The City Tour + Commune 13 in Medellín promises an immersive exploration of the city’s vibrant culture and history. Visitors can expect to discover iconic landmarks, explore the artistic heart of Commune 13, and gain insights into Medellín’s remarkable transformation. With professional guides, convenient transportation, and lunch included, this tour offers a comprehensive experience that provides a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage. Whether you’re interested in Medellín’s architecture, street art, or community spirit, this tour has a lot to offer.

Contents show

Key Points

Comprehensive city tour of Medellín, Colombia, including visits to key sights such as the Metro system, Plaza Botero, and Pueblito Paisa.
Highlight of the tour is a visit to Commune 13, known for its vibrant graffiti and communal stairs.
Tour includes transportation, entry fees, and lunch, with the option for hotel pickups from select locations.
Professional and local guides provide insights into the history and culture of Medellín and Commune 13.
Customer reviews indicate mixed opinions on guide knowledge, food quality, and language barriers, but recommendations for contacting the tour operator for better pricing.

Tour Overview

The City Tour + Commune 13 Medellin offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the vibrant city of Medellín, Colombia.

The tour covers key sights, including the Metro system, Plaza Botero, River Parks, Barefoot Park, and the historic Pueblito Paisa.

The highlight is a visit to Commune 13, known for its striking graffiti and communal stairs.

With a professional guide and a local guide for Commune 13, travelers can explore the city’s history and culture.

The tour includes transportation, entry fees, and lunch, providing a hassle-free and immersive experience for up to 40 participants.

Want to see more of Medellin? Here are other city tours we've reviewed

Inclusions

This City Tour + Commune 13 Medellin package includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation.

You’ll gain access to the Metro and Metro Cable, allowing you to explore Medellin’s key sights. The tour visits Commune 13, known for its vibrant graffiti and community stairs.

Other stops include Plaza Botero, River Parks, Barefoot Park, and Pueblito Paisa. A professional tour guide and local guide for Commune 13 provide expertise throughout the day.

A medical assistance card is included, and lunch is provided, though breakfast is not. Any additional services not specified are also covered.

Meeting and Pickup

Hotel pickups are available from select locations in La 70, Laureles, Estadio, and El Poblado areas.

Hotel pickups are offered from select areas in La 70, Laureles, Estadio, and El Poblado neighborhoods.

Pickup points include Poblado Station (Juanito Comelón) at 8:00 am, El Poblado Park (Av Poblado) at 8:10 am, Floresta Station (Masapan Bakery) at 8:20 am, Estadio Station (Bakery Bakery) at 8:50 am, and Hotel 47 Medellín Street (Central Zone) at 8:50 am.

Travelers should arrive 10 minutes before the indicated pickup time.

Tour guides wear royal blue t-shirts with the "Viajes Maxitours" logo, making them easily identifiable.

Tour Details

The tour starts promptly at 8:00 am and accommodates a maximum of 40 travelers.

Participants will be picked up from various meeting points in the city, including Poblado Station, El Poblado Park, Floresta Station, and Estadio Station. Guests must arrive 10 minutes before the designated time.

The tour is led by professional guides wearing royal blue t-shirts with "Viajes Maxitours" insignia. The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and infants can sit on laps.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Customer Feedback

What do customers say about this tour? Feedback is mixed, with some positive comments on the guide’s knowledge and tour organization.

However, a language barrier is noted, as the tour is primarily conducted in Spanish.

Plus, there are mixed reviews on the quality of the food served at the included restaurants.

Customers recommend the following:

Contact the tour operator, Maxitour, directly for better pricing options.
Be prepared for primarily Spanish-speaking guides during the tour.
Manage expectations regarding the food quality at the included lunch.

There's plenty more to explore in Medellin

Pricing

One starting price for the City Tour + Commune 13 Medellín experience is £29.77 per person.

The tour offers a Lowest Price Guarantee, ensuring customers get the best deal. Flexible payment options are available, allowing travelers to reserve their spot now and pay later.

The pricing appears competitive, especially considering the inclusions like air-conditioned transportation, entrance fees, and a guided tour.

Some customers have suggested contacting the tour operator, Maxitours, directly for potentially better pricing.

Exploring Commune 13

A highlight of the City Tour + Commune 13 Medellín experience is the exploration of Commune 13, a formerly impoverished neighborhood that has transformed through vibrant street art and community revitalization efforts.

Visitors can admire the colorful murals and graffiti that adorn the walls, conveying messages of resilience and hope. The communal stairs, once a site of violence, now serve as a gathering place for the local community.

Three key experiences in Commune 13 include:

Discovering the powerful street art that reflects the neighborhood’s history and identity.
Climbing the communal stairs and taking in the panoramic views of Medellín.
Engaging with the local guides who share the inspiring story of Commune 13’s transformation.

Discovering Medellin’s Highlights

Beyond exploring the vibrant Commune 13, the City Tour + Commune 13 Medellín experience showcases Medellin’s other renowned attractions.

Travelers visit Plaza Botero, a public square home to Fernando Botero’s iconic sculptures. They wander through the River Parks, green spaces along the Medellín River.

The tour also includes a stop at Barefoot Park, a unique urban oasis where visitors can take off their shoes and connect with nature.

Finally, the group explores Pueblito Paisa, a replica of a traditional Antioquian town, offering insights into the region’s cultural heritage.

The expert guides provide in-depth commentary throughout the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Based on the tour details, it doesn’t appear that bringing your own food and drinks is allowed. The tour includes lunch, so you will likely need to rely on the provided meals and refreshments during the day.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any specific discounts for children or seniors. However, infants can sit on laps during the tour. Pricing is based on a per-person rate, so families may want to inquire about group discounts.

How Much Time Is Typically Spent at Each Location?

The tour typically spends around 1 hour at each location, allowing travelers to explore the sites and interact with the local guides. The total tour duration is approximately 6-7 hours, including transit between destinations.

Is the Tour Guide Fluent in English?

The tour guide’s level of English fluency is mixed, according to some customer feedback. While primarily Spanish is spoken during the tour, the guide may have variable English proficiency to assist non-Spanish speakers.

Can I Leave the Group and Explore on My Own During the Tour?

Participants are generally expected to stay with the group during the tour. Leaving the group would not be recommended, as the guide provides valuable information and ensures the group’s safety and timely transportation. However, visitors should confirm the tour’s policies with the operator beforehand.

The Sum Up

The City Tour + Commune 13 in Medellín offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the city’s vibrant culture and rich history. With professional guides, convenient transportation, and a delicious lunch, the tour provides a comprehensive glimpse into Medellín’s remarkable transformation, from the iconic Plaza Botero to the captivating graffiti-adorned walls of Commune 13. This unforgettable adventure celebrates the resilience and creativity of the Medellín community.