Medellin: Botero Plaza, Cable Car & Comuna 13 Private Tour

Summary

Botero statues, cable car rides and Comuna 13 murals on a private Medellin day trip

You’ll wander among Botero’s playful sculptures in downtown Medellin, glide above neighborhoods on the cable car with your local guide explaining every detail, and walk through Comuna 13’s vibrant murals and music-filled streets. Expect moments that surprise you—and maybe stick with you longer than you’d think.

What’s the experience like?

You hear it before you see it—kids playing fútbol in the plaza, their voices bouncing off the bronze curves of Botero’s statues. I remember stepping out of the car (our driver had that classic paisa warmth, by the way) and just standing there for a second, taking in all these oversized figures scattered across Botero Plaza. There was this faint smell of roasted corn from a vendor nearby. Our guide pointed at one sculpture—a cat?—and told us how locals rub its belly for luck. I tried it too, not sure if it worked but hey, worth a shot.

The city tour moved fast but never felt rushed. We drove through Medellin’s winding streets (traffic gets wild sometimes—don’t say you weren’t warned), then suddenly we were gliding above rooftops in the cable car. The views surprised me; houses stacked like colorful toy blocks, laundry flapping in the breeze. Our guide chatted about how this route changed life for people up here. I leaned against the window and watched the city stretch out—honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so moved by just riding public transport.

Comuna 13 was loud in all the best ways—music, laughter, kids dancing near the escalators. The street art is everywhere: bright faces staring back at you from cracked walls, stories painted right into concrete. A local artist waved us over and explained his mural (I caught maybe half his Spanish but our guide filled in). At some point I realized my shoes were covered in confetti from a parade earlier that day—not planned but somehow perfect.

I keep thinking about that mix of chaos and color—the way Medellin feels both tough and hopeful at once. If you’re curious about this city’s real pulse, this private Medellin city tour is probably as close as you’ll get without living here yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Medellin city tour with Botero and Comuna 13

• Visit Botero Plaza statues
• Ride Medellin cable car
• Explore Comuna 13 street art
• See Comuna 13 slums

Top questions

How long does the private Medellin city tour last?

The tour is a half-day experience with flexible departure times depending on your preference.

Is hotel pickup included for this Medellin tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your private vehicle and bilingual driver.

What attractions are visited during this Medellin city tour?

You’ll visit Botero Plaza to see 23 statues, ride the cable car for panoramic views, and explore Comuna 13’s street art scene.

Are entry fees or tickets included?

All activities and tickets—including the cable car ride—are included in your booking price.

Is this private city tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Do I need to bring cash for snacks or bathrooms?

It’s recommended to bring Colombian pesos since not every store accepts credit cards along the route.

Can I book this Medellin day trip any day of the week?

Yes, tours operate daily with multiple departure times available.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by private vehicle with AC, all taxes and entry fees covered, guided visits to Botero Plaza and Comuna 13 plus a ticket for the Medellin cable car—all led by a professional bilingual local guide who keeps things relaxed but full of insight along every stop.