Last checked: 25 October 2026 by Lia. Sources: Metro de Medellín network; Alcaldía de Medellín. Hero photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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Take Metro Line B to San Javier, then a short ride or a walk up to the outdoor escalators. Go by day, on a weekday morning if you can, and go with a local guide. The murals are the easy part. The history of violence and what came after is why the visit is worth your time.
Why visit
Comuna 13 went from one of Medellín’s most violent areas to a symbol of the city’s change, told through murals, music and hillside escalators.
I am half Colombian, and I still do not pretend this neighbourhood is a backdrop for a photo. Ask before you point a camera at a person. Buy something if you are standing in someone’s shop. Then look at the art.
Getting there
Take Line B to San Javier. From there, a short taxi or feeder bus reaches the escalators, or you can walk.
Tours
Local guides, many from the community, lead graffiti tours. They explain the murals, the 2002 military operations and the area’s recovery. See activities.
Visiting respectfully
- Ask before photographing people.
- Buy from local vendors and artists.
- Stay on the main tour routes.
Safety
Go by day. The main tour area is busy and well used, but stick to it and keep valuables out of sight. See is Medellín safe?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide for Comuna 13?
You can walk it without one. A local guide is the version I would choose, because the history is the point.
How do I get to Comuna 13?
Metro Line B to San Javier, then a short ride or walk.
