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Comuna 13 Free Tour

  • 9.30 / 10 7,942 reviews | 88,409 travellers Robin has been an excellent guide, he has explained all the history to us along with his personal experience and has made us take away some pleasant memories. 10 Andrea Calvet
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Enjoy a fantastic free tour of Medellin's Comuna 13 , an area that has traded its past of criminality and danger for a future of diversity and positivity .

Famous staircase of the Comuna 13

We'll meet up at the time of your choice at San Javier metro station . From here, we'll take the metro and the bus to  Comuna 13 in Medellin , a fascinating hillside neighborhood full of color and life.

During the free tour of Comuna 13 , we'll talk about its dark past and how it was once the most dangerous area in the world . Due to its strategic location, Comuna 13 became the epicenter of violence and armed conflict in Medellin. While we contemplate its colorful graffiti, we'll talk about the different military operations that took place in the area, such as the famous Mariscal and Orion.

However, walking through its steep streets you'll feel totally comfortable and safe. This is due to the incredible transformation of Comuna 13 in the last decades. Thanks to the street art and its colorful murals , the locals have managed to turn it into an attractive place for visitors without forgetting its past.

After 2.5 hours, we'll say goodbye and end the free tour of Comuna 13 back in the center of Medellin.

More Information

2 hours 30 minutes.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English–speaking guide

Not included

Bus ticket: 2,000 COP ( US$ 0.50) per person

When to book?

You can book up until 45 minutes before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. This must be indicated in the reservation. An accompanying person is required.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.

World Lion Tour Show more

Corporate name: Leandro Román Gomez

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

San Javier Metro Station

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Tour Comuna 13

Graffiti tour comuna 13

TOUR COMUNA 13

Graffiti tour comuna 13 medellín, el mejor tour por la comuna 13.

Para el tour comuna 13, Si en realidad quieres disfrutar de una gran experiencia en la comuna 13, debes realizar el tour con guías especializados. Nuestros guías harán que esta visita sea fenomenal y puedas conocer su historia y su transformación a lo largo de los años.

free tour comuna 13 medellin

TOUR POR LA COMUNA 13

Recuerda que los cupos para este TOUR se agotan muy rápido, por lo tanto la mejor opción es reservar AHORA.

VALOR ESPAÑOL:

Costo Tour Comuna 13

NOTA 1: Pregunta por los costos en Ingles o el costo del tour Privado por WhatsApp

NOTA 2: El costo que te damos en esta WEB es el más económico de todos. Todos los free tour te exigen un Mínimo o un promedio y son más altos que este valor que te damos. Si buscas economía somos la mejor opción.

DATOS IMPORTANTES:

HORA DEL TOUR:

DURACIÓN DEL TOUR:

El Tour dura 2 horas y media aproximadamente.

Bienvenidos al Graffitour COMUNA 13.

RESERVACIÓN DEL TOUR

Para reservar NO necesitas dejar información de tarjetas de credito y tampoco necesitas hacer abonos (adelantos de dinero).

NOTA: Si reservas el tour, debe ser 100% seguro que asistirás. Además debes dejar el número de WhatsApp para poder comunicarnos fácilmente.

RESERVAR EL TOUR

Al reservar el tour te llegará la aprobación del tour al correo o WhatsApp. Además te llegará el punto de encuentro y el nombre del guía y una foto para que lo reconozcan fácilmente.

free tour comuna 13 medellin

COMENTARIOS

El tour me gustó mucho. Hice el tour con mi familia y todo fue estupendo. Recomiendo al guía Fabio, es el mejor de la Comuna 13.

El mejor Tour por la Comuna 13 que he tenido. El guía es muy bueno, conoce mucho de la historia y conoce también la comuna.

Ya he ido a la comuna 13 veces, pero esta última vez realicé la reservación por esta web y no me arrepiento. Me encantó este tour, el guía es muy amable y además conoce mucho la Comuna 13.

Con ellos realicé el Tour Comuna 13 y el Tour a Guatapé. Los 2 tours se hicieron sin problema, todo fue estupendo.

Estuve con mi novio en la Comuna 13 y debo decir que es excelente tour. Todo el que viene n a Medellín debe conocer este hermoso lugar.

El Graffiti Tour Comuna 13 nos gustó mucho, mi familia era un grupo de 11 personas y todos quedamos encantados con el guía y con la comuna 13. Además, había buscado otras agencias, pero era más costoso y no me dieron tanta confianza. Pero me decidí por hacer la reserva por medio de esta pagina web, luego me escribieron por WhatsApp, y todo se hizo muy bien. Gracias por esta gran experiencia.

free tour comuna 13 medellin

Turismo en Medellín

free tour comuna 13 medellin

Free Walking Tour Comuna 13-Graffity

¡the best freetour of comuna 13 that you will find. local guides conduct the tour.

Immerse yourself in the heart of Comuna 13 and discover its vibrant street stories with us. Come live an unforgettable experience full of art, culture, and authenticity as only the locals can show you!"

"Discover the magic of Comuna 13 in Medellín with the best Graffiti tour . At Aic Tour we are local guides with more than 7 years of experience, passionate about our community, and committed to providing you with a unique and authentic experience.

the best Tour Of Comuna 13

We have Tours every day at different times

9:30am 1:30pm and 4:30pm, ready to start your adventure.

We will enjoy a Dance Show, the famous mango biche paddle which is an icon of Comuna 13 and above all you will learn in-depth the history of a neighborhood that went from being a very violent place in Medellín, to being one of the most visited

Graffitis? You will know how graffiti has been one of the main tools to transform a community, filling many young people with enthusiasm and bringing to light great artists, even world-class ones.

More than 30,000 reviews on Google

Our FreeTour in Comuna 13 has been ranked number one by satisfied travelers with more than 30,000 Real reviews on Google. Join us and discover why thousands of visitors choose our unique and authentic experience.

Look no further, the tour you are looking for is here—local knowledge, passion for culture, and authenticity that only true locals can offer.

How to book and what is the price of the tour?

The reservation of the tour is Completely free , the tour is based on tips💰, people usually tip between 10 and 20 dollars,  you choose the price, depending on the satisfaction of the tour. Rest assured that we will give you the best tour 😉

Other Schedules do you want a Private Tour? just ask us

What do we do on our Tour?

¡We have tours every day of the week!📅

Duration: This Tour lasts approximately 2.5 - 3 hours. 📽

▶ We will visit the streets with graffiti in Comuna 13

▶ We will talk about the history of Comuna 13 

▶ Artistic expressions (Break Dance, music, and galleries)

▶Outdoor Escalators, an icon for our neighborhood  

▶ Viewpoints, the best views Of the City

Photo gallery

Real google reviews, are you in medellin the real freetour by local guides, live the best comuna 13 tour.

Copyright © 2024 Planes Medellín - Todos los derechos reservados. Registro Nacional de Turismo 84040 🇨🇴

free tour comuna 13 medellin

  • Free Tours Medellin

Free Graffiti Tour of Comuna 13

  • Back to Free Tours Medellin
  • Duration : 2 hours

Comuna 13 is an alternative place with abundant street art, music performers, and creativity, but it also carries a problematic past narrated in colorful murals. On the Free Tour of Comuna 13 you’ll walk through steep, mazed streets and enjoy a great view of the city while going up some of the outdoor escalators that have helped transform the commune after years of violence, into a safer, interactive place!

free tour comuna 13 medellin

  • Grasp the importance of artistic expression in the form of graffiti , music , and hip-hop dancing in Comuna 13.
  • Learn to identify concepts within the artwork of the commune that speak of strength, optimism, union, and hope;  and pick your favorite painting!
  • Stop by a library that is used more as a cultural center , an art gallery , or a cafe for a refreshing drink !

free tour comuna 13 medellin

Is it really Free

Yes, you can book your spot and join the tour for free. Guides make a living from tips that tour guests voluntarily provide based on their budget and how much they enjoyed the experience.

マドリード旧市街の無料ウォーキングツアーは、月曜から日曜の11:00にプレタデルソルから出発します-カルロスの病気で馬の像に乗っています。 25/12と04/10にはツアーはありません。

The Free Walking Tour Madrid Old City runs Monday to Sunday at 11.00 from Pureta del Sol – By Carlos ill on his horse statue. No tours on the 25/12 and 04/10.

Across Every Border travel blog logo

Comuna 13: A guide to visiting Medellin’s miracle transformation

“Comuna 13, Medellin, is the most dangerous neighbourhood in the most dangerous city of Colombia!”

This is what you may have heard if you visited Medellín 13-years ago. However, things have changed in the last decade. Comuna 13 has done a complete one-eighty and is now one of the safest and most popular areas in the city to visit!

We had the pleasure of visiting Comuna 13 and, in all honesty, it was our favourite thing we did in Medellin. Of all the places to visit this city, we would highly recommend you take some time to explore the area of San Javier.

Ryan and Sara taking a selfie in Comuna 13.

The best way to experience Comuna 13 is to understand its history. So in this article, Sara and I will talk you through the dark past of Comuna 13 all the way to the present day. Then we’ll help you plan your own trip here and give you our top tips to make your time as enjoyable as possible!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our Disclosure Policy .

What is Comuna 13?

Medellin is split up into 16 comunes, and Comuna 13 is the area of San Javier. Despite what most people believe, Comuna 13 isn’t just one neighbourhood. It’s a conglomerate of 23 neighbourhoods that makes up an area of 7km 2 and has a population of around 150,000 people.

The main characteristic of Comuna 13 is the area of tightly packed favelas that run up the side of the mountain. This makes the comuna very unique in terms of structure. There are a lot of stairs, small alleys and tight roads running through the favelas. 

A tourist looking out over the favelas of Comuna 13 at sunset.

However, it’s over-populated with thousands of houses all crammed together. It’s also a low socio-economic zone in the city – which makes its transformation all the more amazing!

Why is Comuna 13 famous?

What Comuna 13 is famous for changes depends on who you ask. Some people will say that it’s known for crime, gangs, shootouts and murders. This is more in reference to the area’s complicated past.

A close-up of the brick and cement houses in Comuna 13.

Other people will tell you it’s famous for the incredibly unique outdoor escalators, or street art or street performers. This is what the comuna is like now as opposed to ten years ago.

But in our opinion, what makes Comuna 13 the most famous is how it was able to pivot its reputation and image so rapidly. The transformation here is nothing short of a miracle as the community came together to shake off its history. 

The entrance road leading to Comuna 13 with street vendors each side.

However, we do believe that it was the journey from its violent backstory to its modern redemption that makes Comuna 13 as popular as it is today. It’s definitely one of the miracles of Latin America!

The History of Comuna 13

Comuna 13 has a turbulent history that spans decades. We believe that to fully appreciate the change the area has undergone, you first must learn and understand its past. 

1948 – 1958: La Violencia & Formation

La Violencia is a period of time between ‘48 and ‘58 marked by conflict between the conservative party and the liberal party in Colombia. The worst of the fighting was sparked by the assassination of Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, the liberal leader, in 1948. It wasn’t officially registered as a civil war, but that’s essentially what it was.

A mother walking her child on a ground level street with favelas behind.

Most of the violence broke out in rural areas in Colombia. This forced a lot of displaced civilians to migrate towards the cities. Essentially, this was the beginning of the formation of Comuna 13. 

However, the formation of this community was done illegally and the area wasn’t recognised by the government. Actually, the government would send people in to tear down the homes in Comuna 13. But the community worked together to rebuild every time and eventually the government gave up on attempting to remove the neighbourhood.

A Comuna 13 resident standing on the roof of her house looking over all the favelas across Comuna 13.

And thus, Comuna 13 was officially born! Although still not recognised by the government and as a result were not provided any public services. At the time the families had no access to running water or electricity.

1970’s – 1990’s: Narco’s & Militia

Because of the location of Comuna 13 on the edge of the city and the structure of the favelas, it made it the perfect transit point for Colombian cartels to exploit. Remember, Comuna 13 was essentially being ignored by the government at this time. There were no police patrolling the area and this didn’t go unnoticed by the Medellin cartel.

The cartel started to use Comuna 13 as its base of operations in Medellin. Also, thanks to the small alleyways and tightly packed houses, the comuna provided a lot of hiding places and escape routes. If you knew Comuna 13 well, you could move from one side of the neighbourhood to the other without seeing daylight. 

Wires snaking through a small alley in Comuna 13.

It wasn’t just the Narco’s, militia rebel groups like the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN) were also using Comuna 13 to their advantage. As you can imagine, this led to a lot of conflict in the area. It was this period of time that first gave rise to Comuna 13’s ‘most dangerous area of Medellin’ reputation. During the 80’s and 90’s there were 20 deaths a day in the neighbourhood and these are the only ones that were reported.

1993 – 2002: Guerilla Groups

After the death of Pablo Escobar in 1993, you would think that the crime rate would have dropped, but that wasn’t the case. Instead, guerilla groups from the countryside became more prominent. 

Blue hour over the Comuna 13 favelas in Medellin.

They started to act as unofficially law enforcement, sectioning Comuna 13 using invisible boundaries. Our guide told us that these boundaries always moved. The only way you could tell where a boundary was is if you crossed it accidentally and got shot.

The FARC and ELN groups would offer ‘protection’ in exchange for money. But in reality they would be the ones to cause the issues if the person didn’t pay. 

Sara wearing a backpack and walking along a road in Comuna 13.

The desperation of the poor locals meant that kids growing up in these conditions though the only path in life they had were to join gangs. It was the ‘cool’ thing to do and the quickest and easiest way to earn money. That was until President Alvaro Uribe Velez decided things needed to change.

