Comuna 13 Struggle and Splendor with public transportation | Medellín, Colombia

The tour starts at the highest part of the Comuna, Nuevos Conquistadores neighbourhood. 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 through 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 to 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 on 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-known and bustling area of the comuna with graffiti 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.