Quito, Ecuador, stands as a hub for community-based tourism initiatives, rooted in the belief that tourism should be a force for community benefit, local development, and cultural preservation. Yunguilla, located just an hour northwest of Quito, epitomizes this ethos, offering travelers a unique opportunity to engage with the local community, contribute to their activities, and immerse themselves in the area’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
In Yunguilla, visitors can traverse the ancestral paths of the Yumbos people, witness the vibrant diversity of local birds, and savor delectable dishes crafted from organic, locally sourced products. This community-based tourism approach aims to provide an authentic and insightful experience for tourists, showcasing the rural community’s way of life while fostering support for its development.
The Yunguilla community, comprised of 166 inhabitants and 55 families, with 49 participating in the Centro de Turismo Comunitario (Community Tourism Centre), opens its doors to travelers. The initiative offers a total of 82 beds, with accommodation prices ranging from 30 to 45 euros per night. Notably, Yunguilla is the sole community within the Metropolitan District of Quito that adheres to the regulations set by the Community Tourism Centre. These guidelines encompass territorial preservation, organizational structure strengthening, collaborative economic activities (with tourism as a supplementary community activity), enhanced quality of life, identity recovery, and a commitment to delivering high-quality services.
Community-based tourism in places like Yunguilla transcends conventional tourist attractions, providing visitors with a chance to connect with local communities, explore their crafts, delve into their traditional cuisine, and contribute to sustainable and responsible tourism. This approach serves to protect a city’s cultural and natural heritage for the benefit of future generations, showcasing Quito as a beacon for community-driven tourism initiatives.
(With inputs from Agencies)
