During our trip through South America and Colombia, a visit to the lively city of Medellín was, of course, a must. We quickly decided to take a guided Comuna 13 tour to learn more about the city’s past and its remarkable development. The tour also promised delicious street food, an amazing viewpoint, and countless beautiful photo opportunities in the city’s most artistic neighborhood. In this blog post about how to visit Comuna 13, I’ll share the details of our tour and everything we saw and experienced on that memorable day.
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A Brief History of Comuna 13 (San Javier)
The neighborhood of San Javier (mostly referred to just “Comuna 13”) was once marked by extreme violence and murders under the control of the Medellín Cartel and the reign of drug lord Pablo Escobar during the 70s, 80s, and 90s. In recent years, however, it has transformed into a vibrant area with colorful graffiti walls and numerous dance and music performances, thanks to the support of other nations and the resilience of the local community. The neighborhood now benefits from tourism. During the Comuna 13 Walking Tour, you’ll learn more about the tragic history of the area and witness its incredible transformation firsthand.
How to Visit Comuna 13: Walking Tour With a Professional Guide
While it is possible to visit Comuna 13 on your own, doing so with a knowledgeable tour guide offers significant advantages. A guide provides important historical context, sharing insights into the neighborhood’s turbulent past and remarkable revival. They’ll take you to the best spots, introduce you to local artists, and ensure your experience is safe and enriching. Overall, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the community’s journey and its ongoing efforts to thrive. So, for visiting Comuna 13, we quickly decided on this group tour:
Now, let me tell you about the itinerary of this tour.
Metro Experience, Cable Car Ride & Streetfood
The Comuna 13 group tour typically starts twice a day (9:00 AM and 2:00 PM) in El Poblado – one of the busiest and most popular districts of Medellín. After arriving at the designated meeting point, we were warmly greeted by our guide, Gustavo. Our group for the day included an American family, a couple from London, one from Vancouver, and two women from Puerto Rico. Once everyone had introduced themselves, we were handed our metro tickets and followed our guide, who kept his arm raised high so we could easily spot him in the crowd.
After a short metro ride, we arrived at San Javier station, where we immediately transferred to a cable car. From the gondola, we already had a fantastic view of the countless small houses with tin roofs that dotted the hillsides. Once we reached the top, we took a few photos while Gustavo shared more about Medellín’s complex history. Afterward, we descended via the cable car and made a stop at a street food stand, where we got to try delicious Arepas, the traditional round corn cakes, and Papas Rellenas (stuffed fried potatoes). Absolutely delicious!
Through the Colorful Streets of San Javier
After indulging in some delicious street food, we hopped on a bus for a few stops before making our way up through the vibrant streets of Comuna 13. On both sides of the path, we saw numerous street artists selling paintings, magnets, hand-painted t-shirts, and other souvenirs. One of the highlights was the creative and colorful graffiti that adorned the stone walls along the way. We paused at a group of young breakdancers, all wearing matching yellow pants, who invited us to watch their energetic performance. We clapped to the beat, took a few videos, and dropped some spare change into their hat at the end.
The tour continued to a small ice cream shop where each of us received a Maracumango – a frozen fruit cocktail made of mango, pineapple, and passion fruit pieces, all drizzled with lime juice. At first, I found the taste a bit bitter due to the lime, but as I kept eating, the fruit cocktail became really refreshing and delicious! After walking across a small soccer field that looked like it came straight out of a FIFA Street video game, we finished the tour by heading to a bar perched high on the hill. There, we enjoyed a stunning view over the rooftops of Medellín and toasted with a cold Colombian beer.
Final Words on How to Visit Comuna 13
Visiting Comuna 13 as part of a guided group tour is an absolute must when exploring the lively city of Medellín. The neighborhood’s rich history, vibrant street art, and incredible transformation make it a fascinating destination. You will experience a breathtaking ride on the city’s famous cable cars, enjoy local street food like arepas and papas rellenas, watch talented street performers, and marvel at the stunning murals that cover the walls of the community. The panoramic views from the top of Comuna 13, especially from the bar at the end of the tour, provide a memorable impression on your day in Medellín.
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