a rich biodiversity and authentic local culture that is well worth exploring. To visit the island of Pablo Escobar, you must take a tour of the Rosario Islands .
When you think of Pablo Escobar’s island, you can’t help but imagine the lavish parties held on his lavish estate in the mid-1980s. Far from the hustle and bustle of his illicit activities in Colombia and the United States, La Isla Grande provided Escobar with a haven in which to relax with his family and close friends.
After his death in 1993 and the gradual collapse of the Medellín cartel, of which he was the undisputed leader, several properties that belonged to him were confiscated by the Colombian government and later sold or turned into tourist attractions, as is the case of the Hacienda Nápoles, located not far from Medellin.
A few vestiges of Escobar’s days still remain on this picturesque island: a dilapidated house overgrown with vegetation, a half-destroyed swimming pool and a dilapidated boathouse. These elements contrast sharply with the natural beauty of the island, which is home to white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, lush mangroves and exceptional marine fauna. Visitors can enjoy a unique experience that combines contemporary history and tropical escape.
In addition to its sulfurous past linked to the most famous smuggler of the 20th century, La Isla Grande is also famous for its ecological treasures, such as the colorful corals that inhabit its seabed and the endemic species that live on it, such as the red titi monkey, in Danger of extinction. The island is part of the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park, created in 1977 to protect these precious coastal ecosystems from pollution and overfishing.
The controversial legacy of Pablo Escobar in Cartagena
Pablo Escobar is undoubtedly one of the most controversial figures in the history of Colombia. His life and death have been shrouded in mystery, and his legacy in Cartagena is equally debated. The property he owned on an island off the Caribbean coast is a popular place for tourists to learn more about the notorious drug lord’s background.
The island was owned by Pablo Escobar, but the Colombian government bought it after his death in 1993. When you visit the island, you can see remains of his old house and even a plane that was on the property, although it is now forbidden to enter or get too close. Despite this, there is still much to see: beautiful beaches, abundant fauna and several historical monuments, such as the 16th century Fort of San Felipe Barajas.
Discover the mysterious island of the former drug trafficker
Travelers looking for a unique adventure will be delighted to discover the mysterious island of former drug lord Pablo Escobar, located off the Colombian coast. This secret island is a place rich in history and culture that offers the visitor an unforgettable experience.
Arriving on the island, you’ll quickly notice that the turquoise waters are fringed by sparkling white beaches and surrounded by lush jungle. The abundant fauna includes howler monkeys, green iguanas and even some sea turtles. The serene environment invites calm and contemplation as the setting sun illuminates the stunning tropical landscape before your eyes.
As you further explore the island, you’ll discover vestiges of Pablo Escobar’s past: his main house turned museum where he kept his personal treasure; a hotel built to accommodate its guests; and an old hangar used in its day in Escobar’s international drug trade during the 1980s to 1990s. These historic sites offer the visitor a fascinating window into the controversial figure who undoubtedly played an important role in shaping the current Colombian political landscape.
If you want to explore this mystical island, it’s easy to get to from Cartagena thanks to regular excursions that depart from the Colombian tourist capital.
The ecological and tourist transformation of Escobar Island
Escobar Island, located near the Colombian city of Cartagena, is known for being the place where the famous drug trafficker Pablo Escobar took refuge. However, since his death in 1993 and the years that followed, the island has undergone a remarkable ecological and tourist transformation as the Islas del Rosario snorkeling area . When is oceanarium islas del rosario?
Today, the island is a tropical paradise with pristine beaches fringed by crystal clear turquoise waters. Marine life is rich and varied: Grecian and green turtles roam the coral reefs, while spotted dolphins play in the blue depths of the Morrosquillo Gulf.
The lush tropical forests are populated by a wide variety of animal species, some of them endemic to the island, such as the Colombian bat and the Colombian red and black toucan, which are listed on the red list of endangered species.
This ecological transformation has attracted a growing number of visitors to this little corner of paradise in the middle of the Colombian Caribbean Gulf. Activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, sport fishing, and whale watching offer visitors an unforgettable experience. The island is also home to several upscale hotels for those who wish to spend more than one night on it. whatHow to go to Rosario Islands Aquarium ?
In short, Escobar Island offers curious travelers an idyllic setting surrounded by virgin nature to completely disconnect from the rest of the world.
How to visit the once forbidden island of the drug dealer?
Pablo Escobar’s island in Cartagena is a popular tourist destination. Once closed to the public, it was opened to visitors in 2017 and offers a unique journey into the world of the drug lord. You can access it by boat and enjoy the spectacular scenery that surrounds this remote place.
Once there, you will be able to see historical relics such as the drug dealer’s house and its lush gardens. You will also be able to see wild animals such as the capuchin monkeys that have inhabited the island for many years. Lastly, you might even be lucky enough to see one of the many luxury yachts still parked on the island that once belonged to Pablo Escobar.
