Medellín in 1 Days - Guided history of Comuna 13's social transformation
In Collaboration with World Lion Tour. Updated on February 19, 2026.
Guided walk through Comuna 13 covering its history, murals and graffiti, culture, social transformation, local galleries, a dance & rap show, Neon 3D exhibition, and coffee & snacks at StarShakes Healthy Life. Meeting point is the main entrance of Estación San Javier (take exit B). Guides will wear a red shirt/vest and carry a red umbrella with the World Lion Tour logo.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with World Lion Tour, inspired by the tour History Graffiti Art in Comuna 13. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided history of Comuna 13's social transformation
- Large-scale street murals and graffiti walking route
- Local dance & rap performance and small galleries
- Neon 3D house experience
- Coffee, pandebono and Maracumango ice cream at StarShakes Healthy Life
More than 17 itineraries in Medellín.
Itinerary
Day 1
Orientation in central Medellín before moving to the meeting point. General city reference for context before meeting at San Javier.
Arrival note — Medellín reference
Short orientation and reminder of the meeting location and start time. If already in Medellín centre, use local transport to reach Estación San Javier in time for the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow 25–35 minutes for travel from El Poblado or Laureles to San Javier by metro; check current metro schedules.
- Carry a small daypack with water, sun protection, and a photocopy of your ID; bags are easier to manage on the metro.
- If using ride apps, set destination to 'Estación San Javier, Medellín' to avoid confusion with nearby addresses.
Day 1
Official meeting at the main entrance of Estación San Javier (take exit B). The guide will be identifiable with a red shirt/vest and a red umbrella marked World Lion Tour.
Meet at Estación San Javier — main entrance (Exit B)
Group meets at the main entrance of the San Javier metro station. Final headcount, safety briefing, and identification of the guide. Short walk from the station to the start of the mural route.
- Monday4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Use exit B of Estación San Javier to find the main entrance quickly; the guide will wait at the primary plaza area outside the exit.
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early so the group can depart on time and to allow time to purchase a metro ticket if needed.
- Keep valuables secured while on public transport; pockets or a zipped bag are recommended during the short walk from the station to mural areas.
Day 1
Main guided experience: historical introduction, mural and graffiti walking route, visits to local galleries, a live dance & rap show, Neon 3D house visit, and coffee/snacks at StarShakes Healthy Life. Includes supplied snack items (pandebono, Maracumango ice cream) and private transportation where used by the operator.
History briefing & safety talk
Brief talk covering Comuna 13's recent history, the armed conflict context, and the area's transformation. Safety and photography guidelines before the walk.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the guide about photography etiquette before taking portraits of residents; always request permission.
- Mind your step on uneven sidewalks and stair sections — comfortable, closed shoes are recommended.
- Inform the guide of any mobility limitations; the route contains stair sections and steep streets and is not wheelchair accessible.
Mural & graffiti walking route (core tour)
Guided walk through the main mural clusters and graffiti walls in Comuna 13. The guide explains the artists' messages, techniques, and the social meaning behind the works.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a fully charged phone or camera; battery packs are useful as the walk lasts over an hour with many photo stops.
- Stay with the group on narrow streets; the guide will indicate safe spots to stop for photos and commentary.
- Carry small change for low-cost street purchases or souvenirs; many local vendors accept cash only.
Local galleries, dance & rap show, and Neon 3D house
Visits to selected small galleries, a short live dance and rap demonstration by local performers, and a stop at a Neon 3D exhibition space included in the route.
Tips from local experts:
- Performances are short and scheduled by local artists; please remain for the full performance to respect the performers.
- Galleries and indoor spaces may have limited space—keep backpacks closed and out of walkways.
- If you have hearing sensitivity, notify the guide; live performances can be loud and are usually brief.
Coffee & snacks at StarShakes Healthy Life — wrap-up
Coffee, pandebono, and Maracumango ice cream served at StarShakes Healthy Life while the guide answers final questions and shares souvenir suggestions. Tour closes with return directions to Estación San Javier.
- Monday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- If you have dietary restrictions, tell the staff at StarShakes before consuming snacks; options may be limited.
- Keep a small reusable bottle if you want additional water; beverage options at local shops are available for purchase.
- Collect any souvenirs in a compact bag for the short return to San Javier; avoid carrying large parcels on steep streets.
