Medellín: Comuna 13 Private Tour & Escalator Experience

Summary

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

You’ll ride Medellín’s hillside escalators into Comuna 13 with a local guide who shares real stories behind each mural and street corner. Taste fresh fruit sold on the street, meet residents along the way, and see how art has transformed this neighborhood. Includes hotel pickup and private transport so you can focus on soaking it all in.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide right at our hotel—he waved from the van and called us by name, which was a nice surprise. The drive through Medellín was lively; music from a street vendor’s speaker drifted in when we stopped at a light. I’d read about Comuna 13 before but honestly didn’t know what to expect. Our guide, Juan, started sharing bits of history as we wound up the hill—his voice had that calm energy you get from someone who really knows their city, not just reciting facts. There were kids playing soccer on the sidewalk and a woman selling mango slices with salt (I tried some—tart and bright, still makes my mouth water thinking about it).

The escalators are wild—like an open-air subway for a hillside neighborhood. We hopped on with a few locals heading home from work. Juan pointed out murals along the way; he knew most of the artists by name and told us which ones had been painted over after peace talks. At one stop, he paused to greet an old friend who ran a tiny juice stand (the passionfruit juice is worth stopping for). The main keyword here is Comuna 13 tour Medellín, but honestly it felt more like wandering around with someone who grew up here than being “on tour.”

I didn’t expect to feel so much just walking around—there’s music everywhere, even in the quiet corners where you catch your breath and look out over the city. Some of the stories Juan shared were heavy; he didn’t sugarcoat anything about Pablo Escobar or what this place went through. But people smiled at us anyway, and there was this sense that life keeps moving forward here no matter what. The weather shifted halfway through—sunny to cloudy in minutes—and I remember thinking how that fit somehow. We ended up back at the van tired but kind of wired too; I still think about that view from the top escalator platform.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore escalators and Commune 13

• Visit escalators
• Tour Commune 13

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Comuna 13 tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included.

Are the escalators accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, all areas including escalators are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap or use a stroller.

Will we learn about Pablo Escobar during this tour?

Yes, your guide will share history related to Pablo Escobar as part of the experience.

Is this a private or group tour?

You can choose between private tours or group tours when booking.

Are public transportation options nearby if I don’t want pickup?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Comuna 13.

How long does it take to get to Comuna 13 from central Medellín?

The drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, a guided walk through Comuna 13 including its famous outdoor escalators and murals, plus personal stories from your bilingual local guide about both community history and Pablo Escobar’s impact along the way.