Graffiti Tour of Commune 13, Medellín: A Detailed Review (Photos & Video)

So, you are planning a trip to Medellín, Colombia, huh? And it looks like you are thinking about hitting up the Graffiti Tour in Commune 13? You know, that tour, that just about everybody says you have to do? Well, you’ve come to the right place because, in this review, that gives a little extra attention to detail, I’m going to walk you through what you can expect. I will cover everything from the history to, you know, practical tips. Basically, this is all with the goal of helping you decide if it is, like your thing and to help make the most of your visit. I am also sprinkling this with personal insights and perspectives. I am adding the photographs and drone video that, I mean, honestly, they’re meant to almost give you the feeling of being there, but not really.

What Is Commune 13? A Quick Look Back

Commune 13, too? It is not just any neighborhood; that’s, you know, for certain. It is a district in Medellín with, like, a profoundly significant, complicated past. You know, back in the day, this area was almost a hotspot for violence. That’s because you have all of these gangs, paramilitary groups, and drug cartels kind of making the lives of people who lived there a real challenge, if I’m being nice. As a matter of fact, arguably one of the lowest points was Operation Orion in 2002. So, it involved, the army and police attempting to remove those armed groups, which honestly ended in terrible bloodshed, to be honest.

But honestly, the Commune 13 is a place where you can see real hope. Like, it is experiencing this transformation through art and community-led initiatives. It is almost the embodiment of resilience, alright? Street art and graffiti ended up becoming ways that people could tell their stories and also to claim back their space. The area used to be a war zone and is now arguably a beacon of hope.

Booking Your Tour: How, When, and Why

Okay, let’s talk tours because you might just be wondering what your options even are. Honestly, there are a bunch of ways you can get this figured out. I mean, there’s online booking through places like Viator or GetYourGuide. Maybe there is something where you wait until you’re in Medellín and arrange the tour, maybe through your hotel or hostel? The tour companies you find just by walking around? In my opinion, booking in advance has its perks, arguably, but in reality, so does going with a local operator. Like, you often get a more authentic experience with local guides, alright?

Anyway, it might be worth considering doing the tour on a weekday rather than on a weekend. See, weekends is when it is a bit more crowded and you know, the local guides sometimes have another engagement. Anyway, also, it depends on how much you are interested in what the tour guide has to offer, which may, well, be the whole reason to go!

What to Expect: A Walkthrough of the Tour

Okay, so, when you set off on your tour of Commune 13, there are a few things you might like, see, and experience. First, the guides will walk you through some of the history. But second, you will see the Escaleras Electricas. That is a series of outdoor escalators. That might sound pretty not-amazing, but basically they were created to, you know, just really change life in the commune. This area, where people could never bring in basic necessities because it was so difficult to travel, suddenly had, you know, just slightly more efficient means of existing. But, so, too, it gave rise to all the paintings around the walkways. What was, frankly, a dark place, might just be one of the most beautiful in the world. Now, that beauty might seem, or even be, superficial, but the difference is profound. This all means the area can attract tourists from around the world! Then, because these tourists might just want some entertainment or to make the trip with another person special, you often find, so, too, some street performers.

So, while there are people walking around trying to show you art, or otherwise entice you, in general you can walk around this space any time of the day. People there are still working to survive in their world, they just finally might, possibly, be able to actually thrive instead.

Must-See Murals and Their Stories

The murals of Commune 13 tell you, like, real, compelling stories. You know, that piece of art with, very, vibrant colors that symbolizes hope and transformation, or, maybe the somber portraits that, maybe, kind of, show the suffering and the loss of the people over the decades, those all have their stories to tell. You will find that your local guide will probably explain the meaning behind them. Anyway, that’s why having somebody who understands the area so well, who knows the stories of all the people who live there and contribute to the world that exists within the physical bounds of the area is so wonderful.

I will say, though, that you should pay special attention to pieces that, in some respects, reference Operation Orion. I mean, it had to have had a real influence on the people, you know? Like, that is one of the main events they refer back to as the thing that changed their world forever.

Safety and Respect: Key Considerations for Visitors

Yes, Commune 13 has just really been transformed, but honestly, it is also important to remember to approach it with respect and be really aware of your safety. I mean, stick to the tour routes and avoid wandering off on your own because you could just, in reality, find yourself somewhere unpleasant, or even be unsafe. You want to listen to your guide’s advice, for sure. As a matter of fact, you can dress modestly and just generally avoid displaying, really, expensive jewelry or electronics that would cause you to stand out in a way you don’t want to. Plus, you know, it’s respectful to, I mean, maybe ask for permission before you start taking photographs of people, too. You know, remember it’s about interacting with a community that has overcome significant challenges, that much is really true.

Souvenirs and Snacks: Supporting the Local Economy

Along the tour routes, there are stalls, small shops that sell handicrafts, artwork, and local snacks, typically, usually, often. I mean, taking the time to buy from these vendors is not only arguably a way to take home a memento, it’s almost an important way to support the local economy. When you get right down to it, I guess, maybe, if you buy from someone who seems nice, you might just be contributing, so, too, to supporting, you know, an idea, maybe even helping someone pull their family out of something just genuinely hard.

One other thing to remember: if you are going to eat something here, just try to be respectful. Honestly, you could grab one of the popsicles that you can see everywhere, and in that case you can almost certainly assume you will be safe in terms of quality. If it looks sketchier, or something, anyway, I would just be sure it’s really, really hot.

Photo and Drone Video

I went ahead and took the liberty of editing a drone video. It looks like that’s right below!

Final Thoughts: Is the Commune 13 Graffiti Tour Worth It?

So, is the Graffiti Tour of Commune 13 really worth your time when you are hanging around Medellín? In my opinion, that is one of those things that just screams “yes.” Not only might it just open your eyes to the transformation and resilience of a community, but, basically, it will also let you have a real opportunity to connect with people and arguably learn something new, something profound, in the process, very, very deeply.

Key Takeaways:

• Book in Advance: Book online through places or local operators, just for whatever your thing is.
• Respectful: Act with respect to support people and consider their needs first.
• Support Locals: Just buy snacks and souvenirs to invest in the community’s livelihood, to be honest.

Remember to explore the history and resilience of Commune 13 to respect the tour experience to learn how art shows the path to community restoration!

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