The city of Medellin has 250 neighborhoods, which are all part of the 16 communes of the city. A commune (or comuna in Spanish ) is simply a neighborhood of the city. Different parts of the city of Medellin belong to communes. El Poblado, the primary tourist area of the city, is, for instance, part of Comuna 14, Plaza Botrero, and part of downtown Medellin belongs to Comuna 10. Comuna 13 also known as San Javier was once considered a no-go area. It was labeled the most dangerous community of Medellin due to the very high homicide rates. Comuna 13 today is the living embodiment of how a community has turned itself around. Visiting Comuna 13 from Medellin is a great way to understand what changed here in this community and why.
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#1 WAY TO VISIT
Easiest Way to Visit Comuna 13
Travel with a local English-speaking guide and get off the beaten track in Comuna 13. Learn about the history here, the artwork, and what it means to live here.
Why go to Comuna 13
The history of Comuna 13 ties in closely with Colombia’s history. By visiting Comuna 13 you’ll be learning about both some of the darker elements of Colombia’s history, but you’ll also be understanding what it takes to turn things around. In taking a tour of Comuna 13 you’ll be supporting the continuing transformation of the community and neighborhoods of this part of Medellin.
It’s important to learn from the past in order to move forward and you’ll find that in spades in Comuna 13. You’ll get some idea of the scale and scope of the city of Medellin by visiting some of the neighborhoods on the outskirts. While some areas of Comuna 13 are safe for visiting tourists, you should always be aware of your surroundings, and be respectful of the area in which you are visiting and its residents.
Many of the violent events that happened here in Comuna 13 and Medellin are in the recent past. Many families were affected and many still do not know what happened to their loved ones. Be respectful when you visit, these are people’s homes and so long as you take these few things into consideration you’ll have a safe, interesting, and educational visit.
Best Way to Take a Tour of Comuna 13
The best way to take a tour of Comuna 13 is to arrange one with a local. You’ll get inside information and a sense of history that you won’t from just taking one with a general tour agency. Check out these tour options.
- In this four-hour tour of Comuna 13 with a local, you’ll explore the district of Comuna 13, learn the history and see some of the most incredible street art. You’ll meet local artists and residents. You’ll meet at the Poblado metro station and your metro tickets are included in the tour price. Check availability and book this highly rated tour of Comuna 13 now!
- Take a private tour of Comuna 13, and benefit from a pick-up from your hotel or hostel. You’ll get to head off the tourist trail and see the street art of Comuna 13 which has contributed to transforming one of the most violent districts in the world into one of the most innovative. Explore your options for a private tour of Comuna 13 and book now!
What is Comuna 13?
A commune in Medellin is simply one of the cities of Medellin’s collection of neighborhoods. It stretches for 7 square kilometers and incorporates 12 different neighborhoods. Some of the neighborhoods are safe, others aren’t. Most tours and where you should focus your attention are the areas of Las Independencias and the 20 de Julio area.
Comune definitely doesn’t mean slum or dodgy area, it is just a collection of geographically connected neighborhoods. Comuna 13 is infamous for having been labeled the most dangerous part of a city, Medellin, that was already known for its violence and high homicide rates.
The History of Comuna 13 Medellin
Comuna 13 began as a small village called Las Granjas, it was also called, after that, La America. As the city of Medellin grew and encompassed smaller, then outlying villages, las Granjas became a neighborhood of Medellin. Comuna 13 was, however, still primarily an agricultural area where fruit and vegetables were cultivated.
If you want to read more about Comuna 13 history we recommend this book District 13 – available in English and Spanish, it chronicles the stories of pain, violence, and suffering of those living here. It also describes how the district transformed and what happens there today. Buy this history of Comuna 13 on kindle and enhance your Comuna 13 visit now!
If you’re reading this on public WiFi and plan to book a trip, a walking tour, or accommodation, then check out my guide to the best VPNs for Colombia and why (and how you should protect your personal login details).
Comuna 13 in the 1940s
The biggest changes in this area came in 1946 when one of the large farms of the area was transformed into a residential area. Changes came even more quickly in the 1960s and 1970’s when more and more farmland was sold to provide housing for primarily economic migrants to the area.
Comuna 13 in the 1970s and 1980s
Yet further migrants came in the late 1970s and the early 1980s – primarily those displaced by drug and gun violence from more rural areas of Antioquia. These immigrants were primarily poor, with few skills other than farming and construction. There was very little integration and much discrimination between the different waves of immigrants to Comuna 13.
