Women’s Role in the Development of Alternative Tourism Projects in Indigenous Areas in the State of Morelos, Mexico

Abstract

The rural lands of Morelos have a wide variety of natural resources and it’s rich in cultural heritage. Here you can find indigenous groups, mostly Nahuatl, distinguished by their hospitality. They offer multiple recreational activities to the tourists such as hiking, aerial games on trees, water tours, rock art, coexistence with indigenous communities, guided visits to “magical towns”, conventual or historical routes, among other attractions.

For the Nahua people, tlazohtla love and talcaiita respect are linked to tequio reciprocity, strengthening collective work. Some initiatives have emerged thanks to the efforts of the community, and in a very special way to the women, preserving and sharing their ancestral knowledge and culture day after day, reinforcing values, solidarity, and commitment to the place of belonging.

This paper shares some collaborative initiatives between rural indigenous collectives and researchers from the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos that promote the value of the impact of indigenous women ’s proposals for the development of ecotourism.