About Us
Real City Tours started in 2013 as a one-person project, born from Pablo Alvarez’s desire to share the city he loved in a more honest and human way. After studying engineering in Colombia, Pablo moved to Europe—first to work, then to pursue a Master’s degree in France. When he returned to Medellín, he noticed that most visitors were staying in the Poblado area and only engaging with the city through Pablo Escobar tours. It didn’t sit right with him.
Wanting to keep his English sharp, eager to show a deeper side of Medellín, Pablo began offering Free Walking Tours—where guests decide how much to pay at the end. With a homemade sign and a simple goal to spark real conversations and to take people beyond the bubble, he showed up one morning at the Poblado Metro Station, and ran his first tour. Tour number eight changed his life: that’s when he met Laura, an Austrian traveler who joined despite the rain. She kept traveling, but they stayed in touch. As Pablo was building the tour and designing the website, they grew closer—falling in love with each other and with the idea of building something meaningful together.
The project evolved quickly. Visitors started calling it “the real city tour,” and the name stuck. Soon, tours ran three days a week, and by the end of 2013, it was clear Pablo couldn’t do it alone. Laura joined him—not just in life, but in the business. While holding another job, she helped manage and grow Real City Tours, eventually becoming the general manager for many years. Together, they expanded the team and the portfolio, fine-tuned the storytelling, and created a tour company that today is known for its integrity, passion, and connection to Medellín.
Today, Real City Tours is a family business in every sense. Pablo and Laura now have a son, Lucas—but they still say the company was their first baby. What started as a way to share stories and spark meaningful conversations has grown into a heartfelt project fueled by love for Medellín and for each other.
How the World Sees
Real City Tours
At Real City Tours, we pride ourselves on offering unique and immersive city experiences, designed to help travelers connect with local culture and discover hidden gems that aren’t found in traditional tourist guides. As a result of our commitment to providing exceptional tours, we’ve been featured in various prominent publications, travel blogs, and news outlets around the globe.
In this blog, we want to share some of the most significant mentions and coverage we’ve received over time, showcasing how the world sees RealCityTours. From glowing reviews to international recognition, here’s how we’ve been making waves!
