The province of San Luis presented the initiative “Trails in San Luis” at the International Tourism Fair (FIT), consolidating its strategy to position itself as an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor experiences, connection with nature, and healthy activities.
With more than 200 trails surveyed by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the municipalities, the proposal aims to strengthen tourism in the low season and coordinate work between public and private sectors.
A diverse network of trails
The initiative includes technical manuals, professional signage, surveys, and training for local guides. The routes range from accessible urban paths to mountainous challenges:
- Costa de los Comechingones Corridor (Villa de Merlo): more than 80 trails, such as Huella Nativa, Reserva Mogote Bayo, Cascada Esmeralda, and Chorro Chico.
- Northern Mountain Corridor: Salto El Zapallar in Quines and the Via Crucis in Villa de la Quebrada.
- Central Mountains and urban: Parque de las Naciones Trail in the city of San Luis and Salto de la Negra Libre in the Pancanta Valley.
- Sierra de las Quijadas National Park: Miradores Trail, with views of the reddish cliffs.
- El Morro Corridor: Cerro El Morro Trail, accessible for those new to trekking.
- Thermal and Saline Corridor: Paseo de las Salinas del Bebedero, with unique saline landscapes.
Additionally, the municipality of Luján (Ayacucho) created a pioneering ordinance that comprehensively regulates hiking, promoting the activity as a respectful tourist and recreational practice of the natural and cultural heritage.
Sustainable tourism and local development
The project seeks to boost inbound tourism and promote healthy lifestyles, strengthen local economies, and highlight the landscape diversity of San Luis. The strategy is supported by four pillars:
- Environmental conservation: strengthening of Protected Natural Areas and environmental education.
- Local development and culture: promotion of gastronomy, crafts, and festivals that reaffirm regional identity.
- Resource management: promotion of local and sustainable tourism, with actions for cleaning and preserving natural spaces.
- Heritage and experience: combination of nature and history in places like Mogote Bayo or the Florofaunistic Reserve of La Florida.
Identity and “puntanidad”
Sustainable tourism in San Luis seeks to conserve biodiversity, protect natural areas, and promote “puntanidad”, the cultural identity of the province. The proposal guarantees resources for the future, avoiding environmental degradation and strengthening local development in emblematic sites such as Sierra de las Quijadas and provincial water mirrors.
With the initiative “Trails in San Luis”, the province positions itself as a leader in sustainable tourism in Argentina. The proposal not only protects the environment but also enhances the regional economy and local culture, offering unique experiences that combine nature, history, and well-being.
