Comuna 13 and Its Escalators

About this place

A working-class district on the hills of west Medellín, home to some 160,000 people, which suffered gang violence and armed conflict in past decades, then became a symbol of the whole city's transformation and one of the most visited places in Colombia. Climbing the steep hillsides was a daily ordeal for residents until the city built open-air electric escalators up the slope, which became a symbol of change. Around them the walls filled with huge colourful murals painted by local artists, telling the story of violence, hope and identity. The best way to visit is a tour with a guide from the neighbourhood, who tells the stories behind the murals and leads you through lanes and lookouts. Along the way there are street hip-hop dance shows, stalls selling fruit juices and local mango ice lollies, and views over the whole city. Visit by day, stay on the busy tourist route, ideally with a local guide. It gets very crowded at weekends, and the climb takes some effort despite the escalators. Many governments advise caution in Colombia, so check your own government's travel advice before the trip.