🇨🇴 Medellín, Colombia | Free Travel Guide to Comuna 13

Medellín was once home to the world's most notorious drug lord—Pablo Escobar. From the 1970s, he built a cocaine empire, smuggling 15+ tons daily to the US. At his peak, he: Became one of the world's 7 richest men 💰 Tried to bribe his way into the presidency 🏛️ Ordered assassinations of 3 presidential candidates 🔫 Bombed a civilian airliner ✈️💥 and government buildings Killed 5,000+ people Even stormed Colombia's Justice Palace with tanks, taking 25 judges hostage (11 were executed). These unbelievable-but-true events happened here just 30 years ago. (For more, watch "The King of Cocaine" on Bilibili.) 🛑 Is Comuna 13 Safe for Solo Travel? Generally safe if alert (no phones in crowded areas!). Men: Okay solo. Women: Better with a buddy 👯♀️ (to watch bags/drinks). No major incidents during my visit, but tension lingers. 🚍 How to Get There 1️⃣ Start at Parque Berrío (central square, ~1hr photos). 2️⃣ Walk to San Antonio Metro, buy cash ticket (~$3.4 USD) for Line B to San Javier (end station). 3️⃣ Transfer to cable car 🚡—ride to the end for full barrio views (no exit needed). 4️⃣ Return to San Javier, then: Option 1: Take the crowded green bus to Comuna 13 (sketchy but cheap). Option 2: Taxi (safer, ~$2 USD to Coffee Shop com 13). 5️⃣ Follow crowds uphill to iconic graffiti spots (Figs 2-4). Pay $3/10,000 COP for pro photos. 6️⃣ Taxi back to your hotel. ⚠️ Key Notes Medellín (like all Colombia) remains risky but visitable. Avoid flashy items—low-key = safer. #Colombia #Medellin #PabloEscobar #TravelWarning