Many of those living in Comuna 13 at this time were living in cheap, poorly constructed houses made of wood and salvaged materials. They used water that came from contaminated sources, stole electricity, and had jobs or means of income. It is little wonder that they were targeted by gangs involved in smuggling and drug trafficking.
Comuna 13 is just one day trip to take from Medellin – here are 9 more day trips from Medellin to check out
Comuna 13 in the late 1980s and early 1990s
Control of Comuna 13 during this time was under major dispute amongst Paramilitiaries, FARC and ELN. Each of these illegal groups were keen on controlling Comuna 13 as it was a strategic location for moving both cocaine and weapons. Comuna 13 was controlled by groups loyal to the notorious drug lord, Pablo Escobar. Even after his death, the cartels sought to retain control of this area, which was so important to their distribution.
These armed and violent groups took and retained power primarily based on the illegal drugs trade in Colombia and expanded their operations and became a nationwide problem claiming responsibility for multiple murders every single day.
Comuna 13 in 2003-2004
During this 2 year period, Comuna 13 was under the control of the Paramilitaries, who became judges and jurors for those they identified as helping the guerrillas. Those deemed guilty were usually killed. More than 200 people were “disappeared” and it is alleged, were buried in a rubbish dump called “La Escombrera”. The Paramilitaries were disbanded in 2004 and relative peace descended on Comuna 13. That’s not to say that there was no gang or illegal activity that took place. It did and continues to do so today to a much lesser extent.
Postive change started in Comuna 13 in 2002
The election of Alvaro Uribe in 2002 as Colombian President along with the support of the then Medellin Mayor, Luis Perez led to the beginning of change for Comuna 13. The first changes came with 10 military operations, which were instigated during 2002. The first operation, Mariscal, took place on 21st May 2002. 9 people were killed, all innocent civilians. It led, primarily to the displacement of many citizens to other areas and neighbourhoods of Medellin. Mariscal came to an end with the waving of a single white bed sheet from one window – a mother desperate to take her sons to hospital. Other neighbours followed suit and the operation ended.
The last military operation of Comuna 13 was also the biggest. In October, the Orion operation lasted for 3 days and employed more than 1500 military, 2 helicopters and a tank. The Colombian army and police are thought to have worked with the paramilitaries to destroy the guerrillas holed up in Comuna 13. Many innocent citizens were again injured and killed. While Operation Orion might have wiped out the guerrillas, it simply handed control of Comuna 13 to the Paramilitaries.
Comuna 13 from 2002 – 2006
Comuna 13 residents started to voice their anger with the violence of the operations of 2002. Community events and pieces of street art depicting the waving of the white sheets raised solidarity and hopes for peace in the area. We’ve also explored Leon in Nicaragua, which expressed its revolutionary fervor through murals and street art too.
Comuna 13 from 2006 to 2011
Local government investment in Comuna 13 started in 2006 and a new cable car line was opened in 2008. San Javier Station was built and Comuna 13 became much more connected with her surrounding communities.
In December 2011 six electrical escalators were opened in Comuna 13 – providing residents with an alternative to the 384 metres (1260 feet) climb over 350 steep stairs that were their only access previously.
The escalators are free and operate from 0600 until 2200 during the week and from 0800 until 1900 on Sundays.
A wide pathway, the Viaducto Media Ladera connecting different neighbourhoods and providing for outside meeting places and seating areas was also provided.
Comuna 13 today
Comuna 13 is a transformed neighbourhood. International visitors come every day to see this vibrant neighbourhood, where locals give tours and first-hand accounts of the changes. Revenue from tourism brings money directly into the neighbourhood and into the hands of those who live here, not any faceless (to the tourist) organization or gang that controls things.
The very look and feel of the neighbourhood have changed. Street Art adorns many walls. The music reverberates throughout the area. Dance squads entertain tourists. Local vendors sell cane juice and ice creams, restaurants and coffee shops tempt you in for further refreshments.
Above all, life has changed. There are opportunities for gainful, sustainable legal employment. Transport links such as the escalators, the cable cars and the metro station – as well as the easy and cheap pricing of the transport make it possible for anyone from here to travel anywhere on the Medellin metro network for just 2.550 COP.
Now you have the history of Comuna 13, here’s how to visit Comuna 13.
