The Comuna 13 Nobody Shows You: On Wheels and at Night
Tired of the same photo of the giant bird graffiti that appears in every Instagram story? The Comuna 13 of Medellín has earned its worldwide fame for its murals, escalators, and stories of social transformation. But there's a way to experience it that doesn't appear in traditional guidebooks or classic tours: climbing its slopes by bicycle, when the sun sets and the city lights ignite a different spectacle.
This is not a traditional tourist trip. It's an urban ride, the kind organized by the neighborhood's own residents, with sweat, effort, and a view of Medellín that takes your breath away. In September 2026, this night route remains an open secret among local cyclists, and this article is your entry pass to experience it like a modern arriero: the one who climbs, descends, and knows every steep stretch of this sacred mountain.
📌 Transparency
This article contains sponsored/affiliate links. We may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Spanish Bootcamp Online
Why Comuna 13 at Night and on a Bike?
First, let's be clear: Comuna 13 is a real neighborhood, not a theme park. During the day, the streets fill with tourists, street vendors, and tour groups walking at a slow pace. At night, the scene changes. Most visitors have left, the noise drops, and the murals are illuminated by spotlights that give them a completely new feel.
Riding a bike through these steep streets has a logic that locals understand perfectly: on the way up, you earn the view; on the way down, you earn the wind. It's an extreme urban sport that combines the neighborhood's history with the adrenaline of pedaling up slopes that reach up to 15% incline. And the reward is twofold: the physical effort and a real connection with a community that has turned adversity into art.
Also, there's a curious fact few know: before the escalators, residents of the upper part climbed and descended these slopes on foot, carrying goods, or by motorcycle. Cyclists always existed, but it was a feat reserved for the strongest. Today, with improved infrastructure, the bike has become a tool for mobility and also for alternative tourism. Here's how to do it safely and respectfully.
Starting Point: San Javier Station and Bike Rentals
The route begins in an easy-to-reach place: the San Javier station on the Medellín Metro, on Line B. This station is the heart of public transport connecting downtown with the northwestern part of the city. Upon leaving the station, you're on Avenida 80, a fairly flat road that serves as a warm-up before the big climb.
About bike rentals: unlike areas like El Poblado or Laureles, in San Javier you won't find large rental shops with English signs. The real options are more local and require a bit of searching. We recommend two paths:
- Ask at neighborhood bike shops: there are several small workshops on the streets near the station that sometimes rent bikes at very economical prices (from $15,000 COP per hour, reference prices as of September 2026). They have no online presence, so the best strategy is to arrive early, ask, and negotiate.
- Bring your own bike: if you already have a bike in Medellín, this is the safest option. You can bring it on the Metro (allowed Monday to Saturday at specific times, and Sundays until 10:00 am, but check the latest updates from Metro de Medellín) or use the bike lanes connecting from downtown.
If you can't find a rental, don't worry. There's an alternative we explain later: joining a community ride where bikes are sometimes lent out or shared among participants.
The Night Ciclovía: Does It Exist or Not?
Here we need to clarify an important point. The traditional ciclovía of Medellín, the one on Sundays and holidays, operates during daylight hours (from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm) and covers 49 kilometers of main roads, but it does not include Comuna 13. The "night ciclovía" we're talking about is not an official INDER (Medellín Sports and Recreation Institute) event. It's a social ride, organized by urban cycling collectives and community leaders from the neighborhood.
These rides usually happen on Friday or Saturday nights and are announced on social media and WhatsApp groups. There's no fixed monthly date, so the key is connecting with local groups. We'll tell you how later.
The Route: Climbing the Escalera Eléctrica by Bike (With Permission)
The million-dollar question: can you take a bicycle up the escalator? The short answer is: it's not officially allowed. The escalators of Comuna 13 (the famous "escaleras eléctricas" that replaced 350 steps) are for pedestrians. They're designed for foot traffic, and riding a bike on them is dangerous for both you and others.
However, there's a trick local cyclists use: walk your bike alongside the escalator. Along the escalator route, there are pedestrian walkways and side ramps that aren't steps. You can climb walking with your bike beside you, without disrupting pedestrian flow. It's a bit more effort, but it's the correct and legal way to do it. Respect the signs and the security guards watching the area.
The full route, if you decide to do it on your own, is as follows:
- Start at San Javier: from the station, pedal northwest along Calle 44 (also known as the road that climbs toward the neighborhood). It's approximately 1.5 kilometers of moderate climb until you reach the start of the escalators, in the Las Independencias sector.
- Escalator zone: this is where the fun begins. Leave your bike to the side and walk it up the escalators. There are six sections of escalators that take you about 300 meters uphill. Take the opportunity to look at the murals on the sides; many are lit up at night and look spectacular.
- Arrival at the top: after the escalators, the terrain levels out. There are wide pedestrianized concrete areas with benches and good lighting. This is the perfect place to catch your breath, hydrate, and prepare for the next part of the route.
Riding Past the Murals on Calle 45
Once at the top, the real ride begins. Calle 45 (known locally as the main road of the upper part) is an artery that crosses the neighborhood and is full of large-format murals. At night, with fewer people, you can stop and appreciate them calmly. There's no rush, no tourists pushing, just you, your bike, and the urban art.
The surface of this street isn't perfect. There are patches, potholes, and uneven areas. It's not a bike lane; it's a shared street. Riding here requires attention and lights: white front light and red rear light are mandatory. Many local cyclists also use lights on their helmets or backs to be visible. The incline varies: there are flat sections, short descents, and climbs that will make you sweat. It's perfect terrain for practicing the "stop and go" of urban cycling.
Among the murals you can't miss on this stretch, look for those depicting birds, Afro-Colombian women, and those paying homage to hip-hop culture. Most were painted by local artists and some by international guests. Each has a story, and if you're lucky, you'll find a local resident to tell it to you.
The Descent on Carrera 110: The Reward for Your Effort
After riding along Calle 45, comes the most exciting moment: the descent on Carrera 110. This road descends from the upper part of the neighborhood toward the San Javier area, and it's one of the longest and fastest descents in the city within an urban context. It's approximately 2 kilometers of constant descent, with tight curves and some straightaways where you can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h.
Serious warning: this descent is not for beginners. The streets are in good condition in some sections, but there are grates, potholes, and parked vehicles that appear suddenly. Your bike's brakes must be in perfect condition. If you're not confident in your skills, go down slowly, using both brakes intermittently and keeping a safe distance from any vehicle.
The reward of the descent is twofold: the feeling of freedom and the panoramic view of Medellín that opens up before you as you descend. The city lights, the Aburrá Valley spread out, and the cool night air make this stretch unforgettable. At the end of Carrera 110, you'll arrive back at Avenida 80, near where you started.
Key Stops: Viewpoints, Illuminated Murals, and the Sound of Local Hip-Hop
A night ride isn't just about pedaling. It's about stopping, observing, and listening. Here are the stops you can't skip:
El Mirador de Las Independencias
It's not an official viewpoint with a tourist sign, but it's the highest point you can reach by bike (walking your bike on the last stretch). It's near the end of the escalators. From here, the view of Medellín is 360 degrees. On clear nights, you can even see Olaya Herrera Airport. It's the perfect spot for a group photo or a moment of contemplative silence.
Murals with Special Lighting
Not all murals have direct lighting, but some of the most famous ones, like those near the escal
