Buenaventura’s Agua Clara Wins National Community Tourism Award at ENART 2025

For decades, when people spoke of Buenaventura, Colombia, the conversation usually centered on its massive industrial port—the gateway for the country’s global trade. But beneath the shadow of the cranes and shipping containers lies a vibrant, green, and soulful reality that is finally getting its due.

At the ENART 2025 (National Meeting of Tourism Actors) held in Armenia, Quindío, the narrative shifted. Buenaventura wasn’t just another attendee; it was a champion. The community of Agua Clara took home a prestigious national award in the Community Tourism category, signaling a new era for Pacific Colombia—one where the locals are the architects of their own travel stories.

Beyond the Port: The Rise of Agua Clara

Community tourism isn’t just about providing a bed or a meal; it’s about inviting the world into a way of life. The win for Agua Clara at ENART 2025 is a testament to years of quiet, diligent work by local leaders, nature guides, and families who believe that tourism can be a force for good.

Agua Clara, known for its crystalline rivers and dense tropical rainforests, has successfully moved away from the traditional “mass tourism” model. Instead, they have embraced a philosophy of territorial responsibility. This means the community decides how many people visit, which trails are walked, and how the delicate balance of the ecosystem is maintained. The award recognizes that these locals aren’t just guides—they are guardians of the territory.

A Trio of Excellence: San Cipriano and Professional Guiding

While Agua Clara took home the top prize, Buenaventura’s success wasn’t a solo act. The city arrived in Quindío with three heavyweight initiatives that stood out among over 500 participants nationwide.

Agua Clara (Winner): Honored for its community-led management and sustainable integration with nature.

San Cipriano (Finalist): The Asociación Turística y Ambiental de San Cipriano showcased how a world-renowned destination (famous for its unique “brujitas” or motor-powered rail carts) can maintain high environmental standards while hosting thousands of visitors.

Buenaventura Guides (Finalist): The Asociación de Guías y Orientadores Turísticos de Buenaventura was recognised for professionalising the industry. In community tourism, a guide is the bridge between a visitor and the culture. Their expertise ensures that travelers don’t just see a river; they understand the Afro-Colombian history and biodiversity that make that river sacred.

The Power of the Community Model

Why does this award matter so much for the Colombian Pacific? Traditionally, tourism revenue often leaks out of local hands, flowing toward international hotel chains or outside tour operators.

Community-based tourism flips the script. When a traveler visits Agua Clara, the money stays in the village. It pays the boatman, the cook who prepares the encocado de pescado, the guide who knows every bird call, and the family-run lodges. This “multiplier effect” ensures that the benefits of tourism are felt at the kitchen table of every resident.

Furthermore, it creates a powerful incentive for conservation. If the river stays clean, the tourists keep coming. If the forest stays lush, the business thrives. In Buenaventura, sustainability isn’t a marketing buzzword; it’s a survival strategy.

Strategic Growth and the Path to 2030

The recognition at ENART 2025 aligns with Colombia’s National Tourism Sector Plan 2023–2026. The government is increasingly looking at the Pacific coast as a strategic pillar for the country’s future. By 2030, the goal is to transform this region into a global benchmark for regenerative travel.

However, winning an award is just the beginning. The challenge moving forward is “growth with soul.” As Buenaventura becomes more popular, the community faces the pressure of keeping its identity intact. Local leaders are already working on stricter visitor limits and “quality over quantity” strategies to ensure that the peace of the jungle isn’t traded for a quick paycheck.

Why You Should Visit the Colombian Pacific Now

If you are a traveler who seeks authenticity over luxury, the recognition of Agua Clara is a green light. It tells you that these destinations are ready. They offer safety, professional service, and, most importantly, a connection to a culture that is deeply rooted in the rhythm of the tides and the flow of the rivers.

From the whale watching in the Uramba Bahía Málaga National Park to the river adventures in San Cipriano and the community warmth of Agua Clara, Buenaventura is proving that it is much more than a port. It is a destination with a heart, a history, and now, a national trophy to prove it.

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