How to take a tour of Comuna 13
You can visit Comuna 13 as part of a guided tour or independently. We know you’re probably concerned that it might not be safe to visit independently, so here’s a little about safety.
Is it safe to go to comuna 13 by yourself? Yes. It’s safe to visit Comuna 13, so long as you follow a few simple rules. And to be honest we apply these rules wherever we visit, in any country.
- Visit during daylight hours.
- Don’t overtly show fancy jewellery or expensive gear
- Always ask before taking a photo of people.
- If you don’t feel safe in a situation back out of it.
- Stick to the main routes and areas.
How to get to Comuna 13 on a guided Tour
Taking a guided tour to Comuna 13 is the easiest way to visit Comuna 13. You’ll either be met in Poblado, Laureles or at the exit of the San Javier Metro station. Our guide to the Medellin metro makes it REALLY easy to navigate Medellin’s fabulous metro system.
Here are our most highly recommended guided tours of Comuna 13.
- In this four hour tour of Comuna 13 with a local, you’ll explore the district of Comuna 13, learn the history and see some of the most incredible street art. You’ll meet local artists and residents. You’ll meet at the Poblado metro station and your metro tickets are included in the tour price. Check availability and book this highly rated tour of Comuna 13 now!
- Take a private tour of Comuna 13, and benefit from a pick up from your hotel or hostel. You’ll get to head off the tourist trail and see the street art of Comuna 13 that has contributed towards transforming one of the most violent districts in the world to one of the most innovative. Explore your options for a private tour of Comuna 13 and book now!
How to get to Comuna 13 without a tour
If you wish to visit Comuna 13 independently, then it is easy to do so. You’ll find Comuna 13 in the west of Medellin, around 6 miles (10 kilometres) from Poblado, but despite the distance its really easy to get there on Medellin’s metro system. The closest Medellin metro station is San Javier. This is the last stop of the B line. So take the metro to San Javier.
When you exit San Javier metro station, the Comuna 13 escalators are a short 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) walk (turn left out of the metro station). The walk to the Comuna 13 escalators from the San Javier metro station takes a slow 20 minutes.
You can also take a taxi (around 5,000 COP) or take the bus number 225i or any bus with “escalares” written on it. The bus from San Javier Metro station to the escalators will cost 1,100 COP per person.
If you are taking a guided Comuna 13 tour, then most tours will either meet outside the San Javier Metro station or will meet you at the Poblado metro station.
What to see when you’re visiting Comuna 13 independently
The first things that you’ll want to do is to take the escalators. So make your way to them, either walk (it is easy, that’s what we did), take a bus, also easy or take a taxi (even easier)
There are 6 escalators. Each escalator takes just a few seconds. There are platforms at the top of each. On some platforms, there are vendors selling drinks and souvenirs. Stop and take a while at each to explore the artwork and the vendors’ offerings.
You’ll find cafes, ice creams, guarapo all offering something for sale. Also on the way up you’ll find some of the street art that COmuna 13 is so famous for.
What to Know About Comuna 13’s Street Art.
You’ll notice several motifs amongst the street art in Comuna 13.
White Cloths: These stand for the time when during the Mariscal military operation white clothes and sheets were used to stop the operation in order that residents could take their injured to hospital.
Red, Yellow & Blue: the colours of the Colombian flag
Birds: symbols for peace.
Things to do in Comuna 13
- Take a tour – take a tour from a local to get more of the inside information about transformation here and also get the local story – try this local guided tour of Comuna 13 here
- Get an ice-cream – there are several vendors selling the most fabulous ice cream. Try green mango, you don’t regret it!
- Get a guarapo – fresh-squeezed cane juice- its really refreshing.
- Get a coffee – you are, after all, in the land of coffee!
- Eat lunch in Comuna 13. You’ll find a few places to eat either at the stops on the escalators or at the bottom of them.
- Photograph the artwork that takes your fancy.
- Watch the black and white break dancing dance group at the top of escalators. Don’t forget to tip.
- Don’t wander off the beaten track. There’s a great balcony walk that you can walk around and get amazing views of the wider city of Medellin.
How long does a trip to Comuna 13 take?
You can take as long as you like. A guided tour of Comuna 13 usually lasts around 3 hours. When we took our independent trip to Comuna 13, from the time we stepped off the San Javier Metro to the time we got back on it, we’d spent around 2 hours here.