2002 – 2010: Paramilitary

In 2002, President Velez had had enough of the violence in Comuna 13. He organised no less than 14 military operations in the comuna. The biggest operation of them all was Operation Orion. 

During Orion, the Colombian military worked along paramilitaries to infiltrate Comuna 13 in an attempt to drive out FARC, ELN and CAP. From the outside, the operation was a success, but in reality a lot of innocent bystanders were caught in the crossfire. Hundreds of civilians were killed, injured or simply disappeared. 

A famous ground level street in Comuna 13.

After Operation Orion, policing of Comuna 13 was handed over to the paramilitary group that aided the Colombian soldiers. They were supposed to keep the peace in the area, but once again that was not the case.

What a lot of blogs don’t mention is that many innocent locals were ‘disappeared’ during this time. Our guide was telling us that because the paramilitary group had no one to fight anymore, they would kill indiscriminately. They would dress up victims as ‘guerilla’ members to avoid responsibility. 

On the mountain close to Comuna 13 is a bare patch of deforested area. This is known to the locals as ‘la escombrera’ – or the tomb. Countless bodies were buried in this dump during this time, the total number of disappeared being unknown, but thought to be between 200-300.

A colourful bar in Comuna 13 with la escombrera behind it.

By the way, the invisible borders were still in place. Borders that people knew existed, but changed on a daily basis depending on the wills of the paramilitary or the gangs. Invisible borders are an interesting concept that we talked about extensively during our tour. They were marked by subtle things, an abandoned car, a street, a tree. To cross one meant certain death. 

2010 – Present: A Reputation Change

Fed up of constantly being ruled against their will, the locals decided to start fighting back. More gangs started to form to combat the paramilitary – gangs that still exist to this day. But it worked and in 2010, over 150 members from different gangs came together and signed a peace treaty. This treaty stated they would cease to commit acts of violence and hand over all weapons. 

Our group tour heading up some decorative and narrow stairs.

Seven gangs participated in this treaty because they were sick and tired of seeing their families come to harm and be caught in the crossfire. Since this time, the reputation of Comuna 13 has been on the rise!

In 2012, the now famous 384-metre long escalators were built. This negated the need to climb over 360 stairs to reach the main area of Comuna 13 favelas. As a result, local tourism boomed! This led to the rise of arts and culture in the comuna. Instead of joining gangs, local youths now aspired to be artists instead.

A unique looking bar with an underground aesthetic and a painting of Spongebob on the ceiling.

Foreign tourism truly began sometime in 2018, which led to an even larger boom of culture. Street area in Comuna 13 was now prevalent, and kids wanted to learn English so that they could talk with tourists. 

Dinosaur themed street art in Comuna 13.

At the present day, when we visited, Comuna 13 was flourishing. It’s a hip destination with lots of cool bars and restaurants. Street performers line the streets and independent shops are dotted all through the favelas. Comuna 13 is much safer now and in 2022, Medellin with a full 100-days without reporting a single death.

Worried about safety in Colombia?

We published a full article about safety in Colombia in 2024 . We cover all the reasons to no worry about danger too much and 13 personal safety precautions you should take.

How to get to Comuna 13 from El Poblado

Comuna 13 is set on a steep hillside on the western fringes of Medellin. However modern public transport makes it incredibly easy to get to!

San Javier metro station location sign.

From El Poblado you can walk to the Poblado metro station. Take the blue line ‘A’ metro northbound towards Niquia and get off at San Antonio. Here you’ll change to the orange line ‘B’ towards San Javier and ride it to the end of the line. A ride on the metro is a flat 3,300 COP ($0.81) fee.

San Javier metro station is at the heart of Comuna 13, but you’ll still have a 20-minute walk to reach the main tourist area of Comuna 13. It’s completely safe to walk here, or alternatively you can take the public bus!

Ryan and Sara taking a selfie inside a car of the Medellin metro train.

Alternatively, you can catch an Uber right at the base of the escalators.

How to visit Comuna 13

There are two ways you can visit Comuna 13. You can either head there by yourself or you can book on a tour. We fully recommend taking a tour. You’ll head there with a guide who will most likely be a resident of Comuna 13 and will be able to explain things you wouldn’t otherwise learn!

Best Comuna 13 tours

  • Zippy Tours – this is the company that we used. Zippy Tours offers free walking tours around Comuna 13 in both Spanish and English. Your guide will be a local to Comuna 13 and our guide George was an absolute legend! The tour lasts about three hours and walks you through five different neighbourhoods of San Javier. At the end of the tour we were free to explore Comuna 13 independently.

Our guide George talking to our walking tour group.

  • Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour & Cable Car – take a guided tour around San Javier while learning about the intricacies of the street art scene in the area. As an added bonus, you get to ride the cable car and grab a drink at a pub with a view!
  • Comuna 13 & Pablo Escobar – tourism surrounding Pablo Escobar is slowly dying out, the country no longer wants to glorify the drug lord. However you can still find a few! This particular tour will take you to Escobar’s grave and the rooftop where he was shot. Learn about the narco history and the socio-economic impact the cartels had on Colombia. The tour finishes up in Comuna 13 where you learn the history of San Javier.
  • Private Tour of Comuna 13 with pick-up – we had 20 people on our tour. Want to avoid this? Then a private tour is for you. It even comes with a convenient hotel pick-up!

Street art depicting a range of portraiture.

  • Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour & Street Food – get a history tour of Comuna 13 with a little bit extra! Explore the comuna while also getting to taste some delicious local Colombian street food.

Visiting independently

If you’re not the tour-taking kind of person, you can easily visit Comuna 13 independently. Our friends did this and absolutely loved it! Although there are a couple of reasons we would advise against it.

  • Taking a guided tour means having a local expert to talk you through the stories and point out things you would have otherwise missed. Having a local around to have a conversation with, learn from and to guide you is an invaluable experience when visiting Comuna 13.
  • Honestly, this place is a maze. There are stairs leading in all directions, small alleyways branching through the favelas. It would be so easy to get lost if you wandered too far off the main path. We almost lost our group when we spent too long taking photos!

Sara walking along the main road through Comuna 13.

If you do want to visit independently you can follow your guide to getting to Comuna 13 above and then just wander around the barrio after the tour. Bear in mind people will try to sell you things, but if you travel a lot you’ll be used to it!

Visitor attractions in Comuna 13

Comuna 13 is one big visitor attraction in itself, but what can you expect to see there?

The escalators (escaleras electricas)

As previously mentioned, the escalators built in 2012 were a game changer for tourism in Comuna 13. They negate the need to have to walk up over 360 stairs and span over 384-metres.

Sara smiling at the camera while riding the escalator up Comuna 13.

They’re such a surreal sight to see. There are around five different sections all covered by a glass roof to prevent water damage. As you travel up, you are enclosed by favelas on either side. You can take a look into the shops or watch the locals go about their day.

Comuna 13 is well-known for its street art. During its renaissance period, if you will, street art became a heavy element to the culture in San Javier. You can find art plastered over the walls all over the barrio!

Some things our guide taught us is that it’s called graffiti if it’s illegal. If it’s sanctioned and worked on by one or two artists, then it’s a mural. If three or more artists work on it, then it’s now called a masterpiece. 

Three bikes parked besides street art depicting a man in a top hat and hummingbirds.

Once an artist has created a mural, then they own that mural for one year. After a year, other artists can make a deal with the original artist to paint their own mural over the top. The original artist has every right to refuse if they wish to too!

More things in Medellín?

We made a full guide to all the museums in Medellin ! We visited a lot and feel like it’s the best way to learn about the culture and history of a country. So check it out!

Dancers, rapper and buskers

With less youths aspiring to become gang members, a lot of young kids looked towards other forms of expression. One way to make money in Comuna 13 is to busk. You can find singers, dancers, freestyle rappers and much more! 

A local Afro-Caribbean dance troupe dancing together under a tree.

With busking being a method to make money, this kept kids from engaging in illegal activities on the street. So don’t be shy to leave a tip to the buskers, every little helps to keep the neighbourhood safe!

Bars and restaurants

The tourism boom in Comuna 13 has led to the rise of amazing bars and restaurants in the favelas. From small three-seater bars to larger capacity restaurants, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from!

A colourful bar in Comuna 13 overlooking the rest of Medellin city.

You can grab a beer, party to the ever-ongoing music or just indulge in a chilled dinner. There’s also a ton of stalls along the roads in the barrio. Enjoy some local street food or some traditional Colombian dishes!

A bottle of Aguila beer, a local Colombian lager, in Comuna 13.

We decided to stop at a small bar along the main road that runs across Comuna 13. From here we had a great view over Medellin as the sunset and all the lights came on during blue hour.

As the main tourist area of Comuna 13 is high up on the mountain, this means you get some insane views across Medellin. Almost from every vantage point in the favelas you can see right across the city.

A view across Comuna 13 to a 360 degree view bar and Medellin city in the background.

This makes Comuna 13 a great place to come and watch the sunset. As the sun’s golden light spreads across the city you’ll be treated to one of the best views you’ll ever see!

Art Galleries

Comuna 13 is full of super cool and unique art galleries. You can find some really incredible art styles and even buy a piece to take as a souvenir!

Cool art work glowing under ultraviolet light in an art gallery.

Some of the art galleries are very hidden, you’ll need to wind your way through the neighbourhood to find them. 

Where to next?

We really enjoyed our day out at Pueblito Paisa . It’s a replica of a traditional Antioquian village made on top of Cerro Nutibara in Medellin!

Things to know before visiting Comuna 13

Comuna 13 is a big place and we’re sure you have a lot of questions. Here are our top tips for visiting!

Is Comuna 13 safe?

Yes, the residents in Comuna 13 have put a lot of effort into creating a safe environment for visitors. The comuna now heavily relies on tourism money and this is not something they would be willing to compromise. 

Sara and Ryan smiling while taking a selfie in comuna 13.

In part, a lot of the safety comes from the gang activity in the area. Despite the peace treaty, gangs still control a lot of territory. However, they also help to prevent petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing which you’ll very rarely see in Comuna 13. But don’t worry, modern day gang activity won’t affect you in the slightest and the invisible borders aren’t dangerous anymore.

Freestyle rappers in Comuna 13.

After our tour, we explored the favelas until the sun went down and not once did we feel unsafe. Obviously crime does still happen anywhere in the world so maintain common sense. But even public drug dealing is punished by the gangs so you won’t even see that.

Need travel insurance?

Sara and I have been using Safety Wing for over two years now! They specialise in nomad travel insurance, so whether you’re travelling long-term or on a short trip, they got you covered!

When is the best time to visit Comuna 13?

To avoid rain you should avoid rainy seasons. The best times to visit are between December to March, and July to August.

Our guide George on our Comuna 13 walking tour.

In terms of time on the day, we took a 2pm walking tour that finished at 5pm. After our tour we spent a couple of hours exploring Comuna 13 while the sun went down. We fully recommend this, it was beautiful to swig on an Aguila Original while the sun set!

Is Comuna 13 a place for ‘dark tourism’?

No, it is not. The residents have spent a lot of time transforming the reputation of Comuna 13. The area is now a vibrant and happy place with an exciting atmosphere. The aesthetic here is very hip and modern and you won’t find any semblance of dark tourism.

A colourful slide built as a memorial for the death of a local boy.

Obviously there is history here and history is meant to be learnt. But if you’re heading here looking for signs of conflict and war, you won’t find it!

Should you go on a Pablo Escobar tour?

This is a difficult one. From our standpoint, and a lot of peoples’ standpoints, the history of Pablo Escobar is a very interesting one. The drug lord is such a prominent figure in the narco history and even 30 years on people still find him fascinating. 

However, the Colombian government and people have been trying to distance and detach themselves from this past. This means cutting off any tourism that surrounds Escobar. We even saw one of his villas in Guatape and you used to be allowed inside of it. But it’s now government property and you are no longer allowed in.

Abandoned ruins of Pablo Escobar's Guatape villa.

We think whether you should go on a Pablo Escobar tour or not is up to the person. Obviously the tours are run by locals, so paying for one is still helping the local economy. Personally we think that Colombia will struggle to completely remove the reputation of Escobar. Instead, we think they should lean into that history to help people learn, but without glorifying the atrocities of the crimes he committed. 

But what do you think? Let us know on Instagram !

How long do you need in Comuna 13?

It depends on how much time you have spare… You could either spend an hour at Comuna 13 or half a day. Personally, we recommend at least three hours. There’s a lot to explore and experience and it would be a shame to cut that short!

Sara sitting on a railing with a backdrop of Comuna 13.

A tour will typically be three hours long anyway, and then we definitely think you should explore on your own afterwards!

Should you give money to beggars?

The short answer is no, especially kids. Our guide George warned us of this before we set off. He said that if people think they can make a living through begging, then they will stop working. Also, if kids think they can earn money this way, they will stop going to school.

A range of distinct art products being sold in Comuna 13.

George said he knows it might be hard but to avoid giving away money. Instead, use that money to buy from the art galleries or tip the buskers. This will help the community much more!

Accessibility

Unfortunately Comuna 13 is not overly accessible to people with movement inabilities. There is the escalator and cable car up now which definitely makes it way easier for those with movement issues. Despite this, there are still a lot of stairs to navigate and I can’t see it being very wheelchair friendly.

Sara overlooking the Comuna 13 favelas.

The only tip I can offer is to book a private tour to Comuna 13. The guides may know a route that could be more suitable for those in a wheelchair.

