Is Comuna 13 safe? How to visit Medellín's Comuna 13 (2026 guide)
· By the Safe Ride Medellín team
Short answer
By day, on the tourist route around the outdoor escalators and the graffiti tour, it is a busy, welcoming place: the city's official travel guide describes it that way, and more than 10,000 people visit every day. It is also a residential area where police are still breaking up extortion rings. Go in daylight, stay on the tourist route, ideally with a local guide, and keep your phone out of sight.[1][2][4]
What the data says
Comuna 13, officially San Javier, has a history of violence. Today Medellín's official travel guide calls it a safe, welcoming space for respectful visitors, and it is one of the city's best-known sights: the outdoor escalators have run since December 2011, and more than 10,000 people visit each day.[1][2]
Crime has not gone away. In May 2026 the police arrested eight alleged members of a criminal group known as “El Salado”, accused of extorting shopkeepers, transport operators and suppliers, and of imposing illegal “fines” on residents in several sectors of the comuna. The city reported a positive trend for 2026 at the same time: homicides down 44% and extortion reports down 64%.[4]
That report does not mention visitors. For a tourist, the everyday risks are the city-wide ones the U.S. State Department lists: phone snatching, including by thieves on motorbikes, and thefts aimed at visible valuables.[4][5]
How to get there
By Metro and bus
Take Line B to San Javier, the last station heading west; if you start on Line A, change at San Antonio. Buses 221i and 225i leave from a stop on the right side of the station exit and drop you two blocks from the escalators, where the graffiti tour starts. Note that U.S. government staff in Colombia may not use public transportation; if you ride, go in daylight.[1][5]
By Metrocable
From San Javier station you can also ride Metrocable Line J up over the hillside, for a view of the whole comuna before or after your walk. Metro lines run Monday to Saturday from 4:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; cable lines keep shorter hours.[1][6]
By taxi or private driver
Book your taxi by app or phone, never on the street. A private driver drops you where the tour starts and picks you up when you are done, so you don't stand on a corner with your phone out looking for a ride back.[5]
The escalators and the graffiti tour
The outdoor escalators climb the hillside of Las Independencias in sections.[3]
The graffiti tour follows them past murals, viewpoints, music and food stalls, and local guides who grew up in the comuna tell the story behind the art. A guided walk takes a couple of hours.
In November 2025 the city began maintenance on the escalators, planned to run until mid-2026: one section at a time, with partial closures. The fixed stairs next to each section stay open, so if one is closed when you visit, you climb that stretch on foot.[3][2]
Tips for a good visit
- Go in the morning: you skip the midday heat and the biggest crowds.
- Stay on the tourist route, don't wander off into side streets on your own, and leave before dark.
- Take your phone and camera out only when you use them.[5]
- Watch out for motorbikes on the narrow lanes.
- Ask before you photograph people: this is where they live.[1]
- Buy from the local businesses along the way; tourism is the neighborhood's income.
- Leave with your ride already booked: a taxi by app, or your driver waiting.
Comuna 13 with Safe Ride
Our Comuna 13 tour takes care of the transport: your driver picks you up at your hotel, drops you where the tour starts, waits for you and can add other city highlights the same day. Safe Ride Medellín is a brand of Safe Experience S.A.S., a Colombian travel agency; the rides are operated by a licensed special-transport company.
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel.
- Fixed price per vehicle, agreed before the ride.
- A local walking guide on request; their fee is separate.
- Add Plaza Botero or a viewpoint the same day.
- Verified bilingual driver and a GPS trip you can share.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the service.
- Comuna 13 / City tour: COP 300,000 fixed · ≈ $95
- By the hour (city): COP 75,000 / hour · ≈ $23
Frequently asked questions
Is Comuna 13 safe to visit in 2026?
By day and on the tourist route, it is a busy, welcoming place: Medellín's official travel guide calls it a safe space for respectful visitors, and the city reported fewer homicides and extortion reports in the comuna in 2026. It is still a residential area where police pursue criminal groups, so go in daylight and stay on the route.[1][4]
Do I need a guide to visit Comuna 13?
It isn't required, but a local guide explains the history behind the murals and keeps you on the tourist route. A guided walk takes a couple of hours.
How do I get to Comuna 13 by Metro?
Take Line B to San Javier. Buses 221i and 225i leave from the right side of the station exit and stop two blocks from the escalators. You can also ride Metrocable Line J from the same station.[1]
Are the Comuna 13 escalators working?
The city began maintenance in November 2025, planned until mid-2026, one section at a time with partial closures. The fixed stairs next to each section stay open.[3]
Can I visit Comuna 13 at night?
We don't recommend it. Go in daylight, stay on the tourist route and leave with your ride already booked.
Sources
Every safety figure, fare and schedule on this page comes from these sources. Check them before you travel: rules and fares change.
- [1]Medellín.Travel (official travel guide, District of Medellín) · Comuna 13 de MedellínHistory of violence and today a welcoming space for respectful visitors; Metro Line B to San Javier, buses 221i and 225i, Metrocable Line J. Accessed Oct 21, 2026.
- [2]El Tiempo · Las icónicas escaleras eléctricas de la comuna 13 de Medellín entrarán en mantenimiento: habrá cierres parciales hasta mediados de 2026 (Nov 15, 2025)Escalators in service since December 2011; more than 10,000 visitors a day. Accessed Oct 21, 2026.
- [3]Medellín Mobility Secretariat · Las escaleras eléctricas de la comuna 13 de Medellín reciben mantenimiento para su óptimo funcionamiento (Nov 14, 2025)Maintenance in Las Independencias until mid-2026, one section at a time with partial closures; the fixed stairs stay open. Accessed Oct 21, 2026.
- [4]Medellín Security Secretariat · Cayó estructura delincuencial que imponía multas ilegales, extorsionaba a comerciantes y sembraba terror en la comuna 13 de Medellín (May 12, 2026)Arrest of eight alleged members of the “El Salado” group for extortion and illegal fines; 2026 trend: homicides −44%, extortion reports −64% (SISC). Accessed Oct 21, 2026.
- [5]U.S. Department of State · Colombia Travel Advisory (Level 3: Reconsider Travel) and country information (Mar 31, 2026)Level 3 nationwide; “Do not travel” areas; staff ban on street taxis and public transport; taxis, dating apps, drugging, ATMs, ride-by robberies; emergency numbers. Accessed Oct 15, 2026.
- [6]Metro de Medellín · Horarios del Metro de MedellínOperating hours, Monday–Saturday and Sundays/holidays. Accessed Oct 15, 2026.