To travel with a guide or not?
This is the question that seems to echo through the air like the beat of reggaeton when visiting Comuna 13, nestled in the vibrant hills northwest of Medellín.
After all, not so long ago, wandering into Comuna 13 might’ve been considered… ambitious. Let’s just say you might have come back with fewer belongings and a thrilling story you never wanted in the first place.
But times have changed. Dramatically. So let’s go ahead and settle this once and for all—is it safe to visit Comuna 13? Buckle up, because the answer might just surprise you.
Yes, it’s safe. In fact, Comuna 13 has done a full 180—from one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Colombia to one of the most visited. These days, the only thing you’re likely to lose is your breath from climbing all those stairs (although the introduction of escalators means even your breath won’t be lost!)
The reality is, if your main concern is safety, you absolutely don’t need a guide to explore Comuna 13. Honestly, this might just be the most tourist-saturated spot in all of Medellín. Far from feeling tense or looking over your shoulder, you’re more likely to be stuck behind a group lining up for mango with lime, or expertly dodging selfie sticks as you weave through the crowd. It’s not edgy—it’s busy. Think art, music, and empanadas… and a few hundred fellow wanderers all doing the exact same thing.
Getting there
Getting to the start of the walk into the comuna is blissfully easy—especially if you’re staying in El Poblado. Just grab an Uber, kick back, and in about 30 to 40 minutes (depending on traffic and divine intervention), you’ll be cruising northwest for around USD $7. The driver will usually drop you near Calle 39 and Carrera 109, just before they risk entering the no-go zone for Ubers—aka where the taxi mafia starts giving side-eye.
From there, just follow Carrera 109 uphill. You’ll know you’re on the right track when the crowds get thicker and the stalls louder, overflowing with everything from arepas to t-shirts emblazoned with Colombia’s red, yellow, and blue. It’s not just a walk—it’s an event.
What to expect
First things first—get ready for souvenirs. And I mean a lot of souvenirs. We’re talking entire stalls packed to the brim with everything imaginable sporting Colombia’s tricolour, Medellín slogans, or bold “Comuna 13” tags. Hats, t-shirts, fridge magnets, coffee mugs, even socks—if it can be printed on, it’s here.
As you begin your ascent, you’ll weave your way up the hillside via a series of interconnected outdoor escalators, which feel equal parts sci-fi and street fair. At every level, expect to find at least one shop, a handful of cafés, possibly a bar, and definitely someone selling arepas. This is not a power walk—it’s a slow, joyful climb filled with distractions.
Eventually, you’ll reach the top of the escalators, where you’re faced with a choice: left or right. Here’s the tip—go right. It’s a scenic path built right out from the hillside, with a steady (but manageable) incline and loads to see. Along the way, you’ll pass panoramic lookouts, quirky bars with killer views, more artwork, and even more street vendors who somehow manage to sell the same items you saw five minutes ago—but with slightly more enthusiasm.
The walkway snakes along the hillside, dipping between houses, bars, and cafés, always with new surprises around each bend. Keep going—the crowds soon dissipate as your groups cant be bothered to walk the extra 10 minutes, the feeling gets slightly more local and gives you a better feel for the everyday vibe of the neighborhood.
So do you need a guide to visit Comuna 13?
Let’s circle back to that big question: Do you need a guide to visit Comuna 13?
In short? No.
You don’t need one to feel safe, and you definitely won’t find yourself lost in some dark alley wondering where it all went wrong. The truth is, this place is as tourist-friendly as it gets—busy, buzzing, and bustling with people just like you, soaking up the art and energy.
That said, a guide can absolutely add value—they’ll point out hidden murals you might otherwise miss, lead you to the best rooftop bar for a cold beer and a killer view, and give you a deeper understanding of the neighborhood’s powerful, gritty history. So if you’re curious and want the full story, go for it.
But if your only reason for hiring a guide is safety? Save your pesos. You’ll be just fine. Grab your camera, pack your curiosity, and get ready to walk, snack, stare, and smile your way through one of Medellín’s most unforgettable neighborhoods.