Medellín Comuna 8: Walking tour with local guide

Summary

Explore Medellín’s Comuna 8 by foot & cable car with locals who know its real story

You’ll walk Medellín’s Comuna 8 with a local guide, ride two metrocables past vibrant murals, taste neighborhood snacks, and wander through the Circunvalar Garden overlooking the city. Expect honest stories and small surprises—a side of Medellín you’ll remember long after heading home.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the meeting spot because I got distracted by a guy selling mango slices on the corner—he sprinkled them with salt and lime, and honestly, that first bite was so sharp it made my eyes water. Our guide, Andrés, waved me over with a grin and didn’t seem to mind that I was late (or sticky-handed). He introduced us to a couple of his neighbors before we set off into Comuna 8, which he called “the city’s heart in transformation.” I’d read about Medellín’s urban changes but seeing it up close felt different—more personal, somehow messier and more hopeful at the same time.

We started walking through narrow streets where kids played fútbol against graffiti-splashed walls. The air smelled like fried arepas from somewhere nearby. Andrés pointed out how the new streetcar line had changed things—“Before this,” he said, “it took my mom an hour just to get downtown.” Now it’s fifteen minutes. We hopped on one of the metrocables (I still get nervous in those things), and as we floated above the rooftops, he showed us murals painted right onto the station walls—bright colors everywhere. There was this one mural of a woman holding a bird that stuck with me; I don’t know why.

The Circunvalar Garden was quieter than I expected. Birds darted between trees and you could see all of Medellín laid out below—patchwork houses climbing up green hillsides. Andrés handed out snacks (some kind of sweet bread—I never caught the name) while telling stories about how people here fought for these green spaces. It wasn’t all easy listening; some parts were heavy, but there was laughter too when someone tried to say “guayaba” and totally botched it (not me this time). The sun kept peeking through clouds and everything felt sort of suspended for a minute.

I left thinking about how cities can change but still keep their soul—and how you only really get that when someone like Andrés shows you around. I still think about that view from the garden sometimes, especially when I hear birds back home. Anyway, if you want to understand Medellín beyond what’s in guidebooks…this is probably where you start.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Comuna 8's Green Belt and Metrocable

• Visit Comuna 8 green belt park
• Ride and view street art on metrocable

Top questions

Is pickup included for the Comuna 8 walking tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet at a designated spot in Medellín.

Does this tour include riding the metrocable in Medellín?

Yes, you’ll ride two different metrocables during the tour.

Are snacks provided during the Comuna 8 experience?

Yes, a snack is included as part of your day.

How physically demanding is this walking tour?

You should have at least moderate fitness; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Is public transportation used on this tour?

Yes, public transportation options are used during the experience.

Can service animals join this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What is special about Circunvalar Garden in Comuna 8?

The garden protects biodiversity and offers some of Medellín’s best city views.

What’s included

Your day includes walking with a local guide through Comuna 8, rides on two metrocables featuring street art at their stations, entry to Circunvalar Garden for nature and city views, plus a neighborhood snack along the way before finishing back in town.