The incredible transformation story of Comuna 13
Comuna 13, Medellín represents one of the most extraordinary examples of urban transformation in Latin America. This neighborhood, once considered the most dangerous in the city, has today become a vibrant cultural and artistic center that attracts thousands of tourists each year. It’s a neighborhood full of energy, with colorful murals and works of art that tell the story of transformation and resilience of the community Tripadvisor.
For American visitors seeking authentic experiences during their trip to Medellín, Comuna 13 offers a unique cultural immersion that combines street art, history, local gastronomy, and impressive panoramic views of the city. However, to make the most of this experience, we recommend you choose the right tour with knowledgeable guides familiar with the area.
The 5 best Comuna 13 tours for American tourists
1. Zippy Tour Comuna 13
Zippy Tour has established itself as one of the most popular options for visiting Comuna 13 . It consistently appears among the top recommendations on TripAdvisor and offers comprehensive tours in English conducted by local guides who grew up in the area TripadvisorTravelers & Dreamers. This tour allows you to explore five different neighborhoods within Comuna 13, experience artistic expressions like dance and music, and visit the famous electric escalators and viewpoints.
Why people choose it? Zippy Tour guides are local residents who speak excellent English and have personally experienced the neighborhood’s transformation, providing an authentic perspective Travelers & Dreamers. Many travelers comment that guides are frequently greeted by residents during the tour, demonstrating their genuine connection with the community.
Book your experience with Zippy Tour and hear the transformation story from those who lived it.
2. Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour and Street Food
This tour combines two fundamental elements of local culture: urban art and street food . It includes a local guide in English or Spanish, delicious church empanadas, patacón with hogao, sausages, and mango ice cream with salt and lemon while touring the neighborhood with the most graffiti in all of Medellín Viator.
Why people choose it? It’s ideal for travelers seeking a complete sensory experience. According to a traveler on Viator: “It was Amazing to explore this truly unique neighborhood, I’ve never seen anything like it. Alex our tour guide was genuine and knowledgeable and shared the transformation of his hometown with us. The food was delicious and fresh, right out of the fryer.” Viator
Book this gastronomic and cultural tour to enjoy the authentic flavors of Comuna 13 while learning about its history.
3. Comuna 13 History & Graffiti Tour with Cable Car
This 4-hour tour combines the visit to Comuna 13 with a Metrocable experience . It offers a unique perspective by starting with a ride on cable car J, the only one that goes both up and down while heading up the hill, for an aerial view before descending to the base of Comuna 13 GetYourGuideTripadvisor.
Why people choose it? For many visitors, this tour represents “not only one of my favorite things we did in Medellin but one of my favorite things in all of Colombia” Tripadvisor. The Metrocable ride offers impressive panoramic views of the city and helps better understand the geography and urban layout of Medellín.
Book this combined experience and enjoy different perspectives of Comuna 13 and Medellín.
4. Social Transformation Tour
This tour stands out for its deep focus on the social history of Comuna 13 . With hotel pickup, this walking tour focuses on the neighbourhood’s history to give you an in-depth understanding of Comuna 13 Wander-Lush, ideal for travelers interested in sociological aspects and urban development.
Why people choose it? This tour is conducted by guides with exceptional knowledge and attention to detail, allowing a deeper understanding of the social transformation of the area Wander-Lush. It’s perfect for those looking to go beyond the conventional tourist experience.
Book this social transformation tour to delve into the historical roots of Comuna 13.
5. Comuna 13 Discovery Tour
For travelers seeking an in-depth cultural immersion, the Comuna 13 Discovery Tour offers an exceptional 4-hour experience that goes beyond the typical tourist trail. This comprehensive tour is led by passionate local guides who have lived in the community and can share authentic stories about the neighborhood’s remarkable transformation.
What makes this tour special? The Discovery Tour includes exclusive access to hidden murals that most visitors never see, visits to local art galleries where you can meet the artists themselves, and opportunities to interact with community members who played key roles in Comuna 13’s transformation. The tour also includes traditional Colombian snacks and refreshments, metro tickets, and cable car rides for spectacular panoramic views of Medellín.
Book this premium tour (remember that a tip is customary based on your satisfaction and helps support the local community directly).
Must-see murals in Comuna 13
Symbols of transformation and resistance
The murals of Comuna 13 aren’t mere decorations; they’re visual narratives of the community’s history and hopes . 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 Wander-Lush.
Among the most important symbols in the murals, look for:
- White cloths: A reference to May 2002, when a mother flew white sheets from her rooftop as a request for ceasefire after two of her sons were injured by gunfire Wander-Lush.
