Medellín: Comuna 13 Street Art, Metrocable & Local Lunch Tour

Summary

Comuna 13 stories, Medellín’s city views and street art in motion

You’ll walk Medellín’s plazas and parks barefoot (if you want), ride the Metrocable for wild city views, and wander Comuna 13’s graffiti-filled streets with locals who lived its story. Expect laughter over lunch and real conversations about change—you might leave thinking differently about cities altogether.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous stepping out of the van at Plaza Botero—those giant sculptures are even stranger up close, like they might wobble if you poke them. Our guide, Camila, grinned when she saw my face and just said, “Wait until you see the rest.” There were kids chasing pigeons and an old man selling mango slices with salt. The city felt awake in a way that made me want to keep moving.

The Barefoot Park was next. Shoes off, toes in the cool grass—honestly, I almost skipped it because it sounded cheesy. But there’s something about feeling the ground in a city like Medellín that makes you pay attention. Camila told us how this place is meant to remind people of their roots (she said it better in Spanish). I could smell wet earth after last night’s rain. We watched a couple of teenagers practicing dance moves under some trees—one of them waved at us when he caught me staring.

The Metrocable ride was kind of surreal. You float above neighborhoods that look like patchwork quilts stitched into the hillsides. I kept trying to take photos but gave up; you have to see it yourself. When we got off near Comuna 13, everything changed—the walls exploded with color and music spilled out from doorways. Our local guide here, Andrés, grew up nearby and knew every mural’s story. He stopped by a group of breakdancers spinning on cardboard and shouted encouragement—one kid winked at me mid-spin (I’m still not sure if he was showing off or just being friendly).

Lunch was simple but perfect—rice, beans, fried plantain, some kind of spicy sausage I can’t pronounce (Andrés tried to teach me but gave up laughing). The best part? Listening to him talk about how these streets used to feel different, quieter in all the wrong ways. Now there are kids painting new murals every week and grandmothers sitting outside selling empanadas. I didn’t expect to feel so much hope in one afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Medellín and Comuna 13

• Meet guide at hotel lobby
• Ride Metrocable for city views
• Visit Plaza Botero and take photos
• Walk and relax at Barefoot Park
• Explore traditional Antioquian town
• Ride electric escalators in Comuna 13
• Discover street art and murals
• Watch Breakdance and Rap performances
• Meet local artists and learn stories
• View Medellín River and learn history

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Medellín tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in your day trip around Medellín.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, a traditional lunch is included during your visit to Comuna 13.

Will we visit Comuna 13 street art with a local guide?

Yes, a local guide from Comuna 13 will show you the murals and explain their meaning.

Are entry fees for Metrocable covered?

Yes, entrance fees for both Metro and Metrocable are included.

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

The drive plus Metrocable ride takes about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult's lap.

What should I wear for Barefoot Park?

You can remove your shoes at Barefoot Park if you want; comfortable clothes are best.

Are public transportation options nearby at each stop?

Yes, public transport is available near most attractions visited on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees for Metro and Metrocable rides across Medellín’s hillsides, guided walks through Plaza Botero and Barefoot Park with expert locals sharing stories along the way, time exploring Comuna 13’s graffiti scene (with electric escalators), medical assistance coverage throughout—and a traditional Antioquian lunch before heading back together.