Tourism becomes weapon of choice for Colombia's Comuna 13 to shed stigma of violence

Stricken relentlessly by violence, Comuna 13, a neighbourhood high up in the Colombian city of Medellín whose streets and terraces once ran bright with rivers of blood, resists remaining synonymous with danger thanks to the initiative of its residents to use tourism as its newest weapon.

Comuna 13 was a pivotal centre for paramilitary guerrilla and gang activity

The metro cable system at the Comuna 13 neighborhood. With 25,000 monthly visits, tourism has become an arm to dissuade violence in Medellin

Tourists and locals ride the electric escalators at the Comuna 13 neighborhood in Medellin

Colombiam Paola Rivas cooks 'Sancocho' for tourists at the Comuna 13 neighborhood in Medellin

Colombiam Paola Rivas serves 'Sancocho' for tourists at the Comuna 13 neighborhood in Medellin

A woman waits for customers at a T-shirt stall at the Comuna 13 neighborhood in Medellin.

A tour guide and a tourist walk as a woman cooks at the Comuna 13 neighbourhood in Medellin

A girl explains a graffiti to tourists at the Comuna 13 neighbourhood in Medellin, Colombia.

Break dancer Alexander Gamboa (L) performs for tourists at the Comuna 13 neighborhood in Medellin.

Tourists pose as they eat ice creams - known as 'cremas' - at the Comuna 13 neighborhood in Medellin

Tourists visit the Comuna 13 neighborhood in Medellin, Colombia

Tourists visit the Comuna 13 neighbourhood in Medellin, Colombia