Comuna 13 Medellín: how to get there and what to see

What is Comuna 13 of Medellín

Comuna 13 of Medellín, officially Comuna 13 San Javier, is located in the west of the city, on the mountainside. It comprises 21 neighborhoods, including Las Independencias, El Salado, Juan XXIII, and Veinte de Julio, and covers about 700 hectares.

For years, it was the scene of clashes between militias, paramilitaries, and public forces. In October 2002, Operation Orion, a military operation, took place here, resulting in deaths, injuries, and disappearances, and it remains a central part of the neighborhood's memory. Many of the murals you will see speak of that history.

The transformation came with mobility projects that connected the hillside with the rest of Medellín:

• The San Javier metro station, in service since 1996.
• The J line of the Metrocable, inaugurated in March 2008.
• The open-air escalators of Las Independencias, opened in December 2011.

Today, the area of Las Independencias is one of the most visited spots in the city, with murals, music, hip hop, artist shops, and street food, but it remains a neighborhood where people live.

How to get to Comuna 13 by metro

The easiest way to get to Comuna 13 is by the Medellín metro:

1. Take line A to the San Antonio station, in the center.
2. Switch to line B at the same station, direction San Javier.
3. Get off at San Javier, the final station of line B.

From the station to the escalators of Las Independencias, it's a bit more than a kilometer, almost all uphill. You can walk, take a neighborhood bus, or a taxi. If you're with a tour, the guide usually waits for you at the San Javier station.

Another option is the J line of the Metrocable, which departs from the same San Javier station and passes over the upper part of the comuna, with a stop at Juan XXIII. It's a good way to see the hillside from above before or after the walking tour.

The metro operates Monday to Saturday from 4:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sundays and holidays from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., according to the Metro de Medellín. To pay, use the Cívica card or buy the ticket at the booth; check the current fare at the station.

Bus to the Airport with COMBUSES

Arriving at José María Córdova Airport? Take the COMBUSES bus to Hotel Nutibara, next to Plaza Botero, walk to Parque Berrío station, and continue by metro to San Javier. Ticket from 20,000 COP with luggage included.

Buy your ticket →

Escalators and Graffitour

The escalators of Comuna 13 are located in the Las Independencias neighborhood. They consist of six open-air sections totaling about 384 meters, replacing a climb equivalent to hundreds of steps. They were inaugurated by the Mayor's Office of Medellín in December 2011, and according to Telemedellín, in 2025 they received 1,981,579 visitors, more than half of whom were foreigners.

In 2026, they completed their first comprehensive maintenance since opening: all equipment was reviewed, and 350 concrete steps were replaced. However, some sections may be under maintenance on the day of your visit.

Around the escalators is the graffitour, a tour of the neighborhood's murals. It is offered by local guides and collectives, such as the hip hop cultural house Casa Kolacho, who explain the meaning of each work and the history of the comuna. You can walk on your own, but with a neighborhood guide, you understand much better what you are seeing, and the money stays in the community.

• There are art, clothing, and souvenir shops made by local people.
• On the street, they sell juices, ice cream, and typical food.
• The viewpoints offer a wide view of the west of Medellín.

Tips for Visiting Comuna 13

Comuna 13 receives thousands of visitors: according to some estimates, up to 6,000 people can arrive in a day on weekends. These tips help you enjoy it and respect those who live there:

• Go early: in the morning, there are fewer people and less heat on the climbs.
• Hire a local guide: look for tours from neighborhood collectives and agree on the price before starting.
• Ask for permission before photographing people, especially children and neighbors in their homes.
• Shop at neighborhood businesses: it's the most direct way to support the community.
• Wear comfortable shoes: there are stairs, ramps, and steep streets.
• Bring cash in small bills for tips, drinks, and small purchases.
• Take care of your belongings as in any crowded place and stay in areas with tourist activity.

Reserve at least half a day. If you want to combine it with the city center, from San Javier you can reach San Antonio station in a few minutes and from there to Parque Berrío, next to Plaza Botero.

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Photo: Bernard Gagnon (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)