Bogota's Social Change Journey: Witness the Resilience and Transformation in Egipto Neighborhood
5.0
46 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.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Calabazo Breaking Borders - Meet in front of the small chapel in Chorro Quevedo and start to learn about the impressive history of a group of locals from the Egipto neighborhood in Bogotá. Deciding to leave their criminal past behind they have started the initiative Breaking Borders, showing tourists around their streets filled with artwork that tells the neighborhood’s history. In this way, tourism has formed a real alternative for their personal and professional development and opened the doors for a brighter future.
You’ll meet your English speaking guide at Chorro Quevedo in La Candelaria, the founding place of Bogotá. There you will learn about the project before heading to Nuestra Señora de Egipto, the church located at the entrance of Barrio Egipto. This is also the scene for the festivities on the 6th of January.
All along the way, you will be able to see the history of the people illustrated in impressive graffiti art. Your guide will let you in on the meanings and stories behind these murals.
What's Included
- Private hotel transfers (if transport option selected)
- Guidance in preferred language (English, Spanish, Portuguese, German)
- Expert local guide
- Traditional Colombian Chicha and snack
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Lunch
- Optional tips and gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Additional Information
This journey is a segment of our H.E.A.R.T. Adventures at Impulse Travel - Some writers interpret resilience as the capacity to cultivate abilities and positive mindsets in difficult surroundings and under adverse situations. On this expedition, you will observe the tenacity of a team of youths from the Egipto district in Bogotá. You’ll listen to their captivating personal narratives, particularly about their dramatic shift from being a part of a gang to becoming tour instructors. They can’t wait to demonstrate how their individual growth has positively affected their community. This journey provides an excellent opportunity to understand the reality of numerous disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Colombia.
- 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.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(46 Ratings)
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Cholth
Apr 4, 2024
Impressive and touching - This tour is off the "mainstream" and was very impressive for my husband and me.
As we lived in Bogota a long time ago, we were always warned not to go into these neighborhoods and we also saw the misery that prevails among the poorer people. It was all the more impressive to receive first-hand reports and stories from the "former gang". We have all the respect for the guys for organizing something like this.
We found the price for the tour relatively expensive, but if the majority of the proceeds go to the people of the "Barrio Egipto", the money is in good hands.
I would like to see a corresponding note on the "Breaking Borders" homepage.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Myopinion99
Feb 6, 2024
Best experience in Bogotá, No Words strong enough ! Don't miss to support amazing hearts of " egipto" inhabitants - I read on sites " best experience " and now I do understand why ❤️ In company of Harrold y Pato del barrio de Egipto y Raul de Impulse travel I had an easy walk of a few hours just steps away from the so touristic" plaza del charron de quevedo"en La Candelaria barrio. Amazing way to ear story of a breaking vicious circle of violence and drugs, told by people with strong character who succeed in changing immovable destinies. The force that emanates from it is the force of life and " No Words " the best summary of an adventure that no visitor should be without. a mandatory visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeffrey_e
Jan 26, 2024
Inspirational Tour - Mr. Pumpkin, the former gang leader turned tour guide, provided extremely interesting information about his life in the gang and in the barrio. He was very animated, upbeat, and well-informed. Moreover, his story and that of the community’s positive transformation were inspirational. Our English tour guide Raul was also great. Super-good tour!!
Review provided by Viator
Rotterdam101
Nov 24, 2023
You absolutely need to do this tour whilst in Bogotá! - The highlight of my time in Bogotá. The tour is unique, meeting the gang members and understanding their motivation for changing their lifestyles was indescribable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Erin_b
Oct 13, 2023
We have no words! - Cannot recommend this tour enough. Gildardo Arango was so knowledgeable about history and effortlessly weaved his knowledge with our interests into a tour that left us emotionally committed to Breaking Borders. We left rooting and respecting these beautiful humans who are doing the tough work to break a cycle of violence and gangs. Thank you GIGO for being the best guide and to Monkey and Harold who risked letting complete strangers into their lives through their honest stories and sharing of their community. We leave Columbia with you in our hearts and fond memories of this country!
Review provided by Viator
L5956ludiegos
Oct 2, 2023
Bogota's real side - The best way to see human resilience in action. Egipto is known for its troubled past, today we we find a different story. One of Bogota's hidden treasures.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andres14725
Oct 2, 2023
Great experience!!! - Amazing experience!! Provides a deep understanding of the lifestyle of a community that has been heavily impacted by violence and exclusion
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Else_s
Oct 1, 2023
Highly recommended - The visit in egypto was very interesting tour, very nice guides, learned a lot, we got a lot of general bogota tips on top also!
Review provided by Viator
Aztravelingmatt
Sep 26, 2023
Egipto with a local - Breaking Borders is a fascinating walk through Egipto, a neighborhood that has a history and past of violence and gangs that is now at peace with its past and the citizens are creating a better tomorrow for the youth. You'll hear some interesting stories about events that have happened here, told by the members of the gangs that experienced them. They are sincerely hoping to make a better future for their neighbors and their younger residents.
Impulse Travel is easy to work with and arranges everything. You'll be paired with a guide/translator and a local guide/resident of Egipto to accompany you along the streets of the neighborhood. Every corner, wall and street has a story!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dittelobo
Sep 16, 2023
Must see - in bogota! - It was a true experience to be with impulse travel and meeting breaking borders. We had a pleasure knowing about the history of the area and of course, history of egipto. This is A MUST to do - also to really get a look into some political issues and how breaking borders really wants to change and unite all.
Thank you so much for that beautiful experience and seeing all the mural art!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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