This research project characterizes the panela system of production of San Salvador (Restrepo, Valle del Cauca) from the analytical framework of socio-ecological systems introduced by McGinnis & Ostrom (2014) and enriched by the case studies' considerations made by Delgado & Ramos (2015). The research combined the use of qualitative and quantitative methodologies with the purpose of analyzing the structure, functioning, interactions and outcomes of the socio-ecological system through de second and third level variables included in the analytical framework. This research contributes to the complex understanding of the panela system of production from a socio-ecological perspective. It is also a preliminary approach to the quantitative study of resilience in rural systems of production, which stands out methodological and conceptual challenges that must be explored in future research.