Walking and Stumbling on the Paths of Heritage-making for Rural Development in the Arica Highlands

A study on the Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System, reveals that while heritage designation can foster cultural revitalization and community strengthening, it does not guarantee successful tourism implementation. Analyzing a failed hiking circuit project in northern Chile's Arica Highlands, researchers identified three key lessons: distinguishing between cultural revitalization and tourism, recognizing the challenges of applying the Cultural Route heritage category from global to local scales, and the need for stronger Latin American heritage regulations. The research employed participatory action methods and socioterritorial analysis to explore these intersections, offering insights into the complexities of heritage policies and rural development.

Saintenoy, T., Estefane, F. G., Jofré, D., & Masaguer, M. (2019). Walking and Stumbling on the Paths of Heritage-making for Rural Development in the Arica Highlands. Mountain Research and Development, 39(4). https://doi.org/10.1659/mrd-journal-d-19-00015.1