Telling the Story of the Rebirth of Medellin’s Comuna 8
The La Sierra Walking Tour is a half-day journey through a neighborhood rich in history, tragedy, recovery, and versatility.
Our mission is to provide a deeper context of how Medellin has evolved over the last several decades. We explore the history of the city through the lens of what was once one of its most violent areas, the La Sierra barrio of Comuna 8.
A rich history.
La Sierra is not the typical tourist destination. It is far off the beaten path, high above the hillside in the vast and verdant mountains of Medellin. La Sierra, like many neighborhoods in Comuna 8, was birthed out of a nationwide recession in the 1970s. Farmers and other people from rural areas packed their bags and headed to the city of Medellin.
However, they were greeted by a lack of housing inside the valley. Left with nowhere else to go, they traveled up the mountains to build homes on unsanctioned plots of land. Sometimes carrying materials for miles on their backs, they found innovative ways to connect to the power grid, supply running water, and build a functional community.
A broader perspective.
Despite major progress in social, cultural, and economic development in the last few decades, Medellin still has a reputation for the crime, drugs, and warfare of the 1980s. But past the depictions (and often glorifications) of the narcoculture, you’ll find the tragedy powerlessness of the communities it affected.
As the trafficking and violence took hold in the city, La Sierra became quickly overrun by trafficking interests. It provided the only access point to a road connecting the areas east of the valley. During this time, La Sierra was a war zone. The area was a victim of its own geography, as control of La Sierra meant the control of all transit leaving the eastern part of Medellin. The area remained stigmatized for many years, even after the majority of violence subsided.
However, in the years following 2015, the city of Medellin has invested heavily in building parks, providing public transportation and formal infrastructure to the area. It is now home to vibrant artwork, urban flora, and a community kitchen serving hundreds of meals per day.
The La Sierra Walking Tour seeks to share the story of this complex and beautiful neighborhood with visitors from around the world.
“My friend and I took this tour with Milena and it was the best decision we made! Milena was authentic and honest and opened our eyes to what it means to be a tourist. She told us all about the history of Colombia and the impact of negative portrayals in the media. She introduced us to such warm and friendly people in the neighborhood who were proud to be from La Sierra. A very unique experience- something we will never forget!”
— TripAdvisor Review
Join us and share in the beauty and culture of La Sierra together.
Due to COVID-19 and an abundance of caution for the safety of the community, the La Sierra Walking Tour has decided not to hosting tours until things clear up. Please join our mailing list to stay up-to-date on our initiatives and upcoming plans.