Medellin Comuna 13: Graffiti Tour, Street Art & Local Snacks

Summary

Medellin’s Comuna 13 tour with art, stories, snacks & city views

You’ll walk Medellin’s Comuna 13 with locals who know every corner—taste street snacks like mango and ice cream, watch dancers spin on painted streets, try your hand at graffiti art yourself, and look out over the city from hillside viewpoints. It’s not just about seeing murals; it’s feeling part of something alive.

What’s the experience like?

I should’ve worn different shoes. The first steps into Comuna 13 were already uphill — not dramatic, but enough that I felt my legs wake up. Our guide, Andrés, grinned at me like he’d seen this before. He started off with a story about the neighborhood’s past (he called it “the old days,” which sounded both heavy and light), and I realized quickly this wasn’t going to be one of those tours where you just snap photos and move on. There was music coming from somewhere above us — reggaeton maybe? — and a kid zipped past us on a skateboard that looked way too small for him.

We stopped at the electric escalators project. I’d read about them before but standing there was different — the hum of the motors mixed with laughter from a group of teenagers nearby. Someone was selling mango slices with salt and lime (I caved in; worth it). The walls here are covered in wild splashes of color, layers of graffiti telling stories I only half understood until Andrés explained some of the symbols. He even handed us spray cans for our own little try — mine looked like a lopsided heart but he said it had “personality.” There was a breakdance show happening right next to us; the dancers moved so fast I almost missed when one of them winked at our group.

Up at the viewpoints on the viaduct path, you can see all across Medellin — red rooftops tumbling down hillsides, haze over distant mountains. We tried some local ice cream (sweet, kind of grainy) while watching souvenir vendors chat in rapid-fire Spanish. I got distracted by a mural that looked like it was almost moving in the sunlight. We lingered longer than planned; nobody seemed to mind except maybe my feet. On the way back down, Andrés pointed out his cousin’s art gallery tucked behind a food stall. I still think about that view sometimes — not just what you see but how it feels to stand there after hearing these stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Commune 13 history and art

• Meet at the tour starting point
• Learn Commune 13 history
• Visit project escalators and neighborhood
• Watch dance shows and freestyle
• Visit local art galleries
• Walk to viewpoints on the viaduct
• Enjoy views, souvenirs, and local food
• Return to the starting point

Top questions

How long does the Comuna 13 tour take?

The tour lasts several hours including stops for street art shows and snacks.

Is there food included in the Comuna 13 graffiti tour?

Yes, you get to try typical ice cream from the commune and other street snacks along the way.

Are there live performances during the tour?

Yes, you can see breakdance or freestyle shows—voluntary contributions are welcome.

Does this Medellin Comuna 13 tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at a set point in Comuna 13.

Can I participate in graffiti painting myself?

Yes, there is a hands-on graffiti experience as part of the tour.

Is this tour suitable for people with knee pain or mobility issues?

No, travelers should have moderate fitness since there are hills and walking involved.

Do we visit any local artists’ galleries?

Yes, some stops include art galleries run by local artists—some may request voluntary contributions.

What’s included

Your day includes accompaniment by a neighborhood guide from Comuna 13, hands-on graffiti painting experience, typical local ice cream as a snack, stops for live dance or freestyle shows (with optional contributions), visits to community art galleries along the route, access to electric escalators in Independencia neighborhood, panoramic viewpoints for photos and time to explore souvenir shops before returning to your starting point via public transport options nearby.