Comuna 13, located in the western hills of Medellín, is a great example of transformation and overcoming. Marked by the wound left by violence and drug trafficking in Colombia in the 1990s, the commune today is revitalizing and promoting art and culture, becoming one of the main tourist destinations in the city.
Immerse yourself with us in a 3-hour guided tour, where the inspiring story of transformation is intertwined with art, culture and the resilience of a community.
Accompanied by passionate local guides, you will experience the vibrant atmosphere of the commune up close, visit the public escalators, enjoy delicious street food and explore endless representations of urban and street art.
3 Hours
Every day
Meeting point >> Calle 38a #108-74, Veinte de Julio - San Javier, Medellin, Antioquia. Starts at 09:30 AM, 01:30 PM or 04:30PM
End point>> Calle 38a #108-74, Veinte deJulio - San Javier, Medellín, Antioquia. Ends 3 hours after the chosen start time.
About this tour
We will begin our tour at the informed meeting point. You can choose any of the three shifts to start the activity: 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM or 4:30 PM.
Once you meet our local guides, you will join the rest of the group and receive a brief introduction to Comuna 13, its history, the voices that have been silenced by violence, the impact of the war against drug trafficking and the first beginnings of the great transformation of the area.
As the gateway to the commune, you will be welcomed by a collective of artists who will give a dance show, rap, break dance and they will infect you with the festive spirit that surrounds the commune.
We will move forward to find a large wall full of color, history, symbolism and life. Comuna 13 is full of impressive murals and street art, and although the art scene is dynamic and changes over time, some of the main murals that you can visit are: "Las Tres Marías" created by the artist collective Casa Kolacho, "El Nacimiento de la Vida" also made by local artists, and "El Pájaro de la Esperanza" a mural symbol of the transformation of the commune and the hope for a better future, was created by local artist Federico Restrepo and is one of the most photographed works in the area.
Our next stop will be at the impressive Escaleras Eléctricas de las Independencias, an impressive example of Urban engineering that has had a transformative impact on the lives of residents and the accessibility of the community. These stairs have transformed mobility in the area and are a testament to the community`s commitment to overcoming challenges.
As we ascend the stairs, we`ll enter the heart of Comuna 13`s street art. Our guides will highlight some of the other iconic murals and share the stories behind them.
We`ll pause to enjoy a tasting of typical products from the region. Here you can savor local delicacies that reflect the culinary richness of Colombia, from patacones with hogao to a delicious homemade mango ice cream with lemon and salt.
After the break, we will continue up to find an art gallery that offers a moving view of the history of Comuna 13 and its transformation. The exhibits highlight the importance of remembering and learning from past events.
We will arrive at the area known as Independencia 2, another place full of graffiti and history from where we will get great panoramic views of the city of Medellín.
Throughout the tour you will have time to take pictures, reflect and explore the areas visited. After 3 hours of travel, we will return to the meeting point in Veinte de Julio, where our tour concludes.
