The worldwide development of ecotourism including adventures such as mountain climbing and whitewater rafting, as well as more pedestrian pursuits such as birdwatching has been extensively studied, but until now little attention has been paid to why vacationers choose to take part in what are often physically and emotionally strenuous endeavors. Drawing on ethnographic research and his own experiences working as an ecotour guide throughout the United States and Latin America, Robert Fletcher argues that participation in rigorous outdoor activities resonates with the particular cultural...

The worldwide development of ecotourism including adventures such as mountain climbing and whitewater rafting, as well as more pedestrian pursuits such as birdwatching has been extensively studied, but until now little attention has been paid to why vacationers choose to take part in what are often physically and emotionally strenuous endeavors. Drawing on ethnographic research and his own experiences working as an ecotour guide throughout the United States and Latin America, Robert Fletcher argues that participation in rigorous outdoor activities resonates with the particular cultural...