Medellin: Comuna 13 Street Art Tour & Cable Car Ride

Summary

Street art, cable cars and stories in Medellin’s Comuna 13

You’ll ride Medellin’s metro and cable car up into Comuna 13, walk through vibrant street art with a local guide, and hear stories from residents who lived its transformation. Expect real conversation, city views that stick with you, and plenty of color around every corner.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I didn’t know what to expect from a day trip to Comuna 13. The name always sounded heavy in the news, you know? But meeting our guide at Poblado metro station felt casual enough — he waved us over by the ticket booth, chatting like we were old friends. The metro was packed but everyone seemed to know where they were going except me, so I just followed along, trying not to lose sight of his yellow backpack.

The cable car up over Medellin is something I still think about. You get these wide views — houses stacked like Lego blocks, laundry flapping on rooftops, kids shouting somewhere below. Our guide pointed out a mural that stretched across three buildings and told us how the artists worked at night when it was safer. There was this faint smell of fried empanadas drifting in through the window at one stop. It made me hungry but also kind of happy.

We hopped a bus for the last bit into Comuna 13 itself. The streets buzzed with music and color — and people actually stopped to say hi or offer directions when we looked lost (which happened more than once). Our guide introduced us to a local artist who explained some graffiti I’d never have understood on my own. He laughed when I tried repeating the slang — probably butchered it completely. But nobody seemed to mind.

By the end, I realized how much had changed here — not just the walls but the whole feeling of the place. It’s hard to explain unless you see it yourself. And yeah, I’d go again just for those cable car views alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Comuna 13 tour with cable car ride

• Meet at Poblado metro station entrance
• Take metro to cable cars
• Ride cable cars with city views
• Take bus to Comuna 13 neighborhood
• Explore street art and learn history

Top questions

Where does the Comuna 13 tour start?

The tour starts at the main entrance to Poblado metro station by the main ticket booth.

Is transportation included in the Comuna 13 tour?

Yes, metro, cable car and bus rides are included in your tour.

How long is the cable car ride during this day trip?

The cable car ride offers panoramic views as part of your journey up to Comuna 13; exact duration may vary depending on stops.

Will we meet local residents or artists during this tour?

Yes, you’ll meet locals and artists as you explore street art in Comuna 13 with your guide.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included; however, you’ll find street food options along the route.

What level of fitness do I need for this tour?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for walking and using public transport.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transportation.

Does this day trip use public transportation?

Yes, you’ll travel by metro, cable car and bus throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes all public transportation tickets—metro, cable car and bus—plus guidance from a local who knows both the history and hidden details of Comuna 13. No hotel pickup or meals are provided; just bring your curiosity (and maybe an appetite for street snacks).