If you’re heading to Medellín, one experience that should be high on your list is the Comuna 13 and Graffiti Walking Tour with Snacks. For just $10 per person, in about two and a half hours, you get a chance to explore one of the city’s most fascinating neighborhoods. Led by local residents, this tour offers a genuine look into the community’s transformation through vibrant street art, historic escalators, and heartfelt stories.

What we particularly love about this experience is how it combines street art and social history with delicious local snacks. The guides’ personal stories and their connection to the area make the tour feel more like visiting a friend rather than just ticking a sightseeing box. Another highlight is the opportunity to create your own graffiti, which makes the experience memorable and interactive.

A potential consideration is the walking distance involved—be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen if the sun’s out. Also, transportation to the meeting point isn’t included, so plan your arrival accordingly.

This tour suits curious travelers who want to see the real Medellín beyond the typical tourist spots, especially those interested in street art, local food, and community stories. It’s perfect if you enjoy engaging guides with authentic insights and a personal touch.

Key Points

Authentic Community Experience: Led by local guides who grew up in Comuna 13, emphasizing genuine stories and personal connections.
Street Art and Culture: Explore the largest graffiti scene in South America and visit two renowned art galleries.
Tasty Local Snacks: Enjoy empanadas, mango passionfruit ice cream, and butifarras prepared by locals, supporting community artisans.
Interactive Activities: Make your own graffiti and engage with local families, adding a personal dimension to your visit.
Historical Insights: Hear about the neighborhood’s transformation from Colombia’s most dangerous area to a vibrant cultural hub.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

For just $10, your ticket covers three local snacks, visits to two top art galleries, and the guidance of a certified local guide who will introduce you to his family. It’s a remarkably affordable way to get under the surface of Medellín’s most celebrated neighborhood. The only extra cost is transportation to and from the meeting point, which is at Recuerdos Viajero—a friendly spot easy to find with Uber.

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The Itinerary: What Will You Experience?

The tour kicks off at Recuerdos Viajero, where your guide will wait, ready to take you on a journey through Comuna 13’s past and present. The first part of the walk is dedicated to storytelling, where your guide shares personal experiences and community history—many of which are based on the guide’s own upbringing in the neighborhood. This storytelling aspect is frequently praised, with visitors describing guides like Lucho as “informative,” “friendly,” and “approachable,” making the experience feel more like a local friend showing you around.

Next, you’ll visit the neighborhood’s iconic escalators, the first public escalators built in a marginalized community worldwide. These are not only practical but symbolize the neighborhood’s development and efforts to improve mobility. You’ll get views of the city, perfect for photos, and insights into how these escalators transformed daily life for residents.

The street art scene dominates much of Comuna 13’s visual landscape. You’ll see the largest graffiti scene in South America, with murals that tell stories of resilience, hope, and community spirit. Two renowned art galleries showcase local artists and their work, highlighting the neighborhood’s artistic revival. Visitors often comment on how these murals and galleries give a new perspective on the area’s history—moving beyond the stigma of violence to celebrate creativity.

You’ll also have the chance to meet local families who share their stories and demonstrate their craft. This personal connection is a standout feature, with reviews emphasizing how guides like Esteban make the neighborhood’s history come alive—“making the tour very personal,” as one traveler put it.

Sampling the Flavors of Comuna 13

No tour is complete without a taste of local Colombian snacks. You’ll sample empanadas, a popular street food, along with mango passionfruit ice cream—refreshing on a hot day—and butifarras, a homemade sausage delicacy. These treats, prepared by welcoming locals, give you an authentic taste of the area and support small vendors. The reviews consistently praise the snacks, with many noting that they are delicious and add an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.

Make Your Own Graffiti: A Fun, Artistic Touch

One of the most unique aspects of this tour is the opportunity to try your hand at graffiti art. Guided by local artists, you’ll learn basic spray-paint techniques and create your own piece of street art. This interactive activity is highly praised, with reviewers describing it as “memorable” and “fun”—a chance to take home a tangible souvenir of your Medellín adventure.

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How the Tour Feels in Practice

The tour typically lasts around 2.5 hours, which feels just right—long enough to explore thoroughly without fatigue. The group size is small, fostering a cozy atmosphere where questions are encouraged, and personal stories are shared. Guides like Esteban or Angel are praised for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and genuine passion for their neighborhood. Many reviews mention how “the guides made the tour very personal,” and how they appreciated the honest, heartfelt stories about life in Comuna 13.

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Accessibility and Practical Tips

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a broader audience. Since it involves walking through hilly terrain and some uneven surfaces, comfortable shoes are a must. The area can be sunny, so sunscreen and hats might be wise. As transportation isn’t included, plan to arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early—Uber works well here.

Authenticity and Safety

A concern for many travelers is safety, but guides like Esteban emphasize that the neighborhood has changed significantly, and the tour is conducted in a safe, welcoming manner. Reviews underscore this, with many travelers feeling comfortable and secure throughout the walk. The personal stories and local connections also add to the feeling of genuine authenticity.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re interested in street art and community stories, want an affordable cultural experience, or simply enjoy tasting local flavors. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate personalized guiding and authentic interactions—many reviews mention how guides like Esteban or Lucho make the tour feel intimate and special.

The Comuna 13 and Graffiti Walking Tour with Snacks offers a rare mix of art, history, and community at an unbeatable price. For just ten dollars, you get not only a visual feast of murals and galleries but also stories that reveal the neighborhood’s resilience and ongoing transformation. The chance to meet local families and create your own graffiti adds a personal touch that elevates this experience from being just a sightseeing tour to an authentic cultural exchange.

Whether you’re a street art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about Medellín’s vibrant neighborhoods, this tour provides a wealth of insight and delicious flavors. It’s particularly valuable for those who want to see the city through the eyes of locals and leave with a better understanding of what makes Comuna 13 so special today.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own ride to Recuerdos Viajero, but Uber works well here.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2.5 hours, allowing enough time to explore the neighborhood’s highlights without feeling rushed.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, although some uneven surfaces may require additional assistance.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, breathable shoes are recommended since there’s a fair amount of walking. Sunscreen and light clothing are also advisable, especially on sunny days.

Are the snacks included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes three local snacks, such as empanadas, ice cream, and butifarras.

Can I make my own graffiti?
Absolutely. The tour offers the chance to try spray-painting under guidance, making it a fun and interactive experience.

What language are guides available in?
Guides speak English and Spanish, ensuring most travelers can enjoy the tour comfortably.

Is this tour safe?
Yes, guides emphasize safety, and many reviews mention feeling secure throughout the experience. The neighborhood has significantly improved in safety.

Who would enjoy this tour?
Travelers interested in street art, local culture, history, and authentic community stories will find it especially rewarding.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve ahead to secure your spot, especially during peak travel times.

In essence, this modestly priced tour offers a treasure trove of culture, art, and personal storytelling—perfect for travelers seeking meaningful, affordable experiences in Medellín. Prepare for a lively, colorful, and enriching look at one of Colombia’s most dynamic neighborhoods.