Fifth-semester students in the Professional Tourism Program at the UIS Socorro Campus participated in a field trip to the department of Antioquia, an experience that allowed them to engage directly with the tourism sector.
The activity took place in the villages of Estación Cocorná and Doradal, in the municipality of Puerto Triunfo, as well as in Guatapé and El Peñol. During the trip, the students deepened their knowledge of environmental exploration, guiding services, and ecotourism, linking theoretical concepts with practical tourism activities in various contexts.
In the village of Estación Cocorná, the students visited the Foundation for the Protection and Conservation of the River Turtle. There, they learned about initiatives focused on the preservation of the Podocnemis lewyana species and its relationship to nature tourism. Through activities such as interpretive tours and species releases, the participants strengthened their skills in environmental education and their understanding of conservation processes.
“We visited the municipalities of Guatapé and El Peñol, which feature very interesting sites of great national and international tourist significance. Our students analyzed trends in tourist demand and the importance of natural attractions as drivers of the regional economy. In Guatapé, for example, they recognized the cultural value represented by the bas-reliefs and observed the economic dynamics associated with the provision of tourism services,” said Pedro Javier Ramírez Bohórquez, a professor in the program. He added that they participated in a roundtable discussion with institutional stakeholders, where they reflected on issues facing the sector, including the hiring of local guides.
The academic field trip also concluded with a visit to the Hacienda Nápoles Theme Park, where students reflected on sustainability, wildlife conservation, and the management of theme parks as tourist attractions. Furthermore, the experience helped strengthen their teamwork skills, contributing significantly to their holistic development as future tourism professionals.
