Attraction Guide: Hacienda Nápoles Theme Park, Puerto Boyacá, Colombia

Hacienda Nápoles Theme Park Guide

Hacienda Nápoles: Where Wildlife Meets Wild History Guide

Prepare for a surreal and unforgettable experience at Hacienda Nápoles Theme Park, a sprawling estate in Puerto Boyacá, Colombia, that was once the infamous home of drug lord Pablo Escobar. Today, it's been transformed into a bizarre and fascinating blend of wildlife sanctuary, water park, and historical site, offering a glimpse into a dark past juxtaposed with the vibrant beauty of Colombian nature. It's a place that challenges your perceptions and leaves you with a lot to think about. Hacienda Nápoles was built in the late 1970s and quickly became a symbol of Escobar's immense wealth and power. The estate boasted a private zoo filled with exotic animals, including hippopotamuses, giraffes, and elephants, as well as swimming pools, a bullring, and even a private airport. After Escobar's death in 1993, the estate fell into disrepair and was eventually seized by the Colombian government. In the years that followed, it was transformed into the theme park you see today, a place where visitors can learn about the history of the drug trade while also enjoying the natural beauty of the region. The hippos, surprisingly, thrived and now form the largest wild hippo population outside of Africa. Today, Hacienda Nápoles offers a range of activities for tourists. You can explore the remnants of Escobar's former life, including the ruins of his mansion and the vintage car collection. Visit the wildlife sanctuary to see the descendants of Escobar's exotic animals, including the famous hippos. Cool off in the water park, complete with slides and pools. For a more somber experience, visit the museum dedicated to the victims of Escobar's violence. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition tied directly to the Hacienda, you'll find plenty of restaurants within the park offering traditional Colombian cuisine like bandeja paisa and arepas.