Medellin: Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour & Drone Photos Experience

Summary

Comuna 13’s murals, escalators and street rhythms up close

You’ll walk Medellín’s Comuna 13 with a local guide who shares honest stories behind its street art, ride outdoor escalators through mural-lined alleys, catch live breakdance or rap performances, and end with ice cream plus drone photos of your group — all wrapped up in real neighborhood energy you can feel.

What’s the experience like?

You step off the metro in Medellín and it’s already loud — buses honking, someone selling mango slices by the station, and then our guide Juan Carlos waving us over with this big grin. He started right away, talking about Comuna 13 like it was his own family. We walked through narrow streets where every wall seemed to shout in color — I’m not exaggerating, some of those murals are taller than houses. I tried to snap photos but honestly just ended up staring a lot. Juan Carlos told us about the old days (not so long ago) when people were afraid to even walk here. Now there are kids playing soccer next to giant painted birds.

The escalators were kind of wild — you don’t expect outdoor escalators in a hillside neighborhood, but there they are, humming quietly while grandmas haul groceries or teenagers practice dance moves at the top. There was this moment when we stopped for ice cream (included in the tour), and I could smell fried empanadas from somewhere nearby mixing with that sweet coldness. A local rapper started up right next to us, his voice bouncing off the concrete. I didn’t catch every word but you could feel the pride behind it.

Juan Carlos had a drone too — he sent it up above us and suddenly we were all waving like little dots on a mural ourselves. I still laugh thinking about how awkward I felt trying to pose while pretending not to care. But seeing Comuna 13 from above? That hit different; you get why people talk about transformation here instead of just history. The view stretched out over all those painted rooftops and green hills behind them. It’s hard not to feel hopeful standing there, even if you’re just visiting for a couple hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Comuna 13 Graffiti and Culture Tour

• Meet guide in Spanish and English
• Visit escalators in Comuna 13
• Learn history of Comuna 13
• Watch break dance and rap show
• See two viewpoints of Comuna 13
• Explore largest outdoor urban art gallery
• View murals and graffiti by artists
• Enjoy ice cream at tour end

Top questions

How long does the Comuna 13 graffiti tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Is the Comuna 13 graffiti tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

Are drone photos included in the Comuna 13 graffiti tour?

Yes, photos and video taken by drone are included as part of the experience.

What languages does the guide speak on this tour?

The guide speaks both Spanish and English.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

An ice cream is included at the end of the tour.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers and specialized infant seats are available.

Is public transportation available near Comuna 13?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

What will I see during the graffiti tour?

You’ll see murals by local and international artists, outdoor escalators, live breakdance or rap shows, and viewpoints over Medellín.

What’s included

Your day includes a bilingual local guide leading you through Comuna 13’s murals and history, access to outdoor escalators, live breakdance or rap performances at two different viewpoints, an ice cream treat at the end plus insurance coverage—and throughout it all, your group gets photos and videos captured by drone before heading back down into Medellín’s buzz again.