
Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 47 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport worth booking?
Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport is a 4-hour experience in Medellín, Colombia, from $94 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 47 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (47)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $94 per person
This fascinating slum tour displays Medellin as a new city that has hardly worked to close the gap in between rich and poor in order for everyone to enjoy great quality of life regardless of their social stratus. Get away from westernized touristy sections of the city and discover average Colombian barrios where authentic natives enjoy the top of the line infrastructure such as the San Javier cable car and the newly renovated slum Comuna 13 which possesses the most exclusive electrical escalator in America. You will gain a better understanding of this exciting city which like a sleeping giant has gone from the most violent to the most innovative on earth.
What you get
About this experience
This fascinating slum tour displays Medellin as a new city that has hardly worked to close the gap in between rich and poor in order for everyone to enjoy great quality of life regardless of their social stratus. Get away from westernized touristy sections of the city and discover average Colombian barrios where authentic natives enjoy the top of the line infrastructure such as the San Javier cable car and the newly renovated slum Comuna 13 which possesses the most exclusive electrical escalator in America. You will gain a better understanding of this exciting city which like a sleeping giant has gone from the most violent to the most innovative on earth.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private tour
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Driver/guide
- Local taxes
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Centro Cultural Moravia
Stop to walk around
25 minutes here
Escaleras Electricas De La Comuna 13
Enjoy colorful grafiti art
180 minutes here
Alto San Miguel - nacimiento rio Medellin
Check out the city from the cable car
45 minutes here · Admission included
Medellin
Check out Medellin most humble and innovative barrios.
240 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Medellin City Services
Know before you go
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Dress code is smart casual
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Flexible start time, please inquire
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 47 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
47 verified traveler reviews for Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Guided Tour in Medellin Columbia
This was an amazing experience. It was our first time visiting Medellín, Colombia, so we booked a four-hour morning tour. It was a pleasure meeting our guide, Daniel. He picked us up from the hotel and gave us a guided tour of Comuna 13. He is very knowledgeable about local events, which enhanced the experience with his perspective on the history, the people, and the city’s transformation. The scenery was spectacular, and Daniel stopped frequently to suggest great photo spots. He also highlighted the amazing street art, pointed out monuments, and described other places in the city as well as communities in Colombia that we might want to visit. The tour included walking up to the top of the market section of Comuna 13, as well as riding the escalators and gondola. Overall, we truly enjoyed our guided tour and would definitely recommend it.
Response from the operator: Dear NorthStar16814128215, Thank you for sharing, it`s great to know you were able to enjoy one unique experience due to guide was very accommodating and flexible. All our guides are passionate professionals. Please come back soon! Sincerely, Camilo Uribe Medellin City Services SAS
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Private Tour to Comuna 13
Our private tour to Comuna 13 was fantastic! Daniel was an excellent guide. He gave us the option on what order we wanted to do our in. He was very patient answering all of our questions and so knowledgeable. Would love to have him as a guide again. Would definitely do a private tour again.
Response from the operator: Dear shellyb468, Many thanks for the feedback, all our guides are willing to go the extra mile and they would love for you to stay longer if you could. Please let us know about your next visit. Looking forward, Camilo Uribe Medellin City Services SAS
via Tripadvisor
Great tour!
We did a private half day tour with Luis Alberto and had a great experience. We not only got to see El Centro and Comuna 13 but also stopped at different street food vendors along the way to sample local fruits and small bites. Luis Alberto was very knowledgeable and provided excellent historical information. Highly recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Dear andreamD6376XW, Thanks a lot, great to know you highly recommend this tour for guide was very knowledgeable and provided excellent historical information. Always the best professional guides guaranteed. Feel free to use promo code MCS and save 10% on future bookings. Sincerely, Camilo Uribe Medellin City Services®
via Tripadvisor
Worth visiting
So glad we got to see this with our own eyes and to hear stories of the transformation of Comuna 13. There was plenty of walking up slopes, so the escalators we're a nice change. Kind of like a metro station with no trains
Response from the operator: Dear fozjon, Many thanks for sharing, we are glad you have seen the new Medellin with your own eyes and hopefully we will get you to come back and enjoy the rest of a lifetime experience. Feel free to use promo code MCS and save 10% on future bookings. Best regards, Camilo Uribe Medellin City Services®
via Tripadvisor
Great tour
Tour was amazing with Luis Reyes. Luis really explained the history and story of everything we saw. He was thoughtful and answered all of our questions. The culture and people of Colombia are wonderful and Luis is a great global ambassador to his country.
Response from the operator: Dear J5500SYalexanderd, Many thanks for the comment, great to know it has been a wonderful experience due to guide was amazing. All our team is made up with passionate ambassadors ready to go the extra mile for you. Please come back soon! Feel free to use promo code MCS and save 10% on future bookings. Best regards, Camilo Uribe Medellin City Services®
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $94 to $149
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 16
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Medellin City Services, who run 31 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.9.
See everything Medellin City Services runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Medellín.
How much does Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport cost?
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Prices start at $94 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Medellín usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Medellín is not rushed.
Is Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 47 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Medellín, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport?
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Around 16 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Medellín can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Medellín and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Medellín within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Medellín?
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On Outty we rank every Medellín experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Guatapé Tour: Piedra del Peñol with Boat Tour, Breakfast, Lunch, Half Day Bike Tour in Medellin - Local snack, Coffee or Beer, Guided Tour of Comuna 13 Medellín with Snacks Included. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Medellín?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Medellín?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Private tour; All taxes, fees and handling charges; Driver/guide; and Local taxes. Not included: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase); Food and drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 406 listed pickup locations in and around Medellín. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Medellín. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Barrio transformation: escalator of Comuna 13 with transport?
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Across 47 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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