Tip for visiting Comuna 13

  • BRING LOTS OF CASH – not very many places in Comuna 13 take card payments. Instead, make sure you have a good amount of cash for tipping buskers, food, drinks and souvenirs.
  • DON’T FLAUNT VALUABLES – although Comuna 13 is incredibly safe, it would still go against common sense to be flashing money around. A local being caught pickpocketing would definitely be punished, but that’s only if he got caught.
  • STICK AROUND AFTER YOUR TOUR – definitely do some exploring and self-discovery after your tour ends. We loved walking through the barrio and watching live unfold and so will you!
  • AVOID VISITING IN THE RAIN – although the escalators are covered, a lot of Comuna 13 is still outside. Heading there during a storm would be miserable. At the very best, take a raincoat and umbrella!

The roundabout on the last road into Comuna 13.

Is Comuna 13 worth visiting?

A yes, a bigger yes and even more yes’s. This was by far our favourite place we visited in Medellin. Comuna 13 has such a cool vibe and energetic atmosphere that you really should not miss!

Not only that, but it’s so interesting to learn about the history. Especially if you take a tour! To be guided through the comuna while checking out the street art and being shown areas of historical importance is an experience in its own. 

Sara watching and listening to our tour guide George.

We hope you get to go and gain a better understanding of what a miracle the transformation of Comuna 13 is. It’s definitely a wonder of South America!

Where to go after Medellín?

There’s a small colonial village about three hours from Medellin called Jardin. We spent four days there and it was one of our favourite places to visit in Colombia! Check out our guide on things to do in Jardin !

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We are Sara and Ryan - a couple from Switzerland and the UK respectively.

Travel is a passion for us, but not only that, it's also our jobs. We've been digital nomads in the travel industry for almost three years and full-time traveling together for almost two of them.

With over 10 years of combined travel experience to over 40+ different countries, we're here to bring you the most comprehensive and information worldwide travel guides on the internet. Our main goal is to make sure our guides prepare our readers for whatever trips are planned ahead.

So lets cross every border together!

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How to Visit Comuna 13 in Medellin, Colombia

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Once one of the most violent districts in Medellin, today Comuna 13 is one of the most popular areas to visit in the city. In this short guide you can read about how to get to Comuna 13 and all the different ways you can visit, including with or without a tour.

Whilst Comuna 13 has had a troubled past, today the neighborhood is known for its vibrant murals, artwork, street performances, and lively atmosphere that really highlight its resilience. For this reason, a visit to Comuna 13 should be on everyone’s Medellin itinerary.

If you’d like to see our visit to Comuna 13, then make sure to watch our dedicated  Medellin video  on our  YouTube channel . For more Colombia videos check out our  Colombia Series .

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything, but it will help us to keep this site up and running! Learn more about our affiliate policy.

free tour comuna 13 medellin

Table of Contents

Brief History of Comuna 13 in Medellin

You may already know that Comuna 13 has a violent history. Once occupied by large farms, the area was turned into illegal settlements in the 60’s and 70’s. As a result of the Colombian conflict, people from the countryside moved here in the hope of finding a better life. However, with no proper urban planning in place, the opportunities to find jobs in the city and commute were very low.

In the 80’s and 90’s Comuna 13 was run by drug trafficking organisations, paramilitaries and guerilla groups. They used this area as their transit hub in and out of Medellin. It wasn’t long before the situation became a national problem, resulting in the comuna becoming one of the most dangerous places in the world.

What is a comuna ? You might be thinking that comuna is just another name for a slum. In fact, Medellin is split into 16 different comunas . For example, the upscale El Poblado district is technically Comuna 14 and the Historic Centre is Comuna 10.

In 2002 the government decided to intervene and implemented multiple military operations. Two of the most important ones were Mariscal and Orión. Although the Orión operation brought about the end of the guerrilla groups, paramilitaries and youth gangs then took control of the comuna. Over the next few years, innocent people continued to be killed or put on trial for supposedly helping the guerrillas.

free tour comuna 13 medellin

The Transformation of Comuna 13

In 2006, the mayor invested a lot of money towards making positive changes for the people of Comuna 13. One of these investments was the construction of a new cable car line. Later, a series of escalators were built into the side of the hill too. This new infrastructure improved residents’ access to jobs and education.

As part of the transformation, public spaces and recreational facilities were also added to help improve the quality of life. A huge focus was also put on culture and art. You’ll quickly notice that the streets of Comuna 13 are now filled with meaningful murals, street art and performers.

This transformation wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows though. It involved the destruction of homes, businesses and the relocation of some residents. Although the comuna is a much safer and liveable place today, there are still issues to address.

Even with all the current challenges, Comuna 13 is a great example of how urban design can improve accessibility and create a positive change for residents.

free tour comuna 13 medellin

How to Visit Comuna 13 in Medellin

1. ‘free’ walking tour of comuna 13 in medellin.

The best way to visit Comuna 13 is to take a ‘free’ walking tour. We went with Zippy Tours , which is run by local guides who have always lived in Comuna 13. The guides are fantastic at conveying the history of this part of Medellin. They include their own experiences from living there, as well as explaining about the ongoing positive changes being made.

Taking this tour is a great way to understand the troubled past of Comuna 13, whilst also being able to focus on all the positive changes that have been happening in recent years.

You can book your spot through their website. They run the tours 3 times a day at 10AM, 2PM and 4PM between Monday and Saturday. On Sundays you can join a tour at either 10AM or 2PM. Tours are available in both English and Spanish, so make sure to book the language you want to take the tour in. The tours normally last around 2.5-3 hours.

Top Tip. Although this walking tour is ‘free’, it’s suggested to tip $10 USD per person at the end. We recommend leaving a generous tip, especially if you’ve enjoyed the experience, which we’re sure you will. Your contribution is being directly invested back into the community by supporting local artists and children.

free tour comuna 13 medellin

2. Visiting Comuna 13 in Medellin Independently

Thanks to the positive transformation Comuna 13 has undergone over the years, you can now visit this part of Medellin on your own. We’ll discuss how you can get to Comuna 13 using public transportation in the next section. Once you’re there, you’re free to walk around, admire the street art and murals, watch some street performers, chat with some locals and check out some of the art shops, local cafes and restaurants.

However, visiting on your own will never give you that personal knowledge that the local guides can provide you with. Unless you come prepared with some background knowledge, you won’t be able to fully understand the transformation and may not have as meaningful an experience. This is not to say that you can’t have a great time going without a tour. Just bear in mind that the streets can be confusing at times, so be mindful of your surroundings and try not to get lost or accidentally end up in someone’s private property.

Top Tip. If you want to visit Comuna 13 independently, then we highly recommend visiting Museo de la Casa Memoria (Memory House Museum) in Medellin first. It’ll give you a good background knowledge on the history of Medellin and Comuna 13.

free tour comuna 13 medellin

3. Visiting Comuna 13 with an Organised Tour

The increased popularity of Comuna 13 also means there is an increased number of tours available to tourists. You can now join dedicated graffiti tours, street food tours, or even go on a private tour. Below are a few tours you could consider booking:

Comuna 13 History and Graffiti Tour:  This 4-hour tour includes the history and transformation of Comuna 13 with street art as the main focus. You’ll get the chance to ride the metro and the metrocable, whilst learning about the transport system and enjoying the views. The tour price also includes some snacks. You can book this tour here.

Comuna 13 Street Art and Food Tour: If you’re a big foodie, then you can join this tour that combines learning about the street art with trying out the local cuisine. You can book this tour here.

Epic Tours Medellin:  If you prefer private tours then this company offers one of Comuna 13. It also includes a hotel pick up, so you don’t need to worry about your transportation. This tour starts with a street art tour of El Poblado and a tour of the historic centre of Medellin. You can book this tour here.

Top Tip. We recommend picking a guided tour that uses local guides.

free tour comuna 13 medellin

How to Get to Comuna 13 in Medellin

The best way to reach Comuna 13 is to take Metro Line B to San Javier, which is the last stop. You can hop onto Line B at San Antonio station in El Centro / La Candelaria. Alternatively, you can also use Metro Line A first and change at San Antonio station. You can check out Medellin’s Metro Map to see which station is closest to you.

To use the metro you’ll need to purchase a travel card, called Cívica Eventual, which costs 10,000 COP / $2.50 USD. Then you can top that up with however much credit you need for your rides across the city. A one-way journey is normally 3,210 COP ($0.80 USD). 

If you’re visiting with a tour, San Javier station is normally the meeting point. From there, you’ll be walking to the main areas of Comuna 13 with your tour group. If you’re not on a tour, then from the station you can either walk to the escalators or take the bus.

The bus stop is just on the other side of the road from the station. Lots of people will be waiting there, so you can’t miss it. Plus, they’ll be a sign saying escalaras electrica. A one way ride costs around 1,500 COP.  

  • 9 Things to Do in Medellin
  • Medellin Travel Tips: A Guide to Visiting Medellin
  • Guatape and Piedra del Peñol: A Day Trip from Medellin

free tour comuna 13 medellin

Tips for Visiting Comuna 13 in Medellin

Here are a few of our tips and things you should know before your visit to Comuna 13.

  • Safety has improved massively, and we never once felt unsafe walking around Comuna 13. As always, we still recommend staying vigilant. Whilst residents want you to have a safe visit, there’s no guarantee that you won’t get pickpocketed like in any crowded place in the world. Just follow the ‘no dar papaya’  rule, which means don’t make yourself a target for crime.
  • Comuna 13 isn’t just one barrio. There are still areas that aren’t safe for tourists. Make sure to stick to the streets where you see the most visitors, such as Las Independencias and the 20 de Julio area.
  • It’s going to be touristy. Visiting Comuna 13 is one of the top things to do in Medellin , so don’t expect it to be any less touristy than other popular places in the world.
  • Don’t mention Pablo Escobar’s name. Whilst Colombians are open about their past, they also don’t like to be reminded of the person who caused them a lot of pain, so please respect that. Local tour guides will tell you all you need to know about the history that matters, and why the focus should be on the positive transformation currently taking place.
  • We were advised not to give money to children. This is because you don’t know what they’re going to spend that money on, and you don’t want to unintentionally support them in buying something that they shouldn’t.
  • Be careful of stray dogs. We saw and petted plenty of friendly dogs in South America, but you always have to be mindful because not all of them are nice!
  • Wear comfortable shoes. If you’re on a walking tour, you’ll be doing a fair bit of walking. Despite the escalators, Comuna 13 is still pretty hilly, so you want to wear something suitable for your visit.

free tour comuna 13 medellin

Final Thoughts on How to Visit Comuna 13 in Medellin

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Comuna 13. Joining the walking tour organised by locals was definitely the best way to learn about the history and transformation that this part of Medellin has gone through. We gained some valuable insight into what the daily life was like not that long ago and how the people’s resilience and hope has helped turn Comuna 13 into a lively and welcoming district which is focused on moving forward.

Have you ever been to Comuna 13 in Medellin? If so, how did you visit Comuna 13? What was your experience? If not, would you visit Comuna 13 on your own or with a tour? Let us know in the comments below.

Now, let your adventure begin,

free tour comuna 13 medellin

Our Top Travel Resources

Accommodation:  For hotels we always use  Booking.com  and  Hostelworld  for hostels. We also book longer stays on Airbnb or  Vrbo.

Flights:  To find the best flight prices we always check  Skyscanner ,  Google Flights  or  WayAway.  Then we also check the airlines’ websites too for comparison.

Car Rentals:  We use  Discover Cars  when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies.

Activities:  If we book organised tours we always check either  GetYourGuide  or  Viator.

Foreign Currency:  Whenever we can we prefer to pay in local currency and for that we always use our  Wise card.   We can easily withdraw money from the ATM or pay by card at most shops and restaurants.

Travel Insurance: We never go anywhere without travel insurance. You never know what will happen on your trip, so good travel insurance like SafetyWing can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft and cancellations.

eSIM and VPN: To get data abroad we use  Airalo which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone in over 190 countries. Make sure to have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark  which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 

Remember…It all starts with a Pin…

free tour comuna 13 medellin

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Your blogs are so informative! Great info and photos!😉

Thank you very much Karan 🙂

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Free tour por la Comuna 13 de Medellín

Todos los destinos > Colombia > Medellín > Free tour Comuna 13

Mejor free tour de Comuna 13 Medellín en español

La Comuna 13 es un barrio de Medellín que ha sufrido una transformación tremenda en los últimos años, pasando de conflictiva a próspera y artística. De hecho, es posible que sea una de las zonas con mayor legado cultural y artístico del país, y que realmente merece la pena visitar y conocer en profundidad. Para ello, recorrer sus calles junto a un guía local se hace fundamental para entender toda la historia que hay detrás de este cambio.

Ranking mejores free tours por la Comuna 13 de Medellín (en español) para hoy

Medellín es una de las ciudades más impresionantes que debes visitar en Sudamérica. Ubicada en la región de montañosa de Antioquía, Colombia , es un reclamo constante para miles de viajeros que buscan conocer la cultura colombiana en esta bonita localidad apodada la ‘ciudad de la eterna primavera’. Además de tener una vistas impresionantes desde los distintos miradores que hay en la ciudad, se puede disfrutar de un viaje en telecable (teleférico).

Graffiti Tour de la Comuna 13 de Medellín – El lugar que renació (GuruWalk)

Graffiti Tour de la Comuna 13 de Medellín - El lugar que renació (GuruWalk)

Si quieres conocer realmente qué es la Comuna 13 , cómo vive la gente en su día a día y de qué manera se ha llevado la transición del conflicto y la pobreza a la prosperidad, este es tu tour. Guías locales de Medellín que te acompañarán por un recorrido único.

