Rural development strategy to transform a forest village into an ecotourism destination. The road signage experience in San José de Cusmapa, Nicaragua

Abstract

San José de Cusmapa, located in northern Nicaragua, is one of the poorest municipalities in the country. Situated at an altitude of 1,280 meters above sea level and covering a land area of 129.92 km², this municipality has a population of 7,983 residents, divided into urban (1,862) and rural (6,121) areas, according to INTUR (2023) data from the Tourism Map of Nicaragua. Positioned amidst natural reserves, San José de Cusmapa holds significant potential for developing ecotourism as a remedy for the prevailing local poverty. This article outlines the methodology used to mark and map trails (both on signs and online) as a fundamental component for any ecotourism proposal or plan. The objective of this work is to propose this methodology for any ecotourism project based on hiking trails in a simple, cost-effective, comprehensive, participatory, and replicable manner. The authors conclude that by combining this methodology with the two internet platforms they have: LandsCare was created in order to facilitate the conversion of poor mountain villages into ecotourism territories, and with Google Earth, it is very feasible and inexpensive to transform a forest village into an ecotourism one.