NEIGHBOURHOOD EGIPTO - AUTHENTIC, COLOURFUL, FULL OF LIFE

Bogotá has many facets and countless neighborhoods that are worth exploring.

One of them is Egipto, which is close to the popular center, but is still a real insider tip. Authentic, colorful and full of anecdotes about Bogotá's history, Egipto invites young and old to learn more about the development of the neighborhood and its people.

Our half-day tour with local guides offers fascinating insights into Bogotá's transformation, as our visitors see how the Egipto community has found ways to live together peacefully in a neighborhood once marked by violence.

Starting at the Chorro de Quevedo and walking along the Externado to the church of the barrio, "Monky" takes us on a journey telling how the barrio was divided into four gangs and thus zones, separated by once clear boundaries. While the children patrolled the boundaries, the elders stood guard above and gave signals to warn about enemies. A system that over time had unfortunately cost many young people and children their lives.

Today, however, we see a completely different picture: the Good Seed Foundation, a foundation for children and single mothers, is very committed to ensuring a better future for the residents of the neighborhood. While their families work, the foundation takes care that the children in Egipto have access to education and receive further training after school, above all handicrafts like the production of wooden goods. This gives the children and young people an alternative future and keeps them off the streets and away from violence. Single mothers and single women, who have often lost their families and children in the war, are also supported by Good Seed. They weave ruanas, rugs and accessories to provide for their families. 

These positive initiatives are belching positive change in the neighborhood: residents are forming a community, and instead of seeking violent conflict, the new generations are dedicating themselves to their education and a promising future.

As always, if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact your local travel agent.