Medellin: Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour & Street Art Stories

Summary

Street art, local stories and hillside views in Medellin’s Comuna 13

You’ll walk through Comuna 13 in Medellin with a local guide who shares real stories behind its street art and transformation. See murals up close, watch dancers perform, ride outdoor escalators for hillside views, and sample local snacks like pandebono and maracumango ice cream. If you want something honest and lively — not just another sightseeing loop — this tour leaves an impression.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was a bit nervous stepping out at San Javier station. Everyone talks about Comuna 13 like it’s just graffiti and Instagram, but there’s this edge to the place you feel right away. Our guide, Leandro, grinned when he saw my hesitation. “It’s not what you expect,” he promised. He was right. The first thing that hit me wasn’t fear, but the sound — music leaking out of alleyways, kids laughing somewhere above us on those steep stairs. The air smelled like fried dough and something sweet I couldn’t place at first (turned out it was maracumango ice cream — more on that in a sec).

We started the day at StarShakes, which is apparently part café, part coworking spot. It felt way more relaxed than I expected for a launching point into a neighborhood with such a reputation. Leandro told us about Operation Orion and the years when Comuna 13 was basically cut off from the rest of Medellin. He didn’t sugarcoat anything — he pointed out places where things had happened, but always came back to how people here turned all that pain into art. Some murals were so bright they almost hurt my eyes in the morning sun; others were just quiet faces staring back at you from broken walls.

I tried to keep up as we wound through narrow streets past galleries and courts where teenagers practiced dance moves that made my knees ache just watching them. There was this one moment — an older woman selling pandebono on a corner handed me one without saying much, just smiled like she knew I needed it (she was right). We stopped for a quick rap show; honestly I caught maybe half the words but the energy was contagious. At some point Leandro laughed at my attempt to pronounce “bandeja paisa” correctly… let’s just say I’m still working on my accent.

The escalators were wild — open-air rides up the hillside with city views that made me stop talking for once. I kept thinking about how different this day trip to Comuna 13 felt compared to every other “walking tour” I’ve done; there’s something raw here but also hopeful, if that makes sense? By the time we circled back for coffee and souvenirs (and yes, more ice cream), I realized I’d stopped feeling nervous hours ago. Still think about those murals sometimes when things get too quiet at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore history and art in Comuna 13

• Meet at San Javier station entrance
• Visit StarShakes cafe and coworking
• See the famous court in Medellin
• Enjoy dance show and escalators
• Explore art galleries and viewpoints

Top questions

Is transportation included in the Comuna 13 graffiti tour?

Yes, private transportation is included in your booking.

Where does the Comuna 13 street art tour start?

The meeting point is at San Javier metro station in Medellin.

Do you visit art galleries during this tour?

Yes, stops include local art galleries along with murals and graffiti sites.

Are snacks or drinks provided?

You’ll get snacks like pandebono and maracumango ice cream plus coffee at StarShakes café.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Are service animals allowed?

Service animals are allowed on this experience.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the meeting point.

What attractions are included on this day trip to Comuna 13 from Medellin?

You’ll see murals, galleries, dance/rap shows, escalators, viewpoints, Neon House in 3D and enjoy snacks/coffees.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from San Javier metro station through Comuna 13 with your local guide Leandro; stops at StarShakes café for coffee and healthy drinks; visits to famous courts, vibrant street murals and galleries; live dance or rap performances; rides on outdoor escalators; plus local snacks like pandebono bread and maracumango ice cream before heading back down into Medellin.