Medellin Comuna 13: Private Tour & Cable Car Ride

Summary

Graffiti walks, cable cars and stories of Medellin’s transformation

You’ll ride Medellin’s Metro Cable up from San Javier station for sweeping views before exploring Comuna 13’s vibrant streets with a local guide. Expect bold graffiti art, spontaneous music and dance, honest conversations about transformation—and small moments that stick with you long after the tour ends.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect from Comuna 13. The name sounded heavy — you hear stories, you see headlines. But the first thing that hit me wasn’t fear or even curiosity, it was color. We met our guide near San Javier station (he just waved and smiled like we’d known each other), and suddenly we were gliding up over the city in the Metro Cable. I could smell fried empanadas from below mixing with that faint metallic tang you get on public transport — weirdly comforting. Looking down at the patchwork of rooftops, our guide pointed out how different neighborhoods stack up against each other, literally and otherwise. It’s not something you really get until you see it from above.

Walking through Comuna 13 itself was louder than I expected — music everywhere, kids chasing each other past murals that practically vibrate off the walls. There was a group of dancers by a staircase who pulled us in for a few steps (my rhythm is questionable at best). Our guide explained some of the graffiti — one piece showed a phoenix rising; he said it’s about hope after everything this place has seen. I tried to repeat one of the artists’ names in Spanish and got it so wrong he just laughed and patted my shoulder. The honesty here is disarming; people don’t hide their scars but they don’t dwell on them either.

I still think about this one little moment: an old woman sitting on her stoop peeling mango slices with chili powder for sale, her hands moving quick as anything while she watched us go by. She nodded when I smiled at her but didn’t say much — just this quiet acknowledgment that felt bigger than words. By the end, my shoes were dusty and my head was full of stories I hadn’t expected to hear. If you’re looking for some polished tourist show, this isn’t it — but if you want to see Medellin’s heart beating loud and messy and real, well… this is where you’ll find it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Comuna 13 and Cable Car Ride

• Take Metro Cable at San Javier station
• Enjoy city views from cable car
• Visit colorful Comuna 13 community
• Walk through graffiti area
• Learn history behind graffiti

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in the Comuna 13 private tour?

No, but private transportation is provided from a set meeting point near San Javier station.

How long does the cable car ride last during the tour?

The Metro Cable ride is short—just enough to see contrasting neighborhoods before arriving at Comuna 13.

Is lunch included on this Comuna 13 tour?

No lunch is included, but there are chances to buy snacks like mango slices or empanadas along the way.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health but is suitable for all fitness levels otherwise.

Does this day trip include entry fees or tickets?

Your Metro Cable ticket (one per person) is included as part of the tour package.

Will we have a local guide during our visit?

Yes, your visit includes a knowledgeable local guide who shares stories and context throughout the walk.

What languages are available for this private tour?

The main language is Spanish; check availability for English-speaking guides when booking.

Is private transportation air-conditioned?

Yes—your private vehicle comes with air conditioning for comfort between stops.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle from near San Javier station, your Metro Cable ticket to see Medellin from above, a guided walk through Comuna 13’s graffiti-filled streets with plenty of stories along the way, plus health insurance and all local taxes covered so you can focus on soaking up every detail.