Guachucal: Colombia’s Milky Way ,where tradition, innovation, and sustainable tourism come together

High in the Nariño mountains, 3,800 meters closer to the stars, stands Guachucal, a municipality that has chosen to transform its cattle-ranching heritage into a driving force for economic, cultural, and tourism development. In this place where crisp air meets awe-inspiring landscapes, the Milky Way Route emerges as a project that energizes the local economy and connects visitors with authentic experiences in harmony with the environment.

Dairy farming with identity and a future

Guachucal has long been known as a land of dairy farmers. Both large and small producers have worked for generations to keep the local dairy culture alive. Today, through an associative model, they aim to showcase their rich offerings to the country and the world: artisanal cheeses, yogurt, butter, and even locally made wines that surprise visitors with their flavor and quality.

The municipality hosts production plants that meet food safety standards and follow sustainable practices,without losing the rural essence that defines the region. This integration of tradition and modernity not only strengthens the local economy but also creates jobs and opportunities for young people and rural women.

Tourism:living the Milky Way experience in Guachucal

But Guachucal is not content with just producing dairy. The town has realized that its true wealth lies in sharing experiences. That’s why, in collaboration with Operadora Camino del Viento (caminodelvientote@hotmail.com), visitors can book a full package to experience the Milky Way Route,a journey that combines lodging, gastronomy, culture, and nature.

Among the key partners making this journey possible are:

• Hotel Nalnoa Real: A welcoming space that blends comfort with Andean warmth,perfect for resting after a day exploring Guachucal’s mountains.

• Hospedaje Ankalli Quyllur: A name in Quechua that evokes a connection with the cosmos. Here, guests feel part of the starry sky that blankets the region on clear nights.

• Empresarios La Realeza: A standout example of innovation in the food sector, known for their flavored cheeses, artisanal wines, and creative products that blend tradition with added value.

• Guachakana Cruz del Sur: A collective of women weavers who, with patience and skill, turn fibers into art. Their creations are more than just products,they are woven stories of identity, resilience, and beauty.

Tourism,economy, and sustainability: an integrated vision

The Milky Way Route is not just a tourist circuit:it is a sustainable development model that seeks to harmonize production, culture, and the environment. Visitors to Guachucal do more than enjoy local dairy or textiles,they become part of a community that works together to grow without losing its essence.

The project also promotes environmental education and the appreciation of local territory. From land-respecting cattle-raising practices to the warm hospitality of its hotels and guesthouses, everything is designed to ensure that each experience is responsible, transformative, and memorable.

A destination closer to the stars

Guachucal is not just a point on the map of Nariño. It is a living laboratory of rural innovation,a place that has chosen to look toward the future while staying true to its roots. At 3,800 meters above sea level, Guachucal doesn’t just produce milk:it produces identity, community, and hope.

And perhaps that’s why traveling the Milky Way Route is not just a tourism experience,it’s a journey into the meaning of balance: with the land, with culture, and with the vast sky that each night reminds locals and visitors alike that, in Guachucal, we are,literally,closer to the stars.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              By Miguel Ledhesma