What is Impact Travel?
Impact travel focuses on the positive impact travellers have on the local communities, culture, and environment. It is pinned on the idea of consciously taking responsibility to travel with purpose and make a positive impact.
In 2024, Argentina stands as a beacon for sustainable travel, offering a tapestry of ecological wonders and cultural richness. This is a nation focused on making substantial strides in eco-tourism, with a growing number of initiatives focused on conservation, reforestation, and wildlife protection. As a result, and with remarkable effort and perserverence, over the last 27 years, Tompkins Conservation have permanently protected nearly 15 million acres of temperate rainforest, Patagonain steppe grass lands, coastal areas, freshwater wetlands, and created 13 new national parks.
Duncan Grossart, founder of Journeys With Purpose, first visited Argentina in 1991 and promptly fell in love with the untamed diversity of the landscapes and the wild spirit of the southern cone. Considering the incredible steps in rewilding and conservation that the Tompkins’ had made in Argentina it was natural for Journeys With Purpose to create our founding experience with Tompkins Conservation to the iconic Iberá National Park in 2022.
Thirty years after his first visit, Duncan once again fell in love with the country, as this journey is the complete expression of how much Argentina has to offer and an encapsulation of Duncan’s love for the country and its people. Iberá National Park has now been recognised by National Geographic as one of 30 most exciting destinations to visit in 2024, and we couldn’t agree more!impact
Rewilding Iberá National Park
Situated within a narrow extension of Argentina, nestled between Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil, the wetlands extend towards the sub-tropical marvel of Iguazu Falls. Originally dominated by cattle ranches, the heart of the Iberá region attained national park status in 2018.
Not too long ago, the prospect of encountering a giant anteater along Argentina’s northern border seemed improbable. However, a pivotal moment in the rewilding efforts within the Iberá wetlands has transformed this landscape and consequently, there are approximately 200 of these remarkable creatures thriving in the region.
Initiating with the reintroduction of giant anteaters, the area has swiftly witnessed a cascade of
returning wildlife. Following the release of eight jaguars in 2021, their population has now reached a dozen. Additionally, preparations are underway for the reintroduction of a select number of giant river otters. Amidst the captivating landscape, where capybaras, caimans, and an array of 370 bird species thrive, Iberá has become Latin America’s greatest region for witnessing endemic species such as jaguar, macaw and armadillos.
Impact Travel to Iberá
The reason why Iberá National Park is a prime destination for impact travel is because it is an incredible example of what we can achieve if we make the decision to restore an ecosystem on a large scale.
However, the impact of rewilding extends far outside of Iberá National Park.
Founded in 2010 by Argentinian conservationists and activists, Rewilding Argentina is a non-profit organisation created to confront the extinction crisis by restoring healthy functioning ecosystems, and promoting the well-being of local communities. As an offspring of Tompkins Conservation, their work is making tremendous positive impact around the entire country for landscape protection and the rewilding of the natural flora and fauna.
Amongst many incredible achievements, they proudly shared in their 2022 annual report the birth of four jaguar cubs in Iberá National Park in complete freedom, and two cubs born in El Impenetrable National Park from a trailblazing breeding initiative between a captive-bred and wild jaguar.
Journey to the Iberá Wetlands
Between
29th September – 6th October 2024, we will be taking an exclusive group on an immersive experience in the Iberá Wetlands to engage with Rewilding Argentina’s restoration project firsthand. Guests will stay at
Rincón del Socorro Lodge for three nights, one of the homes of Doug and
Kristine Tompkins (respectively co-founder of The North Face and Esprit and CEO of Patagonia, and together founders of Tompkins Conservation) as they visit the reserve’s wildlife quarantine centre and learn about the history of the region from guests speakers and wildlife experts, including Rewilding Argentina’s leadership team,
Sofía Heinonen and Sebastián di Martino.
Waking to the rush of resplendent birdsong, morning drinks will be enjoyed to sweeping views across the ancient wetlands, with days spent tracking wildlife alongside rangers and exploring the wild terrain by kayak, foot and on horseback.
This journey encapsulates
higher purpose travel and offers unprecedented access to the inner workings of Rewilding Argentina’s rewilding programme and privileged insight into the journey of Tompkins Conservation, revered as the greatest conservationists of our era. With their stay, guests will contribute to confronting the twin crises of climate chaos and collapsing ecosystems, while learning about the potential for rebounding ecosystems and how they can support community livelihoods and the greater planet.
“Something valuable can be best understood not by its presence, but by its absence” Kris Tompkins
To join the Journey to Argentina and be involved in one of the most remarkable conservation projects of our time, apply via the link below.
This flagship journey impacts local communities who actively engage in sustainable practices, promoting responsible tourism that respects and supports their traditional ways of life. As travellers immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Argentine culture, they can do so with the assurance that their visit contributes to the preservation of this breathtaking landscape and the well-being of its inhabitants. Argentina, in 2024, emerges not only as a destination of unparalleled beauty but as a pioneer in sustainable and positively impactful travel practices.
Register for our upcoming Fireside Chat between Director of Rewilding Britain, Alastair Driver and Science Director of Rewilding Argentina, Sebastian di Martino on the 23rd January 2024.
