Private Medellín City Tour: Comuna 13, Plaza Botero & Cable Car

5.00

(2 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me at Parques del Río was the sound—kids laughing, music drifting from a nearby speaker, and the soft rush of the river. We strolled along shaded paths while our guide explained how this green stretch used to be just concrete and traffic. Now, it’s where locals come for a breather or to meet up after work. The air even felt fresher here, especially after a quick rain shower left everything smelling earthy and clean.

Next up was the farmers market. I’ll be honest—I lost track of time wandering between stalls stacked with gulupa, pitahaya, and curuba. There was this older woman selling tiny cups of fresh guanabana juice; she insisted I try it (I did, twice). Our guide pointed out herbs used by indigenous families for everything from headaches to heartbreaks. The colors and chatter made it feel like you were in the middle of Medellín’s heartbeat.

The cable car ride? Totally different view of the city. As we glided above the barrios, you could see laundry flapping on rooftops and kids waving up at us. It’s wild to think this is part of Medellín’s public transport—our guide said it changed life for folks living way up in the hills. The whole ride only took about 15 minutes but gave us a real sense of how big and varied Medellín is.

Walking through Comuna 13 felt like stepping into an open-air gallery. Every wall told a story—some murals bright and hopeful, others raw with memories from tougher times. We took the electric escalators up (honestly, my legs thanked me), stopping now and then to listen as our local guide shared stories about growing up here during rougher years. At the top, there’s this lookout where you can see all of Medellín spread out below—it really hits home why this spot mattered so much in the city’s history.

Plaza Botero was buzzing when we arrived—street performers doing tricks near those giant bronze sculptures that everyone wants a selfie with. I couldn’t help but grin at Botero’s “fatties”—they’re playful but also kind of powerful in person. Our guide mentioned how putting these sculptures here helped reclaim downtown as a place for everyone again.

Just around the corner sits El Palacio Nacional—a building that looks straight out of another era with its tall columns and fancy details. Inside now? Shops mixed with art galleries showing off Colombia’s creative side. It’s cool seeing old government halls turned into spaces full of life and color.