The complete travel guide to visiting Comuna 13, Medellín — history, street art, escalators, tours, safety tips, and everything you need to know.

Why Visit Comuna 13?

Few places in the world have transformed as dramatically — or as inspiringly — as Comuna 13. Once known as the most dangerous neighborhood in Medellín, today it’s a vibrant, creative, colorful outdoor museum filled with murals, graffiti, breakdancers, music, and community energy.

It’s one of Medellín’s most popular tourist attractions for a reason: it showcases the city’s resilience, art, and spirit.

If you’re visiting Medellín, don’t skip Comuna 13. But go informed, go respectfully, and go in the right way — this guide will show you how.

A Brief History of Comuna 13

To appreciate Comuna 13, you need to understand where it came from. This isn’t just a street art neighborhood — it’s a community built on decades of hardship, conflict, and rebirth.

The Early Years

Comuna 13 grew rapidly in the 1980s and ’90s as displaced Colombians fled rural violence. With few resources, homes were built informally on the steep hillsides.

The Violence Era

By the late ’90s, Comuna 13 was caught between:

• Paramilitaries

• Guerrilla groups

• Narcos

• Local gangs

It was considered the most dangerous neighborhood in Medellín, and one of the most dangerous urban zones in the world.

Operation Orion (2002)

The Colombian government launched Operation Orion, a large-scale military intervention meant to regain control. Hundreds were arrested, many disappeared, and the neighborhood suffered enormous trauma.

Rebirth Through Community

In the 2000s, investment started flowing in:

• The San Javier outdoor escalators (a first-of-its-kind urban mobility project)

• Community-led art programs

• Youth dance collectives

• Graffiti and street art initiatives

• Social reinvestment projects

Art became a tool for healing, and tourism became a lifeline for local families.

Today, Comuna 13 is safe to visit, community-oriented, and full of life — but its painful history is still very much part of the story.

Highlights of Comuna 13

Here’s what you shouldn’t miss.

1. Street Art & Graffiti Murals

Comuna 13 is one of the most colorful neighborhoods in Latin America. Walls, stairs, rooftops, and alleys serve as massive outdoor canvases.

Expect to see murals featuring:

• Peace and healing

• Displacement

• Local artists’ identities

• Afro-Colombian heritage

• Resistance movements

• Dreams of the community’s youth

Tip: Many murals change yearly — it’s a living, breathing art gallery.

2. Breakdancing & Hip-Hop Shows

Almost every day you’ll catch local dance crews performing in public squares. These groups — like Casa Kolacho — use music and hip-hop as social empowerment for young people.

Shows are free, but donations are appreciated.

3. The San Javier Outdoor Escalators

One of the world’s most innovative public transportation projects.

• Opened in 2011

• Replaced 350+ stairs

• Turned a once-isolated hillside into an accessible route

As you ride up, you’ll see panoramic views over Medellín and more artwork lining the walls.

4. Views of Medellín

At the top of the escalators, you’ll find terraces and viewpoints offering beautiful city panoramas — great for sunset photos.

5. Local Markets & Street Food

Comuna 13 is full of food carts and micro-businesses. Look for:

• Fresh fruit cups

• Empanadas

• Arepas de choclo

• Mango biche with salt & lime

• Handmade popsicles

• Aguardiente shots (offered by locals during tours)

• Artisanal ice cream from local cooperatives

Support small vendors — tourism is one of their main sources of income.

6. Local Art Galleries & Souvenir Shops

Many families run small galleries, selling prints, crafts, and hand-painted items. Prices are fair and a purchase directly supports the community.

Do You Need a Guide for Comuna 13?

You can visit on your own…
…but you’ll get a MUCH richer experience with a local guide.

Why a guide is recommended

• You’ll understand the history (otherwise, you’ll miss 70% of the meaning).

• You’ll hear personal stories from residents.

• Guides take you to lesser-seen mural areas.

• You’ll support local families and community groups.

• They help keep tourist behavior respectful.

There are many free walking tours (tip-based), or you can book a small paid group.

Recommended guided sections:
The area around Escalators 1–5 and the graffiti district on the upper levels.

Is Comuna 13 Safe?

Yes, it’s safe for tourists — but with awareness.
The community relies on tourism and protects visitors, but it’s still a working-class neighborhood with tight corridors and lots of foot traffic.

Safety Tips

• Stick to the main tourist routes.

• Avoid wandering into non-tourist alleyways.

• Don’t visit late at night — go during daylight.

• Keep your phone in your hand when needed, not hanging out of your pocket.

• Be respectful when taking photos (always ask before photographing locals).

• Don’t buy drugs — it’s illegal and harmful to the community.

• Stay with the crowds; avoid “shortcut” paths.

Follow these, and you’ll have a safe, positive experience.

When to Visit

Best time of day:

• Morning (cool weather, fewer crowds)

• Weekdays (less busy, better photos)

Avoid:

• Late evening

• Weekends after 3 PM (very crowded)

How to Get to Comuna 13

The easiest way:

Metro + Cable Car Option

1. Take the Metro Line B to San Javier Station.

2. From there, you can taxi, Uber, or walk 15–20 minutes to the escalators.

Taxi or Uber

Direct and convenient — costs around 10,000–16,000 COP from El Poblado.

Costs for Visiting Comuna 13

Visiting Comuna 13 is very affordable.

It’s a budget-friendly half-day trip.

How Much Time Do You Need?

Expect:

• 2–3 hours for a casual visit

• 3.5–4 hours with a guided tour and snacks

If you want to film or take lots of photos, plan for more.

Responsible Tourism in Comuna 13

This is a community, not a theme park.

Please:

• Ask before taking photos of people.

• Don’t film inside private homes unless invited.

• Don’t give money to children — buy goods from their families instead.

• Keep noise levels respectful.

• Support local vendors directly.

• Don’t block stairways for photos.

Positive tourism helps the neighborhood thrive.

Sample Itinerary: 3-Hour Visit

10:00 AM — Arrive at San Javier
10:15 AM — Start walking tour
11:30 AM — Ride the escalators + viewpoints
12:00 PM — Watch breakdancers
12:20 PM — Snacks and coffee
12:45 PM — Explore artisans & murals
1:00 PM — Return to Poblado

Final Thoughts

Comuna 13 isn’t just a “cool place with murals” — it’s a living story of resilience, community strength, and the healing power of art. Visiting here responsibly is one of the most meaningful experiences you can have in Medellín.

Come open-minded, support the locals, and take time to listen.
You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the city — and a lot of inspiration.