Cauca is one of the departments most affected by the armed conflict in Colombia.It forms an important part of the strategy for implementing post-conflict agreements.As such, a strong impact of the state on its economic development would be expected, with the linkage of society, private business and the community in general.However, the reality is different.Particularly North Cauca, 13 associated municipalities in the Association of Municipalities of North Cauca -Amunorca, with Santander de Quilichao as the most representative city, aims to promote sustainable regional development (Amunorca, 2019), considering its geographical position as a peripheral region, close to Cali and Popayán, with the presence of industrial zones, which stimulate economic activity and indigenous communities that stimulate agricultural activity.The challenge is to articulate efforts, facilitate the integration of traditional business interests with the interests of the communities and their potential, strengthen current productive sectors, strengthen supply chains and develop new sectors such as Alternative Tourism.The work analyzes the dynamics of unequal development in Cauca and the role of alternative tourism as an option for sustainable development, through qualitative research with documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews.The results show the importance that Northern Cauca has as a developing region that unites cultures, commercial and social interests, in which efforts must be concentrated, align national, departmental and regional policies and strengthen institutions.Taking advantage of the advantages of the territory, alternative tourism can be an important source of economic resources for local communities, facilitating environmental conservation and strengthening social well-being, becoming an opportunity for comprehensive rural development.