.: Adventure Tourism :.

Adventure tourism includes activities where people are no longer simple watchers, but play a leading role in the landscape. Trekking, mountain bike, kayaking, horse riding, rafting, rappel, canopy etc, are activities that require a moderate or high physical effort depending on the itinerary and the physical condition of the person. The good thing is that in Argentina we have a menu for every taste: From a high mountain trekking at over 4,000 masl for several days, to walks through thousand-year-old woods, kayaking in whitewater rivers or quiet lakes, or climbing rocks or gigantic glaciers in the South.

What must be clear is that when in contact with nature, there are certain rules –imposed by nature itself– that must be followed and respected. We must be respectful and aware of the environment protection, so that our passing does not leave an indelible mark in the diverse habitats. Particularly, do not leave waste, so that we can continue enjoying the beautiful things of our world for ever.

“The drops of sweat that fall down to the earth are a tribute to nature”.

Ecotourism protects the environment while it helps the community to develop in a sustainable way. Ecotourism began about twenty years ago, but only recently it has been considered as a viable option for the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the peoples, promoting at the same time the notion of sustainable economic development.

In 1983, Ceballos Lascurain, architect and author, defined ecotourism (or ecological tourism) as a kind of responsible tourism: Traveling through natural areas without disturbing them, with the end of enjoying, appreciating and studying their natural attractions (wild landscapes, flora and fauna) as well as the cultural expressions that may be found.

It is evident that the increase of tourism in delicate natural areas may become a threat to the integrity of the ecosystems and local cultures, if not carried out according to an appropriate planning and management. The growing number of visitors to delicate areas from the ecological point of view may cause a considerable degradation of the environment. Likewise, the influx of visitors and prosperity may be detrimental to native cultures in many ways. Moreover, the variations in climate, exchange rates and political and social conditions may determine that excessive dependence on tourism becomes a risky business.

However, the same growth creates significant opportunities for the preservation and benefit of local communities. Ecotourism may generate incomes extremely necessary for the protection of national parks and other natural spots, resources that could not be obtained from other sources. Furthermore, ecotourism may offer a viable alternative of economic development to local communities with limited income generation options. Likewise, ecotourism may create a greater education wealth and activism among visitors, turning them into more enthusiast and efficient agents of conservation.

The Convention will last 4 days in Mendoza and 3 days in San Rafael.