GUÍA LOCAL Y OPINIONES

Aic Tour – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ( 4,9/5 en más de 800 opiniones en GuruWalk )

RECORRIDO DEL TOUR

Nos adentraremos en la Comuna 13 , uno de los barrios más especiales y bonitos de Medellín para entender cómo se ha llevado a cabo la transformación de la zona, cómo paso de ser conflictiva y peligrosa a ser una de las referencias de la ciudad. Recorreremos sus calles, veremos las escaleras eléctricas, estudiaremos los graffitis de cada zona así como los artistas que han hecho los principales murales.

Graffiti tour urbano en Medellín

Además del arte, también tendrás la oportunidad de ver espectáculos de música urbana , además de poder degustar la comida local. Te contaremos las historias de jóvenes emprendedores locales que han logrado aportar mucha luz a la Comuna 13.

PUNTO DE ENCUENTRO : Salida principal de la estación de metro de San Javier, Línea B (no el metro cable). El paraguas/sombrilla es de color verde.

⚠️ AVISOS IMPORTANTES PARA LOS VIAJEROS :

  • Buen calzado e hidratación . Lleva zapatos cómodos, gorra y agua para el recorrido.
  • Atención en el recorrido . Si no quieres perderte, no abandones el grupo.
  • Puntualidad en el punto de encuentro . Llega 15 minutos antes de la partida. Si eres puntual, saldremos a la hora.
  • Cancela tu reserva si no vas a venir . Si no puedes asistir, cancela en la plataforma de GuruWalk. Si no cancelas, estarás bloqueando la plaza para otro.
  • No te cortes con las preguntas . Los guía locales estamos deseando responder a todas las preguntas que tengas sobre Comuna 13 y Medellín.

Free walking tour con guías locales en Comuna 13 (GuruWalk)

Free walking tour con guías locales en Comuna 13

Conoce el pasado más reciente de una de las zonas más importantes de la región de Antioquía, la Comuna 13 . Gracias a los guías locales podrás recorrer los principales lugares de Medellín descubriendo cómo se ha llevado a cabo la transformación.

World Lion Tour – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ( 4,6/5 en más de 600 opiniones en GuruWalk )

El recorrido del tour se centra en la transformación que ha tenido lugar en la Comuna 13 , apoyado sobre todo en el arte urbano.

Te contamos toda la historia más reciente de la ciudad y qué sucedió en la operación Mariscal y Orión y el resto de operaciones militares que tuvieron lugar entre 1998 y 2002.

Gracias al trabajo en equipo de todos los vecinos, se ha convertido en uno de los lugares más visitados de Antioquía y de toda Colombia. El Show callejero que combina el arte desde el griffiti al baile más urbano permite conocer de primera mano la cultura local.

Escaleras eléctricas de Comuna 13

Se recorren los principales puntos de la Comuna 13, desde las escaleras eléctricas a los lugares dónde probar la gastronomía (más en concreto, se prueba un helado de mango verde que está delicioso).

PUNTO DE ENCUENTRO : Estación de Metro San Javier – Entrada principal (no está en el teleférico ni en el vagón de cable). Usaremos gorra roja, camiseta roja y una Sombrilla Roja que dice (World Lion Tour y GuruWalk).

Preguntas frecuentes

Hay dos free tours de la Comuna 13 en Medellín (en español) que destacan por encima del resto por la calidad de sus guías y el estilo del recorrido: – Comuna 13, el lugar que renació (GuruWalk). – Graffiti Tour en Comuna 13 (GuruWalk).

Lo normal es pagar entre 10-20 euros, aunque depende de cada viajero, de la experiencia que haya vivido. Los guía locales recomiendan una propina mínima de 20.000 $ (moneda local).

Salvo que te avisen de lo contrario, siempre se hace el recorrido a las horas estipuladas. ¡Aunque llueva! Si tienes dudas sobre si se va a realizar la ruta, pregunta directamente al guía local.

Reservar es totalmente gratuito y cancelar también. De hecho, si no vas a poder acudir al tour, te pedimos encarecidamente que canceles tu reserva para no bloquear plazas de otros viajeros o que el guía no te esté esperando.

En el caso de que necesitéis utilizar el transporte público, el billete se lo paga cada uno. Sucede lo mismo si se entra a algún museo o edificio de pago. No te preocupes que si en el tour se incluye algo de esto, se avisará antes.

No deberías hacerlo ya que el guía local no cuenta contigo y puedes quedarte sin plaza. Incluso si ha habido un cambio de lugar o de hora, no te enteraras o si han cancelado por falta de aforo. Reservar es gratis así que no pierdes nada por asegurarte tu plaza.

Opiniones y valoraciones de los viajeros

¿cómo determinamos cuál es el mejor free graffiti tour de comuna 13.

¿Cómo determinamos cuál es el mejor free graffiti tour de Comuna 13?

Intentamos evaluar la calidad de los tours de libre pago de la manera más exacta posible. Hemos seleccionado en esta ocasión dos free tour de Comuna 13 (GuruWalk) enfocados tanto en la historia más reciente, así como en el arte urbano de Medellín . Ambas opciones cuentan con guías locales de mucha calidad, el recorrido que hacen es similar y las valoraciones de los viajeros que ya han realizado el tour también son muy parecidas, aunque destaca la primera opción. Estas son los tres factores que evaluamos:

✓ TIPO DE RECORRIDO

El recorrido que se elige para una visita guiada de este estilo es importante y determinante a la hora de visitar una zona con tanta riqueza cultural y artística .

No es lo mismo empezar por un sitio que por otro ya que si se hace bien, la historia se va encadenando haciendo el recorrido muy interesante.

✓ CALIDAD DEL GUÍA LOCAL

La calidad del guía se mide tanto en conocimiento así como en la capacidad que tiene de transmitirlo .

Se le añade también la virtud de gestión de grupos haciendo una combinación total para asegurar una experiencia fantástica a todos los asistentes del tour. No es fácil conjugar estas tres cualidades.

✓ OPINIONES DE LOS VIAJEROS

Más allá de lo que podamos evaluar a nivel teórico, la realidad también debe contar en el análisis.

La opinión de los viajeros que han realizado el tour también cuenta a la hora de puntuar un tour ya que pondera la media de todos los días.

Visitas guiadas para descubrir la ciudad

Otras ciudades después de visitar medellín.

Wander-Lush

13 Things to Consider Before You Book a Comuna 13 Tour in Medellin

Comuna 13 is known for its street art – but there’s a lot more to this neighbourhood than pretty murals and selfie spots. Here’s everything you should know before taking a Comuna 13 tour in Medellin, Colombia based on my personal experience.

J ust a few short years ago, Comuna 13 was considered the most dangerous area in Medellin , itself the most dangerous city in the world.

Tourists didn’t dare set foot here – they had no reason to. And many locals, as our Comuna 13 tour guide Laura told us, were too ashamed to admit that they lived in the ramshackle suburbs that cling to a mountainside on Medellin’s western fringe.

Now, it’s a very different story. Over the past decade Comuna 13 has undergone an almost complete transformation – or so it seems.

Sprawling brick houses in Medellin's Comuna 13 neighbourhood.

The area is no longer known for gang violence, police raids, cartels and illegal trafficking.

These days, Comuna 13 is more readily associated with graffiti, street art performances and walking tours. New infrastructure, including a cable car system and six outdoor escalators, has made life in Comuna 13 a whole lot easier for residents and opened the area up to tourists like never before.

A woman in a hat looks up at a colourful street art mural in Comuna 13, Medellin.

Many people view Comuna 13 as a symbol of Medellin’s (and indeed Colombia’s ) social transformation. It’s one of the most vibrant and intriguing places we visited in Medellin and a must-see, even if you only have a couple of days in the city .

However, there are still a lot of misconceptions surrounding Comuna 13, especially regarding safety. Part of the joy of visiting is discovering these contrasts and contradictions for yourself. But there are a few things I wish I had known before we signed up for our Comuna 13 tour .

Here are 13 things I think you should consider before you go, plus my recommended Comuna 13 walking tour itineraries.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Recommended Comuna 13 Tours

Option 1: 4-hour graffiti tour with a local guide – This top-rated tour includes metro tickets, snacks, and invaluable insights from a local guide. Two departures daily in the morning and afternoon. Prices start from $25. (Also available to book here on Viator .)

Option 2: Private Comuna 13 tour with hotel pick up – An in-depth Comuna 13 tour tailored to your interests. Flexible start time and hotel transfers included (great for families, solo travellers or groups). Prices start from $37.\

Option 3: Full-day city tour with cablecar and Comuna 13 walking tour – Longer walking tour (5+ hours) that shows you the best of Medellin downtown as well as Comuna 13. If you only have a day in Medellin, this is a great option. Prices start from $46.

Option 4: Social Transformation Tour – This walking tour with hotel pickup focuses on the neighbourhood’s history to give you an in-depth understanding of Comuna 13. I have personally travelled with Steven, the company operator and main guide, and was extremely impressed with his knowledge and attention to detail. Prices start from $61.

Option 5: Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour and Street Food Tour – The ultimate combination of street art and street food for a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of local culture. Includes empanadas and ice cream.

A colourful street mural depicting two happy children in Medellin.

Before you go…

If you’re planning to visit Medellin and you want to learn a bit about Comuna 13 and Colombian culture before you go, why not try a virtual travel experience where you can meet and chat to a local.

This Airbnb Online Experience with a local takes you through the basics of Colombian history and culture – it’s the perfect way to prepare for your trip!

What is Comuna 13? A very brief history of Medellin’s most notorious neighbourhood

One of the most important things you can do before visiting Comuna 13 is take the time to read a bit of background information. You’ll learn lots on the tour, but it helps to have a general understanding of the area and its turbulent past.

Comuna 13 started out as an illegal settlement. In the 1960s and 70s, around 1,500 families displaced by conflict in different parts of Antioquia Department settled here. The neighbourhood was unplanned: They built their houses from basic materials, and there was no running water or electricity.

Comuna 13 rose to notoriety in the 1980s and 1990s at the height of Colombia’s drug and gang era. Because of its location on the edge of the city and the way its organised (winding streets and an awful lot of places to hide), the barrio became a transit point for drug traffickers, guerillas, gangs, and otherwise unsavoury characters. Soon enough, paramilitary groups ELN and FARC were fighting for control of the commune.

Thinking of visiting the Comuna 13 street art area? Here are 13 things you need to know before you sign up for a Comuna 13 tour in Medellin, Colombia.

The idea to ‘clean up’ Comuna 13 started in 2002 when a newly elected President Alvaro Uribe took a heavy handed approach and launched 10 military operations. The two biggest, known as Mariscal and Orion, were designed to root out the paramilitary. As you can imagine, many residents – regular working families and innocent civilians – got caught up in the fray. At least 20 people lost their lives, almost 250 were arrested, and many more simply disappeared.

In 2006, Comuna 13’s image finally started to change. Medellin Mayor Sergio Fajardo Valderrama took a different tact and set about improving living conditions for underserved families by involving them in the process. He invested massively in infrastructure, including a new metro station (2008) and outdoor escalators escaleras electricas (2011), to reintegrate the commune with the rest of the city. This approach turned out to be much more effective.

Outdoor escalators in Comuna 13, a neighbourhood in Medellin, Colombia.

The Comuna 13 of today is a very different place. With greater accessibility came less stigma, and the narrative surrounding Comuna 13 slowly started to shift. The streets became safer, and the neighbourhood was once again a playground for children and artists alike. Now responsible tourism is a major contributor to social change in the barrios.

When you visit Comuna 13, you can witness this incredible transformation up close. No one has forgotten the past, but everyone is looking towards a brighter future. It really is a remarkable story and a special place.

13 things to know before signing up for a Comuna 13 tour

1. it’s not a place for dark tourism or ‘narco tourism’.

Colombia’s own brand of dark tourism, ‘narco tourism’, is a thriving industry in Medellin. What many partakers don’t realise is just how offensive many locals find it. If you want to do paintball at one of Pablo Escobar’s former residences, then be my guest. I’m not here to judge.

But Comuna 13 is not the place to gawk at the horrors of the past.

Transformation, rebirth and hope are themes that come up again and again in Comuna 13. These are the things your guide will focus on, not the violence of the 80s and 90s.

Ramshackle brick houses in Comuna 13, Medellin.

Comuna 13 has undergone a massive physical transformation in recent years, as documented in memoirs like this one . But what’s even more important than the aesthetic changes is shifting the way people think about the area. And that has involved a transformation of the psyche.

There are countless books about Colombia (fiction and non-fiction) that can give you a deeper insight into this chapter of national history before you arrive in Medellin. But the best way to learn is to experience it on the ground.

Most people in Comuna 13 (and Medellin) choose to look forward, not back. Memories of past violence are still very raw for families in this area, with many thousands of people still unaccounted for.

Bottom line: Be respectful and sensitive, and please leave your Pablo Escobar t-shirt at home.

2. Comuna 13 isn’t one neighbourhood

There’s a common misconception that Comuna 13 is one discrete barrio . In truth, it’s a commune (one of 16 in Medellin) that incorporates around 12 separate neighbourhoods spanning more than 2 square miles.

The name ‘Comuna’ does not only refer to the low socio-economic hilltop barrios around the city, either. El Poblado and Laureles are comunas too. El Centro, for example, is a district within Comuna 10.

A woman sits on a colourful staircase in San Javier, Medellin.

