The Comunas 13 & 3 Tour – The Most Immersive Experience in Medellín

Imagine spending a day exploring Medellín’s vibrant street art, steeped in history and community spirit, guided by passionate locals who bring these neighborhoods alive. This full-day tour offers just that — a deep dive into two neighborhoods, Comuna 13 and Comuna 3, each with its unique story. For $140 per person and lasting about 7.5 hours, you’ll visit iconic graffiti sites, see the world’s first outdoor escalators, savor regional cuisine, and get a firsthand look at neighborhoods that have transformed over the past few decades.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience are the authentic insight from local guides who are deeply connected with the community and the chance to see genuine street art beyond typical tourist spots. Plus, the tour includes a delicious regional lunch and supports local community projects — a real win-win. The only potential consideration? The walking can be quite steep and physically demanding, so comfortable shoes are a must. This tour suits travelers eager for an educational, artistic, and socially conscious experience, especially those who want to go beyond the surface and connect with Medellín’s resilient spirit.

Key Points

Authentic neighborhoods: Visit both popular and lesser-known areas, gaining a fuller picture of Medellín’s ongoing transformation.
Street art with meaning: Learn the stories behind over 25 murals, understanding how art reflects community resilience and hope.
Community focus: Support local initiatives with your participation, including a portion of the fee that goes back into the neighborhoods.
Guided by locals: Guides are knowledgeable, personable, and passionate — often sharing personal stories that breathe life into the experience.
Scenic and practical: The tour combines eye-catching murals with practical sights like the outdoor escalators, making steep terrain accessible.
Tasty regional cuisine: Enjoy a traditional lunch from the Pacific region, offering a delicious taste of local culture.

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Exploring Medellín’s Street Art and Neighborhoods in Depth

Starting with Comuna 13: More Than Just Graffiti

We loved beginning the day in Comuna 13, known for its powerful rebirth from violence to vibrant community. Our guide led us through the streets, explaining how the district was once one of Medellín’s most dangerous areas, only 20 years ago. Today, the neighborhood is a hub of colorful murals that tell stories of struggle, hope, and resilience. The street art isn’t just decoration; it’s a language of resistance and healing.

One of the standout features here are the outdoor escalators, installed in 2011 to help residents climb the steep hills. Opened at a cost of $3.5 million, these escalators are as much a part of the landscape as the murals. They’ve revolutionized mobility, making this once-arduous neighborhood far more accessible and safe. You’ll love the story behind them, especially knowing they’re the first outdoor escalators in the world designed for urban use.

During the walk, you’ll encounter more than 15 murals with meaningful messages. Some are political, others are personal tributes, and many celebrate community life. Our guide pointed out a monument honoring the children of Comuna 13, a reminder of the neighborhood’s focus on future generations. Visitors often comment on how these murals help them understand the neighborhood’s complex history — from conflict to renewal.

The Hidden Charm of Comuna 3: A Less Touristy, Authentic Experience

After exploring Comuna 13, we crossed to Comuna 3, a neighborhood less traveled by travelers but equally compelling. Known as Constelaciones, this area boasts beautiful murals that reflect the community’s identity and social struggles. It’s a place where local pride shines through, and the art serves as a recognition of the neighborhood’s resilience.

What makes this segment particularly special is its authenticity. Unlike the more heavily visited Comuna 13, here you’ll find a quiet, proud community where residents welcome visitors with genuine smiles. As you walk around, the murals tell stories of how they overcame adversity, with many painted by local artists. Guides explain how neighborhoods like these, born from conflict and displacement, have been transformed into living galleries of hope and social work.

Lunch: Tasting Pacific Flavors with a Personal Touch

Midway through the day, your tour includes a delicious regional lunch at a family-owned restaurant. This isn’t just a meal — it’s a chance to connect with the local culture. The Pacific region’s cuisine features hearty, African-influenced dishes that reflect Colombia’s diverse history. The hosts are locals who welcome you as part of their community, and you’ll undoubtedly enjoy hearing their stories as you dine.

