Colombia is launching its "Colombia: Astroturístico" program, highlighting the Santuario de Fauna y Flora Los Flamencos in La Guajira as a prime location for astronomical observation. This national initiative, which commenced in June 2025, aims to cultivate unique stargazing experiences across the country and establish Colombia as a leader in sustainable astrotourism.
The Santuario de Fauna y Flora Los Flamencos, a vast 7,000-hectare sanctuary, is known for its wetlands, coastal lagoons, and mangrove ecosystems. Its exceptionally clear skies, minimally affected by light pollution, offer ideal conditions for celestial viewing, complementing the area's rich biodiversity, which includes its namesake pink flamingos.
This strategic effort by the Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (MinCIT) intends to identify up to 50 optimal astrotourism locations nationwide, with a particular focus on developing specialized support for ten high-potential territories. This endeavor aligns with Colombia's commitment to sustainable tourism, a sector that significantly contributed 2.1% to the nation's GDP in 2022, and aims to diversify the tourism economy, especially benefiting rural and underdeveloped regions.
La Guajira's participation in this program will bring specialized training for local stakeholders, comprehensive technical assessments of its astronomical potential, and the provision of essential observation equipment like telescopes, binoculars, celestial charts, and laser pointers. Support will also be provided for developing astrotourism narratives and regional coordination.
The development of astrotourism in La Guajira is expected to be a catalyst for positive change, promoting the preservation of the sanctuary's delicate natural ecosystems while fostering significant economic and social growth within local communities. This initiative promises to create new employment opportunities and reinforce a sense of regional cultural identity, drawing global attention to Colombia's natural and celestial wonders.