The Parque Comercial Guacarí, opened in November 2017 in Sincelejo, Sucre, has established itself as a model of sustainable development integrating commerce, nature, and culture. With initiatives like solar panels and rainwater irrigation, the space promotes community well-being and regional tourism. Business owners and visitors highlight its role in job creation and preserving Caribbean identity.
Located in the heart of Caribbean Colombia, Sincelejo is a city with over 300,000 inhabitants that blends tradition and modernity in the Sucre department. The Parque Comercial Guacarí emerged in this setting in November 2017 as an environment harmonizing commerce with nature, culture, and well-being, beyond a mere shopping center.
Bledis Carrascal, owner of Bescato Tiendas, shared: “When I learned that the first commercial park in the region would open, I felt it was the ideal place to give a new boost to my brand. Its innovative concept, location, and opportunity to be part of a development project motivated me. That's how Bescato was born, aiming to offer a modern experience without losing our essence. Eight years later, it's been inspiring to see how Guacarí has grown and consolidated as a meeting point for local commerce, strengthening the regional economy, generating jobs, and boosting entrepreneurs.”
The park features wide green areas, open-air spaces for rest and recreation, and a diverse commercial offer promoting conscious consumption. It serves as a gathering point for families, youth, students, and tourists, with varied monthly activities. Diana Flórez Fuentes, a public official and mother, described it: “We come to Guacarí because we like its atmosphere: it's a pleasant, calm, and family-friendly place where there's always something new to enjoy. You feel in a space to share, surrounded by lots of nature, with brands offering variety for all tastes and different activities each month.”
On sustainability, Guacarí harvests rainwater for green area irrigation and uses solar panels supplying 30 to 40% of common areas' energy. Its nursery produces 80% of ornamental plants, averaging 1,200 new ones monthly, and an environmental reserve conserves native flora and fauna species. It hosts weekly groups of students, companies, and social organizations for guided environmental education tours.
Culturally, it stands out for displaying the world's largest Christmas tree made of caña flecha, crafted by Zenú artisans, preserving ancestral weaving techniques and boosting the artisanal economy. In eight years, it has expanded with a third floor of medical consultancies, business offices, and educational services, plus the Reserva Gastronómica integrating nature and gastronomy.
Herman García Amador, executive director of the Sincelejo Chamber of Commerce, stated: “Guacarí has consolidated as an integration space where business, cultural, and social sectors converge, contributing to the development of Sincelejo and the region. From the Chamber of Commerce, we have seen how residents from neighboring municipalities and even other departments visit the Park for procedures, business meetings, or to enjoy its environment. Guacarí is a regional benchmark and a key player in Sucre's economic and social dynamics.”
This model projects development that generates collective well-being without losing local essence.