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Insights, Stories, and Community Connection

Throughout the tour, guides like Erika and Laura have garnered praise for their depth of knowledge and personal stories. One reviewer said, “Erika made everyone feel comfortable and kept the energy up with her great sense of humor.” Another appreciated Laura’s thorough explanations and personal connection to the neighborhoods.

Many reviews highlight how the tour not only showcases impressive street art but also provides a window into the social progress and ongoing challenges faced by these communities. Visitors often mention that they left with a greater understanding of Medellín’s transformation and a sense of respect for its resilient people.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour begins with pickup from El Poblado or Laureles, taking about 20 minutes to reach Comuna 13. The walking portion involves steep paths and stairs, but the outdoor escalators help mitigate this. Expect around 2.5 to 3 hours exploring Comuna 13, including the murals, viewpoints, and the iconic slide built to honor local tragedies.

Next, a short drive brings you to Comuna 3, where you’ll explore another set of meaningful murals and meet local residents. Walking here takes around an hour, and you’ll get a taste of daily life in a neighborhood that’s recently opened to tourism.

The tour wraps up with the regional lunch, giving you a chance to relax, refuel, and enjoy the community atmosphere. The entire experience is private, meaning your group gets personalized attention and the flexibility to ask questions.

Transportation is included in the cost, and the tour is designed to be informative and respectful, with most travelers finding it manageable despite the physical demands of some steep terrain.

Authentic, Educational, and Supportive

What sets this tour apart is its focus on authenticity and community support. A portion of the fee directly benefits local projects, ensuring your visit contributes to positive change. Guides are eager to share personal stories and insights, making this more than just a sightseeing trip — it’s an educational journey into Medellín’s evolving identity.

Final Thoughts

This full-day graffiti tour offers a powerful combination of art, history, and social awareness. It’s especially valuable for travelers seeking an authentic experience and a deeper understanding of Medellín’s transformation. From the colorful murals that speak of hope to the community-driven stops, you’ll come away with a richer perspective and some memorable stories.

If you’re curious about Colombia’s past and present, love street art that carries meaning, and want to support local communities, this tour is a perfect fit. It balances fun with education, offering just the right mix of guided storytelling and personal exploration.

Insight into Medellín’s rebirth through street art and community projects
An understanding of the significance of murals, escalators, and local symbols
Authentic encounters with residents and local artists
Tasty regional cuisine that complements the cultural experience
A chance to support local communities with part of your fee

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
It involves some steep walking and stairs, so comfortable shoes and moderate fitness are recommended. The outdoor escalators help make steep terrain more manageable.

What’s included in the tour?
Private transportation, guided visits to Comuna 13 and Comuna 3, a traditional regional lunch, and all admission fees for the murals and escalators are included.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 7.5 hours, starting with pickup and ending with a relaxed meal. The walking segments are around 2.5 to 3 hours combined.

Can I book this tour with a small group?
Yes, this is a private tour for your group only, ensuring a personalized experience.

Are guides local?
Absolutely. Guides like Erika and Laura are local residents with deep connections to their neighborhoods, offering authentic insights.

Is the tour safe?
Yes, the tour is designed to be very safe and enjoyable. Comuna 13 is now a popular tourist destination, and guides ensure visitors are well looked after.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and a camera. Be prepared for some physical activity on uneven terrain.

Do I need to be a street art enthusiast to enjoy this?
Not at all. While art is central, the stories and community spirit make this tour meaningful for anyone interested in Colombia’s transformation.

What if it rains?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

This tour is ideal for travelers eager to see more than just the tourist highlights. It appeals to those interested in urban art with social significance, history, and community stories. If you value authentic local experiences, enjoy thoughtful guided conversations, and are comfortable walking on steep terrain, this is a memorable way to spend a day in Medellín. It’s particularly suited for socially conscious travelers who want to support local communities and gain a deeper understanding of Colombia’s ongoing transformation.

In choosing this tour, you’re not just ticking off sights — you’re engaging with Medellín’s spirit, its resilience, and its creativity. It’s a day that promises meaningful insights wrapped in colorful murals and heartfelt stories, making it a truly worthwhile addition to your Colombian journey.