Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour in Medellín (Private)

From $64 USD per person

Comuna 13 was, not long ago, one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Latin America. The walls there now carry murals that name people, record what happened and argue about what it meant. This is five hours in San Javier with a private guide who grew up around these streets, reading the art as a record instead of a backdrop, and it runs at whatever pace you set.

How the day works

• Your private guide collects you from your hotel and drives west towards the comunas, explaining Medellín’s metro system and how the city moves on the way.
• You walk the brick streets of San Javier, past houses that stood at the centre of the conflict, while your guide explains how graffiti went from a jailable offence to the defining feature of the neighbourhood.
• Along the way there is street dance, live music, storytellers and food from neighbourhood vendors. You stop for as long as you want to.
• Your guide drives you back to your hotel, closing with what the transformation has cost and gained for the people who live there.

What’s included

• Private English-speaking guide
• Private hotel pickup and drop-off in Medellín
• All-risk insurance

Not included

• Breakfast and lunch
• Personal purchases

Good to know

• This is a walking tour on steep streets. Wear comfortable trainers and expect several hours on your feet.
• Medellín sits between roughly 23°C and 30°C but shifts through the day. Bring a light jacket.
• Light cotton clothing, sunglasses and a cap make the afternoon easier.
• No food is included. Eat before you go, or carry a little cash for the vendors in the comuna.
• The tour runs rain or shine, and your guide adjusts the pace.
• Small cash tips for street performers and artists go straight to the people who live there and are always welcome.

Frequently asked questions

Is Comuna 13 safe to visit?

The tourist route through San Javier is busy, policed and walked by thousands of visitors a week. You go with a local guide who knows which streets are on the route and which are not, which is the reason to go guided instead of alone.

How much walking is there?

Three hours or so, on hills and stairs. There are escalators on part of the route and plenty of places to stop, but it is not a flat walk.

Is this the same as the city tour?

No. The Medellín city tour covers the historic centre first and finishes in Comuna 13. This tour spends the whole five hours in the neighbourhood.

Can I take photographs?

Yes, of the murals and the street. Your guide will tell you where photographing people or homes is not appropriate, and it is worth listening.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. The history is heavy but your guide pitches it to who is in the group, and the music and dance tend to carry younger visitors through.