Medellín Comuna 13 Graffiti Walk & Street Food Snacks Tour

Summary

Stories, street art and snacks in Medellín’s Comuna 13

You’ll wander Medellín’s Comuna 13 with a local guide, tasting church-made empanadas and mango popsicles as you follow stories behind vibrant graffiti murals. Watch breakdancers spin beneath open balconies and ride the famous outdoor escalators that changed daily life here. Expect laughter, real history, and moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out in Comuna 13 was the hum—kids yelling from balconies, reggaeton somewhere close, the escalators humming up the hill. Our guide, Juan, waved us over with this easy smile and started right in—no big speech, just a quick “let’s walk.” The walls are wild here; colors everywhere, some pieces so detailed you want to run your hand along them (I did, paint flakes under my nails). He pointed out one mural with a girl holding a bird—said it’s about hope after all that violence. I didn’t expect to feel much but honestly? You do.

We stopped at one of those little stalls for empanadas—church recipe apparently—and butifarras that snap when you bite them. The air smelled like frying oil and mangoes. There’s this part where the escalators cut through the neighborhood; Juan explained how before these, climbing home was a nightmare for older folks. Now kids ride up laughing with their schoolbags banging against their knees. Someone handed me a mango popsicle streaked with chili powder—cold and sweet and sharp at once. I probably made a face because Li laughed (she’s from Bogotá) and tried to teach me how to say “paleta” right.

I lost track of time watching the breakdancers spin on cardboard in front of a crowd—one kid couldn’t have been more than ten but he moved like he owned the place. People clapped along; even an abuela in curlers cheered him on. We ducked into an art gallery for a minute—the owner nodded at us but mostly just let us wander. Sunlight hit the rooftops outside just so. On the way down, I realized my shoes were dusty blue from the stairs’ paint. Still haven’t washed them off completely.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Comuna 13 history and culture

• Learn Comuna 13 graffiti history
• Discover escalators' socioeconomic role
• Watch artistic shows and viewpoints
• Eat typical snacks and treats

Top questions

Is food included on the Comuna 13 tour?

Yes, typical snacks like empanadas, butifarras, patacones with hogado sauce, and mango popsicles are included.

How do we get around during the tour?

The tour is on foot through Comuna 13; public transportation options are available nearby.

Are there breakdancing shows on this tour?

Yes, you’ll see artistic breakdancing performances during your visit.

Is this guided tour suitable for children or people with strollers?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or strollers; it’s suitable for all fitness levels.

What languages do guides speak?

The reference doesn’t specify guide languages; check with your operator for details.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you’ll meet at or near Comuna 13.

What’s included

Your day includes walking through Medellín’s Comuna 13 with a local guide while sampling church-made empanadas, crispy butifarras sausages, patacones topped with hogado sauce, and refreshing mango popsicles along the way—all snacks included as you explore art-filled streets and watch live performances before heading back down.