Soacha: Peace and Biodiversity

Code: NBHTY
Full day
Category:

Description

Only a few minutes from Bogota’s southern border and within the limits of the largest paramo (moorland) of the world –a high land ecosystem with great biodiversity– Soacha is a city of contrasts in all its extent. An incredible testimony of community empowerment to overcome all sorts of human and environmental rights challenges. From the impact of the armed conflict, through extrajudicial executions and internal displacement (Colombia has the second highest number of internal displacement after Syria) to the unfair land disposal, where the State and the economic actors have seen this territory as a mere source of income, the voice of the Suachunos –which in Chibcha ancestral indigenous tongue means: “the sons of the male sun god”–, has emerged as an uncontainable force, a beacon of light and an example of social organization.

Tour Highlights

  • Experience Colombia like a native, immersed in the town of Soacha with our partners Caminando el Territorio (Walking the Territory)
  • Learn about a dark chapter in Colombia’s history from people who lived it firsthand - and understand how they are building their own peace
  • Explore the natural beauty and biodiversity around Soacha, trekking through the largest páramo (moorland) in the world
  • Local art and food - Soacha has some incredible local artists and unique traditional foods. Not to be missed!

Itinerary

 

WHEN? WHAT YOU WILL DO!
8:00 a. m. Pick up at your hotel
8:45 am to 9:10 am Experience Soacha´s urban context: together with the local association “Caminando el Territorio”(Walking the Territory), you will discuss the urban landscape and the history of Soacha’s socio-economic organization.
9:15 am to 9:45 am Archeological Museum of Soacha”: learn about the ancestral indigenous people of the region (Muisca) observing unique pieces found in Soacha over years of excavations.
10:00 am to 11:30 am “Xucasa: an example of young empowerment”: learn how the young generation of Soacha is taking actions in the reconstruction of the imaginary of the city.

“Falsos Positivos”: experience first hand with one of the mothers that have suffered from this crime, the truth behind one of the hardest moments of Colombia’s history “extrajudicial killings”. Take a traditional snack.
11:30 a. m. Pick up at “Xucasa” – End of the urban tour
12:00 am to 12:30 pm Go to the rural area of Soacha: see the contrast and understand the impact of the mining activity in Soacha. Also get to know about the environmental conservation of Paramo areas by the local community.
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm Traditional lunch
1:45 pm to 4:00m Trekking around the largest paramo of the world: listen to the stories and testimonies of a peasant organization that has emerged as a powerful source of community empowerment and defense of rural interests while walking around the largest paramo in the planet.
4:15 p. m. Pick up and journey back to your hotel. End of the tour.

 

Includes

  • Typical lunch and snack.
  • Pick up and drop off at the hotel.
  • Transportation around the urban and rural areas of Soacha.
  • Bilingual guidance.

What you will need

  • Bring appropriate hiking clothes and shoes. Waterproof raincoats and other waterproof clothing and accessories are strongly recommended.
  • Sunblock, sunglasses and, hat are also recommended.
  • Hydration is a must! Do not forget to bring water and/or other beverages for the journey.
  • Do not forget to rest well the night before.

 

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