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Bogotá Secrets: Hidden Neighborhood Tour
5.0
60 Ratings
Bogotá
Experience the resilience and transformation of Bogota’s Egipto neighborhood on this tour. Hear the inspiring life stories of former gang members turned tour guides, and see how their personal growth has positively impacted their community.
Experience the resilience and transformation of Bogota’s Egipto neighborhood on this tour. Hear the inspiring life stories of former gang members turned tour guides, and see how their personal growth has positively impacted their community.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Walk Through El Chorro De Quevedo - Start your adventure at Chorro de Quevedo in La Candelaria, the historic heart of Bogotá. Meet the guide and discover the incredible Breaking Borders initiative. Stroll through streets adorned with murals that narrate Egipto’s journey from a troubled past to a promising future, driven by the influence of…
- Walk Through El Chorro De Quevedo - Start your adventure at Chorro de Quevedo in La Candelaria, the historic heart of Bogotá. Meet the guide and discover the incredible Breaking Borders initiative. Stroll through streets adorned with murals that narrate Egipto’s journey from a troubled past to a promising future, driven by the influence of tourism. Listen to uplifting stories of former gang members who are transforming their lives and community.
Meet the guide at Chorro Quevedo in La Candelaria, Bogotá’s birthplace. Learn about the initiative before proceeding to Nuestra Señora de Egipto, the church at the entrance of Barrio Egipto, which hosts celebrations on January 6th.
Throughout the journey, witness the people’s history depicted in stunning graffiti art. The guide will explain the meanings and stories behind these murals.
- Egipto - Ascend the hills of Egipto and explore a community that, despite ongoing challenges, is abundant in culture and optimism. Visit the Iglesia de Egipto and the new community football field, a testament to the neighborhood’s progress and dedication to its youth. Discover how this field is crucial in transforming the area’s social dynamics.
What's Included
- Bilingual expert guide (English, Spanish)
- Local snack and traditional “chicha” drink
- Personal guide from the Egipto neighborhood
- Private transportation to and from your hotel (with transportation option)
- Bilingual expert guide (English, Spanish)
- Local snack and traditional “chicha” drink
- Personal guide from the Egipto neighborhood
- Private transportation to and from your hotel (with transportation option)
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Lunch
- Optional tips and gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Lunch
- Optional tips and gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Additional Information
Imagine exploring a side of Bogotá that remains hidden from the typical guidebooks. Just a short walk from the lively Plaza de Bolívar and El Chorro de Quevedo—the city’s birthplace—there’s a neighborhood brimming with Bogotá’s most profound secrets. Here, history is experienced on the streets, not confined to a museum. This exclusive, private tour…
Imagine exploring a side of Bogotá that remains hidden from the typical guidebooks. Just a short walk from the lively Plaza de Bolívar and El Chorro de Quevedo—the city’s birthplace—there’s a neighborhood brimming with Bogotá’s most profound secrets. Here, history is experienced on the streets, not confined to a museum. This exclusive, private tour offers a glimpse into a community that most visitors never encounter. It’s not about seeking danger; it’s about discovering hope and resilience in unexpected places.
Highlights
- Venture beyond the historic center to observe a community’s transformation.
- Gain exclusive access to a neighborhood rarely seen by travelers.
- Guided by former gang members who have turned their lives around.
- Experience the taste of “chicha,” a traditional Colombian alcoholic drink.
- This tour directly benefits a local community project.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- We recommend taking cash for personal expenses
- We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes.
Location
Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo
Calle 12b
If option selected is without transport, the meeting point is the Chorro de Quevedo, in front of the small chapel in Bogotá
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(60 Ratings)
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Kevin
Jul 28, 2025
One of the very best tours ever ! - Very educational and quality tour. One of the best we’ve ever taken in 39 countries of traveling ! Daniel was super kind and I highly recommend him !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Etienne_s
Jul 19, 2025
Our Highlight in Bogotá - Our Highlight in Bogotá!
The Breaking Borders tour is not your typical sightseeing activity – it’s a raw and honest insight into the history, struggles, and transformation of the Egipto neighbourhood. The tour is led by former gang members who now work to change the image of their community and create opportunities for the next generation.
