The “King of Cocaine” was the son of a poor Colombian farmer, but by the time he was 35, he was one of the world’s wealthiest men, earning $420 million a week in revenue.

At the peak of his power, infamous Medellín cartel boss Pablo Escobar, the original “El Patron,” supplied 80% of the global cocaine market and owned a number of ostentatious properties.

Here’s a look at his abandoned island compound in the Caribbean.

All photos republished with permission from Stefaan Beernaert.


Located 22 miles from Colombia's port city of Cartagena are the 27 small coral islands that makeup the Islas del Rosario.

Foto: source Google Maps/Amanda Macias/Business Insider

Source: Lonely Planet


Escobar built a massive waterfront villa on the largest of the cluster islands, Isla Grande.

Foto: source Courtesy of Stefaan Beernaert

Juxtaposed with Escobar's mansion are the approximately 800 islanders on Isla Grande who sustain themselves by fishing and farming.

Foto: source Courtesy of Stefaan Beernaert

Source: Atlas Obscura


Now, 22 years after Escobar's death, the compound has been overtaken by vegetation ...

Foto: source Courtesy of Stefaan Beernaert


... and wild animals.

Foto: source Courtesy of Stefaan Beernaert

Escobar's property on Isla Grande featured a mansion, ...

Foto: source Courtesy of Stefaan Beernaert

Source: Atlas Obscura


... apartments, courtyards, a large swimming pool, and a helicopter landing pad.

Foto: source Courtesy of Stefaan Beernaert

Source: Atlas Obscura


A large, unfinished building sits off to the side of the mansion.

Foto: source Courtesy of Stefaan Beernaert

While the home is missing large portions of its ceiling, the rooms are full of large archways, ...

Foto: source Courtesy of Stefaan Beernaert

... painted walls, and tiled floors.

Foto: source Courtesy of Stefaan Beernaert

Some of the windows in the villa appear to be reinforced.

Foto: source Courtesy of Stefaan Beernaert

Beernaert believes this is the doorway to the bathroom of Escobar's wife, Maria Victoria.

Foto: source Courtesy of Stefaan Beernaert

Source: No Access