Medellin’s 13th district in Colombia, once infamous for its poor security and sky-high murder rates, has transformed into a vibrant must-see destination for visitors to the city. A half-day tour typically costs around 100,000 COP (approximately 200 RMB). In my experience, safety concerns are a thing of the past, making it easy to explore this area alongside a ride on the San Javier cable car for an unforgettable half-day adventure. Here’s how to plan your trip:
1. Start your journey around 2 PM by taking the B line of the metro to its final stop, San Javier (tickets cost 3,650 COP). Instead of exiting the station, head straight to the second floor to catch the cable car—a highlight I highly recommend! The cable car makes four stops along the way, each offering stunning photo opportunities (P15-P17).
At the second and third stops, you can step out onto terraces connected to the platforms for even better views (just stay within the station boundaries). A one-way ride takes about 20 minutes, giving you ample time to enjoy the scenery for 1-1.5 hours.
2. From the metro station to the iconic escalator in the 13th district, it’s less than 2 kilometers. After enjoying the cable car, there are three ways to reach the 13th district: the most convenient is by taxi, and I suggest using DIDI—it’s significantly cheaper than Uber. For budget travelers, walking is a great option—simply search “Escalator comuna 13” on Google Maps; the walk should take around 20 minutes.
Alternatively, bus number 225 runs every 10 minutes or so and gets you there in under 20 minutes for just 1,900 COP, making it both quick and affordable.
3. The escalator system consists of six sections. Around the fourth or fifth segment, look for a small passage leading to the P1 landmark viewpoint—a popular spot for photos. Since this is a paid attraction, I opted to find a good vantage point from a distance to capture its beauty.
4. Today, the 13th district exudes energy and vibrancy, filled with street performers like breakdancers and rappers, lively bars, and food stalls blasting upbeat music. Many establishments in prime locations feature terraces or artificial landscapes designed specifically for memorable photoshoots. Depending on your interests, allocate some spending money for snacks or drinks.
Two to three hours should suffice for a standard visit, allowing you to catch the breathtaking sunset before heading back.
5. Personally, I found the graffiti art in the 13th district particularly fascinating and spent plenty of time snapping photos (P2-P14). If you share my enthusiasm, feel free to linger longer and immerse yourself in this colorful world.
6. If you’re not overly concerned about hygiene or health risks when it comes to street food, I recommend grabbing dinner near the San Javier metro station. First, the variety is impressive, ranging from grilled meats and sausages to burgers, fried chicken, and even rice sausages. Second, prices here are unbeatable—often 30% lower than elsewhere in the city, with some dishes being half-price or more. It’s a delicious and economical way to end your day.
Enjoy your exploration of this remarkable district!
