Medellin Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour & Street Food Tasting

Summary

Medellin street art tour with escalators and local flavors

You’ll walk through Medellin’s Comuna 13 with a local guide, tasting street food like empanadas and mango ice cream inside a neighbor’s home. Ride outdoor escalators past vibrant murals, hear personal stories about transformation, and pause at sweeping viewpoints over the city—moments that might stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We started climbing up into Comuna 13 just after breakfast — already the city felt loud and alive, but it was different up here. Music thumped from somewhere behind a wall of painted bricks, and our guide, Juan, waved us over to see a mural he said his cousin helped paint. I kept stopping to look at the colors — honestly, I’d seen photos online but standing there in front of these walls, you catch the smell of frying dough and mango from a cart nearby. People nodded as we passed. Some kids were laughing on the steps. It didn’t feel like a museum; it felt like someone’s neighborhood (which it is).

Juan led us through tight alleys covered in graffiti — some bright, some kind of haunting. He told stories about what happened here years ago. I didn’t expect to get goosebumps listening to him talk about his family’s own memories. At one point we ducked into his grandmother’s house (she smiled at us all shyly) for this homemade mango ice cream with salt and lemon. Not gonna lie, I thought that combo sounded weird at first, but it was sweet and sharp at the same time — somehow perfect for that sticky heat. We sat around her table while Juan explained more about how things have changed in Comuna 13. The room was quiet except for someone’s phone buzzing once or twice.

The escalators are wild — just out in the open, zigzagging up the hillside where you’d never expect them. Riding up with everyone else felt almost normal until you remember why they’re here: so people could get home safer and faster after decades of struggle. From the top viewpoint you can see all of Medellin spread out below; I tried to take a photo but it doesn’t really capture how huge it feels. There was a breeze up there that made me wish I’d brought another layer.

We ended near Independencia 2 where Juan pointed out more murals and talked about the past — heavy stuff sometimes, but he never made it feel hopeless. He even joked about my Spanish accent (“muy gringo,” he said). On the way down we grabbed empanadas and patacón with hogao from a street vendor who winked when she handed me extra sauce. I still think about that view from above, honestly — not just the city but all those stories layered underneath.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Comuna 13 graffiti and history

• Meet in July 20 neighborhood
• Visit Independence 1 graffiti area
• Taste mango ice cream at grandmother’s house
• Learn about Commune 13’s past and stories
• Ride electric stairs to city viewpoint
• Visit Independence 2 graffiti and history site
• Discuss electric stairs and commune transformation

Top questions

How long does the Comuna 13 graffiti tour last?

The tour typically lasts around 3 to 4 hours depending on group pace.

Is street food included on this Medellin graffiti tour?

Yes, street food tastings like empanadas, patacón with hogao, sausages, and mango ice cream are included.

Are guides locals from Comuna 13?

Yes, all guides are local residents who share their personal stories during the tour.

Do we visit the famous escalators in Comuna 13?

Yes, riding the outdoor electric escalators is part of the experience.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes, families are welcome; infants can use prams or strollers during the tour.

What languages are available for this tour?

The graffiti tour is offered in both English and Spanish by local guides.

Does this day trip include pickup from hotels?

No hotel pickup is included; meeting point is in Medellin’s July 20 neighborhood.

Will we learn about Comuna 13's history on this tour?

Yes, guides explain both historical context and personal experiences throughout the walk.

What’s included

Your day includes walking through Medellin’s most vibrant neighborhoods with a local guide (English or Spanish), tastings of fresh empanadas, patacón with hogao sauce, sausages, plus homemade mango ice cream served inside a neighbor’s home; you’ll ride the famous outdoor escalators to panoramic viewpoints before returning downhill by foot.