Medellin

Over the past decade, Medellín’s Comuna 13 has transformed from one of the world’s most dangerous neighborhoods into a global tourist attraction, driven by a model of social urbanism that introduced the Metrocable, outdoor escalators, and a strong cultural revival. Street art, breakdance performances, and the locally led Graffitour have drawn up to 25,000 weekly visitors, boosting the local economy and creating jobs. The community established rules to prevent gentrification and ensure tourism profits stayed within the neighborhood.

However, success also attracted organized crime. In 2024, the Los Independencias gang was accused of extorting guides, vendors, and even tourists, collecting millions of pesos monthly. Although police dismantled the group, rival factions quickly moved in, sparking shootouts near tourist areas and reminding residents that drug trafficking and illegal economies still linger beneath the surface.