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Thanks to its amazing murals, Comuna 13 has become a tourist hotspot n Medellín, but that wasn’t always the case. In fact, it was once considered not only the most dangerous neighborhood in Colombia, but in all of South America. Things have changed dramatically for the better, and taking a tour of Comuna 13 will give you a firsthand look at the neighborhood’s incredible transformation.

 

Tours of Comuna 13

There are numerous outlets offering tours to Comuna 13, but we chose Comuna 13 Tours due to their fantastic reputation. They offer daily tours in English that last four hours and cost COP$100,000 per person (as of March 2024). Reservations are requested by email in advance, and payment is made after the tour. Tours run at 10am and 3pm.


 

Metrocable

The tour begins outside the ticket box of the Poblado metro station in El Poblado. There we met our guide, Walter, and about 10 others taking the tour. Walter purchased our metro tickets, walked us down onto the platform, and gave a short lecture about what we would see that day.

We took the metro to the San Javier station where we jumped on the Metrocable and rode a cable car to the station at Juan XXIII, where there’s a vantage point above the city. Walter told us about the violent history of Comuna 13, thanks to the guerrillas and drug wars, and how things have improved since the local government began investing in escalators and cable cars. We then went up to another station, La Aurora, before riding back down to San Javier.

View from the Metrocable in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
View from the Metrocable
View from the Metrocable in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
View from the Metrocable
Panoramic view of Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Panoramic view of Medellín

 

Entering Comuna 13

From there, we rode the cable car back down to San Javier station. Walter then took us to a juice bar and treated the group to lulo juice and an arepa de chócolo. When everyone was finished, we jumped on a bus to where the escalators are located. We immediately began seeing some of the colorful murals that decorates the area.

Mural near the entrance to Comuna 13, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Mural near the entrance
"We Are All Migrants" in Comuna 13, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
“We Are All Migrants”
Mural about equality in Comuna 13, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Mural about equality
Mural
Mural

As we walked and rode the escalators up the hill, Walter described the social and political meaning behind some of the murals. He also told us a few details about the artists and their backgrounds. Many have become famous all around the world for their artistic talent.

Hummingbirds representing military helicopters in Comuna 13, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Hummingbirds representing military helicopters
Representation of the Afro-Colombian residents of Comuna 13 in Comuna 13, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Representation of the Afro-Colombian residents of Comuna 13
Politicians rolling the dice with the lives of locals in Comuna 13, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Politicians rolling the dice with the lives of locals

As far as the escalators, there are six in total that make the walk up to the top much more bearable than in the past. Each escalator is covered and kept in immaculate condition.

Escalator
Escalator


 

At the Top of Comuna 13

Once we reached the top, we were treated to some spectacular views of Medellín. The rooftops seemed endless, and the sprawl reached the hills on the other side of the valley. It’s even more spectacular at night.

Comuna 13 from the top, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Comuna 13 from the top
View from the top
View from the top
View from the top
View from the top
Comuna 13 at night in Medellín, Colombia
Comuna 13 at night

Some of the most brilliant murals are at the top of Comuna 13, where the most talented artists have left their mark. We walked past several impressive murals that all had a special meaning.

Mural
Mural
Mural in Comuna 13, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Mural
Mural
Mural
Walking at the top of Comuna 13, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Walking at the top of Comuna 13

It seems like every subject is covered, from political and social injustice, homages to the indigenous and Afro-Colombian populations, and memorials to fallen members of the community.

Mural of an Afro-Colombian woman in Comuna 13, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Afro-Colombian woman
Mural of a fallen member of the community in Comuna 13, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
A fallen member of the community
"13 is worldwide" in Comuna 13, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
“13 is worldwide”
Walking at the top of Comuna 13, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Walking at the top of Comuna 13

At the end, a local rap group gave us a quick concert and picked up the mood of the group. There are also other performers such as breakdancers, and we were also treated to a show by Skill Flavor.

Breakdancer
Breakdancer

 

Chota’s Café

From there, we walked back down near the escalators and had a coffee lemonade at a café run by Chota, one of the local artists. One of the interesting things on the wall was a collage of pictures of Chota with Bill Clinton during the former president’s visit to Medellín.

Chota's café
Chota’s café
Photos of Chota with Bill Clinton at Chota's café
Photos of Chota with Bill Clinton

 

Cremas de la 13

On another visit with Walter, he stopped at Cremas de la 13 for us to try iced green mango with salt and lime. It was a delicious treat after walking in the heat.

Cremas de la 13
Cremas de la 13


 

End of the Comuna 13 Tour

When everyone finished their treat, Walter walked us back down to the bus, passing more amazing murals. He then continued with us to the metro station and escorted everyone back to El Poblado.

Playground with murals
Playground with murals
Chimpanzee mural
Chimpanzee
Mural with painted chairs in Comuna 13, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Mural with painted chairs
Playground with murals in Comuna 13, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Playground with murals

 

My Thoughts on the Comuna 13 Tour

Personally, I believe it’s the best tour in Medellín. Rather than focusing on the violent past of the city, it shows visitors the results of hope and possibility. The murals are the draw, but it’s the people and transformation of the neighborhood that leave a lasting impression.

Iguana mural
Iguana
Bench of lovers
Bench of lovers
Elephants mural
Elephants
Arriero mural
Arriero

 

Map of the Comuna 13 Tour

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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