Follow this CitiTrail with your phone: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wTj8k7Fc4W5WLZqdA
Track difficulty: Intermediate
Terrain elevation: Multiple steps along the way. Multiple steep walks
Estimated time: 2.5 - 3 hours hours approx. Multiple stops for pictures, street food and performances to watch.
Steps: 8200 approx.
Need: Camera, comfortable shoes and buy a t-shirt with the stamp of "Medellin es una Chimba" (Medellin is fucki*** amazing)
Get to the starting point of the trail:
Taxi/Uber: Announce to the driver you are heading either to
Calle 38A # 108 74
Please go to "Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour"
Metro/Bus: Get to San Javier station. Exit towards the right hand station and take either bus: 221i OR 225i. Ask the driver to kindly tell you when you have arrived to "Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour"
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J Balvin, Karol G, Maluma are some of the artist names you could've come across in some of your Spotify playlists while listening to random Spanish songs. One thing in common they all have: Born in Medellin, Colombia. A city full of entertainment has become lately popular due to its Comuna 13 highly popular tours. Let CitiTrails show you why.
Starting Point
This is just a sneak picture of what you can start expecting at the beginning of Comuna 13. Steep walks and river flows of people and tourists from all over the world. Narrow streets is what characterises so called 'Comunas' or what you may know as 'Favelas' as well. What was a place full of frightening episode in the 80's from past Cartel drug wars, is now the place where every tourist want to be.
Colourful pieces of art everywhere. And lots of more people walking together. Here's more to what you can find since the very beginning of your walking tour.
Street Art & Graffiti
One of the many things that made these streets of Medellin so popular is the art movement that developed across houses, brick walls and even turf football fields located across every block.
You'll find that some houses are completely covered in bizarre paintings done by local artists wanting to express themselves. Some houses inside are all about art as well!
What I like about this is the fact that locals are always aware of eveything. Making sure you have a great visit, checking if you are okay, guiding you around, helping you out to take some pictures. 'Paisas' (people from Medellin) tend to have a high sense of hospitality with tourists and foreigners. Make sure to smile back at them!
Vistas, Love & Food
One of the many things that Comuna 13 can offer you is the amazing views towards Valle de Aburra - the Metropolitan Area of Medellin. How far you can go up the mountain? All the way. How far can you look? All the way too.
While going uphill you are most definitely about to encounter random businesses that offer all sorts of services for you. Tarot card reading, quick 1-min face portraits, tattoo workshops, tour about the good and bad side of history, reggaeton-inspired artist houses, and more. You can always write to your significant other a love poem or a divorce letter on the same spot.
Remember that Colombia's most famous snack is something called 'Arepa'. In Medellin and in Comuna 13 this is not the exception. So make sure you are on the lookout for their special sweet version. A rounded flatbread with cheese, condensed milk and dulce the leche all over it. Presentation can be overwhelming, but taste is unique. 'Delicias de la 13' is one of these famous shops to sell it around.
Remember to always take pictures when you get a chance as getting this far on the walk deserves time and effort for some extra pictures.
Final Thoughts
You can always keep walking for more adventures along the Comuna 13 trail. CitiTrails managed to go until the last point outlined in the map but that does not mean the trail ends here.
Other businesses selling beer, food and, more dancing and entertainment shows can be found along. Rides for kids and adults and even karaoke places. This was a quick tour of what you can expect to find in Comuna 13 in a nutshell.
Here's a bonus of how far ahead you can keep going. Enjoy and keep exploring!
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