A Guide To Comuna 13 In Medellin, Colombia

One of the must visit places in Medellin is Comuna 13. It is a place of tragic history which took place quite recently. It is an area that was reborn through the spilling of a lot of blood; Not just of the gang members who fought over the district, but also many innocent civilians. Here is a guide to visiting Comuna 13 with information you might want to know before going.

A Short History of Comuna 13

Comuna 13 is a very famous area that at one point was named the most dangerous neighborhood in Colombia. This is the place that was run by brutal gang forces that controlled most of the drug traffic. 

All that lasted until 2002 when the Colombian government decided to launch a special operation (basically a war against the gangs) called “Orion”. The Colombian army came into this community. There were more than 3,000 troops, helicopters, and tanks. Our guide, who is a resident of Comuna 13, told us that in the first week of that operation around 20 civilians were killed, many were injured, and even more were arrested. 

You might think that there is nothing wrong with cleaning the streets from violent gangs that control the drug traffic, but the problem is that the peaceful residents were caught in the crossfire. Many of those people were killed, and many disappeared (most likely killed as well). At the time the Comuna 13 neighborhood had around 100,000 people. 

After operation “Orion” the government decided to redevelop Comuna 13. They built community centers  and promoted this area as a safe tourist spot. The problem was that Comuna 13 is a steep hillside, and it was quite difficult to get there. So, in 2011 the government installed a bunch of escalators (384 meters) that now connect this neighborhood with the outside world. 

The escalators gave the neighborhood the possibility to develop and open up to the world. Nowadays Comuna 13 is a center of artistic life in Medellin. All the streets are covered in beautiful murals that tell you the tragic history of this place.

Is It Safe To Visit Comuna 13

As I have already mentioned, Comuna 13 has become a popular tourist spot in Medellin. It is full of people that visit charming cafes, and precariously perched bars. On almost each level you will find museums and art galleries. 

My advice when you visit Comuna 13 – don’t just go to the very top, stop at each level and walk around. There are a lot of great places to see. 

You can explore Comuna 13 entirely on your own. It is super safe, people are nice, and you shouldn’t have any problems. However, I would recommend exploring this area with a local guide, since it will give you a chance to learn more about the history of this place.

Note: be aware of your surroundings, because as with everywhere in Colombia, pickpocketing is a common thing here. 

The Best Time To Visit Comuna 13

Comuna 13  can get uncomfortably crowded sometimes. So, the best time to visit this neighborhood is on weekday mornings. I do not recommend visiting Comuna 13 during the weekends, since there are way more local tourists than on weekdays. 

Things To Do In Comuna 13

Try The Local Fruit Popsicle 

Before going up to the escalators, there are a few stores that sell fruit popsicles. It is a local delight that you should get. Quite delicious, and very refreshing especially on a hot day.

Have A Drink At One Of The Bars

Comuna 13 has many great bars and cafes. I of course didn’t visit all of them, but most of them looked unique and at the same time very cozy. 

The cafes and bars here are not overpriced, so just after exploring the neighborhood go into one of them and enjoy a cold drink. Many of the places have a nice view as well. 

Visit Art Galleries And Museums

As soon as you get to Comuna 13, you will understand why it is called the heart of art in Medellin. The streets are bright with colors. Walls are covered in amazing murals that carry deep meanings. 

On each level of the neighborhood there is either a gallery, or a museum. Most of them are free to visit. Don’t be shy and explore around. Maybe you will even find some art to buy.

Go To The Top To Enjoy The View 

While you are visiting Comuna 13, you must take all the escalators and go to the top of the neighborhood. There you will find a lookout terrace. It has a very nice view of the whole neighborhood. However, it can get very crowded. 

Have a walk around as well, and see Comuna 13 from different angles. It will help you to understand the neighborhood a bit better. 

A Guide To Comuna 13 In Medellin, Colombia