It’s important to understand that Comuna 13 is huge. Some areas are safe for tourists to visit, while other barrios should be avoided. Most walking tours focus on the Las Independencias and 20 de Julio area, where most of Comuna 13’s street art is located.

Because of the size and layout, it’s very easy to get disorientated in Comuna’s 13’s labyrinth of narrow laneways and private entries – that’s another reason why it’s a good idea to visit with a guide.

3. A Comuna 13 tour involves a lot of walking (and stairs)

Most tour companies instruct you to wear comfortable shoes when you book a tour. But I wasn’t prepared for just how much uphill slug is involved in visiting Comuna 13. Just getting to the street art area from the metro station takes a good 15 minutes of walking up a steady incline.

A group of people on a guided tour of Comuna 13, Medellin.

Comuna 13 is set on a steep hillside, so stairs are an unavoidable reality. Comfy, lightweight shoes are essential, as is plenty of drinking water, sunscreen, and a good hat or an umbrella . Just be glad you don’t have to carry your groceries or push a stroller!

The saving grace are the six interlacing outdoor escalators that replace 350 of the steepest stairs. Free to ride, they operate from the early morning until late at night and will always be running in the daylight hours when tours take place (including on Sundays and holidays).

Once you reach the top of the escalators, the terrain evens out a little. This is where you’ll find wide concrete pedestrianised areas (like the one in the first picture above) that feature seating and lighting.

4. It’s better to go with a local

There are dozens of companies in Medellin that offer tours of Comuna 13. As more and more people visit, the commercialisation of the community’s grief is becoming a serious issue. It’s something you should keep in mind when booking a Comuna 13 tour.

The most responsible and ethical option is to go with a local guide. Zippy Tour guides, for example, all grew up in Comuna 13 and know the streets (and the stories) well.

They incorporate personal anecdotes and authentic accounts without dramatising or romanticising things. And in our experience, they are truly grateful for the chance to show tourists around their barrios.

A Comuna 13 tour guide explains the history of the area to a group of tourists.

Our guide, Laura, taught herself English so that she could show visitors around the streets she grew up on.

The photo above was taken on the balcony of her family home – how many walking tours do you know of that make a stop at the guide’s house!? That’s just how generous and open the local guides can be.

5. It feels a lot safer than you might expect…

I can only speak to our experience, but we felt completely safe in Comuna 13 – both when we were with our guide and at the end of the day when we were walking back to the Metrocable alone.

Exercise common sense and caution as you would anywhere else. But don’t let fear or hearsay stop you from visiting Colombia or Comuna 13.

Street art and colourful buildings in Comuna 13.

Remember that it’s easy to get lost, so stick close to your guide and don’t wander off track. At the end of the tour you may have the option to walk yourself back to the metro station, in which case your guide will provide directions.

If you prefer to stay with a guide at all times, choose a tour itinerary that includes transfers back to downtown, either by bus or Metrocable.

6. …But that doesn’t mean there’s no crime or violence

Comuna 13 has changed a lot, but poverty and violence are still big issues here. We were told that a few weeks before our visit, another tour group had to take cover from gunfire after fighting broke out between rival gangs.

A man looks out over the balcony of his house in Comuna 13.

It’s perfectly safe to visit Comuna 13 during daylight hours. But just like the rest of Medellin, it’s not recommended to walk around after dark.

7. The locals are extremely welcoming

I get the feeling that foreign tourists are still a bit of a novelty in Comuna 13. We were warmly greeted everywhere we went in Medellin, but the smiles and buenoses we received in this part of the city were more animated and generous than anywhere else.

After our Comuna 13 tour ended at the top of the escalators, we decided to walk ourselves back to the metro instead of riding the bus with our guide.

It was interesting to see how people’s reactions toward us changed once we were no longer travelling with a group. It felt like people were even kinder to us than before.

Thinking of visiting the Comuna 13 street art area? Here are 13 things you need to know before you sign up for a Comuna 13 tour in Medellin, Colombia.

Like in any residential area, most people in Comuna 13 are just going about their daily business. Be respectful of people’s privacy (especially of accidentally trespassing) and use common courtesy when taking photos.

8. There are plenty of places to eat, drink and shop for souvenirs

We passed by dozens of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and bars during our Comuna 13 tour. There is a large concentration of local eateries around the San Javier Metro Station, while plenty of ‘tourist-friendly’ venues (with English menus and clean bathrooms) have opened up around the street art zone. If you like ice cream, there are a few places that sell popsicles!

There are also several small galleries and market stalls dotted along the main pedestrian route where you can buy art prints and other souvenirs .

Local artwork for sale at a market in Comuna 13, Medellin.

I expect that many more venues will open up as Comuna 13 continues to grow in popularity.

Note that most tours include a stop off at at least one cafe or restaurant.

Tip: Did you know that there is a district in Bogota that’s similar to Medellin’s Comuna 13? If you’re visiting Colombia’s capital, why not join a Social Transformation Tour of Barrio Egipto .

9. The street art in Comuna 13 is not just for decoration

You don’t need me to tell you that Comuna 13 is all about the street art. Not only does it look fantastic and form a perfect backdrop for tourist selfies (guilty as charged!), the murals are also symbolic.

There are dozens and dozens of large-scale works throughout the area, manly concentrated around the escalators. Any and every surface can be used as a canvas.

As our guide Laura explained to us, graffiti is actually illegal in Medellin. For a local artist to create a mural, they first need to obtain permission from the area’s chief artists as well as the owner of the building.

Street art in Comuna 13 depicting two boys against a bright blue background.

Murals in Comuna 13 definitely aren’t just for decoration: They also serve to memorialise the past and express hope for the future.

Your Comuna 13 tour guide will point out the best pieces. Special motifs to look out for include white cloths (a reference to May 2002, when a mother flew a white sheets from her rooftop as a request for ceasefire after two of her sons were injured by gunfire; anything in red, yellow and blue (the colours of the Colombian flag and a stand-in for national pride); and birds (another symbol for peace).

Thinking of visiting the Comuna 13 street art area? Here are 13 things you need to know before you sign up for a Comuna 13 tour in Medellin, Colombia.

My favourite symbol in Comuna 13 is elephants, which represent the barrios’ pledge to never forget the events of the past.

Many families have painted their houses in bright colours to match the murals, making the whole area feel vibrant and uplifting.

10. There are other kinds of art to look out for, too

There are plenty of other art forms visitors should keep an eye out for, including performance art, music and breakdancing.

During our tour, we watched a short performance by Black and White, a local hip-hop crew.

A young man performs a breakdancing routine at a performance space in Comuna 13.

Another group you might encounter is C15 Collective, a coalition of young graffiti artists, music producers, rappers, photographers and DJs from Comuna 13.

They oversee up to 90% of the street art in the area and run a physical exhibition and performance space, Casa Kolacho , where people can come together to collaborate and develop new art forms.

All these different artistic formats – some organised by community leaders, some organic and self-managed – are designed to provide an alternative pathway for youth in Comuna 13.

11. You should visit Casa de la Memoria first

For a better understanding of Comuna 13’s art scene and how creatives grapple with sensitive and raw topics, I highly recommend visiting Medellin’s Museo Casa de la Memoria (Memory House Museum) near Parque Bicentenario first.

My main takeaway from the museum was that art is used to interpret and make sense of past events, which often means it’s quite abstract.

Our visit to the museum gave us a bit of background knowledge and prepared us for our Comuna 13 tour. Even if you decide against visiting Comuna 13, Museo Casa de la Memoria is a must-visit in Medellin .

12. Comuna 13 offers some of the best views of Medellin

It’s not exactly difficult to get a good view in hilly Medellin, but I was surprised by the vistas from Comuna 13. This area is high , and in my opinion offers the best outlook over the city.

From Comuna 13, you get an appreciation for the scale of the city. The viewpoint also allow you to look down over the colourful rooftops and beyond to the green hills that form the city’s western border.

View of Comuna 13, with colourful houses in the foreground and a backdrop of green mountains.

The views get better with each escalator you ride or set of stairs you climb, so persevere! There are lookout points with handrails dotted all along the way where you can stop for photos.

13. By visiting, you’re helping a community rebuild

Every family in Comuna 13 has been negatively impacted by violence in some way. By taking a Comuna 13 tour, you’re not only supporting local guides and local businesses in financial terms, you’re also helping people shed the stigma.

It’s just one of the ways responsible tourism is contributing to social transformation in Colombia .

Our guide, Laura, was very honest in telling us that families from Comuna 13 were openly discriminated against in the past. Hence why many people didn’t want to admit they lived here.

That reputation is changing with every tourist group that visits, and now young people like Laura are proud, not ashamed, to call Comuna 13 home.

Laundry hanging in the breeze in Comuna 13 Medellin.

If you do decided to visit Comuna 13 and like us you have a positive experience, review your guide, spread the word back home, and encourage others to go, too.

I can guarantee you that your Comuna 13 experience will stay with you long after you’ve left Medellin.

How do you get to Comuna 13 from El Poblado?

Comuna 13 is located on the western side of Medellin, about 6 miles (10 km) northwest of El Poblado. The closest metro station is Estación San Javier , the final stop on the east-west metro Line B.

To get to San Javier from Poblado Metro Station, first take Line A (red line) in the direction of Niquia to Antonio Station (4 stops in total). Here, you’ll need to change to Line B and ride it all the way to the final station, San Javier.

From the station, you need to walk approximately 20-30 minutes uphill to reach the escalators and the heart of the street art zone.

Alternatively, you can take bus 225i the rest of the way (recommended). To find the bus, turn right after the metro station exit and look for the green bus stop at the traffic lights. The fare is 1500 COP payable with the same metro card (the transfer is free if you’ve just alighted the metro).

A taxi costs approximately 10,000 COP or a little less if you use an app such as Uber.

Most Comuna 13 group tours meet at the San Javier Metro Station so you don’t have to worry about finding the bus or making your own way up the hill – just rendezvous with your guide and they will show you the way.

Gondolas on the Medellin Metrocable running from San Javier to the hills above Comuna 13.

What time should I go to Comuna 13?

The best time to visit Comuna 13 is in the morning. There are two reasons for this: Firstly, the area tends to get much more crowded in the afternoon ; and secondly, if it’s overcast, it can get foggier as the day progresses.

Because of the altitude (Medellin is 1,495 metres above sea level) and the unusual micro-climate, there is often poor visibility in the city. High humidity and low clouds can make the skies look grey and obscure your views.

Most tours of Comuna 13 start at either 9am or 10am. If you’re booking a private tour and you have the option to choose your start time, I recommend picking one of the earlier timeslots.

Is it safe to go to Comuna 13?

Yes, it is safe to visit Comuna 13 provided you use common sense. Take care of your valuables (as you would anywhere in Colombia), and if you have a backpack, consider wearing it on your front.

The biggest thing to remember when visiting Comuna 13 is not to wander off-track . The streets are a bit of a maze and it’s easy to get disorientated and accidentally walk onto someone’s private property. Stick to the main walkways.

An added element of safety comes from being with a tour group and having a local guide with you. This is another reason I highly recommend signing up for a tour rather than visiting independently.

A woman sits on a colourfully painted staircase in Comuna 13, Medellin.

Is Comuna 13 accessible?

Comuna 13 is located on fairly difficult terrain, with lots of steep hills and streets pitched at precarious angles. As I mentioned earlier, there are a lot of stairs. Even with the escalators and cable system, it’s still fairly difficult to get around.

Not all parts of Comuna 13 are wheelchair friendly or suitable for anyone with mobility issues.

Accessible travellers can still visit the area – if that’s you, I highly recommend contacting one of the recommended tour companies below (and ideally booking a private tour) so they can plan a more appropriate route for you.

A Comuna 13 tour guide explains the history of the neighbourhood to a group of tourists.

Can you go to Comuna 13 on your own?

It’s definitely possible to visit Comuna 13 independently and walk yourself around the neighbourhood. But there are several reasons why I don’t necessarily recommend it.

First and foremost, you will miss out on all the information and anecdotes you get from a guide . Meeting a local who has lived and breathed Comuna 13 for their entire life really is a huge privilege and you’ll learn so much more through this process.

Some of my best memories of visiting Medellin are of the chats we had with our guide, Laura, on the terrace of her family home. Sure, it’s possible to stop and talk to everyday people in the neighbourhood – but remember that English is not at all widely spoken, so unless you have fluent Spanish, it’s not really viable.

Secondly, as I already mentioned, it’s very easy to lose your way in the winding backstreets . If you want to go beyond the main pedestrianised roads, you’ll certainly need a guide to show you the way. Furthermore, Google Maps isn’t particularly reliable in this part of the city. While the area is generally safe, you definitely don’t want to accidentally wander into an area where you shouldn’t be.

There was one point during our tour that I almost got lost. I was taking a photo of a washing line (the one pictured just above) and when I looked up from my camera, my husband and the rest of the group had vanished. I panicked and froze, not knowing what to do. (Turns out they had gone down a nearby staircase – as soon as they popped up again on the next terrace over, I was able to rejoin them.) It was only 10 seconds or so, but it was not a good feeling to be disorientated and alone. This moment made me very grateful that I was with a guide who knew the area like the back of her hand.

An organised tour will give you peace of mind to enjoy your day fully – and I can guarantee you that you’ll come away with a much better understanding of the area and its history.

Top Comuna 13 tour companies

Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour: This company uses local guides and covers a lot of terrain over 4-plus hours of walking. The focus is firmly on the street art, making this a great tour for anyone whose primary interest is seeing he murals. The price includes metro tickets and snacks. Online bookings are available through GetYourGuide. Check prices and availability here .

