Natural resources as promoters of cultural heritage. The case of the Salinas de Cáhuil, Chile

It considers how valuing and safeguarding a natural resource can transform it into a patrimonial tourist resource that enriches the territory. “Salinas de Barranca-Cáhuil” was selected as a case, because (1) it has a unique salt route in Chile, (2) they strengthen the conservation of associated trades (3) they form groups that strive to promote work and territory as cultural heritage. The main objective is to deepen how natural resources promote the conservation of cultural heritage in relation to tourism and its development as an economic activity. The methodology is based mainly on the study of secondary sources, and the analysis of speeches made by characters involved in the Salinas. Concluding, valuing, and safeguarding a natural resource such as the salt flats, can indeed become a patrimonial tourist resource that enriches the territory, as has happened in Barrancas-Cáhuil.