38 Facts About Hacienda Napoles

The Origins and Location of Hacienda Napoles

Hacienda Napoles, a symbol of both opulence and infamy, has a rich history tied to one of the world's most notorious figures, Pablo Escobar. Let's explore the origins and location of this sprawling estate.

1. Location and Size: Hacienda Napoles is situated in Puerto Triunfo, Antioquia Department, Colombia, about 150 km (93 mi) east of Medellín and 249 km (155 mi) northwest of Bogotá. The estate spans approximately 20 km² (7.7 sq mi) of land.

2. History: Pablo Escobar acquired the estate in 1978. Over time, he expanded it by purchasing smaller adjacent lands, eventually creating a single property of about 3,000 hectares under the name Hacienda Napoles.

Luxurious Features and Attractions

Escobar's estate was not just a home; it was a playground of luxury and entertainment. Here are some of the extravagant features that once adorned Hacienda Napoles.

3. Original Features: The estate included a Spanish colonial house, a sculpture park, and a complete zoo featuring animals from various continents such as antelope, elephants, exotic birds, giraffes, hippopotamuses, ostriches, and ponies.

4. Luxury and Entertainment: The ranch boasted a large collection of old and luxury cars and bikes, a private airport, a brothel, and even a Formula 1-racing track. These features reflect Escobar's penchant for luxury and entertainment.

5. Private Zoo: The private zoo was a notable feature of Hacienda Napoles. It housed a variety of exotic animals, including giraffes, elephants, kangaroos, and hippopotamuses. The zoo was so extensive that it required significant maintenance, which became a challenge after Escobar's death.

6. Concrete Dinosaurs: To add to the estate's fantasy land, Escobar built a herd of concrete dinosaurs. These statues were part of the estate's unique charm and are still visible today.

7. Plane Display: Above the entrance gate to the estate, Escobar mounted a replica of the Piper PA-18 Super Cub airplane (tail number HK-617-P), which he had used to smuggle cocaine into the United States.

Transformation and Public Support

After Escobar's death, Hacienda Napoles underwent significant changes. It transformed from a symbol of crime to a place of public interest and support.

8. Public Support: Despite its dark history, Hacienda Napoles has garnered public support. The estate has been transformed into a theme park and a sanctuary for fauna and flora, attracting tourists interested in its history and wildlife.

9. Tourist Attractions: Visitors to Hacienda Napoles can enjoy various attractions, including a water park with four water slides, three jacuzzis, an antique boat with six water cannons, and a bridge crossing on floating lotuses.

10. Wildlife Conservation: The park is now a pole of development for the region, focusing on environmental and cultural content. It hosts 38 felines, including Bengal tigers, lions, and jaguars, as well as a large herd of hippopotamuses.

The Hippopotamus Legacy

One of the most intriguing aspects of Hacienda Napoles is its population of hippopotamuses, which have become a unique part of the estate's legacy.

11. Vanessa the Hippopotamus: Vanessa, the hippopotamus, is the official mascot of Hacienda Napoles. She was born in the park and raised by humans after being rejected by her herd. The park has a large population of hippopotamuses, with some living free in the surrounding countryside.

12. Feral Hippopotamuses: Escobar's hippopotamuses have escaped and become feral, living in at least four lakes in the area and spreading into neighboring rivers. This has led to calls for the hippo population to be culled due to their interaction with local fishermen.

Current Attractions and Activities

Today, Hacienda Napoles offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors, making it a popular tourist destination.

13. Zoo Animals: The zoo at Hacienda Napoles hosts a variety of animals, including bison, a rare goat, one ostrich, and zebras. The large number of hippos makes it difficult to find zoos into which they can be resettled.

14. Jurassic Park-Style Theme Park: In 2014, a "Jurassic Park"-style African theme park was operating on the grounds, featuring replicas of significant dinosaurs and an African museum. The park also includes aquariums and a replica of the caves in Colombia's Cueva de los Guácharos National Park.

15. Water Park: The water park at Hacienda Napoles offers a variety of attractions, including four water slides, three jacuzzis, an antique boat with six water cannons, and a bridge crossing on floating lotuses.

16. Memorial Museum: Under the slogan “The State Triumphed,” the Hacienda Nápoles Theme Park began its first developments in April 2007, with the adaptation of the main areas and the assembly of a Memorial Museum. The museum honors the victims of drug trafficking violence and provides a tour through different episodes of Colombian life, critical and severe against violence, corruption, drug trafficking, and all forms of crime.

