About
The outdoor electric escalators of Comuna 13 (San Javier) climb the hillside of Las Independencias 1 in the west of Medellín. They opened in May 2011 to spare residents daily climbs of 200 to 380 uneven steps, and the city says they have since become one of its best-known tourist sights. Visitors come for the viewpoint at the top, with its views over brightly painted houses and the mountains, and for the Graffitour, the street-art walk that starts near the escalators.
Highlights
- Six escalator sections up the hillside of Las Independencias, run for the city by Terminales Medellín
- Opened in May 2011 to help residents climb a steep neighbourhood; now one of the city's best-known sights
- Part-powered by 56 solar panels installed in 2022
- A viewpoint at the top over Comuna 13 and the mountains around Medellín
- The Graffitour street-art walk starts near the escalators
Getting there
By Car
The escalators are in Las Independencias, Comuna 13 (San Javier), at Cra. 109 #36-63 on Google's listing. No official source publishes parking information for the escalators.
By Public Transport
Take Metro Line B to San Javier, its last station heading west (change from Line A at San Antonio). San Javier station is about 1.2 km from the escalators in a straight line. From the stop on the right of the station exit, buses 221i and 225i drop passengers two blocks from the escalators. From the same station, Metrocable Line J passes over Comuna 13.
By Taxi / Rideshare
Medellín's official tourism guide suggests a taxi from San Javier Metro station to the escalators, or a taxi straight from elsewhere in the city. Uber, DiDi and InDrive also operate in Medellín.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Comuna 13 escalators open?
In May 2011. The city built them so residents no longer had to climb 200 to 380 uneven steps on each trip up and down the hill.
How many escalators are there?
Six sections (tramos), in the Las Independencias neighbourhood of Comuna 13 (San Javier).
Are the escalators open during maintenance work?
In November 2025 the city began maintenance that it said would run to mid-2026, done in stages with partial closures of one section at a time. The fixed stairs next to the escalators stay open, so the climb is always possible on foot.
What is the nearest Metro station?
San Javier, the western end of Metro Line B. From there, buses 221i and 225i stop two blocks from the escalators, or visitors can take a taxi.
Is a guided tour needed?
No. The escalators are a city transport system that anyone can ride. Medellín's official tourism guide does recommend a local guide for the Graffitour, since guides from the neighbourhood know its history first-hand.
