A tourist visits Amuche, a traditional ceramic workshop in Uribia, La Guajira.
The matriarch of the community demonstrates the production process.

LA GUAJIRA, COLOMBIA – Early in 2014, Aid to Artisans (ATA) launched its SME (Small and medium enterprises) Development Pilot for Sustainable Tourism and Handcraft project in La Guajira, a remote, ecologically and culturally interesting area in the northeastern part of Colombia, funded by the JPMorgan Chase Foundation.


A theater group made up of children from the community of Arhuatachon, who make dramas based on culture, pose for a picture.

The project’s primary goal is to stimulate, sustain, and promote economic independence for the Wayúu indigenous community in the target region which will eventually be replicated in other communities. To do so, the project aims to transform a small local guesthouse, craft stores and tourism related services into sustainable SMEs through business training, product development, and linkage to Colombian and international tourist markets.


The Ranchería ‘Santa Rita’, a hammock kiosk for accommodation.

In collaboration with its long-time partner, CREATA, ATA will develop and promote a typical three or four room Wayúu lodge, named “Rancheria” to accommodate tourists overnight in the one selected Wayúu community in La Guajira. Community members will be trained in preparation of local foods and accommodation services that will appeal to tourists.

With its focus on improving the lives of the Wayúu by working directly with local entrepreneurs, this project corresponds directly to ATA’s mission of working with local entrepreneurs in creating businesses and generating sustainable income by means of business training, market-based product development and market linkage.


Carmen Palmar, Artisan Master and Matriarch and traditional authority of Arhuatachon community conducts a craft workshop.

Because the inclusion of craft in the tourism value chain will create sustainable market opportunities for the Wayúu community, ATA and CREATA, will support them to develop business plans and special marketing activities, and encourage the communities to develop ways to share their culture and traditions with visitors, such as dancing, religious costumes, dreams, Wayúu medicine, their special relationship with the dead, and their respect for nature. This activity will foster cultural awareness and preservation.

If the project is successful, this model will be duplicated in other parts of La Guajira and in other parts of Colombia as well.

ATA recognizes CREATA for its efforts in working with low-income artisan groups to increase their income and livelihoods. ATA would also like to thank JPMorgan Chase Foundation to support this tourism and handcraft initiative in La Guajira, Colombia.

For more information about SME Development Pilot for Sustainable Tourism and Handcraft project in La Guajira, Colombia, please contact our Senior Program Manager, Maud Mabika: maudm@creativelearning.org