Comuna 13 Struggle and Splendor
Join this half-day tour to learn how Medellin's Comuna 13 went from being the city's most dangerous district to become a symbol of resilience and transformation as you walk the territory with a local.
Description
Embark on an immersive journey through the layered history of Comuna 13, a neighborhood in Medellín that serves as a testament to resilience amidst adversity. This tour goes beyond the surface, offering a nuanced understanding of the community's evolution from a troubled past to a beacon of hope for urban renewal, all while navigating the complexities of tourism's impact.
Your exploration begins with a scenic Metrocable ride to San Javier station, providing a bird's-eye view of Comuna 13's transformation. Accompanied by our knowledgeable bilingual guide, you'll gain insights into the neighborhood's turbulent history and ongoing efforts towards social and infrastructural development.
As you descend to street level, our local guide from Comuna 13 will lead you through the colorful streets adorned with vibrant murals, each telling a story of resilience and struggle against the backdrop of gentrification. Along the way, you'll hear firsthand accounts of the community's complex relationship with tourism and the challenges it brings.
Venturing off the tourist path, you'll visit community initiatives like SORA, where you'll witness the neighborhood's commitment to supporting its most vulnerable members through various social services. Here, against the backdrop of breathtaking panoramic views, you'll contemplate the delicate balance between tourism and local well-being.
Next, you'll explore "El Parche," a social entrepreneurship brewery that embodies the community's efforts to harness the benefits of tourism for local development. Despite the hurdles of maintaining authenticity, initiatives like these showcase the resilience and creativity of Comuna 13's residents.
The tour concludes at El Topo, a dynamic creative space where art and activism converge. Here, you'll witness the transformative power of culture and education through the work of local artists and projects like "13 Sueños," inspiring hope for the community's future amidst the pressures of external fascination.
Join us for a journey through Comuna 13 that transcends mere tourism, inviting you to engage thoughtfully, appreciate responsibly, and contribute positively to the ongoing narrative of a neighborhood in flux.
Included
- Knowledgeable guide
- Public transportation rides
- Local Guide from Comuna 13
Not Included
- Private transportation
Important information
We can arrange private transportation from and to your hotel for an additional cost. The local guide doesn’t speak English, our guide will serve as a translator. If you have an academic trip or a larger group, please contact us! There are some interesting additions.
How this tour creates an impact
This Tour is made in collaboration with a Comuna Project. A local non-profit whose mission is to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of Medellin's Comuna 13 through workshops and free courses. It currently has five open spaces for learning, where they teach: guitar, piano, singing, music production, crafts, drawing, English and office automation, to about 300 people. When booking this tour, we employ beneficiaries of their programs and make an economic contribution for their operations.
This tour is part of our HEART experiences.
Additional information
Things to bring:
- Comfortable shoes and clothes
- Sunscreen
- Rain poncho or umbrella
Cancellation policies(Free cancellation available)
This experience can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Reviews
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