The Luján locality, in the Ayacucho department, set a milestone in sustainable tourism in San Luis. It became the first in the country, according to authorities, to have a comprehensive ordinance on hiking.
The ordinance, identified as N°122-HCDL-2025, adheres to National Law N°27.665 and Provincial Law N°IX-1007-2019, which strengthens the legal framework for the development of this activity.
A legal framework to strengthen sustainable tourism in San Luis
The objective of the ordinance is to promote hiking as a recreational, educational, tourist, and healthy activity, under policies of sustainable development, inclusion, and respect for natural and cultural heritage.
The regulation enables the municipality to manage resources, training, and technical assistance for the design, signage, conservation, and promotion of the trails.
This strategic step positions Luján as a provincial and national reference in regulation and promotion of hiking. It also provides opportunities for local employment, community training, and valorization of the landscapes and natural resources of the region.
From the Honorable Deliberative Council, they highlighted that this measure strengthens Luján’s identity as a sustainable destination. The aim is to transform the connection with nature into a permanent public policy beyond a simple recreational activity.
A provincial plan to enhance hiking
In line with this initiative, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture of San Luis has been promoting the “Senderos en San Luis” program since last year, which promotes the activity during the low season and coordinates efforts between the public and private sectors.
Currently, the province has more than 200 surveyed trails, trained and certified local guides, and a sustained effort to professionalize the sector.
This year, the Ministry is coordinating actions with the Secretariat of Tourism, Sports, and Environment of the Nation, with the aim of developing new circuits and consolidating existing ones as natural and cultural attractions of the province. Nature tourism seeks to offer sustainable experiences and bring visitors closer to the culture and beauty of local landscapes.
The province of San Luis aims to strengthen sustainable tourism.
“Conexión San Luis”: training, signage, and tourism promotion
Among the key actions are training, development of technical manuals, installation of specialized signage, and surveys to enhance ventures in natural settings.
In this sense, through the “Conexión San Luis” seal, the aim is to visualize and promote the natural, cultural, gastronomic, and recreational attributes of each locality, promoting new destinations and strengthening regional economies through tourism.
The benefits of hiking as a tourism activity
Hiking offers multiple benefits as a sustainable tourism activity, both for the environment and for local communities and visitors:
1. Environmental benefits
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Low ecological impact: well-planned and regulated hiking has a reduced impact compared to other mass tourism activities.
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Ecosystem conservation: promotes the protection of natural areas by generating economic and social value in their preservation.
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Environmental education: allows visitors to learn about flora, fauna, geology, and conservation practices.
2. Economic benefits
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Boost to local economies: generates income for communities near the trails through accommodations, gastronomy, guides, and crafts sales.
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Tourism diversification: attracts visitors throughout the year, even during low seasons.
- Green employment: creates job opportunities linked to environmental care, such as nature guides, trail maintenance, and ecotourism services.
Hiking and its environmental and touristic benefits.
3. Socio-cultural benefits
- Heritage revaluation: connects visitors with local culture, traditions, gastronomy, and ancestral knowledge.
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