Landing Procedures + Comuna 13
The tried-and-true trio for smooth arrivals: swapping SIM cards as you land, exchanging currency right at the airport, and hopping into a taxi to your hotel.
Clearing customs at Medellín Airport is a breeze; with an F1 visa, you can walk straight through without hassle.
Once outside, everything a traveler needs is within reach.
For rides, consider the local apps InDrive and Uber 🚖. InDrive offers budget-friendly motorcycle rides, while Uber might take a bit longer to arrive. For food delivery, Rappi is your go-to app—UberEats isn’t available in Colombia.
Stay in El Poblado, one of the safest neighborhoods around. This area is a vibrant tourist hub and among the most prosperous in Latin America. Avoid the city center—it’s chaotic and not ideal for visitors. When picking a hotel, opt for one away from nightlife spots. Many hotels lack proper soundproofing, and the lively atmosphere can disrupt your rest.
Comuna 13
Once branded as the most dangerous place due to drug cartels and gangs, this neighborhood underwent two controversial reforms and significant investment, transforming it into a must-visit destination.
Pro tip: Book a local English-speaking tour on Airbnb. These guides, often children who grew up witnessing the changes in the slums, provide deep insights and personal stories.
The one I booked was capped at 100 RMB and took me through lesser-known routes (it reminded me of Bolivia’s or Guanajuato’s slums but with less vibrant colors than Mexico and more polished than Bolivia).
From the metro station, catch the tourist bus up the hill to Comuna 13 🚌. Alternatively, you can Uber from the tourist center, though traffic congestion is common. During my visit, I didn’t spot a single Asian face. It’s wise to dress modestly here to avoid unwanted attention. Always maintain a safe distance, and never venture into undeveloped areas without a guide—gang activity remains prominent in certain parts.
Photos 1, 2, and 3 showcase the iconic Mother Earth and Christ statues located in the tourist zone. A photo session costs 15,000 pesos, and photography equipment or personal cameras are prohibited. Photo 4 highlights a local treat—a popsicle recommended by the guide as a must-try experience.
✨ An interesting fact: To prevent exploitation of poverty, all entertainment venues close after 8 PM. The primary goal of promoting tourism here is to combat crime rates. Since Pablo Escobar’s era, Colombia has made tremendous efforts to revitalize this region.
As the guide put it, “Children who once dreamed of joining gangs now aspire to become tour guides. That’s the essence of progress.”
A final note: Some travel bloggers exaggerate the safety of Comuna 13 for clicks, risking the livelihoods of future generations and jeopardizing the security of local children. Let’s ensure our curiosity doesn’t compromise their futures.
