Indígenas “auténticos” y campesinos “verdes”. Los imperativos identitarios del turismo en Colombia

Abstract

This paper examines the discourses and practices of tourism in Colombia. It seeks to better understand how the imperatives of the tourist market have translated into particular identity requirements for local communities, as they become their only economic and political alternative. Focusing on the tourist destinations of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Tayrona Natural Park and Tierradentro archeological park, we explore the tensions and negotiations such requirements have implied in two cases: first, in the production of indigenous peoples as environmental stewards and authentic indigenous peoples; and, second, in the production of green and morally acceptable peasants. We provide some thoughts on tourism’s limited capacity to bring prosperity to the communities involved.

Keywords

• indigenous peoples
• multiculturalism
• tourism
• environmentalism