Management and Maintenance

Managing such a vast estate comes with its own set of challenges, especially after the fall of its infamous owner.

17. Current Management: After Escobar's death in 1993, his family entered a legal struggle with the Colombian government over the property. The government prevailed, and the neglected property is now managed by the Municipality of Puerto Triunfo. The cost of maintaining the zoo and animals was too expensive, so most of the animals were donated to various South American zoos.

18. Maintenance Costs: The maintenance costs for the zoo and animals were significant. The government decided to donate most of the animals to other zoos due to financial constraints.

19. Value of the Property: By November 2006, ownership of the property had passed to the Colombian government and was valued at 5 billion Colombian pesos (approximately $2.23 million).

Visitor Experience

Hacienda Napoles offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors, with a variety of activities and attractions to explore.

20. Tourist Activities: Visitors to Hacienda Napoles can enjoy a variety of activities, including walking around the abandoned ranch, exploring the private zoo, and visiting the Jurassic park-style theme park. The tour includes a visit to the African museum and a chance to see a wide variety of animals.

21. Tour Duration: The Hacienda Napoles tour typically lasts around 10 hours, starting at 6 AM and including a visit to the park, the zoo, and other attractions.

22. Age Restrictions: There are no age restrictions for visiting Hacienda Napoles, making it a family-friendly destination.

23. Pet Policy: Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the tour due to some sightseeing locations not being pet-friendly.

24. Price: The price for the Hacienda Napoles tour is $79 per person (305,000 COP), which includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, private car with bilingual driver, traveler’s insurance, parking fees, local taxes, and fully narrated tour.

25. Tour Requirements: Visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes, casual clothes, and bring essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, bug spray, camera, and towel.

26. Places to Visit: The tour includes visits to Hacienda Napoles Park, Doradal, Antioquia, where visitors can see the hippopotamus park, meet Vanessa the hippopotamus, and explore Pablo’s toys and cars.

27. Memorable Photo Opportunity: Visitors can take a memorable photo at the entrance showing Pablo’s very first plane that he used for smuggling cocaine.

28. Old Aircraft Hangar: The tour includes a visit to an old aircraft hangar with burnt-out remnants of Escobar’s car collection. This provides a glimpse into the splendor and luxury of those days.

29. Private Planes: Visitors can explore the old track where Pablo landed his private planes, which hosted many shipments to and from overseas.

30. Lunch Break: There is ample free time to enjoy lunch at nearby cafeterias and restroom facilities. However, no ATM is guaranteed on site.

31. African Museum: The tour includes a visit to the African museum, a magnificent arena with an onsite museum where visitors can learn about Africa and the history of the human race.

32. Wild Animals: The farm is home to several wild animals, and visitors are driven around thoroughly to appreciate a wide variety of animals they might not see in Colombia otherwise.

33. Late Afternoon Return: In the late afternoon, the tour gets ready to head back to Medellin on a comfortable ride, sharing great views of the countryside. Visitors are free to make stops anywhere to use bathrooms, stretch their legs, or grab a beverage.

Practical Information for Visitors

For those planning a visit, here are some practical details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

34. Terms of Service: The tour operator reserves the right to refuse users under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A 100% refund is only given if the service is cancelled 24 hours before the time of service.

35. No Age Restrictions: There are no age restrictions for the tour, making it accessible to all ages.

36. Tour Requirements: Visitors are required to wear comfortable walking shoes and casual clothes to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

37. Included Services: The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, private car with bilingual driver and AC, traveler’s insurance, parking fees, local taxes, fully narrated tour, and entry tickets.

38. Departures: The tour departs daily at 8 AM from Medellin, with flexible start times available upon inquiry. The duration of the tour is approximately 12 hours.

A Glimpse into Hacienda Napoles

Hacienda Napoles, once the lavish playground of Pablo Escobar, now stands as a testament to transformation. From its extravagant features like a private zoo and concrete dinosaurs to its current status as a theme park and wildlife sanctuary, this estate has seen it all. Visitors can explore a Jurassic Park-style theme park, a memorial museum, and even take a photo with a replica of Escobar's first smuggling plane. The estate, now managed by the Municipality of Puerto Triunfo, offers a mix of history, wildlife, and adventure. With no age restrictions and a variety of attractions, it's a family-friendly destination that provides a unique look into Colombia's past and present. Whether you're interested in the luxury of Escobar's era or the conservation efforts of today, Hacienda Napoles offers a fascinating experience for all.