Medellín , Colombia

Comuna 4 Walking Tour Medellin

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(164 reviews)

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About this experience

Avoid Tourist Crowds In Medellin: Comuna 4

Dare to go beyond the tourist-packed streets and delve into the heart of Comuna 4, a Barrio that for decades the government did not recognize, where now authenticity thrives and local stories come to life. Our immersive tour is not just a stroll; it's an intimate exploration led by a passionate guide and a local community leader who grew up in the barrio and who calls this vibrant community home.

What Sets Us Apart:

• Respect: This is not "poverty tourism", quite the opposite, it's an opportunity for locals to show you how proud they are of their barrio.

• Experience: We have been running this experience since 2016, amplifying the voice of the locals and the Transformation of Medellin.

• Knowledge: We are professional tour guides who have lived abroad, and are not satisfied with over-simplified explanations. We explain the Colombian education system, the health care system, the welfare system, and more.

Available options

Comuna 4 Walking Tour Medellin

What's included

Snack

Local community leader

Professional bilingual tour guide

Detailed itinerary

Our guide and the community ambassador with meet you there and will give you the historical context of the Barrio Moravia, explain its origins in the 60's as an illegal neighborhood and explain one version of the "transformation of Medellin"

Visit La Resistencia de Moravia. Get to know the "other side of the transformation of Medellin" which is the version no one talks about and understand why hundreds of families have resisted for more than a decade the reallocation plan set by the government.

Once deep within the neighborhood, we find a quiet place to sit and talk about the Colombian Health Care and Welfare System. Get to understand why there are so many street vendors and how come if there is a welfare system in place, almost half of Colombians do not have access to it.

Get to see the graffiti dedicated to the most important football (soccer) teams of the city and understand the cultural implications behind this sport in Colombian society.

We sit again and enjoy the shade of the trees in front of Fundación Oasis Urbano where we explore the Education and Strata system in Colombia.

We enjoy the tiniest yet most delicious street empanadas in the whole city!

We get to see the football field of the neighborhood, we talk to the local ambassador and we get to know her story of resilience, resistance and hope.

Together with the community ambassador you will visit the Centro Cultural and learn the powerful story of how this community built such an infrastructure

What's not included

Hotel pick up / Drop off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

164 reviews

5★

164

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We meet at the south exit of the Caribe metro station.

About Medellín

Medellín, nestled in a valley and surrounded by mountains, is renowned for its pleasant climate, vibrant culture, and remarkable transformation from its past. Known as the 'City of Eternal Spring,' it offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Comuna 13

A vibrant and historic neighborhood known for its street art, community spirit, and the famous outdoor escalators that connect the hillside community to the city.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free (tours may have a small fee)

Botero Plaza and Museo de Antioquia

Home to a collection of Fernando Botero's famous works, including his distinctive 'fat' style paintings and sculptures, as well as other notable artists.

Art/Museum 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Parque Arví

A vast nature reserve accessible via cable car, offering hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and a peaceful escape from the city.

Nature Half day Cable car: $6,000 COP (approx. $1.60 USD) one way

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bandeja Paisa

A hearty platter featuring rice, beans, ground beef, chorizo, plantain, avocado, arepa, and fried egg.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian versions available

Arepas

Cornmeal patties grilled or fried, often stuffed with various fillings like cheese, meat, or avocado.

Snack Vegetarian and vegan options available

Sancocho

A traditional soup made with chicken, beef, or fish, along with plantains, yuca, and other vegetables.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Popular Activities

Hiking in Parque Arví El Peñol rock climb Paragliding in San Antonio de Pereira Coffee tours Spa day in El Poblado Strolling through Parque Lleras Street art tours in Comuna 13 Visiting museums in El Centro

Best Time to Visit

December to March (dry season)

This is the best time to visit Medellín due to the lower rainfall and pleasant temperatures. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

18-26°C (64-79°F) 64-79°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas and among younger people)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Medellín has undergone a significant transformation and is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Staying in tourist areas and taking basic precautions can help ensure a safe visit.

Important Precautions:

• Use official taxis or app-based services.
• Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.

Getting there

By air

José María Córdova International Airport • 30 km (18.6 miles) from city center

By bus

Terminal del Norte, Terminal del Sur

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is efficient, clean, and affordable, with two lines covering key areas. It's the best way to get around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Tappx, Cabify

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

El Poblado Laureles El Centro

Day trips

Guatapé

80 km (50 miles) from Medellín • Full day

A colorful colonial town known for its vibrant houses, the famous El Peñol rock, and the nearby Lake Guatapé.

Jardín

250 km (155 miles) from Medellín • Overnight

A picturesque town in the Antioquia region, known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and traditional architecture.

Santa Fe de Antioquia

80 km (50 miles) from Medellín • Full day

A charming colonial town with cobblestone streets, historic churches, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Festivals

Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival) • August Festival de la Música del Pacífico Petronio Álvarez • Late August to early September Medellín International Poetry Festival • June

Pro tips

Use the SITV card for seamless transfers between metro, Metroplús, and cable cars.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Visit Comuna 13 for a unique and authentic cultural experience, but be respectful of the community.
Take the Metrocable for stunning views of the city and to explore the hillside neighborhoods.
Explore the city's street art scene, which is a vibrant and important part of Medellín's cultural identity.