Description
Comuna 13 has become a synonym of transformation and resilience and a definite must-visit for travelers in Medellín. On this tour you will immerse into this inspiring place, visiting three different neighborhoods within the Comuna and learning beyond its history directly from impressive artists who led impactful projects that managed to transform Colombia’s most feared district.
The tour starts at the highest part of the Comuna, Nuevos Conquistadores neighborhood. At this place, you can see Medellín’s rural outskirts and have a privileged view over Comuna 13 and the entire city. Descending by foot though the intricate streets of the comuna where mass tourism has not arrived, you will learn the impressive story of how hip-hop and musical culture helped local youth and led into a more peaceful context. You will understand the dimensions of the transformation as you hear the locals narrating the rough context that they had to face years before due to gang wars, paramilitary groups, and urban guerillas.
Then, we will visit Sonbata’s urban gardening project at the roofs of local homes, and learn about the innovative model. After having a refreshing popsicle it’s time for the action. We will join one of the senior instructors of the school of arts and learn some rhythms through persuasion or dance, using the same methodology they use with local youth.
To finish off, we will walk from there to the well-know and bustling area of the comuna displaying graffities and murals depicting the story of the Comuna, and full of shops, galleries and souvenir stores. There we will see the stark contrast of the two faces of the community and get to enjoy the lively local vibe with views over the city.
Important information
How this tour creates an impact
The leaders of the Afro Tour in Comuna 13 have built an impressive project that creates an impact in the community in several ways. The funds of the tour support to Son batá foundation that creates artistic initiatives with children and young adults. The intention behind this is to create alternative activities for the violence and gang context through music and dance with a mix between afro Colombian culture and urban environment. Other social groups from Comuna 13 also contribute to the tour, such as the women-led gastronomic initiative that provides delicious snacks to visitors. This way, your immersive experience in the community contributes to making art and social projects flourish.
This experience is part of our HEART experiences.
Cancellation policies
This experience can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
Reviews
The following reviews are real and have been verified. They are pulled from our online profiles at Trip Advisor and Google Business.
Catarina Rivera | Medellin | Jan 2024
Fantastic Private Tour with Doriel
★★★★★
We had a great time on this private tour with Doriel. He was super knowledgeable and easy to interact with. He was flexible with spending more time on things we were interested in. Lunch was filling and delicious. We felt like we got a great overview of Medellín and think this is a good beginning tour.
Catarina Rivera | Medellin | Jan 2024
Fantastic Private Tour with Doriel
★★★★★
This tour was unforgettable and super special. We appreciated having a local community tour guide, hearing his stories, and learning all about Son Batá. The percussion lesson was the most fun part! We had epic views throughout the tour and felt like we were in a local neighborhood. There were an incredible amount of steps, so please be warned that this will be difficult if you have mobility issues. This was the highlight of our stay in Medellín and we enthusiastically recommend it!
W3782WUamandam | Bogota | Jan 2024
Great time in Bogota
★★★★★
My son and I had a great tour of Bogota with Gigio. He was very friendly and knowledgeable. Our driver Andres was excellent. I highly recommend them for your tour.
Explore63232633506 | Medellin | Dec 2023
Experience the reality of a transforming community
★★★★★
This was the best experience of the visit to Medellin. Our guide through the Comuna was an activist and a community organizer, giving us insights into the lives of the residents. We appreciated and were inspired by his commitment to the people of his community.
cindycP6349XC | Bogotá, medellin | Nov 2023
One of our most memorable trips-and we travel a lot
★★★★★
We had the most amazing tour planned by Juliana with Raoul Posse as our guide in Bogota and Anna Christina in Medellín. The focus was on Weaving Peace had multiple profound experiences, where we witnessed and interacted with people that are working towards and making progress in healing their communities and their country from their painful, violent history. In addition, we went to a coffee farm and had a great bike ride with Marco and Ana Maria outside of Medellín. It was a perfect trip. The guides went the extra mile for us, taking photos, recommending music and attending concerts with us (which was not part of the program). We loved Colombia and plan to return. Impulse Agency was a find and would use them again in a heartbeat.
Ricky Fishman | bogota, medellin | Nov 2023
Just magical
★★★★★
When we decided to visit Colombia I searched for a local agency that was aligned with our interests in culture, history, both old and contemporary and importantly, social justice. Impulse took care if all of it!! We spent ten days in Bogota and Medellín and surrounds [...]
But what really stood out were the incredible guides we had. Raul in Bogota and Marcos, Ana Maria and Ana Cristina in Medellin. Mature, hip, knowledgeable and fun!! We learned so much. I have only one complaint: we needed more time to explore more of this amazing country. We will be back. And will definitely be using Impulse again!
Margarita Cancino from Colombia | Medellin | Sep 2023
Experiences for adventurous souls
★★★★★
For a year now I have traveled and made experiences with IMPULSE and without a doubt they are moments that fill the mind and heart. Understanding, knowing and traveling around Colombia connecting with people I never imagined connecting with, knowing incredible places and entering deeply into the culture of the places I have visited have made me understand from other realities many places, from Medellin and Afrotur, to meet the guys from MORAVIA and connect with their realities. I recommend it for all people who have adventurous spirits and want to connect on a more personal level with the spaces, people and traditions in Colombia.
MomMD2003 | Medellin | Aug 2023
Much deeper dive into the communa!
★★★★★
African Music Roots Private Tour in Comuna 13, Medellin. This was an amazing tour that gave you the history of the communa 13 community with an emphasis on the emergence of an Afro Colombian culture there. It was physically demanding walking and climbing through the narrow walkways amongst the houses, so not for the physically challenged. We got to the touristy part of the tour and I was so glad we had spent the majority of our tour learning about the communa. It was crowded, commercial and loud. The artwork was beautiful but you could hardly appreciate it because of all the people everywhere. If you’re going for the cart, go early in the day! In the end, this particular communa 13 tour was worth the effort!
