Belén La Mota: the block of colorful houses

Belén La Mota: the block of colorful houses

If you are looking for a different plan in Medellín, away from the noise of parties and the usual tourist routes, there is a block in the Belén neighborhood that looks like it came out of a children's story. It is called Belén La Mota and, for a few years now, its houses have stopped being gray to become an explosion of colors that attracts photographers, families, and curious people. It is not a theme park or a museum: it is a real street where people live, work, and, by the way, give the city a unique postcard. In July 2026, this place remains an open secret, perfect for a Sunday afternoon or a filter-free photo session.

Context of Belén La Mota: more than a pretty facade

Belén La Mota is not a new neighborhood. It is located in commune 16 of Medellín, in the southwestern area of the city, and is part of the traditional Belén sector. For decades, this area was a working-class neighborhood, with one-story houses, narrow streets, and a strong community life. But what makes it famous today is not its founding history, but an urban art project that transformed an entire block into a canvas.

The block of colorful houses is on Calle 30A, between Carreras 76 and 77. There are about 20 houses, all painted in vibrant tones: yellow, blue, pink, green, orange. Each facade has a different design, some with geometric figures, others with flowers or animals. What seems like an aesthetic whim has behind it a story of neighborhood organization and cultural resistance.

Before the intervention, this street was like any other in the area: unpainted block houses, some with isolated graffiti, others simply neglected. In 2018, a group of neighbors, supported by the Mayor's Office of Medellín and local art collectives, decided to change the face of the neighborhood. The idea was not only to beautify, but to generate a sense of belonging and attract visitors who would boost the local economy. The result exceeded expectations.

History of community painting: how the rainbow was painted

The project was not improvised. The neighbors of Belén La Mota participated in design and painting workshops for several weeks. Artists like Juan David “Pecas” and María Camila “Maka” led the sessions, but each family decided the colors and motifs for their own house. Some opted for abstract patterns, others for murals representing the flora and fauna of Antioquia. Yellow dominates several facades, because, according to the organizers, it symbolizes the energy and joy of the neighborhood.

The curious thing is that it was not all easy. Some neighbors resisted at first: they worried that the colors would attract too much attention or that the paint would be damaged by the sun and rain. But when they saw the first results, most joined in. Today, the block is maintained by the residents themselves, who take turns touching up the facades every six months. There is even a common fund to buy paint, to which tourists who buy souvenirs or take photos contribute.

A little-known fact: the street was not always pedestrian. Before the project, cars passed normally. But in 2021, the community managed to get the Mayor's Office to install bollards and prohibit vehicular traffic on the painted stretch, so people could walk safely. However, residents still enter with their cars, but at minimum speed. It is an example of how art can reclaim public space.

What to do in Belén La Mota

The main activity is, without a doubt, walking and taking photos. But don't limit yourself to that. Here I tell you how to make the most of your visit.

Photo tour: the block is the set

You don't need a professional camera. With a mid-range cell phone you can take incredible photos, especially if the day is sunny. The colors contrast strongly with the blue sky of Medellín, and the afternoon shadows create interesting effects. The best hours are between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., when the light is soft, or after 3:00 p.m., when the sun sets behind the houses and the tones become warmer.

Some key spots for photos:

• The rainbow house: on the corner of Calle 30A and Carrera 76, it has a mural that covers the entire facade with stripes of colors. It is the most popular spot.
• The butterfly house: halfway down the block, with yellow and blue butterflies painted on a white background. Ideal for portraits.
• The sombreros alley: a narrow passage between two houses, decorated with painted vueltiao hats. It is a tribute to the paisa culture.

If you are an influencer or photographer, I recommend bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the entire facade, and a small tripod for long exposure photos if there is little light. But honestly, the place lends itself to spontaneous photos. There are no rules.

Interact with the neighbors

The residents are used to visitors. Many come out to say hello, offer water, or sell handicrafts. It is not uncommon for them to tell you the story of their house or invite you into the patio. However, always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of them. Some have makeshift stores where they sell typical sweets, like brevas with arequipe or cocadas, at very low prices (from $2,000 COP).

Painting workshops (if you are lucky)

From time to time, local artists organize workshops open to the public. They are usually on Saturday mornings, and cost between $20,000 and $30,000 COP per person. They include materials and teach you to paint a small mural on a board that you take home as a souvenir. If you are interested, ask at the corner store (the one that sells empanadas) or check the social media of the collective “Pinta La Mota”. There is no fixed schedule, so you have to ask on the day.

Where to eat and drink near Belén La Mota

The colorful block does not have formal restaurants, but in its surroundings there are options for all tastes and budgets.

Fast and local food

• Empanadas La Mota: on the same street, a lady named Doña Luz sells beef, chicken, and cheese empanadas from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They cost $1,500 COP each. Bring cash, because she does not accept cards.
• La Esquina del Churro: two blocks away, on Carrera 76 with Calle 30. Churros filled with arequipe or chocolate, for $3,000 COP. Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Frutas y jugos Don Pedro: on Calle 31, a five-minute walk away. They sell natural mango, lulo, and soursop juices for $4,000 COP. They also have picadas (plates of meat, potato, and plantain) for $12,000 COP.

