A Comuna 13 tour in Medellín is a guided walk of about 3 to 4 hours through one of the city’s most famous neighborhoods, where you ride the outdoor escalators, see streets covered in murals and street art, and hear the community’s story from a local guide. With CanalMarket Travel it starts from US$25 per person, with a bilingual guide (Spanish and English). Here is what to expect and how to plan your visit.
What is Comuna 13?
Comuna 13 is a hillside district on the west side of Medellín. For years it was considered one of the most dangerous areas of the city. Today it is an open-air gallery and one of the clearest examples of Medellín’s transformation, visited by travelers from all over the world. The colorful murals tell the story of the neighborhood, its people and how the community rebuilt its image through art, music and tourism.
What you see on the graffiti tour
- Murals and street art: walls painted by local artists, each with a meaning your guide explains.
- The outdoor escalators: the famous public escalators that climb the hillside and changed daily life for residents.
- Hip-hop and breakdance: live performances by young local artists are common along the route.
- Local flavors: try a mango biche (green mango with lime and salt) or a homemade ice cream from a neighborhood stand.
- City views: panoramic viewpoints over Medellín at the top of the escalators.
Why go with a local guide
You can walk parts of Comuna 13 on your own, but the visit changes completely with a guide who grew up in the area. You hear the stories behind the murals, understand how the neighborhood changed, and move easily through the busiest streets. Your guide also knows the best viewpoints and how to avoid the most crowded moments. On our tour the guide is local and bilingual, so the experience works for English and Spanish speakers in the same group.
How long it takes and where it starts
Plan about 3 to 4 hours. The usual meeting point is the San Javier metro station in Medellín, and hotel pickup in El Poblado can be arranged on request; we confirm the meeting point with your booking. Many travelers add a ride on the Medellín Metrocable, the cable cars that are part of the city’s public transport, for more views over the valley.
What is included and what to bring
Included: a local bilingual guide (Spanish / English). Not included: metro tickets, food, drinks and gratuities, so bring some Colombian pesos in cash for snacks, small purchases from local artists and tips.
- Comfortable walking shoes: there are slopes and stairs as well as escalators.
- Sunscreen, a hat and water; a light rain jacket in the rainy months.
- A charged phone or camera for the murals and the views.
- Keep valuables out of sight, as you would in any busy city area.
Tips for a respectful visit
Comuna 13 is a living neighborhood, not a theme park. Ask before photographing people, support the local artists and small shops when you can, and follow your guide’s advice on where to stop. Mornings are usually calmer than afternoons and weekends.
Combine it with more of Colombia
Heading to the Caribbean coast? Explore the walled city on our Cartagena Old City and Getsemaní Walking Tour and spend a day at sea on the Rosario Islands Boat Day Trip from Cartagena (read our Rosario Islands day trip guide). Visiting Panama on the same trip? See ships cross the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Locks or relax on the San Blas Islands Day Trip. Browse all our tours in Panama, Colombia, Dubai and the USA, or compare prices on our tour prices page.
How to book with CanalMarket Travel
Open the Medellín Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour page, choose your date and number of guests, and send your booking. Our team confirms the itinerary, meeting point and availability before you pay, and you pay securely by card. Questions first? Contact our team, write to us on WhatsApp (+507 6148-9795) or ask Gabriella, our travel assistant, on this page.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Comuna 13 tour?
About 3 to 4 hours, walking and riding the outdoor escalators with a local guide.
How much does a Comuna 13 tour cost?
With CanalMarket Travel it starts from US$25 per person with a bilingual local guide. Metro tickets, food, drinks and tips are paid separately.
Where does the Comuna 13 tour start?
Usually at the San Javier metro station in Medellín. Hotel pickup in El Poblado can be arranged on request and is confirmed with your booking.
Is the tour in English?
Yes. The guide is bilingual, Spanish and English.
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