Where to Stay in Medellin, Colombia
The two key areas of the city of Medellin that are best to stay in for first-timers are El Poblado and Laureles. You’ll find a good selection of accommodation in both these areas of Medellin, plus all the infrastructure you’ll need to visit Medellin.
Where to Stay in El Poblado, Medellin
There are a host of places to stay in El Poblado, Medellin – here’s our pick of the luxury places to stay in El Poblado, Medellin, mid-range places to stay in El Poblado, Medellin, and budget accommodation in El Poblado, Medellin.
Hotel York Luxury Suites, Medellin–El Poblado: The Hotel York Luxury Suites in El Poblado units include cable TV, a kitchenette, a private bathroom with a shower, air-conditioning, and a coffee machine. This top hotel in Poblado, Medellin also has an outdoor pool, a bar, a shared lounge, and free WiFi. There’s also a restaurant and a fitness center at this fabulously luxurious hotel in El Poblado, Medellin. Read more reviews and check room rates and availability for the Hotel York in Medellin here.
Lettera Hotel, Medellin–El Poblado: The Lettera Hotel in Poblado provides accommodation with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom with a shower and hairdryer, an iron, a safety deposit box, a balcony in some rooms, an iron, a mini-bar, and a desk. This mid-range hotel in El Poblado, Medellin also offers continental breakfast, airport transfers, and free WiFi. There’s also a garden and a terrace here. Check room rates and availability for the Lettera Hotel in Medellin here.
574 Hotel, Medellin–El Poblado: The 547 Hotel is in a great location in El Poblado and this budget Medellin hotel has rooms that are spacious with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, air-conditioning, a mini-bar, bed linen and towels, and balcony in some units. The budget Medellin hotel also offers continental breakfast and there’s free WiFi. This affordable hotel also offers laundry services and this is a great budget hotel option in El Poblado. Read more reviews and check room rates here.
Where to Stay in Laureles
There are a host of places to stay in Laureles – here’s our pick of the luxury places to stay in Laureles, mid-range places to stay in Laureles, and budget accommodation in Laureles.
Inntu Hotel, Laureles, Medellin: The Inntu Hotel is centrally located in the Laureles area of Medellin and rooms here have their own private bathrooms with hairdryer, air-conditioning, sound-proofed rooms, a desk, and a flat-screen TV. This great Laureles hotel also offers laundry, dry-cleaning, and ironing services, and an on-site coffee house and restaurants for dining options. The Inntu Hotel in Laureles, Medellin, has spa facilities offering massages, spa treatments, and other wellness packages. There are great scenic views at this top Medellin hotel from both the sun terrace and garden area. The Inntu Hotel is a great luxury hotel in Laureles. See room rates and availability for the Inntu hotel here.
Hotel Laureles Plaza, Laureles, Medellin: The Hotel Laureles Plaza is in a great location in the Laureles district of Medellin–Laureles. The rooms here at Medellin’s Hotel Laureles Plaza have their own flat-screen TV, private bathroom, air-conditioning, a hot tub in some units, and a wardrobe. This mid-range Medellin hotel also serves continental or a la carte breakfast in the morning, and has an airport transfer service, family rooms, a bar, and free WiFi. The Hotel Laureles Plaza is a great hotel option in Laureles. Check out rates and availability of Hotel Laureles Plaza here.
Hotel Torre Primavera, Laureles, Medellin: The Hotel Torre Primavera is located at Calle 40 in Laureles, Medellin and is a great budget option in Laureles. The units here at the Hotel Torre Primavera include a TV, a private bathroom with hot water, maid service, and free WiFi access. If you are looking for budget-friendly accommodation, Hotel Torre Primavera is a good option when visiting Medellin. Find out more about Medellin’s Hotel Torre Primavera’s room rates and availability here.
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Final Words about Visiting Comuna 13
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Comuna 13. We found the residents and tour guides to be friendly and open. The street vendors were open, helped us with our stumbling Spanish and the guarapo and ice-cream that we bought was thoroughly enjoyable. We felt safe the entire time of our trip to Comuna 13 and had no issues or worries at all. My biggest worry was that my visit was intrusive to the local community, but that didn’t appear to be an issue at all either!
So, please understand a little more about the history and hopes of Comuna 13 and enjoy your visit!
- Why not also take a day trip to Guatape – the most popular day trip from Medellin – read our guide here.
- Looking for other things to do in Medellin? Heres our ultimate guide of things to do in Medellin
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