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Egipto Resilience Tour: From Gangs to Guides
5.0
54 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
As a component of the H.E.A.R.T. Experiences at Impulse Travel, this tour provides an insightful exploration of the resilience found in Bogotá’s Egipto neighborhood. Experience the remarkable social transformation as youth from one of Colombia’s most at-risk communities share their personal narratives of change and community influence. Obtain a genuine…
As a component of the H.E.A.R.T. Experiences at Impulse Travel, this tour provides an insightful exploration of the resilience found in Bogotá’s Egipto neighborhood. Experience the remarkable social transformation as youth from one of Colombia’s most at-risk communities share their personal narratives of change and community influence. Obtain a genuine comprehension of Bogotá’s socio-economic diversity while supporting a project committed to fostering positive change.
- 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
(54 Ratings)
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1 star
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
Connie_h
Nov 9, 2024
A most impactful tour! - We were honored to be welcomed to Barrio Egipto by Harold, a former gang member who explained the history of injustice and violence in his neighborhood and the work Breaking Borders is doing to bring peace, resilience and transformation to its residents. His explanations of the meaning and symbolism behind the amazing street art was really helpful, and we appreciated being able to take a quick look at the weaving workshop Buena Semilla. We also enjoyed great conversation and insights from our guide Daniel, who accompanied us throughout the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Pamela_m
Sep 8, 2024
A deep dive into the challenges of change in the ghetto - Excellent overview of the social and economic challenges of the Barrio Egipto, from three who have tried to change the narrative of gang violence and control. They have had some success, but need more support. The tour offers the opportunity to learn and support the change.
Review provided by Viator
Brazwhazz
Jul 6, 2024
A fascinating tour unlike any other - This tour was unlike any other we had done. The guides are candid about the reality of their neighbourhood, but their optimism and enthusiasm shines through. This made for an extremely interesting and moving visit. It showed us a facet of Bogota that many locals are not comfortable discussing, and left quite an impression on our 13- and 11-year old children who consider this experience one of their highlights of our time in Bogota.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lynn_b
Apr 18, 2024
Inspirational & Heart warming - Our first tour in Columbia which gave us an insight into how many poor Columbian’s have little or no education & end up in gangs.The ex gang members who guided us are ready embracing the responsibility & the chance of turning their lives around with the help of Breaking Borders Charity.We also loved the ladies at the weaving workshop where we bought a beautiful hand loomed rug at a very reasonable price.It made us feel good that the money would go to them personally & help them manage their finances.This part was a bit rushed so think the tour should be 3 hours instead of 2,as we would have liked to spend more time talking to them.Perhaps the starting point would be better outside the church as we came by taxi & it would have saved us the steep climb up from the square.We would not have met these people generally so it was good to see how they survive when across the big main road there is an affluent life going on.I hope that 1 day they will cross that road ..Inspirational tour.
Review provided by Viator
Smokob
Apr 15, 2024
Excellent insight, seeing how people changed their lives for a better future. - Great insight into the life of the people at Egipto. It is such a success story. We learned about the livelihood in this areas in 1990s and how these people leading a better future to their community.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
