The Social Transformation Tour of Comuna 13 in Medellín, Colombia, offers a unique opportunity to explore a neighborhood that’s undergone a remarkable turnaround. Led by knowledgeable guides, the immersive experience provides insights into the area’s history, art, and community resilience. Visitors can expect scenic vistas, local coffee shops, and chances to connect with residents who’ve played a role in this inspiring transformation. It’s a tour that promises to challenge perceptions and leave a lasting impression.
Key Points

- The tour offers an insightful exploration of Comuna 13, a historically violent area that has undergone a remarkable transformation driven by artists and community leaders.
- Travelers can enjoy scenic views, visit local coffee shops, sample traditional desserts, and interact with a local artist to learn about their work.
- The tour is led by professional guides in small groups (maximum 15 travelers) and includes round-trip transportation, bottled water, and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
- The experience highlights the history of Medellín and the local artwork, providing an immersive and personalized tour for visitors.
- The tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with a 5.0 rating based on 50 reviews, and is praised for its insightful commentary and memorable experiences.
Tour Overview

The Social Transformation Tour of Comuna 13 in Medellín, Colombia, provides visitors with an insightful exploration of one of the city’s historically most violent areas that has undergone a remarkable transformation.
The Social Transformation Tour of Comuna 13 in Medellín, Colombia, offers an insightful exploration of the city’s once-violent area’s remarkable transformation.
Led by professional guides, the small-group tour (maximum 15 travelers) offers personalized attention as participants discover Comuna 13’s scenic views, local coffee shops, traditional desserts, and artisan-made souvenirs.
The tour includes commentary on the area’s history and local artwork, as well as an opportunity to meet a local artist and tour their gallery.
Transportation, bottled water, and taxes are included in the $190 per person price, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Looking for more options in Medellin? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Experience Highlights

