Ethnography of Tourism in Saraguro: Exploring the Dynamic Legacy of Sumak Kawsay in Local Culture and Heritage

Exploring the Dynamic Legacy of Sumak Kawsay in Local Culture and Heritage investigates the intricate cultural fabric of Saraguro, a locale increasingly reliant on tourism for economic and cultural vitality. It centers on the Sumak Kawsay principle, an Andean ethos of ‘good living’, and its endurance in the face of burgeoning tourism. Employing participant observation and semi-structured interviews with locals and tourists, the research scrutinizes the interplay between tourism and indigenous cultural practices, focusing on their influence on cultural heritage perception and conservation. The findings indicate that while tourism bolsters Saraguro’s economy, it also serves as a conduit for promoting and revitalizing Sumak Kawsay. Nonetheless, the study identifies challenges, notably the risk of cultural commodification and the imperative for sustainable tourism practices that honor and maintain local traditions. The research underscores the necessity of a synergistic approach to tourism development, advocating for community involvement in decision-making to ensure tourism fortifies Saraguro’s cultural essence. This study significantly advances the understanding of tourism as a nuanced, dynamic entity, deeply intertwined with and reflective of a community’s cultural practices and perspectives.