As we walked, we noticed small businesses advertising Venezuelan money transfers, bodegas, and a visible street economy. Having heard from our driver about the local sex economy, we also began to observe sex workers positioned on corners. These informal economies were woven deeply into the visual and social landscape. At El Castillo, we spoke with a sociologist who offered a broader historical context of Santa Fé. Once home to Jewish immigrants and central to Bogotá’s urban layout in the 1940s, the neighborhood has gradually become known for its association with illicit economies—referred to by some as a “barrio de putas” or, more neutrally, a zone known for sex work and drug activity. Both the sociologist and our Uber driver explained that Santa Fé is legally recognized as a “zona de tolerancia”, a space where certain activities, such as sex work and drug use, are decriminalized but spatially contained. 

When we shared our intention to walk the neighborhood for observational work, the sociologist strongly advised against going alone, especially because our appearance made it obvious we were not locals. He quickly coordinated with two of his colleagues, both teachers at Castillo de las Artes, who generously offered to accompany us. 

What followed was a rich and candid walking tour. Our guides described how corruption and inefficiency often undermine government resources meant for vulnerable populations. “The money exists,” one remarked, “but it often goes to those who don’t need it.” As we moved through Santa Fé, we passed informal food stalls, observed a man wearing Venezuelan flag board shorts, and witnessed the sharp contrast between visibility and marginalization in public space.