Medellín: Comuna 13 Tour with Spray Painting and ice cream

Medellín: Comuna 13 Tour with Spray Painting and Ice Cream

Rating: 5.0 — based on 65 glowing reviews
Price: $12.00 per person
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Location: Medellín, Colombia
Provider: Medellin Memories Tours

This tour offers a lively, colorful peek into the heart of Medellín’s most transformed neighborhood. For just $12, you’ll spend about three hours walking through streets adorned with murals, graffiti, and murals, guided by local experts who bring Comuna 13’s story to life. Highlights include exploring vibrant street art, riding the famous outdoor escalators, creating your own graffiti, and tasting local treats like ice cream and street churros.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this tour: First, the way it balances history and art, giving you a sense of how this community has risen from the shadows of violence to become a symbol of resilience. Second, the personal touch of engaging guides like Diego, whose stories and enthusiasm make every stop meaningful.

One consideration is the physical aspect—steps and inclines are involved, so those with mobility issues may need to think twice. Still, the overall experience is accessible for most, especially if you’re eager for authentic cultural encounters.

If you’re interested in exploring Medellín beyond the typical sights and enjoy stories of community transformation, this tour is ideal. It’s especially great for curious travelers who value guided insights, authentic street art, and a taste of local life.

Key Points

• Affordable and engaging at just $12 per person, offering excellent value for the rich experience.
• Expert guides like Diego or Greys provide behind-the-scenes stories that bring the murals and community history to life.
• Iconic escalators are a highlight, showcasing innovative urban development and providing fantastic views of Medellín.
• Creative workshop: leave your mark with a graffiti session, sending a message in your own style.
• Authentic local flavor includes street churros, mango, and ice cream, adding a fun, tasty element.
• Accessible for most, but caution with steps and inclines for travelers with mobility restrictions.
• Small group size (up to 15 people) ensures a personalized experience without feeling rushed.
• Strong reviews consistently praise the guides’ knowledge, the vibrant street art, and the meaningful storytelling.

Exploring Medellín’s Comuna 13: A Detailed Review

The Neighborhood: From Dark Past to Colorful Future

Medellín’s Comuna 13 has undergone an incredible transformation. Not long ago, it was associated with violence and hardship, but today, it’s a buzzing hub of street art, music, and community resilience. Our tour starts at Cra. 108 #38-12, a lively meeting point in the Veinte De Julio neighborhood. From there, we’re immediately immersed in the neighborhood’s vibrant energy.

Expect a three-hour journey through narrow alleys, steep stairs, and public spaces. The tour is designed to give you both visual stimulation and meaningful stories about how this place rose from adversity. The neighborhood’s murals and graffiti aren’t just pretty—they tell stories of resistance, hope, and cultural pride.

Street Art and Murals: Visual Stories in Every Wall

The first stop takes us to the streets around Cra. 109 #38a-11, where murals adorn practically every surface. It’s a feast for the eyes—bright colors, powerful messages, and artistic expressions that reveal the community’s soul. Guides like Diego or Greys explain the meaning behind many of these works, helping us understand their significance in local history and culture.

As Tamarah_U puts it, “Walking through the streets of Comuna 13, surrounded by vibrant murals and music, revealed a story of transformation, creativity, and community strength.” The murals go beyond aesthetics—they’re visual narratives of resilience.

The Iconic Escalators: Urban Innovation with a View

One of the most memorable parts of this tour is the ride on the electric escalators. These aren’t your typical shopping mall escalators—they’re the only public outdoor escalators in South America, built to connect the hillside neighborhood with the city center.

The escalators are a symbol of urban renewal, making daily life easier for locals and providing stunning panoramic views of Medellín. A full hour is spent exploring this area, where the guides share stories about their construction and impact. As Ramsil_P notes, “The escalators are colorful and fun, and learning their history made the ride even more meaningful.”

Artistic Creation: Leave Your Mark

A real highlight is the graffiti workshop. Under the guidance of local artists, you get to design your own graffiti, sending a personal message or just having fun with spray paint. It’s a chance to connect physically with the neighborhood’s artistic spirit, and many reviews mention how this activity felt both empowering and memorable. Michelle_P describes it as “an experience worth every penny,” especially since she left with a personalized souvenir.

Cultural Flavors: Street Food and Ice Cream

No tour of Medellín’s neighborhoods would be complete without sampling local treats. During the walk, you’ll enjoy street churros, fresh mango, and ice cream, giving your taste buds a break and adding a fun, casual element. It’s a delightful way to experience everyday life in Comuna 13.

Community and Stories: Voices from the Neighborhood

Perhaps the most compelling part of the tour is hearing about the community’s journey—from violence to hope. Guides share stories of resistance, recovery, and dreams for the future. According to Eda_R, “Our guide helped us understand how Comuna 13 managed to change its narrative, clarifying many doubts along the way.”

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour is designed for most travelers, with a group size limited to 15 people for a more personalized experience. It’s easy to find the starting point, close to public transportation, making it accessible for most visitors. The walk includes some steep inclines and steps, so travelers with mobility issues should plan accordingly.

Price-wise, $12 is a bargain for an experience packed with culture, history, and fun. With reviews like Jen_M’s praising the “perfect pace” and “knowledgeable guide,” you know you’ll be well looked after.

The Right Fit for You

This tour is perfect if you’re curious about Medellín’s transformation, love street art, or want to see the city from a local perspective. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate stories of resilience and enjoy engaging guides who share authentic insights. If you’re after a lively, colorful, and meaningful outing, this is one of the best ways to spend a few hours.

Final Thoughts

The Comuna 13 tour offers more than just sights; it’s a window into Medellín’s soul. For a modest price, you get to witness a community’s strength through vibrant murals, innovative urban projects, and heartfelt stories. The guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm turn what might be just a walk into a memorable journey of hope and creativity.

If you’re seeking a tour that’s affordable yet packed with authentic experiences, this one hits the mark. It’s ideal for travelers who value local culture, street art, and meaningful storytelling. The chance to leave your own graffiti message and savor local street treats makes this a unique, engaging day out.

In short, this tour offers a genuine look at Medellín’s resilience and artistic spirit, all bundled into three lively hours. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a deeper understanding, it’s hard to go wrong with this authentic, well-reviewed experience.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers find it suitable, especially if they’re comfortable walking and climbing stairs. However, very young children or those with mobility issues should consider the inclines and steps involved.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 3 hours, including walking, riding the escalators, and the graffiti workshop.

What’s included in the price?
For $12, you get guided visits to murals and galleries, a ride on the escalators, a graffiti workshop, and street snacks like churros and ice cream.

Are there any age restrictions?
While most ages are welcome, the physical nature of some parts might be less suitable for very young children or elderly travelers with mobility concerns.

Is the tour accessible by public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit, making it easy to reach.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Will I see Pablo Escobar-related sites?
No, this tour focuses solely on Comuna 13’s local history and community story, not Pablo Escobar.

How many people will be in my group?
Groups are limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a friendly, personalized experience.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable shoes are recommended due to stairs and uneven surfaces. Bringing a camera and some cash for extra treats or souvenirs is also a good idea.

In the end, this tour is a wonderful way to connect with Medellín’s resilient spirit through its vibrant art and inspiring stories. It’s authentic, affordable, and packed with memorable moments—perfect for curious travelers eager to see the city’s heart.