PERSPECTIVES OF RURAL TOURISM IN SANTA ANA TELOXTOC, TEHUACAN; PUEBLA, MÉXICO

Abstract

An approximation study in the locality of Santa Ana Teloxtoc, in Tehuacán, Puebla, México, was carried out in order to estimate the tourism potential based on local resources, with the approach of rural tourism as an alternative for economic diversification culturally linked to the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve. The research was approached from the general to the particular through successive approximations, with the goal of systematizing the studies in regard to knowledge of the place, in addition to ordinary and participative observations in a physiographic visit with specific guides, field notebook and camera; there was a simple random sample, and surveys, questionnaires and interviews were applied to key informants. Results indicated that there are limitations to economic activities because of the low rainfall and predominance of lands with a slope that provokes hydric erosion, in spite of the low rainfall present, as well as the relative isolation of the community. It is necessary to promote and conserve the wealth of the local flora and fauna as part of the landscape, as well as the valuable fossilized marine natural resources from the Cretaceous period.