Formal restaurants (10-15 minutes walking)

• La Casa de la Abuela: on Carrera 74 with Calle 32. Specializing in typical Antioquian food: bandeja paisa, mondongo, and sancocho. Dishes from $22,000 COP. Open Monday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. It is large and family-friendly, with outdoor tables.
• Pizza Nostra: on Calle 33, near the Belén Park. Artisanal wood-fired pizzas, from $18,000 COP. They have vegetarian options. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Heladería La Mota: no, it is not on the colorful block, but it has the same name. It is on Carrera 78, three blocks away. Artisanal ice cream of tropical fruits: passion fruit, guava, lulo. A double cone costs $6,000 COP.

The prices I mention are a reference from July 2026. They may vary, so bring cash and some change, because the small stalls do not accept cards.

How to get there and transportation

Belén La Mota is well connected, but it is not a massive tourist area, so public transportation is the best option.

By metro

Take Line A of the Medellín Metro to the Poblado or Industriales station. From there, take a bus that says “Belén” or “La Mota”. Buses pass every 10-15 minutes. The total trip from downtown takes about 30-40 minutes. The bus fare is $2,800 COP (2026).

By bus from El Poblado

If you come from El Poblado (Zona Rosa), look for the “Belén-Rodeo” bus on Avenida 34 with Calle 10. It drops you off on Carrera 76, two blocks from the colorful street. The trip is about 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

By taxi or Uber

From El Poblado, a taxi costs between $15,000 and $20,000 COP. From downtown Medellín, about $18,000 COP. Tell the driver to take you to “Calle 30A con Carrera 76, Belén La Mota”. If they don't know, tell them “la cuadra de las casas de colores en Belén”. Most will know.

By private car

There is parking on Carrera 76, half a block from the pedestrian entrance. It is free, but on weekends it fills up quickly. Arrive early (before 10:00 a.m.) if you come by car.

Local tips for visiting Belén La Mota

These tips will save you headaches and give you a more authentic experience.

• Come during the week if you can: on weekends there are more people, especially families with children. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are almost empty.
• Use sunscreen and bring water: the street has no shade, and the Medellín sun is strong. The colorful houses reflect the light and the heat feels more intense.
• Don't use flash in photos: if you go at night (although it is not ideal), the flash whitens the colors. Better use the natural light from the streetlights.
• Respect the houses: don't touch the walls with dirty hands, don't scratch or leave trash. The neighbors take great care of the place.
• Buy something from local vendors: a candy, a handicraft, or an empanada. You help the neighborhood economy and take home a souvenir.
• Combine it with other plans in Belén: a 15-minute walk away is the Belén Park, with its church and square. There are also cafes like “Café Belén” (Carrera 74 with Calle 33), where they serve tinto and pandebono for $5,000 COP.

Social impact of the project

Beyond the pretty photos, the intervention in Belén La Mota has had real effects on the community. According to data from the Mayor's Office of Medellín, since 2019 the flow of visitors increased by 300% in the area. This led several neighbors to open small businesses: handicraft stores, food stalls, even a photography studio.

The project also reduced the perception of insecurity. Before, the street was dark and little traveled after 7:00 p.m. Now, the presence of tourists and improved lighting (installed as part of the plan) made people feel safer. The neighbors themselves say that “now you can walk peacefully until late”.

Furthermore, the model has been replicated in other neighborhoods of Medellín, such as Manrique and Robledo, where communities have painted facades with similar colors. Belén La Mota became a pilot of how art can transform a space without displacing residents. There is no gentrification here: the houses still belong to the same families, and rents did not skyrocket because the neighborhood is not on the radar of big investors.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to visit Belén La Mota?

Yes, it is safe during the day. The street is pedestrian and there is a lot of movement of tourists and neighbors. As in any neighborhood in Medellín, avoid showing valuables late at night. If you come in a group, there is no problem. On weekends there is more private security.

How much time do you need to walk the block?

At a leisurely pace, taking photos and talking to people, about two hours. If you just walk through, 15 minutes. But I recommend dedicating at least an hour to appreciate the details of each facade.

Are there public restrooms nearby?

There are no public restrooms on the street. You can ask for permission at the local stores if you buy something, or go to the Belén Park, which has public restrooms (they cost $1,000 COP). There is also a small shopping center, Centro Comercial Belén, a 10-minute walk away, with free restrooms.

Can you get there by bicycle?

Yes, the street is flat and there are bike lanes on Avenida 80, 5 minutes away. You can lock your bike to the railings at the entrance, but there is no guarded parking. Better use a lock.

Is there any special event during the year?

In December, the community organizes a “Festival of Colors” with music, live painting, and typical food. It is usually on the second Saturday of December. Also during Holy Week there is a procession that passes through the street, and the neighbors decorate the houses with flowers. Check exact dates on local social media.