Saraurko

There are often few development opportunities for indigenous communities, and for Saraurko in southern Ecuador the situation is no different. As a result, communities around the village of Saraguro have taken their future into their own hands, providing development opportunities for both women and young people, thus creating a viable alternative for young people leaving their ancestral lands in search of employment. Through tourism, these indigenous communities are reclaiming their indigenous identity with the aim of developing together as a community, promoting their culture and sharing it with tourists. Many of the project leaders are not leaders within their community, allowing them a new perspective on how to develop their community-based tourism project.

Travelers visiting Saraurko can enjoy traditional meals and accommodation at an indigenous-owned hotel, take part in a cultural ceremony to repay the land as well as nature tours to local beauty spots, including waterfalls, mountains and caves. Visitors also have the opportunity to visit artisans’ houses, where they can learn more about local crafts and sample beer at an indigenous craft brewery.

VSocial is generating a strategy to strengthen this project so that it can access the community-based tourism certification and thus reach new markets.

The project has a direct focus on 15 families in the region.