Cruz Grande-Chungungo gastronomic and craft center inaugurated

With the presence of regional and local authorities, community representatives, and Compañía Minera del Pacífico (CMP), the Cruz Grande-Chungungo Gastronomic and Craft Center was officially inaugurated on Saturday, September 27, in celebration of World Tourism Day. The space brings together 13 local entrepreneurs who form the Expo Chungungo entrepreneurs’ group.

“This is an extremely relevant tourist destination, encouraging the residents and women of Chungungo to work towards economic autonomy, which is important for providing, for example, education for their children. In this context, this destination also has social and cultural value. We invite people to visit, as it has very nice infrastructure created through a public-private partnership,” said Paulina Elgueta, Regional Minister of Economy.

The center features five gastronomic entrepreneurs and eight artisans, offering a wide variety of local dishes such as ceviche and loco stew, seafood sandwiches, assorted empanadas, fresh fish, and handmade desserts. Artisans offer typical crafts, works made from shells and fish leather, souvenirs inspired by local flora and fauna, preserves, olive oil, goat cheese, and recycled products, among others.

Constanza Espinosa, Regional Minister of Mining, highlighted the territory’s potential: “This land has a lot to offer, and we will undoubtedly move toward a new quality of life, opening new opportunities and promoting productive linkages. We know we will witness the progress of Chungungo and La Higuera commune,” she said.

The ceremony took place just months before the start of the summer season, inviting visitors to enjoy local products and gastronomy. “Tourism is an economic activity, but it is also a social activity, and we see that reflected in the inauguration of the Chungungo Gastronomic and Craft Center, which is now a micro-destination offering an attractive and high-quality experience,” stated Angélica Funes, director of Sernatur.

This project was made possible through a public-private partnership and the dedication of local entrepreneurs. The municipality contributed the land through a lease and provided continuous support for the initiative. “Tourism is one of the most important development pillars in our commune. This is a very strong project, due to its history and its people, their effort and work. This center presents only local products, complemented by care and commitment, which makes it even more valuable. We must continue advancing,” emphasized Uberlinda Aquea, Mayor of La Higuera.

The initiative was also supported with infrastructure and guidance from Compañía Minera del Pacífico. Claudia Monreal, Manager of Planning and New Business Development, stated, “It is important to work with communities on projects that arise from the territory itself, based on their own dreams and projections. As a company, we co-create initiatives aligned with sustainability and focused on generating value for the territory, reflecting a strong connection with the areas where CMP operates.”

The Cruz Grande-Chungungo Gastronomic and Craft Center is one of over fifteen initiatives developed in recent years under the Tourism, Local, and Historical Development Plan implemented by CMP since 2021. The plan aims to highlight local heritage and support entrepreneurs in establishing a tourist route that combines history, culture, gastronomy, and typical regional products.

“For us as a group, this is a very important milestone, representing years of work, dreaming, perseverance, and continuous progress. It is a tremendous step to keep dreaming. We are proud because we have encouraged tourists from all over to visit Chungungo, creating things to do in the town and a tourist experience featuring gastronomy and crafts with local identity,” said Magaly Cortés, President of Expo Chungungo.