Epic Tours Medellin: Another local company focused on Medellin city, Epic Tours offers a private tour of Comuna 13 with hotel transfers included. What I like about their tours is that they include other street art areas in downtown Medellin first, helping to put San Javier into context. Online bookings are available through GetYourGuide. Check prices and availability here .

Zippy Walking Tour: Free walking tours of Comuna 13 led by guides who grew up in the area. Tours are available in both Spanish and English and depart twice daily (see here for the schedule and to book). Remember to tip your guide at the end of the tour! The suggested tip is 25,000-30,000 COP per person.

Visit Medellin Tours: These popular tour programs combine Comuna 13 street art and views with a taste of local street food. Sample the best empanadas and mango ice cream during your walk around the neighbourhood – it doesn’t get more local than that. Check prices and availability here .

Lets Colombia: Steven, the freelance guide who showed us around Medellin’s fruit markets , also leads tours of Comuna 13 with his own company, Lets Colombia. Visit his Facebook page for more info.

Where to stay in Medellin

As you can probably gather from my photos of Comuna 13, Medellin is a pretty big city! It’s very spread-out, so you need to be strategic about where you base yourself. And just a heads up, you probably don’t want to stay in Comuna 13.

We spent 3 weeks in Medellin and stayed in the lovely Laureles neighbourhood. It’s leafy, it’s very walkable, there are hundreds of amazing restaurants and cafes – and it’s away from the busy downtown area, giving it a local feel. The northern part of Laureles is especially good because it’s close to the metro line.

If you prefer to be in the thick of it, El Poblado is the beating heart of Medellin. It can be a bit touristy, but on the flip side, that means lots of options for eating and drinking.

Budget hostel: The Wandering Paisa in Laureles is one of Colombia’s most-loved hostels. Choose from mixed dorms or budget-friendly private doubles.

Mid-range hotel: 574 Hotel is boutique on a budget near Lleras Park in El Poblado, with bright, tidy rooms and breakfast included.

Boutique hotel: Hotel Quinta Ladera has minimal, well-appointed rooms that will make you feel right at home in El Poblado.

High-end hotel: For an iconic Medellin experience, I highly recommend staying at Hotel Nutibara in El Centro. The 1940s Art Deco building is an architectural masterpiece.

Self-contained apartment: Factory Lofts has chic rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and views over the beautiful Laureles neighbourhood. Choose a room with a full kitchenette if you want to cook at home.

Prefer Airbnb? Check out my round-up of Medellin’s best Airbnb rentals here .

Have you been on a Comuna 13 tour? What was your experience? If not, is it a place you think you’d be interested in visiting? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Comuna 13 tour tips: Pin it & share it!

Comuna 13 is one of the best places to find street art in Medellin, Colombia. Here are 13 things you need to know before you sign up for a Comuna 13 tour.

Colombia trip essentials

Here are some of the websites and services I recommend for planning a trip to Colombia. Remember to check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Colombia using the Skyscanner website .

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa or a Health Declaration form for Colombia and apply for your documents online.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip to Colombia with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Book a safe and reliable private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Medellin , Bogota or Cartagena (prices start from $18 per group).

ESIM FOR COLOMBIA: Stay connected during your trip – pre-purchase an eSIM for Colombia and get online as soon as you arrive without having to visit a phone shop.

CAR HIRE: Use the Discover Cars website to compare prices and features across all the major car rental companies.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Colombia hotel deals on Booking.com .

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Browse the Viator website to find the best day trips, city tours, Colombian cooking experiences and more.

Further reading for Medellin & Colombia

  • 30 best things to do in Medellin , my Medellin city guide
  • 2 days in Medellin , the ideal itinerary for first-timers
  • Top 3 markets in Medellin , Colombian fruit, flowers and more
  • 30 best places to visit in Colombia , the ultimate bucket list
  • What to do in Colombia , memorable experiences
  • What to buy in Colombia , the best authentic souvenirs
  • Guide to Jerico , Antioquia’s loveliest pueblo
  • El Despertar Hotel , Jerico’s best accommodation
  • Guide to Jardin , Colombia’s most colourful town
  • Colombian coffee tour , bean to cup in Concordia
  • 20 best things to do in Bogota , how to spend 1-2 days in the capital
  • Colombian cooking class , in the kitchen in Bogota

36 Comments

It was so amazing on article you described about comuna13 medellin, can you provide me guide Laura information as you mentioned,may i check does she local tour guide ?

Hi Egene, thanks for your comment. Laura was our guide through Zippy Tours. Have a great time!

This article is right on the money. Our visit in July 2019 was great. We toured with Gate1 but hired a local gentleman for our Comuna13 tour. Best part of our 3 city trip. Felt safe and he was very informative. We follow himon FB and keep in touch and recommend him to people planning a trip to Medellin as he was recommended to us by our local guide in Cartegena! He was greatful for opportunity as he makes more money on the side doing tours than ge does as a civil engineer! It felt great we helped a local supplement their income.

Sounds like a wonderful experience, I’m glad you enjoyed your visit!

What an interesting discovery for me! Thanks.

Thanks for an interesting article on comuna 13. A friend of my visited this part of the world not all long ago. I’m unlikely to ever see this A lot of the photos seem to be take on the go and the documentary style suffers where the composition is all over the place. Do you take most of the pics yourself ? I wondered what phone/camera you take most of your pictures with?

Hi Pete, I use an Olympus OMD em10 Mark II. It’s lightweight and great for travel.

Thanks a lot, Emily! Loves this guide, we will take the Zippy Tour then, it sounded best! thanks for all the details, perfectly prepared now! We wanted to go on our own but it surely make sense to take the tour. Can’t wait to listen to the background stories. Few guys from our hostel joined a tour (not sure which one) yesterday, they said it was 5h long instead of 3. They loved it! Matt

Great to hear that, Matt! Enjoy the tour!

I just visited Comuna 13 today and it was an amazing and vibrant community. You are right about the welcome you feel when arriving. The artwork is stunning, the colors are beautiful and the feeling was safe and joyful. I would definitely recommend going there to experience it for yourself. Yes, the young guides (many of them, rappers and graffiti artists who work with the young kids to mentor them) are knowledgeable and do help navigate the streets. This is a great experience!

So glad to hear you enjoyed it, Beverly! I couldn’t agree me.

Thanks for your comment. Enjoy the rest of your time in Colombia!

Fantastic article! Really looking forward to going on this tour next month. Do you recall how long the tour took? Trying to determine if we can go the morning before our flight out (4pm). Thank you!!

Hi Erin! Good question. From memory the tour was around 2 hours. It’s possible to leave early if you need – a few people wandered off at different points because they had to be somewhere else.

I hope you get time to do it. Enjoy Medellin!

Hello, we booked the tour for the 1st of June, I wonder how much would be a appropriate tip?

Great to hear! And good question. It’s up to you, and it depends on the price and duration of the tour you chose. We tipped a little higher for the free tour since our guide was so fantastic and that’s the way the free tours work 🙂 From memory, I think we tipped the equivalent of around $10 each.

I hope you have a fantastic tour!

Visited this past week and this is a great walking tour. Referred to the best tour guide ever, Juan. Used him for our complete needs. Safe, reliable local.

I agree 100% with Emily’s experiences and advice.

Thanks so much for the feedback, Sebastian! Glad to hear you enjoyed your experience.

Safe travels.

I didn’t realize that Medellin is built on a hillside and thus will have very steep streets to climb. This makes me wonder if there are touring services that offer scooter rentals for those who would prefer a more relaxing tour of the city. In my mind, this would be the best way to see the country while still having the flexibility to visit local markets and tourist attractions.

What a thoughtful review of a tour. It sounds like an authentic and enriching experience. I always appreciate the opportunity to see a place with a local. I’ll put this on my list for Medellin!

Great tips for a visit to Comuna 13! I love how you balance our desire to explore and take photos with the need to be respectful and contribute to the communities we visit.

This guide has really inspired me to think about visiting Comuna 13. To hear that you can get guided around by a local who not only knows the streets in and out but can tell you real stories is so fascinating Obviously, a big concern as a solo female traveller is safety so it is really interesting to hear how safe you felt, someone you wouldn’t necessarily expect to do so.

Yes—great point! I think this tour would be an ideal option for solo travellers. Thanks for your comment, Rebecca!

In love with your post! My partner wants to visit Medellin and Colombia the last couple of years now, so this guide is perfect for our planning!

I love how thoughtful this entire piece is, its such a refreshingly holistic take from a traveler. I especially appreciate your emphasis on ethical travel choices and the perspective of the local community who lives in the village and would prefer to focus on hope for the future, rather than grief over the past. Really great writing.

Thanks for the kind words, Megan! It was a special experience.

Interesting. This definitely seems like a very educational experience and one that could showcase the ingenuity and artistry of local people. You mention that people seemed to see tourists as novelties, but do you think the tour was intrusive at all?

Great question. I didn’t feel like it was intrusive. The tour focused on public areas (parks, pedestrian zones), and being with a local guide was a great help—knowing where to go and where to avoid. I think if you ventured out to explore independently—as with any neighbourhood—it would be easy to venture into private spaces.

Psychologically and emotionally, I think our guide did a great job of balancing storytelling without naming names or intruding on anyone’s privacy. It’s always a tricky balance when a residential area opens up to tourism, but I genuinely felt like the community is very welcoming of visitors.

I oved the fact that you stressed on mindful travelling and respectfully exploring the place. Yes, people can be very sensitive about the past and we as tourists shouldn’t hurt those sentiments. Glad to see a dangerous community becoming safe again. Kudos to the efforts and planning. Thank you for sharing this journey. I really enjoyed reading it.

Thanks for your thoughts! I totally agree.

What a fascinating place! I love the idea of taking a tour with a local – they really know the place and you know that you’re having a positive impact on the locals. I had no idea that Medellin was so hilly. Those views. Between the art, history and views, I’ll definitely be looking up this tour when I finally make it to Colombia. Thanks for sharing!

So many hills = great views everywhere you go! Thanks, April!

What a fascinating area, I love the colourful street art – I would happily spend hours walking the streets watching and learning. Would love to visit Colombia.

Wow, the street art there looks incredible.

I love that you bring up what Comuna is NOT–a place for narco-tourism. It’s a real community on the upswing after experiencing a lot of strife.

Absolutely!

Fantastic tips for the future if i ever visit! Amazing how a place can change that much. It would worry me a bit after hearing what it was like but going with a local or tour group would put me at ease 🙂

Really helpful info, thanks for sharing!

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Best things to do and see in Medellín

Medellin is one of those places you just have to visit if you go to Colombia. It is the c apital of the Antioquian Province and it is known as the city of “eternal Spring” due to the climate it enjoys. This South American city also has a large exposition of local artist Fernando Botero, both in the city, Botero Square, as in it’s museums, like the Museum of Antioquia. In addition to this artistic character, the gondolas (Metrocables) connect the outlying neighborhoods as a fast and efficient form of transport for this mountainous city connecting with viewpoints that offer some of the best views of the Valley of Aburra. In this amazing place, there is definitely a long list of mandatory stops for you to visit on your vacation. 

You’ll find a great deal on all the free tours in Medellin where you can get to see all the best parts of the city in about 3 hours, and some tours will even focus on specific neighborhoods or districts if you want to check out an area a little more with your guru. Take a walk over to Arví Park, or Explora Park (which is a science museum with a large aquarium), through the Parque de los Pies Descalzos (barefoot park) or through the Berrio Park with the Church of La Candelaria, travel in the Medellín Metro (the only one in Colombia) , go to Pueblito Paisa, or choose to visit Comuna 13 (neighborhood where Pablo Escobar lived, since some of our tour guides offer specific tours of the Narcos series), let yourself be impressed at the Mirador de las Palmas (Palm tree Viewpoint) or visit the Terrace of the Palace of Culture.

Get to know more about what it’s like to do a free walking tour by reading the opinions and reviews of other walkers who have already done these tours. 

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Free Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour Medellin

  • Visit art galleries where you’ll find prints and souvenirs, and make a stop at a local venue or street stand for a  treat !
  • Get a great city view while you go up the  outdoor escalators that have been key to the commune’s social and urban transformations.
  • Hear honest, insightful information on everyday life at the commune directly from a local guide !

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Best of Colombia

17 days | experience the best of the best-kept secret in south america.

colombia bogota village on hill red car

Discover South America's best-kept secret on this 17-day adventure through the verdant mountains and powdery beaches of Colombia. Head into the serene highlands of Colombia's famed coffee region and discover the sweeter, softer side of this misunderstood country. Fall in love with Bogota's heart, laze on palm-fringed stretches of Caribbean shoreline and hang with locals that redefine hospitality. 

Trip overview

  • Stay in the vibrant Chapinero neighbourhood in Bogota, one of the most culturally diverse parts of town.
  • Embark on a spectacular guided hike through the Cocora Valley, home to hummingbirds and the world's tallest palm trees.
  • Spend a couple of days learning about the world's favourite bean during a stay on a traditional coffee estancia deep in coffee country.
  • Discover the new face of Medellin and learn about the city’s transformation from most dangerous neighbourhood in Colombia to arts and culture haven.
  • Try your hand at tejo, Colombia’s explosive national sport (think bocce with gunpowder!). Join your group on this fun activity in Salento, made better with a free beer in hand.
  • Colombia enjoys a stable year-round climate, but it can get particularly hot and humid on the coast. Remember to come prepared with adequate clothing.
  • The Cocora Valley hike is quite rigorous, so you'll need to be fit and have sturdy walking shoes to take part. If you'd rather relax, you're free to opt out of this activity and soak up the scenery at your leisure.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Bogota! Situated at 2644 metres, Colombia's lofty capital is a charming, yet hectic, mix of old and new.. With a wealth of cosy cafes, interesting museums and old churches, cosmopolitan Bogota is full of surprises. Your adventure begins with an orientation walk of Candelaria at 1pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where your group will be meeting.    There will be a formal welcome meeting at 6pm for the whole group including those that missed the orientation walk. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. After, why not go out for a group dinner? 

  • Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

  • Bogota - La Candelaria Walking Tour
  • Bogota - Montserrate cable car - COP29500
  • Bogota - Gold Museum - COP5000
  • Bogota - Zipaquira Salt Cathedral + Guatavita sacred Lagoon Day Tour - COP390000
  • Bogota - Villa de Leyva Magic Town Day tour - COP380000
  • Bogota - La Chorrera waterfall hike Day tour - COP270000
  • Bogota - Museo Nacional - USD10
  • Bogota - Local Graffiti Tour - COP50000
  • Bogota - Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Tour - COP270000

Due to Bogota's elevation we recommend taking it easy on your first couple of days while you get used to the altitude.

This morning, immerse your senses in the flavours and colours of Colombia on a visit the famed Paloquemao Market, home to Bogota’s biggest selection of exotic fruits, fresh vegetables and food stalls – perhaps indulge in a delicious Arepa (Colombian style tortilla). Around lunch time take a short flight (1 hour) to the coffee region and transfer (approximately 40 minutes) to the beautiful village of Salento. Take the time to stroll through its quaint streets and admire the colours of 'paisa' architecture at its best. For some local food, trout is the way to go. There are lots of ways to enjoy it, but it's most often served with a rich, garlicky cheese sauce. Colombia's national sport, tejo, is a popular pastime in Salento. Think bocce with gunpowder! This evening, try your hand at this fun activity with the group – made even better with a free beer in hand!

  • Salento - Traditional Tejo Game
  • Bogota - Visit to Paloquemao market

Travel by jeep out to the magnificent Cocora Valley, home of the towering wax palm (Colombia's national tree). Spend the morning walking among the region's incredible scenery, perhaps hiking up to Acaime Reserve where colourful hummingbirds feed. The hike to Acaime (approximately 5 hours) is quite strenuous, with some steep and slippery sections, so you'll need good walking shoes as well as plenty of water and snacks. A generous boxed lunch will be provided. If you'd rather take it easy, you can explore the valley as you please, then take a jeep back to town. Later, travel deep into Colombia's coffee region for a two-night stay in a traditional coffee estancia, where you'll have a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about this wonderful bean.

  • Coffee Estancia (1 night)

Thanks to its tropical altitude and fertile volcanic soil, Colombia is one of the world’s largest coffee producers. You’ll get to know this addictive little bean a whole lot better on a guided tour of the coffee plantation and processing centre. Dig into the history of the plant, learning the inside story of the industry that's long buoyed the country's economy. See how the beans are grown, harvested, processed, dried, roasted and ground, and then sample firsthand what all the fuss is about. Try different types of coffee grains and get a lesson on preparing different types of coffees – finishing it all off with a steaming cup of freshly brewed joe. Afterwards, relax amid the estancia's beautiful surrounds of sloping green hills and valleys.

  • Coffee Hacienda- Coffee plantation tour & tasting

This morning we will leave the Coffee Estancia and take a 1- hour transfer to the small town of Chinchina, where we will then board a comfortable public bus for the journey to Medellin (approximately 6-7 hours). Along the way, learn a little more about the town's interesting recent history. Having spent the 1980’s and 90’s with an international reputation as one of the world's most dangerous cities (due to Pablo Escobar's infamous drug cartel), Medellin has turned itself around to become one of the most exciting cities in South America. And with some of the country's finest museums, parks and architecture (as well as a much safer and comfortable atmosphere now) it's easy to see why its popularity is increasing. On arrival, explore this beautiful city on a an orientation walk with your leader, followed by free time this evening – why not check out some of Medellin’s famous nightlife!

There are major roadworks on the road to Medellin, this can cause lengthy delays and make for a slow travel day, so take plenty of water and snacks for the journey. This road is also very winding so if you are prone to motion sickness it is recommended you prepare for this by speaking to your doctor before travel about travel sickness medication.

Today you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Medellin and its surrounds during a cable car ride up to Santa Elena. Sail up the mountain over brick houses, watching as the corrugated metal roofs give way to vistas of green valleys and forested peaks. Thanks to the elevation, things are usually a little cooler up here. Enjoy an included tour of a flower garden where you will see a local family showcase the unique flower displays traditional to the region. When back in Medellin partake in a barrio transformation tour to witness how the city is more than its dark history. Learn about Medellin's extraordinary transformation and cultural and social evolution. This evening, you might want to search out one of the city's lively salsa bars (many count Medellin's nightlife as the best in Colombia).

  • Medellin - Barrio Transformation Tour
  • Medellin - Flower Garden tour
  • Metrocable to Acevedo station and up to Santa Elena

Today is a free day. You'll have some free time to explore Medellin. Perhaps visit the Museo de Antioquia to see some of Botero's famous works or get more modern at the beautiful Museo de Arte Moderno.

  • Medellin - Comuna 13 Tour - COP150000
  • Medellin - Guatape + Penol Rock Day Tour - COP140000
  • Medellin - Violence + Posconflict Tour - COP50000
  • Medellin - Museo de Antioquia entrance fee - COP30000
  • Medellin - Historic Downtown Tour - COP50000

Cartagena is one of South America's most historic cities. The old city, particularly the inner walled town, is the main attraction – it's packed with beautiful churches, monasteries, plazas and mansions. Your hotel is located in the vibrant Getsemani neighbourhood, a part of the old town with loads of colourful street art and an authentic feel. Tonight there will be a meeting at 6 pm to meet new travelers who may be joining you for this next leg. After the meeting, step out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for the city (note that this may take place tomorrow morning instead).

  • Cartagena - Orientation walk of hotel neighbourhood

Please note that this trip can be partnered with other adventures into a ‘combo’, which means that you may be joined by new travelers today, and some that have traveled with you so far may leave the tour at this point.

Spend some free time getting to know the old and new of Cartagena. Wander the old city, shop for local handicrafts, head up to San Felipe de Barajas Castle (the largest of the city's fortresses) or take boat to Punta Arenas or Playa Blanca for a well-deserved swim in the Southern Caribbean. Otherwise, book yourself in a tour out of town to the Volcan de Lodo El Totumo. Instead of lava, this peculiar volcano spews a cream-like mud that is said to contain many healing properties. Enter for a strange bathing experience, then wash the muddiness off in the nearby lagoon.The evening is yours to spend as you wish. Make sure to check in with your leader for great places to try some local food.

  • Cartagena - San Felipe de Barajas Castle - COP33000
  • Cartagena - San Basilio de Palenque Full Day Tour - COP300000
  • Cartagena - Mangroves Tour - COP150000
  • Cartagena - Rosario Islands Boat Trip with Lunch (from) - USD70
  • Cartagena - Walking tour Cartagena Walled City - COP50000
  • Cartagena - Walled city + Getsemani District Tour - COP50000
  • Cartagena - Gabriel Garcia Marquez Walking Tour - COP50000

In the morning, take a private van transfer (approximately 6 hours) north of Cartagena to Guachaca – your home for the next two nights. Guachaca is located in northern Colombia and is surrounded with lush jungle and mountains that collide with the sun-kissed coastline. Visit an initiative that fights to preserve the prehispanic Tayrona culture that populated this area and glimpse what the famous lost city once was. Meet with an indigenous member from one of the four communities that are still occupying La Sierra. You will even have the chance to give back to nature and the community by helping in a local project to reforest the area. Your accommodation is a simple and comfortable family-run guesthouse, nestled high in the jungle. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail or two with your fellow travellers or treat yourself to a relaxing massage.

Your accommodation in Guachaca is a simple family-run guesthouse. Please note that they do not have hot water, however this will come as a welcome relief, as you’ll need to cool off from the steamy Columbian weather!

Head to Tayrona National Park – a series of jungle and coves surrounding the Caribbean coast on the foothills of the Santa Marta mountains. Today is all about hiking the forest trails for Tayrona’s beaches, and with a fair amount of hiking involved today, be prepared and make sure your walking shoes are on and you’ve packed some bug spray. Along the way, you’ll experience lush the green rainforest, the ambience of the jungle and all wildlife that inhabit it, and the special glimpses of coastline and beaches that peek through the canopies. The trail to stunning Cabo San Juan is well worth the effort; it's further away than some other beaches however highly recommended. The hike today is flexible and can be tailored to suit all fitness and energy levels. There can be some steep ups and downs, high humidity, and some muddy spots if it’s been raining, so your group leader can organise a route that pleases everyone. When you’ve had enough hiking, swimming and relaxing, head back to Guachaca for the evening.

  • Family Posada (1 night)
  • Tayrona National Park - Entrance fee
  • Tayrona National Park hike

Tayrona National Park’s rainy season is between May and July and again from September to October. We can normally carry on with our scheduled itinerary during these periods, however if the authorities close the park due to severe weather conditions, we will offer an alternative activity. Also, it may not be possible to swim at all beaches, as ocean rips and currents can make conditions dangerous.

The indigenous communities that inhabit this area request temporary closure of the National Park so that the land may rest and rejuvenate. Normally it will be a period of 15 days in February, June and October/November respectively. Your leader will give you more info at the group meeting. One of the alternative activities to do should the park be closed is to visit the indigenous sites of Tayronaka or Katanzama.

The hike today is 14km and approximately 6 hours duration. Options to do a shorter hike are available. 

Enjoy a final morning in your jungle haven. After a continental breakfast, head off for an included flight from Santa Martha to Bucaramanga (with a transit in Bogota). Arrive at Bucaramanga in the late afternoon and then head onto the peaceful town of Giron. This quintessential 'white city' is part of the Colombian Heritage Towns, thanks to the cobble street and colonial buildings well preserved to this day. Follow your leader on an orientation walk then have some free time enjoying this town in the evening.

Depending on flight times you may arrive early enough to go straight to Barichara to allow more time to explore the well presevered Spanish architecture and expereince what this town has to offer.

Please note that the flight schedule from Santa Martha to Bucaramanga with a stopover in Bogota is still sparse so the transit time in Bogota can be long.

Depending on flight times you may arrive early enough to go straight to Barichara.

This morning, leave Giron behind and enjoy a spectacular drive through the iconic Chicamocha Canyon to Barichara (approximately 3.5 hours).

On arrival, head to a local factory where you’ll learn the traditional method of making paper from the natural fibres of the Andean fique plant. This factory is the number one employer in Barichara, which began with the aim to financially support single-parent women who previously did not have any promise of work. Afterwards, set out on a 3-hour walk along the Camino Real with a local guide to the village of Guane. Declared a national monument in 1988, the ancient trail was built by the indigenous Guane people as a trade route between towns, and you’ll be hiking a small section between Barichara and Guane. Along the way visit a local skilled artisan who will demonstrate the intricate process of crafting with plantain fiber and explain how this craft has been essential in supporting her family. The walk is stunning, full of panoramic views of the mountain ranges. It starts off with a gentle descent down the rim of a canyon before crossing a valley filled with cacti. The walking is mostly downhill, and you'll likely spot a few fossils embedded in the stones that pave the trail en route. On arrival in Guane, refresh with a cooling drink, soak up the peaceful atmosphere and perhaps check out the town’s church, before catching the local bus back to Barichara.

  • Barichara - Visit to a local artisan paper factory

The walk today is 5km and approximately 3 hours duration.

With its quaint cobbled streets, stuccoed houses and hilly backdrop, Barichara is probably the prettiest colonial-style village in all of Colombia. With some free time, spend today however you please. Barichara means ‘resting place’ in the local indigenous language and is itself a fine place to wander around on foot, with its laidback feel and range of shops and artisanal workshops to explore. If you'd like to get more active, head over to San Gil, the thrill-seeking capital of Colombia (approximately 30 minutes' drive). Speak to your group leader for suggestions of things to do – rafting, mountain biking – it’s an adventure sport hub. The Pescaderito swimming hole on the way there is well worth a visit too; even if the water is a little chilly, it's an idyllic spot to relax for an hour or two.

  • Barichara - Walk along Camino Real to the village 'Guane'
  • Mountain Bike Cañon Suarez (transportation included, min 7 pax) - COP390000
  • Barichara - Pescaderito swimming hole - USD16
  • Rafting Fonce River (transportation included) - COP190000
  • Ants Cooking Class - COP45000
  • Coffee Tour - COP150000

Today you’ll travel by local bus to Bogota via San Gil (approximately 8 hours), so kick back and enjoy the drive as the scenery rolls by. There will be only the one stop along the way, so ensure you take drinks and snacks for the journey. Your hotel in Bogota is located in the Chapinero neighbourhood, one of the most culturally diverse parts of town.

Due to Bogota's elevation we recommend taking it easy while you get used to the altitude.

Time for some exploring – today, You’ll explore the oldest area in the city and understand more about the Colombian past, present and future. One is La Candelaria, the historic heart of the city. Boasting a wealth of cosy cafes and colonial churches, it's a neighbourhood full of surprises. As well as loads of museums, art and great food to try, it's also just a beautiful town to walk around, an interesting clash of the old and new. You’ll also head to the Gold Museum for a chance to learn about the wealth this country once had. Fascinating and easy to navigate, the museum has 55,000 artefacts from various eras on display. During the day, you will also learn about Colombia’s turbulent past on a ‘War and Peace’ tour, which outlines their history of war, including political assassinations and armed groups in conflict, and how the country has developed into the situation it finds itself now.

