William Silgado

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:  

Social Commitment with the local community.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

"The Painted House" Workshop in Guapi:

Guapi municipality is located southwest of the Cauca Department, along the Colombian Pacific slope.

This activity was convening a group of 15 students, through the Director of the Casa de Cultura. The workshop was held from 11 to 19 June 2008. During the seven days, they painted 21 houses and a dead wall, which runs from the main house to the office of AVIATUR.

As a result of this work, Guapi population is now happy and grateful for the contribution of the aesthetic and dignified outcome offered AVIATUR and National Parks.

Local Inhabitants:

In the Gorgona Natural National Park there is only a small community made up of National Park Service employees, volunteer park rangers, and scientific researchers.

In the buffer zone, most of the inhabitants are descendants of African slaves, and they are mostly devoted to fishing and harvesting the "piangua," a small mollusk that is very popular in local cooking. These people have a very rich culture and an excellent musical tradition, and in Guapi are the best musical training schools and the shops where a famous wood marimba is made by hand. The typical foods and dishes are delightful also.

Information http://www.concesionesparquesnaturales.com

Third Party Verification: 

Sustainable Tourism Eco-Certification Program (STE