New City Tour in Bogotá: The Egipto District – Breaking Through Invisible Boundaries

Today, we would like to introduce you to an alternative tour in the center of Bogotá. The Egipto district, located just about 10 minutes on foot from the main square Plaza Bolívar, was formerly characterized by gang violence and warring families. Egipto is situated on partly steep slopes above the old town center, and for several years now, peace has settled in the neighborhood. Former gang members offer tours of their district, which truly fascinated us during our last visit to the center of Bogotá.

The tour can be easily done on foot from the tours located in the old town of Bogotá. If our clients are accommodated elsewhere in Bogotá, we are happy to provide transportation.

The Egipto neighborhood is located above the historic district of Candelaria.

Here is the product description for our private walking tour:

Today we visit the Egipto neighborhood, located near the old town of Bogotá. Many young people of this neighborhood have decided to leave their criminal past behind and have created the "Breaking Borders" initiative, which guides visitors through its streets. In this way, tourism has created a real alternative for their personal and professional development, opening doors to a better future. 

We start the tour at Chorro Quevedo, the founding place of Bogotá, with a brief introduction and a small snack. From there, we slowly move up to the eastern hills of Bogotá until we reach the Nuestra Señora de Egipto church, which marks the entrance to the once dangerous neighborhood. We make a stop at "El Cuadrado", formerly a central point of gang fights in the area. This strategic point for territory control is now painted with graffiti illustrating the transformation of Egipto. The houses in the neighborhood, some modest and still lacking access to basic services, are nestled on the steep slope of Egipto. Despite the conditions, this place is full of life, warmth, and joy. 

Thanks to the "Breaking Borders" project, a football field was recently built for the neighborhood residents. We have time for a traditional lunch, and then we visit the social foundation "Buena Semilla", a wood and weaving workshop run by former offenders from the neighborhood. We can get hands-on and try us at the weaving technique. Afterwards, we return to our hotel. 

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours in total.