Comuna 13 Escalators - Image 1
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Comuna 13 Escalators Medellín

4.7
·1k reviews·Medellín, Colombia

A vibrant testament to resilience, Comuna 13 dazzles with its colorful street art and iconic outdoor escalators, transforming a once-troubled neighbor...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdMedium
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Comuna 13 Escalators - Image 1

Comuna 13 Escalators Medellín

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant testament to resilience, Comuna 13 dazzles with its colorful street art and iconic outdoor escalators, transforming a once-troubled neighborhood into a cultural hub.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"An amazing transformation of the neighborhood by the resilient people of Comuna 13!!! Fun, engaging, entertaining, and amazing!!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring Comuna 13.

Consider a Guided Tour 🚶

Local guides offer deep insights into the history and art. Many tours are available in multiple languages.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Outdoor Escalators

Outdoor Escalators

Main thoroughfare

Glide up the vibrant, graffiti-covered escalators for breathtaking city views and a unique urban experience.

Street Art Galleries

Street Art Galleries

Throughout the neighborhood

Marvel at the dynamic murals and graffiti art that tell the story of Comuna 13's transformation.

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Top of the escalators

Soak in sweeping vistas of Medellín from the highest points, offering a stunning perspective of the sprawling city.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Energy (and Crowds!)

Comuna 13 is a vibrant, bustling hub. Expect crowds, especially on weekends. Embrace the lively atmosphere, but be prepared for noise and a constant flow of people. Consider visiting on a weekday for a slightly less intense experience. Reddit

Navigate with Ease

The iconic outdoor escalators are the main attraction, making the steep climb accessible. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the colorful streets. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Crowd
Medium
When
Late morning
Why
Catch the energy, avoid peak heat
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

I was in Medellin, Colombia and attempted one of the most unusual hikes I've done... an unguided "urban" hike up 28 stories winding through what used to be the most dangerous neighbourhood in the world... what an amazing experience! [Medellin, COLOMBIA]

Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring Comuna 13. Reddit

Consider a Guided Tour 🚶

Local guides offer deep insights into the history and art. Many tours are available in multiple languages. Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting the Comuna 13

reddit.com

Quick trip Medellín, Colombia this weekend, this was most of what I got to see.

Go to the Top! ⬆️

Don't stop halfway! The views from the top of the escalators are spectacular and worth the climb. Reddit

Stay Hydrated 💧

Medellín can be warm. Bring water or be prepared to buy it frequently from vendors. Reddit

reddit.com

Solo Travelling to Medellin - This December | Advice & Recomendations

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring Comuna 13. Reddit

Consider a Guided Tour 🚶

Local guides offer deep insights into the history and art. Many tours are available in multiple languages. Reddit

Go to the Top! ⬆️

Don't stop halfway! The views from the top of the escalators are spectacular and worth the climb. Reddit

Stay Hydrated 💧

Medellín can be warm. Bring water or be prepared to buy it frequently from vendors. Reddit

Embrace the Vibe ✨

It's lively and can be chaotic, but that's part of the charm. Go with the flow and enjoy the energy. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Comuna 13 is celebrated for its incredible transformation, vibrant street art, and the unique experience of its outdoor escalators. Visitors are inspired by the community's resilience and the lively atmosphere, though some find the crowds and noise overwhelming. It's a must-visit for its cultural significance and stunning urban art. Reddit

"Very busy, very crowded, but very eclectic and lively with lots to see and do, so balance ♎️ Go all the way up the escalators (climb the stairs may be faster depending on volume of people) for a city wide view and vantage point of all of the statues such as Pachamama and stay only a awhile if you feel drained by so much noise - ducked in a few less busy cafes where I could chill for a bit amidst the hustle and bustle. Despite the “chaos” everyone seems to be very relaxed so you just move with the flow and it’s all good but seriously if you are not a slow walker you may find yourself beelining through out of impatience at some point - or simply wanting to just sit and take in the views for a bit"

Sarah H

"What an amazing transformation of the neighborhood by the resilient people of Comuna 13 !!! Fun, engaging, entertaining, and amazing!!!"

Laura Quisenberry (Laura)

"I'm glad I came here.

I wish there were a few more public bulletins explaining what has transpired here (or it's possible I missed them).

Lots of tours through the area in several languages.
Lots of art to see.
Tons of shops and trinkets/souvenirs.

And of course, excellent views of Medellin."

