Web of waters: latin american Tourism borders

fronteiras turísticas latino-americanas

Abstract

The study reflects on the geopolitical and touristic formation of Foz do Iguaçu through the metaphor of the “weave of waters,” understanding the Iguaçu River and the Paraná River as elements that transcend physical borders and foster cultural, economic, and affective connections. The text presents a partial report of an investigation conducted from a qualitative and transdisciplinary perspective, based on the methodological strategy known as Cartography of Knowledge, proposed by Baptista, articulating sensitive experiences, theory, and empirical investigation. In theoretical terms, the study is grounded in a framework that intertwines the complexity of Tourism with multiple dimensions of knowledge within a transdisciplinary logic. The results highlight Foz do Iguaçu as a multifaceted tourism ecosystem, marked by the Iguaçu Falls, Itaipu Binacional, ethnic diversity, and the intense commercial flow with Argentina and Paraguay. The waters and the Friendship and Fraternity Bridges emerge as symbols of integration among peoples and territories. The article invites readers to understand tourism beyond geography, revealing it as an affective and transformative experience of ecosystemic dimensions, capable of inspiring new forms of coexistence and appreciation of Latin American diversity.