Medellín Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour & Street Food Walk

Summary

Walk Medellín’s Comuna 13 murals with music, dance & street eats

You’ll walk through Medellín’s Comuna 13 with a local guide who knows every mural’s backstory and every shortcut through the alleys. Taste fresh empanadas and tart mango biche ice cream while watching dancers spin on the street. Feel the city’s energy shift as you ride up the outdoor escalators to sweeping views — and maybe find yourself lingering at the top too.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely made it past the first mural in Comuna 13 when our guide, Camilo, stopped to explain how the colors meant hope here — not just decoration. There was music floating somewhere up the hill, that kind of cumbia beat you feel in your chest more than your ears. I tried to take a picture but honestly, you can’t really catch what it feels like with a phone. The walls are covered in these wild shapes and faces; every corner has something new. Camilo waved at a woman selling empanadas and handed us each one — hot and flaky, with that little kick of spice I didn’t expect.

Kids were breakdancing on cardboard right next to the escalators (yes, outdoor escalators — I know, it surprised me too). The crowd clapped along and one guy spun so fast his hat flew off. Someone shouted something in Spanish I totally missed but everyone laughed. We tried mango biche ice cream from a cart — green mango, tart enough to make you squint, but somehow perfect for the sticky afternoon heat. Camilo pointed out bullet holes on one wall and told us about how things used to be here. He didn’t sugarcoat it but he smiled when he talked about how much had changed.

The view from the top is wild — all of Medellín stretched out under this weirdly soft light that makes everything look kind of golden. There was a breeze up there that smelled like fried food and rain coming in (even though it never did). We lingered longer than we should’ve because no one wanted to leave yet. I still think about that last mural we saw: bright blue wings on a crumbling wall, kids posing for photos in front of them like they could fly if they wanted.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Commune 13 street art and culture

• Meet guide at meeting point
• Tour Commune 13 urban art gallery
• Taste artisan ice cream and empanadas
• View street art and hear stories
• Climb escalators for city views
• End tour at meeting point

Top questions

How long does the Comuna 13 graffiti tour take?

The tour typically lasts around 3 hours from meeting point to finish.

Is food included on the Comuna 13 graffiti tour?

Yes, snacks like empanadas, butifarras (beef sausage), and artisanal ice cream are included.

Are dancer or breakdance shows part of this Medellín tour?

Yes, you’ll see live breakdancer shows and MC performances during the walk.

Is this graffiti tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the route is wheelchair accessible including escalators.

Where does the Comuna 13 graffiti tour start?

Your guide meets you at a set point wearing a green shirt with “Medellín History Tour” logo.

Does this day trip include public transportation?

No transport is included but public options are nearby; pickup is not listed as included.

Are children or strollers allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join using prams or strollers.

What language is spoken during the tour?

The guide speaks Spanish; English may be available depending on guide assignment.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through Comuna 13’s vibrant streets with stops for breakdancer shows, entry into an art gallery or two if open, fresh empanadas straight from local vendors, artisanal mango biche ice cream (trust me — worth trying), plus time riding those famous outdoor escalators up to panoramic viewpoints before heading back down together at your own pace.