When I first heard about the tour of Comuna 13 in Medellín, I expected colorful murals and a powerful backstory. What I didn’t expect was how deeply it would change the way I saw Colombia—and urban resilience itself.
A Neighborhood That Speaks in Murals
Walking into Comuna 13 is like stepping into a living, breathing art gallery. Every wall, stairwell, and corner is drenched in color, each mural telling a piece of a much bigger story. The art doesn’t just beautify the space—it gives voice to the voiceless, painting scenes of violence, healing, and hope.
One mural, in particular, showed a child holding a dove above a background of barbed wire. My guide, a local artist who grew up in the neighborhood, shared how that piece symbolized the youth leading the path to peace—something he personally witnessed.
More Than a Tour: A Community Welcoming You In
Unlike traditional sightseeing, the Comuna 13 tour feels more like a walk through someone’s home. Locals greet you with warm smiles. Children perform impromptu dances. Artists invite you to learn the stories behind their work. You’re not just observing change—you’re stepping into it.
The escalators, which once shocked the world with their innovation in an underprivileged area, now feel like a bridge between past and future. As we ascended, my guide pointed out places where he used to hide during shootouts. Now, they’re spaces for poetry readings and rap battles.
A Taste of Local Life
Halfway through the tour, we stopped for a snack—crispy empanadas and a cup of aguapanela con limón, a local sugarcane drink. The street food vendors here aren’t just feeding tourists; they’re benefiting from sustainable tourism. Every purchase goes directly into the hands of people who built their livelihoods from scratch.
Nearby, a small shop sells handcrafted jewelry made from recycled materials. The owner, a soft-spoken woman in her 50s, shared how the shop gave her independence and helped her educate her grandchildren.
Why This Tour Matters
The tour of Comuna 13 is not about glorifying pain or tragedy. It’s about acknowledging it—and showing what’s possible after it. For travelers who want more than Instagram-worthy shots, this is an invitation to engage with Medellín’s past, present, and future.
You’ll leave with more than souvenirs—you’ll carry real stories, real names, and a deeper appreciation for the human spirit’s ability to rise.
Quick Tips for Visiting Comuna 13
- Go with a local guide for deeper insights and safety.
- Bring small bills to support local vendors.
- Be respectful—ask before taking photos of people.
- Don’t rush—take time to listen, observe, and reflect.
Final Reflection
Visiting Medellín without taking a tour of Comuna 13 would be like reading a novel with the most powerful chapter torn out. This place, once written off by the world, now writes its own story—on walls, in dance, in the everyday smiles of its people. And trust me, it’s a story worth witnessing in person.
