Bogota Tejo Tour Review: Beers, Bangs, and Bullseyes!

Thinking about doing the Tejo and craft beer thing in Bogota? So, that sounds fun, right? Well, hold on to your hats; you’re in the proper place. Basically, this is like your inside scoop on one of the cooler experiences you could try when you’re tooling around Colombia’s capital. Very honestly, this ain’t just about tossing metal discs; it’s kinda about jumping headfirst into Colombian culture, one explosion and flavorful brew at a time. Apparently, I decided to give this a go not so long ago, and I am here to spill the beans on everything. Really, this is what you can anticipate, what might totally catch you off guard, and ultimately, whether it’s actually worth carving out some space in your itinerary.

What Exactly Is Tejo? A Crash Course

Okay, first thing’s first: what’s Tejo? In a way, this is Colombia’s, perhaps, not-so-secret pastime, that is wildly popular all across the nation. Often, it involves throwing a heavy metal puck (the “tejo”) at a clay pit that is studded with little triangles that contain gunpowder. So, when you hit one just right, BOOM! As I was saying, pretty straightforward, even very primitive and undeniably exciting. Instead, just to set the stage a bit, the tradition seems to go way back to indigenous roots. Likewise, nowadays, you might find both informal and professional spots, very usually accompanied by lots of chatter and, well, beer. In the meantime, just prepare yourself for something that sounds, very honestly, a little bonkers, but is also remarkably a huge amount of fun.

My Tejo Experience: More Than Just Explosions

As a matter of fact, when I turned up for the tour, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Very truthfully, it’s all just a little like walking into a party already in full swing. Actually, there are locals and tourists alike, casually chucking these metal discs. Naturally, the anticipation seemed almost intense. It could be, like your turn up. Initially, I had been pretty awful. Seemingly, it required much more technique than I had imagined. Now, the heft of the tejo combined with that, well, need for real precision… it is actually, kind of a task. So, yet after a couple of rounds and also the occasional tip from our guide, I finally began getting a little bit of the hang of things. Arguably, the pure satisfaction of hearing that explosion as you hit your mark is undeniably addictive. Actually, the energy is infectious; every single hit and miss is met with cheers, groans, and a good amount of laughter. Frankly, that made the experience so much better. Of course, that shared joy. It’s just awesome!

Craft Beer Interlude: Refreshments and Revelry

Alright, the Tejo part is pretty much excellent, but I think you need a good beer to, I don’t know, maybe celebrate your wins (or, in my case, soften the blow of my many misses). Indeed, thankfully, this tour understands this perfectly. So, we sampled a solid variety of craft beers produced by Colombian brewers. Instead, these ranged, I believe, from super light lagers that would slide down easy after heaving around metal pucks. Next, you would maybe drink some richer, hoppier IPAs to be appreciated more. Usually, these craft beer interludes offered a brilliant way to, arguably, connect with the other people in my tour group and kinda compare awful Tejo strategies and that kind of stuff. In a way, it seemed a great opportunity to learn even a little about Colombian brewing traditions; that certainly made the entire experience feel kinda richer and more well-rounded.

What You’ll Learn: Culture, History, and Explosions

So, this is more than simply just beers and bangs, I promise. Likewise, our tour guide, who by the way, really had to have the patience of a saint given my, kind of, ineptitude. So, but they did, I think, provide interesting commentary and insight into all the things that shaped the, um, tradition of Tejo, its place throughout Colombian culture, and the history. Usually, you might even hear several tales from people who have experienced Tejo from one generation to the next. Honestly, that can seriously give you a little bit of a deeper that… uh… kinda deeper picture. Of course, understanding, perhaps, even this specific facet of Colombian culture really made my trip way more rewarding and special. Of course, and yes, admittedly I guess the explosions were fun too.

Is It Worth It? Weighing the Pros and Cons

Basically, that is a solid question. Absolutely, for anyone just trying to have a little fun or seeking something way more hands-on and engaging than your normal sight-seeing trip, after all I mean I would really recommend it. I can not lie though and say you will find yourself mastering it but, it’s a solid activity that should entertain most. Obviously, that being said if maybe really loud bangs or things getting rowdy bother you; then, it can be, actually, kinda better to simply pass. Otherwise, very possibly the entire “explosions plus beer” combo isn’t your idea of a good time, and this probably is actually just a better option that you skip. Though for me? Basically, that has been among my, seriously, best memories out of Colombia. Arguably, I think this makes you wanna show all of your friends after you’re through doing it.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

Naturally, you will want a piece of advice before you proceed, here it is, for sure. Okay, first off; well dress, actually, quite comfortably. Next; maybe keep in mind that you actually will likely do several awkward arm movements. Usually, wear decent shoes that can protect you as well, just in case of any unfortunate incidents. Oh yes. Most important. Seriously, don’t be scared to, arguably, look kinda silly if, like myself, it took a second to find some skill; because that laughter simply builds to what helps this. As a matter of fact; hydrating can, of course, allow one to last longer in any endeavor so this could assist too. Lastly, please always actually listen when given instructions when chucking exploding metals so they remain quite safe. So you probably could actually find one really good guide by seeing who all appears to do all kinds of those Bogota walks. Also then? Arguably, ask who takes you towards Tejo spots!