After an included breakfast, there are no planned activities today and no accommodation planned at night. If you wish to spend more time in Bogota, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

14 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners

Plane, Private Bus, Private vehicle, Public bus, Van

Hotel (14 nights), Coffee Estancia (2 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 3,4 (Cofee Estancia) and Days 10,11 (Guesthouse) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for Entrance tickets to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary. 3. This trip starts with an orientation walk of Candelaria at 1pm on Day 1 in Bogota. There will be a formal welcome meeting at 6pm for the whole group including those that missed the orientation walk. If you are unable to find a suitable flight it is possible to book additional nights at the joining accommodation. 4. This trip ends on Day 17 and you are free to leave at any time. 5. This trip is a combination of two of our most popular departures. As such the make up of the group and the tour leader may change on Day 8 6. In order to comply with tourist regulations set by the Colombian government, a copy of your passport will be required. This will be emailed to our local office in Colombia, your tour leader will assist you with this on day 1.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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  • Tours en Medellin

Free Tour por la Comuna 13

Free Tour por la Comuna 13 Colombia — #1

Visión general del tour en Medellin

Hola mi nombre es Estefanía, soy habitante y guía local de la ciudad de Medellín, cuento con mi registro nacional de turismo #130234, y para mí será un placer mostrarles el cambio que ha tenido mi barrio durante estos últimos años. Empezamos hablando de las invasiones (sus primeros inicios), los grupos armados, la fuerza publica, los operativos militares, las bandas, las fronteras invisibles y por último la transformación. Podrás ser testigo de como toda una comunidad decidió unirse y hacer que su barrio fuera resiliencia, cambiando las armas por grafitis, bailes, show, emprendimientos y muchas ganas de salir adelante. Los callejones que recorremos, muchos de ellos con historias y su gente que te hará sentir como si estuvieras en tu casa, sacándole una sonrisa a cada uno de nuestros visitantes y te aseguro que no te querrás ir del lugar, los mejores miradores donde podrás tomarte las mejores fotos y videos, apreciando la ciudad y sus alrededores. Te estaré esperando y que juntos vivamos una experiencia inolvidable, de que vayas a tu ciudad y contagies a todas las personas a querer conocer este lugar y demostrar que sí se puede cambiar el estigma de una ciudad.

  • Museo Del Cafe Yipao
  • Historia contada por habitante de la zona
  • Significado de los murales
  • Show de baile
  • Show de improvisación
  • Galería de artistas locales
  • Actividad deja tu huella realizando tu propio grafiti
  • No te puedes ir sin probar el helado mas famoso de la comuna (corre por tu cuenta)
  • Escaleras eléctricas

Nuestros guías

Estefania — Guía del Free Tour por la Comuna 13, Colombia

Punto de encuentro

Estación San Javier Linea J

A la llegada

Si vienes en metro, llegarás hasta la estación San Antonio y allí haces el trasbordo hasta la estación San Javier (el trasbordo no tiene ningún gasto adicional). Cuando llegues a la estación san Javier (sin salir de la estación) te diriges hasta el lado donde están las escaleras mecánicas o eléctricas que es donde se toma el metro, cable o teleférico y en la salida te estaré esperando con camisa morada y sombrilla rosada, tomaremos un transporte público que nos lleva hasta donde comienza la experiencia el cual tiene un valor de $2.250 pesos colombianos (si tienes la tarjeta cívica recargada la puedes utilizar) y si vienes en carro a la siguiente dirección calle 45 #98-80 Estación San Javier.

Aspectos importantes

-Lleva siempre contigo los documentos de identidad -Ropa cómoda -Zapatos cómodos -Protector solar -Puedes traer cámaras, drones, etc. -Se dará una espera máxima entre 10 a 15 minutos si no se iniciara el recorrido. -Paraguas dependiendo de como esté el día. -Acepto dólares, euros y tarjetas de crédito. -Te pedimos que al realizar la reserva dejes un numero al cual el guía se pueda comunicar y estar en contacto ante cualquier situación. NOTA: SI NO VAS A ASISTIR AL RECORRIDO TE PEDIMOS EL FAVOR DE HACER LA CANCELACION CON ANTICIPACION DESDE LA PLATAFORMA

Cancelación Gratuita

Puedes cancelar tu reserva en cualquier momento. Te recordamos cancelar las reservas a las que no puedas asistir. Ser reportado como ausente disminuye tus puntos de nivel de cliente y los beneficios que ello conlleva.

Tour a las Cascadas de Antioquia

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COMMENTS

  1. Free tour por la Comuna 13 de Medellín

    Tour 100% recomendable, un recorrido por la historia de Medellín y de la Comuna 13. Vistas, murales, artistas y personas impresionantes. Especial mención a Juliana, una guía espectacular, que hizo aún más especial el tour, por su pasión y amor por la Comuna y su trabajo! Hizo del tour una experiencia única.

  2. Comuna 13 Free Tour in Medellin, Medellín

    Comuna 13 Free Tour. We'll meet up at the time of your choice at San Javier metro station. From here, we'll take the metro and the bus to Comuna 13 in Medellin, a fascinating hillside neighborhood full of color and life. During the free tour of Comuna 13, we'll talk about its dark past and how it was once the most dangerous area in the world.

  3. Great Experience in the Comuna 13 (Graffiti Tour)

    Overview of the tour in Medellin. Welcome to our Comuna 13 in Medellin. A place that, due to its location, had become the most dangerous sector in the world. ... Free Tour Comuna 13 (Graffitour) - Discover Transformation . from €0 (Tip based) 9.7 (Reviews: 451) Spanish, English 2h 30min 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM +5 More.

  4. Free Tours in Medellin, Colombia

    Wander in the vibrant Comuna 13 of Medellín on this fascinating free tour through the streets, stories, history, and artistic expressions of our locals. Languages. English, Spanish. Duration. 2h 45min. Start time. 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM +1 More. Info & Booking. Walking Tour.

  5. Graffiti in Comuna 13 By Zippy Tours

    We are your best local guides in COMUNA 13! We live there! Join us on this interesting tour of Comuna 13 and the famous Escalators. We will have different stops on this walking tour to explain some history, talk about current events in this famous part of Medellín, show the mural graffiti art, and introduce some of our dance rhythms. Includes.

  6. LOS MEJORES Free Tours en Comuna 13 Medellín

    Free Tour por la Comuna 13, Medellín!🇨🇴 5.00 Excelente (8 opiniones) Duración: 2 horas y 30 minutos Horario: 10:00, 14:00 y 1 más mar 13. mié 14. jue 15. vie 16. sáb 17. dom 18. lun 19. mar 20. mié 21. Guru: Paola Andrea Arte y Cultura. COMUNA 13 (guías locales ) 4.94 Excelente

  7. Tour Comuna 13 En MEDELLÍN /Guías para el Graffiti Tour

    EL TOUR COMUNA 13 INCLUYE: Guía ingles o español. La sección de graffitis de la comuna 13. La historia del conflicto y la transformación. Los seis tramos de escaleras eléctricas. Show de baile callejero. Mirador de la comuna 13. Entramos a galerías de artistas locales. Barrios 20 de Julio, Independencia 1 y 2.

  8. Free Walking Tour Comuna 13-Graffity

    Explora la Comuna 13 en nuestro Graffiti Tour, descubre su arte callejero y sumérgete en la cultura vibrante de Medellín. ... "Discover the magic of Comuna 13 in Medellín with the best Graffiti tour. ... The reservation of the tour is Completely free, the tour is based on tips💰, people usually tip between 10 and 20 dollars, you choose the ...

  9. Free Graffiti Tour of Comuna 13

    On the Free Tour of Comuna 13 you'll walk through steep, mazed streets and enjoy a great view of the city while going up some of the outdoor escalators that have helped transform the commune after years of violence, into a safer, interactive place! Grasp the importance of artistic expression in the form of graffiti, music, and hip-hop dancing ...

  10. Comuna 13: A guide to visiting Medellin's miracle transformation

    Best Comuna 13 tours. Zippy Tours - this is the company that we used. Zippy Tours offers free walking tours around Comuna 13 in both Spanish and English. Your guide will be a local to Comuna 13 and our guide George was an absolute legend! The tour lasts about three hours and walks you through five different neighbourhoods of San Javier.

  11. How to Visit Comuna 13 in Medellin, Colombia

    How to Visit Comuna 13 in Medellin. 1. 'Free' Walking Tour of Comuna 13 in Medellin. The best way to visit Comuna 13 is to take a 'free' walking tour. We went with Zippy Tours, which is run by local guides who have always lived in Comuna 13. The guides are fantastic at conveying the history of this part of Medellin.

  12. Comuna 13 Walking Tour

    Overview of the tour in Medellin. come and enjoy with us the best experience in comuna 13! Immerse yourself in the deep history of the neighborhood, marvel at the art galleries and colorful murals. Enjoy exciting dance shows and rap beats as we explore the fascinating world of urban art. Also, taste the delicious food and typical sweets.

  13. 15 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Comuna 13 in Medellin

    A tour guide in Comuna 13 talks to a group of tourists in Medellin, Colombia Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour and Street Food. Graffiti art and street food are two of the main attractions in Comuna 13, and this tour combines them both. You'll visit the 20 de Julio neighborhood, which is the most graffitied barrio in the district, and learn all about the history and significance of the murals that you ...

  14. Comuna 13 Tour

    JOIN US on the Comuna 13 Tour and discover the turbulent history and miraculous transformation of the COMUNA 13 district in Medellin, once considered the most dangerous neighborhood in Colombia. ____. Schedule: Monday - Sunday. Time: 10:00am, 4 hours AND 3:00pm, 4 hours. ** Inquire about other times.

  15. THE BEST Free Tours in Comuna 13 Medellín

    Colombia's "Eternal Spring", Medellín, is a colourful city, with works by Fernando Botero everywhere. However, the true colour of Medellín can be discovered in Comuna 13, the former "Cradle of Pablo Escobar", a neighbourhood that has now become a tourist attraction in the city and where you can delight in its countless examples of Urban Art, such as its Graffity murals.

  16. Free tour por la Comuna 13 de Medellín

    Todos los destinos > Colombia > Medellín > Free tour Comuna 13 . Free tour de la Comuna 13 de Medellín en español. La Comuna 13 es un barrio de Medellín que ha sufrido una transformación tremenda en los últimos años, pasando de conflictiva a próspera y artística. De hecho, es posible que sea una de las zonas con mayor legado cultural y artístico del país, y que realmente merece la ...

  17. Comuna 13 Tour in Medellin: Things to Know Before You Go

    13 things to know before signing up for a Comuna 13 tour. 1. It's not a place for dark tourism or 'narco tourism'. Colombia's own brand of dark tourism, 'narco tourism', is a thriving industry in Medellin. What many partakers don't realise is just how offensive many locals find it.

  18. Free Tour of Comuna 13

    Tours in Medellin; Free Tour of Comuna 13; Free Tour of Comuna 13. Duration: 2h 30min | Provided by Experiencia comuna13. Overview Includes Meeting point Reviews (65) Watch video. 1 /32. ... Free Tour Comuna 13 (Graffitour) - Discover Transformation . from €0 (Tip based)

  19. Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour with Street Food 2024

    City Tour, Comuna 13, and Graffiti Medellin. 9. from $310.00. Per group. Medellín, Colombia. Private Full-Day Coffee Tour to Palmitas farm near Medellín. 8. from $174.00. Price varies by group size. Medellín, Colombia. ... Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

  20. Free walking tour Medellín: Expert Guides and Authentic Tours

    Find the best Free Walking Tours in Medellín with Local Guides and give what you want at the end of the visit! Ready for fun? 👉 Book online for free! × Home; Login ... Free Tour Comuna 13 (Graffitour) Discover the Transformation 4.73 Good (+100 ratings) Duration: 2h and 30min Starts at: 10:00, 10:30 and 2 more sun 18. mon 19.

  21. Tours Gratis en Medellín, Colombia

    Free Tour Comuna 13 (Graffitour) - Descubre la Transformación. Operado por Parce Tours. Puntuación: 9.7. (Comentarios: 447) desde €0 Basado en propinas. Únete a este gran recorrido a la Comuna 13 de Medellín, lugar que estuvo marcado por mucho tiempo por la guerra. Anteriormente, el barrio más peligroso de Colombia y hoy en día de los ...

  22. Free Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour Medellin

    The Free Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour is a must-have experience in Medellin. This passionate and colorful neighborhood is a paramount example of social change in Colombia. The Free Tour of Comuna 13 and its Graffiti was designed so you can get to know the best urban art in the city, as well as the culture and atmosphere of an iconic neighborhood in Medellin.

  23. Best of Colombia

    If you'd rather relax, you're free to opt out of this activity and soak up the scenery at your leisure. Itinerary. This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025. ... Comuna 13 Tour - COP150000 Medellin - Guatape + Penol Rock Day Tour - COP140000 Medellin - Violence + Posconflict Tour - COP50000

  24. Free Tour por la Comuna 13

    Reserva el Free Tour of Comuna 13 y descubre los memorables lugares y maravillosa cultura de Medellin, Colombia. EUR. Inicio Destinos Grupos Ayuda Blog Contacto Iniciar sesión Conviértete en Guía EUR. ... Visión general del tour en Medellin. Hola mi nombre es Estefanía, soy habitante y guía local de la ciudad de Medellín, cuento con mi ...