Medellin Comuna 13 Tour: Graffiti, Escalators & Local Guide

Summary

Walk Medellin’s Comuna 13, see street art & ride the cable car

You’ll walk through Medellin’s Comuna 13 with a local guide, ride outdoor escalators alongside residents, take in city views from the San Javier cable car, and hear stories behind vibrant graffiti art. With hotel pickup included, you’ll experience real barrio life in ways you’ll remember long after leaving Colombia.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the sound — kids playing soccer in a narrow alley, their shouts echoing off walls painted in colors I don’t even have names for. Our guide, Camilo, grinned as he led us up toward the escalators of Comuna 13. I’d seen photos but didn’t expect to actually ride an outdoor escalator through a neighborhood like this. The steps felt warm from the sun and there was this faint smell of fried empanadas drifting down from somewhere above. Honestly, it made me hungry and a little nervous at the same time.

Camilo stopped by a mural — wild shapes and faces tangled together — and explained how artists here use graffiti to tell stories about Medellin’s past. He pointed out a spot where he said things used to be dangerous just a decade ago. Now there were families sitting on stoops, teenagers selling paletas out of coolers. The transformation is hard to describe unless you see it yourself; it’s not polished or perfect but there’s this energy that feels hopeful. We took the San Javier cable car next (I still can’t believe how high up you get), and looking down over the city, I realized how much Medellin has changed — or maybe is still changing.

I tried asking one of the locals about her favorite part of living here (my Spanish is rough; she laughed and answered anyway). She said something about community and music, but honestly I only caught half of it — still, her smile said enough. By the end, my shoes were dusty and my head was full of color and noise. If you’re curious about Medellin beyond what you read online, this day trip into Comuna 13 with a local guide is probably the best way in. I keep thinking about those murals every time I see plain walls now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Comuna 13 and Medellín

• Walk around neighborhood
• Enjoy colorful graffiti art
• Ride the cable car
• Visit humble and innovative barrios

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Comuna 13 tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your tour.

How long does it take to reach Comuna 13 from central Medellin?

The drive from central Medellin to Comuna 13 typically takes around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.

Is this Medellin Comuna 13 tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Are the transportation options wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible for this tour.

Does the tour include riding the San Javier cable car?

Yes, riding the San Javier cable car is part of the experience.

Will we have a local guide during our visit?

Yes, your tour includes a local driver/guide who will share insights along the way.

Is lunch or food included in this day trip?

No meals are included; however, you may find snacks available for purchase during stops.

Can infants or small children join in strollers or prams?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off with private transportation, all taxes and handling fees covered, plus a friendly local driver-guide who shares stories as you explore graffiti art spots and ride both escalators and cable cars through Medellin’s barrios before heading back to your hotel.