Learn about the impressive history of a group of locals from the Egipto neighborhood in Bogotá. Deciding to leave their criminal past behind, they started the initiative Breaking Borders, showing tourists their streets filled with artwork that tells the neighborhood’s history.
Our first stop will be La Candelaria, the founding place of Bogotá. There you'll learn about the project while drinking coffee or agua panela before heading to Nuestra Señora de Egipto, the church located at the entrance of Barrio Egipto.
You'll walk through Calle Real (Royal Street), once the people’s only connection to the city. Then we'll stop at El Cuadrado, a central point in the history of the gang fights of the area. While in the past this place was a strategic point for control over the territory for the gangs, today it's painted with impressive graffiti art that tells the history and new values of the people, you'll notice first-hand how much the area has changed and transformed into a place of hope, peace, and culture.
Then you'll reach the hills where the modest houses of the local guides and their families are bedded into the steep hills. You'll see that the community is still underdeveloped and struggles to access to basic utilities. In this area, you'll also see one of the biggest changes in the neighborhood: a football field that has been constructed for the children of the district. You'll hear why this field is an essential part of the ongoing transformation.
In spite of these conditions, this place is full of life thanks to the people’s warmth, joy, and desire of their children to fight for their dreams.