Exploring Comuna 13, historically one of Medellín’s most violent areas, travelers will discover a remarkable transformation driven by artists and community leaders.
On this tour, they’ll enjoy scenic views, visit local coffee shops, sample traditional desserts, and browse artisan-made souvenirs.
A professional guide provides insightful commentary on the history of Medellín and the local artwork, including an opportunity to meet a local artist and tour their gallery.
With round-trip transportation and bottled water included, this small group tour (maximum 15 travelers) offers a personalized and immersive experience in the revitalized Comuna 13.
Inclusions
The Social Transformation Tour of Comuna 13 includes round-trip air-conditioned transportation, providing travelers with a comfortable and convenient way to explore the area.
Bottled water is also provided throughout the tour. Hotel pickup from accommodation, hotel, or hostel is included, ensuring a seamless start to the experience.
Local taxes are covered in the tour price. While alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, they aren’t included in the tour package.
Important Information
Confirmation is received at the time of booking, unless the tour is booked within 2 days of the travel date, in which case it is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must provide their passport name, number, expiry, and country at the time of booking.
| Requirements | Details |
| — | — |
| Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible |
| Minors | Children must be accompanied by an adult |
| Passport Information | Name, number, expiry, and country required at booking |
Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase during the tour.
Reviews and Feedback
The Social Transformation Tour of Comuna 13 in Medellín, Colombia has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from travelers, with a 5.0 rating based on 50 reviews.
Reviewers have consistently praised the tour guide, Ray, for providing insightful commentary on the history and artwork of the area, making it a memorable experience.
The tour’s highlights include:
-
Exploring Comuna 13, a neighborhood transformed by artists and community leaders.
-
Experiencing scenic views, local coffee shops, traditional desserts, and artisan-made souvenirs.
-
Meeting a local artist and touring their gallery.
Exploring Comuna 13’s Transformation
Although once known as one of Medellín’s most violent areas, Comuna 13 has undergone a remarkable transformation through the efforts of local artists and community leaders. Vibrant murals now cover the walls, reflecting the neighborhood’s resilience and pride. Visitors can explore artisan shops, sample traditional desserts, and marvel at the scenic views. The tour guide’s insightful commentary brings the area’s rich history and artistic evolution to life. By engaging with the local community, travelers gain a deeper understanding of Comuna 13’s remarkable social transformation.
| Murals | Artisan Shops | Scenic Views |
| — | — | — |
| Vibrant expressions | Traditional crafts | Breathtaking vistas |
| Resilience & pride | Local culture | Medellín’s beauty |
| Artistic evolution | Unique souvenirs | Inspiring landscapes |
| Community stories | Entrepreneurial spirit | Transformative landscapes |
| Guided exploration | Immersive experience | Memorable moments |
Meeting a Local Artist
What better way to truly experience Comuna 13’s artistic transformation than by meeting a local artist? The tour includes a special opportunity to visit a local artist’s gallery and learn about their work.
Guests can:
-
Observe the artist’s creative process and gain insights into the inspiration behind their pieces.
-
Browse the gallery and purchase unique, artisan-made souvenirs to take home.
-
Engage in a dialogue with the artist, gaining a deeper understanding of Comuna 13’s vibrant cultural landscape.
This intimate interaction with a local creative provides an immersive and authentic experience that showcases the resilience and talent of the community.
Scenic Views and Local Delights
One of the highlights of the Social Transformation Tour Comuna 13 is the opportunity to take in the scenic views and indulge in local delights.
Travelers can admire the vibrant murals and street art that adorn the neighborhood’s walls. They’ll also visit cozy cafes serving up traditional Colombian coffee and desserts like obleas and arequipe.
Along the way, guides provide insightful commentary on the history and significance of the area’s transformation.
This blend of visual splendor, culinary treats, and culture makes for a truly memorable experience for visitors to Comuna 13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is allowed during the tour. Travelers can capture scenic views, local coffee shops, traditional desserts, and artisan-made souvenirs. The guide provides an opportunity to meet a local artist and tour their gallery as well.
Can Participants Interact With the Local Community?
Participants can interact with the local community during the tour. The guide facilitates opportunities to meet and speak with residents, providing insights into their lives and the transformation of the neighborhood.
Are There Any Health or Dietary Restrictions to Consider?
Participants don’t need to disclose any health or dietary restrictions. The tour includes bottled water, and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. Those with special needs should contact the tour operator for accommodation.
How Is Safety and Security Ensured During the Tour?
The tour operator prioritizes safety by providing round-trip air-conditioned transportation and a professional guide. They also limit the group size to ensure personalized attention. Travelers are advised that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Can Participants Extend or Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Participants can’t extend or customize the tour itinerary. The tour follows a fixed schedule, but travelers can discuss their interests with the guide who may offer suggestions for additional activities to do after the tour.
More Food & Drink Experiences in Medellin
- Medellin City Tour Including Barrios and Food Tasting
- Medellin Pub Crawl Including Food and City Tour
- Private Tour in Medellin With Commune 13, Museums and Coffee Tasting
- Combo Tour: Street Art, Christmas Lights and Food Tour in Medellin
- Combo Tour: Christmas Lights and Medellin City Tour Including Traditional Food
- Medellin’s Gastronomic Wonders – Experience Unique Regional Food
More Tours in Medellin
More Tour Reviews in Medellin
Still browsing? Here are more Medellin experiences we've covered recently
- Venice Dreamscape: Romantic Spa Experience for Two
- City Tour + Commune 13 Medellin
- RIO CLARO (doradal)
- Guatapé tour
- Tour Guatapé
- Tour to the Hacienda Nápoles Theme Park
- Santa Fe de Antioquia Tour with Western Bridge Visit
- Tour to Río Claro and La Caverna del Cóndor
- Marmoleo Restaurant Helicopter Tour.
- Coffee Lovers Express Coffee Tour
- Transformation Tour
- Hacienda Nápoles Tour