We were lucky to have a private tour, accompanied by our amazing guide Gigio, who translated for us and gave helpful context throughout. He introduced us to three former gang members, who shared deeply personal stories – how they joined, what they experienced, and why they decided to leave that life behind.
Their honesty, strength and hope for a better future were incredibly inspiring. We also explored the neighbourhood, learned about the meaning behind its many murals and graffiti, and ended the tour with a freestyle rap just for us (we’re still trying to translate it 😅).
This tour breaks down stereotypes and supports real change. If you’re in Bogotá – don’t miss it. A huge thank you to Gigio and the whole team. 💛
Review provided by Viator
N2356ldsophiel
Jul 3, 2025
Breaking borders tour - Today I went on the tour: Breaking borders with my tourguide Martha Jamoco. First of all, I think the tour gives a very interesting and real inside of life in the slums of Bogota. I’m really impressed with the foundations of Breaking borders and Buena Semilla that try to make a positive impact on this neighbourhood with many challenges. For the men that get seduced by crime, the women that are the backbone of the neighbourhood and the children that are the future of tomorrow. I would advise others to take this tour as well to get a better idea of the difficult challenges in Colombia. I felt safe during the trip. I was also really happy with Martha as my tour guide, who translated and explained a lot. She was very kind and I think it’s very impressive of her that she makes this tour possible.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Grandtour60312251695
Jun 22, 2025
Insights into Barrio Egipto - One of our most impressive and touching tours we have done in Colombia. The residents of Egipto, Mankie, Pato and Harold, led us through the barrio and told us moving stories of their past as former gang members and how they stand in life today, integrated into the professional world and striving to make a better future for their children.
A highly recommended, sustainable tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
495kevinq
May 17, 2025
Rare Insight into a Troubled Neighbourhood--and How It's Turning Around - This is not your typical day visit. Egipto was a troubled, crime-ridden neighbouhood that is now a most unlikely tourist attraction. Residents were sick of crime and now show tourists colourful murals and tell remarkable stories of life under the gangs versus life now. We visited for several hours in January 2025 with Impulse Travel and Mejdi Tours. Several of us thought it was the highlight of our 10-day tour of Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena. You wouldn't want to go at night on your own but during the day with Impulse Tours it was perfectly safe. Afterward, we stopped in at Egipto workshops to buy lovely clothing, wood products etc -- further contributing to the residents' efforts to build better lives for their children.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jilke
May 4, 2025
Special insight into Barrio Egipto - Viviana and her team gave us a unique insight into the life and history of Barrio Egipto. Walking through the Barrio made a big impression. Doing this tour is highly recommended, but book it via their own Facebook page Breaking Borders and arrange it directly with the team. The money they raise is put into the development of the neighborhood.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annaml2016
Feb 17, 2025
Enriching experience in Egipto neighborhood - It was an extraordinary experience. Our guide Gildardo (Gigio) was very knowledgeable and his English was excellent. We were deeply impressed by the people who shared their life stories with us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navigate03780687312
Jan 30, 2025
A critical visit of social conseuence off the path of most tourists - This is an amazing opportunity experience first hand the living conditions and to learn about the violent history and the path many of the residents have chosen to achieve a more peaceful environment. It is a work in progress, but the results, to date, are impressive. One learns about conflicts and resolutions from different perspectives. The tour guides are sincere and willing to answer even difficult questions. The symbolism associated with the graffiti in the area is explained and touches one's heart. This is truly an opportunity to see a part of Bogata missed by most tourists, where your emotions will be challenged!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rabbiadenab
Jan 25, 2025
Must See in Bogoto - I was so impressed by how this community is trying to forge a brighter future for itself and especially its children. After being neglected by the rest of Bogota, the citizens of Egipto are working to make peace in their neighborhood, beautify their streets, stay out of jail, and learn a viable trade. Please come and support this inspiring community!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scott
Dec 21, 2024
You HAVE TO take this tour! - This was an incredibly authentic tour. What made it even more special is you have former gang members talking about the the rivalry and the neighborhood and the transformation and how they got shot with guns and spent time in prison and I mean it was really, really unbelievably authentic. It was, I highly recommend it for everybody.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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