Carl H

What People Like

Inspiring transformation
Vibrant street art
Unique escalators

What People Dislike

Very crowded
Can be noisy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way is to take the Metro to the San Javier station. From there, it's a short walk or a quick taxi/bus ride to the entrance of the Comuna 13 escalators. Many visitors find the Metro to be efficient and affordable. Reddit

Yes, taxis are readily available throughout Medellín. You can hail one on the street or use ride-sharing apps. Inform your driver you want to go to the 'Escaleras de la Comuna 13' or 'San Javier' area. Reddit

Several local bus routes serve the San Javier area, which is near Comuna 13. However, navigating these can be tricky for tourists. The Metro is generally recommended for ease of access. Reddit

Comuna 13 has undergone significant transformation and is now a popular tourist destination. While it's generally safe, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, as you would in any major city. Reddit

The iconic outdoor escalators are the primary mode of transport within Comuna 13, making it easy to ascend the hillside. Walking is also essential to explore the vibrant streets and admire the art. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Comuna 13 and its outdoor escalators is free. You can explore the area at your own pace without purchasing admission tickets. Reddit

Yes, numerous guided tours are offered by local residents and companies. Prices vary, but many offer free walking tours (tip-based) or paid tours that include more in-depth historical context and art explanations. Reddit

The outdoor escalators in Comuna 13 operate daily, typically from early morning until late evening. It's best to check local listings for the most up-to-date hours, but they are generally accessible throughout the day. Reddit

Yes, you can visit on weekends, but be prepared for significantly larger crowds. Weekdays are often recommended for a more relaxed experience. Reddit

The street art is part of the public space in Comuna 13 and is free to view. You can wander through the neighborhood and admire the murals without any admission charge. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The vibrant street art, the colorful escalators, and the panoramic city views from the top are all prime photo opportunities. Look for unique murals and capture the lively atmosphere. Reddit

It's generally polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially if they are not actively engaged in a performance or selling something. Be respectful of people's privacy. Reddit

Late morning or early afternoon often provides good natural light for capturing the colorful art. However, the energy of the place is also captivating at other times. Reddit

Using drones in densely populated urban areas like Comuna 13 can be restricted due to safety and privacy concerns. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone. Reddit

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide street scenes and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the expansive murals and cityscapes. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You'll find a variety of local Colombian street food, snacks, and small eateries. Try arepas, empanadas, and fresh fruit juices. There are also cafes offering coffee and light meals. Reddit

While Comuna 13 is more known for its street food and snacks, you can find some small restaurants offering traditional Colombian dishes. For a wider selection of restaurants, consider exploring other neighborhoods like Laureles or El Poblado. Reddit

Several small cafes are scattered throughout Comuna 13, offering Colombian coffee. Look for places with outdoor seating to enjoy the atmosphere while you sip. Reddit

You can often find vegetarian options like cheese arepas or fruit-based snacks. Vegan options might be more limited, but fresh fruit juices are usually a safe bet. Reddit

Eating street food and snacks in Comuna 13 is generally very affordable. Restaurant prices will be higher but still reasonable compared to many international cities. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Comuna 13 offers a visually stimulating and engaging experience for families. The colorful street art and the novelty of the outdoor escalators are sure to capture children's attention. It's a great place to teach kids about art, community transformation, and resilience in a fun, interactive way. Reddit

Tips for families: Wear comfortable shoes for everyone, as there's a lot of walking. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as exploring can be tiring. Consider a guided tour that is family-friendly, as guides can often tailor their stories to keep younger audiences engaged. Be mindful of crowds, especially on weekends, and keep a close eye on children.

🚶 Budget Travelers

Comuna 13 is an excellent destination for budget travelers as the main attractions – the escalators and street art – are free to access. You can explore the entire area without spending a dime on admission. Reddit

Saving money: Opt for free walking tours (tip your guide generously!) instead of paid ones. Enjoy delicious and affordable street food like empanadas and arepas. Utilize Medellín's efficient and inexpensive Metro system to get to and from Comuna 13, rather than relying solely on taxis.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Transformation of Comuna 13

Comuna 13, once one of Medellín's most dangerous neighborhoods, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Through community initiatives, public art, and the installation of outdoor escalators, it has become a symbol of resilience and hope. The vibrant street art, created by local and international artists, not only beautifies the area but also tells stories of its past struggles and its bright future. Reddit

The outdoor escalators, a groundbreaking urban development project, have significantly improved the quality of life for residents by making it easier to navigate the steep hillsides. This project, along with the focus on art and culture, has turned Comuna 13 into a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness this incredible urban renewal firsthand. Reddit

Visitors often express awe at the resilience of the community and the positive energy that now permeates the neighborhood. It's a powerful reminder of how art, infrastructure, and community spirit can drive profound social change. Reddit

Navigating the Escalators and Art

The outdoor escalators are the star attraction, providing a unique and accessible way to explore the steep inclines of Comuna 13. As you ascend, you'll be immersed in a kaleidoscope of vibrant street art. Every wall seems to be a canvas, showcasing intricate murals, bold graffiti, and powerful messages that reflect the neighborhood's history and spirit. Reddit

Take your time to wander through the narrow alleyways and staircases branching off the main escalator path. This is where you'll discover hidden artistic gems and experience the authentic charm of the community. Many local artists have studios or display their work here, offering a glimpse into their creative process. Reddit

Don't rush your visit. Allow yourself to get lost in the colorful labyrinth, interact with local vendors, and soak in the lively atmosphere. The journey up is as much about the art and the views as it is about experiencing the transformed urban landscape of Comuna 13. Reddit

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