- Red, yellow, and blue colors: Representing the Colombian flag and national pride.
- Birds: Symbols of peace and freedom.
- Elephants: Represent the barrios’ pledge to never forget the events of the past Wander-Lush.
The best spots to photograph murals
To capture the best photographs of the murals, it’s recommended to:
- Visit in the morning: 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 Wander-Lush.
- Climb to the highest part: The views get better with each electric escalator you ride or set of stairs you climb.
- Look for special viewpoints: There are lookout points with handrails dotted all along the way where you can stop for photos Wander-Lush.
When to visit?
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 Wander-Lush.
Most Comuna 13 tours start at either 9 am or 10 am. If you’re booking a private tour and have the option to choose your start time, it’s recommended to pick one of the earlier timeslots.
What to bring
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 Travelers & Dreamers.
Other important items:
- Camera or smartphone with good battery
- Cash for purchases in local shops
- Light clothing (Medellín is known as “the city of eternal spring”)
The transformation of Comuna 13: From war zone to cultural center
The history of Comuna 13 is both fascinating and heartbreaking . Comuna 13 is a former war zone home to 12,000 residents who, for a long time, were unable to leave their homes for fear of the violence awaiting them beyond the “safety” of their front doors Claire’s Itchy Feet.
From violence to art
The area was once controlled by Pablo Escobar’s cartel, who protected the residents from violence. Comuna 13 had the lowest homicide rate in Medellin at one point. However, in the wake of Pablo’s death, this tactically positioned barrio went up for grabs, and gangs took over, fighting for control Claire’s Itchy Feet.
The transformation began when Alejandro Echeverri dreamed up an innovative plan to improve public transport and reconnect San Javier with central Medellin: “We just had our ideas – get public transport into the poorest areas; open the spaces, build the schools and centers of learning, create jobs – and people listened.” Claire’s Itchy Feet
Life-changing infrastructure
The outdoor electric escalators covering 1,260 feet were installed to help improve access for residents who struggled to climb up and down steep steps. This infrastructure project not only improved mobility but became a symbol of hope and progress.
Today, the outdoor electric escalators are one of the most eye-catching features of Comuna 13. They were installed in 2011 to help the residents navigate the steep hills more easily but grew out to be a symbol of hope and resilience in the community Travelers & Dreamers.
Additional experiences during your visit
Local gastronomy
You can’t visit Comuna 13 without trying some of the local gastronomic delights. Many tours include tastings of empanadas, patacón with hogao, sausages, and mango ice cream with salt and lemon Viator. These authentic flavors perfectly complement the cultural experience.
Book a tour that includes gastronomic experiences to enjoy the authentic flavors of Colombia.
Artistic performances
Comuna 13 is known for its vibrant art scene, which includes music, trovas, rap, dance, food, pallets, and more Tripadvisor. Many tours incorporate stops to see live performances by local artists, adding an additional dimension to the experience.
Look for tours that include artistic shows to experience the creative energy that has been fundamental in the neighborhood’s transformation.
Why choose a guided tour instead of visiting on your own?
Although it’s possible to visit Comuna 13 on your own, if you don’t take the tour, you won’t learn anything about Comuna 13. There are other reasons, but this is the main one since what happened there is horrific. If you go on your own Comuna 13 graffiti tour, you will enjoy looking at the art and outdoor escalators. However, you probably won’t be moved to tears talking about it with a stranger on a bus months later Claire’s Itchy Feet.
The benefits of a guided tour include:
- Deeper understanding: Local guides provide historical and cultural context that you wouldn’t find on your own.
- Safety: Guides know the safe areas and help you navigate the neighborhood with confidence.
- Supporting the local economy: Use a tour, if nothing else your money helps the community Tripadvisor.
- Access to unique experiences: Many tours include encounters with local artists or visits to residents’ homes that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
Conclusion
Comuna 13 is much more than a tourist destination; it’s a living testimony to human resilience and the transformative power of art and community. It truly reflects the ability of human beings to transform a sad and heartbreaking historical reality into the best form of fortitude, drive and reinvention that has ever been seen Tripadvisor.
For American visitors seeking authentic experiences in Medellín, a guided tour of Comuna 13 offers a unique opportunity to understand Colombian culture, appreciate world-class urban art, and witness one of the most inspiring urban transformation stories in the world.
Book your Comuna 13 tour today! and discover why this neighborhood has become one of the must-visit destinations in Medellín.
