Dinámica del turismo agroecológico: Viabilidad del destino, recursos, actores y demanda en Santa Elena de la Caramuca, Barinas
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Youth migration and state neglect are creating tension in Santa Elena de la Caramuca, where the natural and cultural heritage, although valuable, remains underutilized, demanding alternatives such as agro-ecological tourism. The objective was to determine the viability of an agro-ecological tourism destination to diversify the sustainable tourism offerings in this region of Barinas. A mixed-methods field study was employed: a quantitative phase using Likert scales and a qualitative phase with in-depth interviews. Quantitatively, 56% of respondents positively valued the biodiversity, although dissatisfaction with basic services reached 29%; 44% of farms integrated production, but 62% lacked lodging; 72% of potential visitors would participate in farm work, and 63% would stay overnight. Qualitatively, subcategories emerge that articulate rootedness as a deterrent to generational migration, the Llanero culture (intangible heritage, sovereignty of flavor, natural hospitality), collaborative management based on community solidarity and environmental co-responsibility, and self-management solutions in the face of state shortcomings; although fears of saturation and social burden impose limitations. It is concluded that the destination is viable, albeit fragile, and requires investment in infrastructure, community governance, and training.
Language: Spanish
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7203962436