Communa 13 (Medellin, Colombia)

Every guide book (and anyone who has been to Medellín) will recommend the neighborhood of Comuna 13 (San Javier), a place covered in vibrant graffiti and street art. I’m no different from them! That said, I do have advice.

If you decide to visit, skip the donation-based group tours marketed as free tours. Instead, walk around the neighborhood with a friend or a private tour guide. A donation-based group tour will take you on a specific loop around the neighborhood, and you will only get to see a small amount of street art, arguably the least interesting stuff. If you are into art and you want to know more information about the pieces, consider using the Google Lens option on your phone which will just require you to take a picture of the image and information available online will be provided to you. If needed, for instructions on how to do so click here for Android and here for iPhone.

A highlight of the tour loop was the stop to see a breakdancing performance by Black and White C13 (Instagram as @blackandwhitec13). Click on the video below and let me know in the comments below on a scale of 1 to 10 whether you think the group is worth stopping to watch.

Lastly, on your way in or out of the Comuna 13, make sure you stop at Cremas Donna and get one of Donna’s fresh icy fruit juice pops. Ask anyone and they will direct you to the shop. The mango flavor I had was the most popular, and I could taste why.

Comuna 13 is located in Zone 4 of Medellín, along the western fringes of the city. To get there, take the metro to San Javier metro station. From there, it’s a 15 to 20-minute walk to the foot of the escalators in the neighborhood, where your journey will begin. Or you can take a bus (221i or 225i), or a cheap taxi.

#Colombia

#Medellin