Return & tour close at Estación San Javier
Short walk back to the San Javier metro station for questions, farewells, and distribution of any included items. Official tour end.
- Monday4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your onward transport plans with the guide if you need help navigating the metro or local taxis.
- Keep your personal belongings with you during the short return walk; neighbourhood streets can be busy.
- If you need a printed receipt or further contact details, request them before departing the meeting area.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Culture, Outdoor, Experience, Restaurant |
Why this experience
Comuna 13 is where Medellín's story changed. Twenty years ago, this hillside neighbourhood was one of the most dangerous places in the city. Today, it's a vibrant open-air gallery where street artists have transformed the narrative. You'll ride the iconic outdoor escalators up the steep barrio, walk past enormous murals by local artists, watch hip-hop dancers demonstrate their craft, and hear the real stories of people who lived through the violence and chose art and community over despair. This isn't a sanitized tourist attraction — it's a place where transformation is still happening, block by block, wall by wall.
Your guide is part of the neighbourhood, not an outsider passing through. They explain the history without sugarcoating it, point out the artists' work in progress, take you to local artisan shops where you can buy directly from creators, and stop at street food stalls where you taste the flavour of the barrio. Three and a half hours might not sound long, but it's enough to understand why Comuna 13 matters and why it's become a symbol of Medellín's resilience.
Before you go
- Best time: Year-round. Morning tours (before noon) offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it easier to appreciate the art and engage with locals. Avoid heavy rain hours, which typically fall in the afternoon during rainy season (May, June, September, October), though tours run year-round.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current tour pricing. Bring extra cash for local artisan purchases and street food treats — supporting neighbourhood creators directly is part of the experience.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate — this is a walking tour with some steps and inclines as you navigate the hillside. The outdoor escalators help with the steepest sections, but expect to climb and walk for 3–3.5 hours at a steady pace.
- What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes with good grip (streets can be steep and uneven), lightweight clothing, sunscreen, hat or cap, small backpack for water and purchases, camera for photos of the murals.
- Getting there: Meeting point is in Comuna 13. Exact location provided after booking. Easiest access: take the Metro to San Javier station, then a short walk or local taxi to the meeting point. Ask your guide for directions if needed.
- Accessibility: This experience involves walking on steep, uneven streets and climbing stairs. The outdoor escalators assist but don't eliminate elevation changes. Not suitable for those with limited mobility, serious knee/hip issues, or heart conditions. Pushchairs are not practical on these streets.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to visit Comuna 13?
Yes, when you go with a local guide. Comuna 13 has transformed dramatically over the past two decades. Your guide knows the neighbourhood intimately and will take you through safe, welcoming areas where locals are proud to share their community. Thousands of visitors come here every month. Use normal street sense — stay with your group, don't flash expensive items, and respect the neighbourhood as a real place, not just a backdrop.
Can I buy art directly from the artists?
Yes. Your tour includes visits to local artisan shops where you can purchase original work, prints, and crafts directly from creators. Supporting local artists is an important part of the experience and the neighbourhood's continued revitalization.
What's included in this itinerary?
This itinerary features a bookable guided experience with Real City Tours. Included: 3.5-hour walking tour through Comuna 13, local expert guide, visits to outdoor escalators and major street art murals, hip-hop culture demonstrations, community transformation stories and history, stops at local artisan shops, and access to authentic street food stalls.
Are the itineraries on TheNextGuide free?
Yes. Every itinerary is free to browse and follow. Some pages feature bookable guided experiences through the booking widget — these are optional and priced by the operator.
How steep is the walk?
There are significant inclines as you move through the hillside neighbourhood. Outdoor escalators assist with the steepest climbs, but expect to walk and climb at a moderate pace for the full 3.5 hours. If you have concerns about your fitness level or knees, mention it to your guide — they can adjust the pace or suggest easier alternative routes through the area.
Can I take photos?
Absolutely. Bring a good camera or use your phone. Street art is meant to be photographed and shared. Be respectful when photographing people or private spaces — your guide will let you know when it's appropriate.
Complete your trip in Medellín
Explore more of the city's vibrant culture, neighbourhoods, and modern transformation.
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- Friends: one-day Medellín cable car, nature, street art, and nightlife — Rope ways over the city, street art, and evening vibes all in a single day.
Browse all Medellín itineraries at TheNextGuide.
*Last updated: April 2026*
