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Forbes
30-06-2025
- Forbes
5 Iconic South American Bird Species—And Where To Find Them
South America is home to well over 3,000 different bird species. From Medellín to Cusco to Rio de Janeiro, South America is rife with captivating cities that draw huge numbers of visitors each year—but it's not just tourists that can be found during a trip to this sprawling continent. From tiny hummingbirds to fearsome raptors, the avian biodiversity of South America is truly a wonder to behold, with vast swathes of verdant rainforest, open grassland and glacial fjords all playing host to their own unique array of avian species. As you plan your next ecotourism-focused trip to South America, don't miss out on these iconic animals, each one shining a spotlight on the rich biodiversity found from the Darién Gap to Cape Horn. The Andean condor is the national bird of Colombia, Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia. Capable of measuring more than three meters in wingspan, the Andean condor serves as the national bird of multiple South American countries thanks to its majestic appearance—and for near-guaranteed sightings, Peru's Colca Canyon is the perfect spot. Located in the southern reaches of the nation, this high-altitude natural feature draws locals and tourists alike thanks to El Cruz del Condor, a popular viewing platform that offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscapes as well as potential appearances by the local condors. Visitors are recommended to arrive early, with optimal viewing conditions taking place between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM, and to sweeten the deal, the region is also brimming with other Peruvian avifauna including the oasis hummingbird, mountain parakeet and cactus canastero. Newly-hatched hoatzins are equipped with claws on their wings, which is a trait shared by no other ... More extant bird species. An evolutionary oddity within the bird world, the hoatzin possesses a wide range of unique traits including a fermentation-focused digestive system that's similar to those seen in cows and goats. The creatures have a particularly wide range across South America, but for a deep dive on the rich array of native species that call the Amazon basin home, it's tough to beat Parque Nacional Yasuní. Operating in the easternmost reaches of Ecuador, this lush reserve is renowned for its incredibly high level of biodiversity, with well over 500 bird species residing within its boundaries. While hoatzins are a particular highlight, the region also plays host to eye-catching species like the scarlet macaw and spangled cotinga, while resident mammals range from the pygmy marmoset to the giant river otter. While Magellanic penguins breed in Patagonia, vagrants have been found as far away as Australia. While Antarctica might be the world's foremost destination for penguin-watching, Chile serves as an ideal alternative thanks to its high concentration of Magellanic penguins, a species that thrives along the shores of Patagonia. For best results, Chile visitors can plan a trip to Punta Arenas—a scenic port city in the country's southernmost region—and set off on a day trip with Solo Expediciones, a local company that's perfected the art of penguin tourism. After a 40-minute boat ride, guests will arrive at the picturesque Isla Magdalena to spend an hour trekking along its many walking paths, with hundreds of resident penguins found sunning themselves on the hills. The greater rhea is one of the earth's few extant ratites, a type of bird that's known for their ... More lack of a keel bone. Though not particularly vibrant in appearance, the greater rhea draws intrigue due to its large size and inability to fly, occupying a similar ecological niche as Australia's emu or Africa's ostrich. The birds can be encountered all across Argentina's sprawling grasslands, but for a deep dive into both the land-based and marine biodiversity of the nation, it's tough to find a better destination than Parque Nacional Monte León. Measuring in at more than 600 square kilometers, this pristine preserve is brimming with greater rheas as well as iconic mammals like the guanaco and puma, all while southern right whales can be spotted from the safety of shore from July to November. While Andean cocks-of-the-rock typically feed on fruit, they're also known to occasionally eat ... More insects and reptiles. The colorful plumage of the Andean cock-of-the-rock has earned it megatick status with South American birdwatchers, and while the species' native range spans from western Venezuela into the interior of Bolivia, the Colombian department of Antioquia is a particularly popular viewing destination thanks to La Reserva Natural Jardín de Roca. Established years ago in the Colombian heritage town of Jardín, this verdant preserve provides plenty of opportunities to witness male Andean cocks-of-the-rock as they congregate around their dedicated lek, a patch of land that's reserved for mating displays—and while Andean cocks-of-the-rock are certainly the main attraction here, the surrounding region is also rife with eye-catching Colombian species like the purple-crowned fairy and Andean motmot.
Hospitality Net
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Tourism Competitiveness in Argentina: Challenges, Opportunities and Strategic Responses
Currently, Argentina faces significant challenges regarding its competitive position in the global tourism sector. The recent devaluation of the peso has intensified barriers to attracting international visitors, while also highlighting the crucial importance of each destination's unique value proposition within the country. The first quarter of 2025 reflected a 25% decline in the influx of international tourists compared to the same period last year. Europe remains the leading source region, accounting for 20% of total visitors, followed by Brazil with 16%. This impact has not been uniform across all segments. Some, such as business tourism, ecotourism, and certain luxury trips, display less sensitivity to price fluctuations and have maintained a degree of demand stability. Additionally, the origin of visitors has shifted: Argentina now receives significantly fewer Brazilians, while European arrivals are increasing. These changes influence behaviors related to average length of stay, preferences, and expenditure, among other factors. A detailed understanding of these aspects is essential to adapt and refine value propositions effectively. On the other hand, destinations with a robust offering, strong cultural or natural identity, and well-established positioning continue to attract tourists and remain preferred options. Conversely, less differentiated destinations or those in early development stages face greater difficulties in attracting and retaining visitors in an increasingly demanding market. Compounding these challenges, the hotel industry is grappling with rising operating costs, which have increased sharply in recent months. This escalation directly impacts profitability and the ability to maintain competitive pricing in a volatile and competitive environment. Efficient cost management and business optimization are therefore vital for ensuring operational sustainability and hotel competitiveness. To improve efficiency and profitability, relying solely on creative ideas is not enough; it is essential to have the support of specialized professionals capable of conducting thorough business analysis and providing expert guidance. Key Challenges for the Tourism Sector: Pricing and Promotion Optimization: Developing packages and offers that deliver value-added benefits, encouraging bookings through discounts and exclusive advantages. Infrastructure and Service Enhancements: Investing in delivering a differentiated experience that justifies the destination's value. Promotion of Cultural and Natural Identity: Highlighting the country's diversity and uniqueness to attract travelers seeking authentic, high-quality experiences. Digital Marketing Strategies: Enhancing targeted digital campaigns, leveraging social media platforms and analytical tools to reach ideal audiences. Specific Challenges for Hotels: Strategic Revenue Management: Adjusting rates based on local and international market conditions to maintain competitiveness without compromising profitability. Segmentation and Differentiation: Focusing on niche segments, customizing services and promotions to match their specific needs. Enhancing Guest Experience: Training staff and improving services to create memorable stays that foster loyalty and generate word-of-mouth recommendations. Strategic Alliances: Building partnerships with tour operators, travel agencies, and digital platforms to increase visibility and customer acquisition. Innovation and Sustainability: Incorporating sustainable and technological practices to add value and stand out in a competitive landscape. Conclusion The decline in Argentina's tourism competitiveness, driven by exchange rate fluctuations and rising hotel operating costs, requires an integrated strategic response. Since the impact varies across different segments and regions, it is crucial to tailor strategies to the specific characteristics of each niche and destination. Addressing these challenges and seizing opportunities will demand more than mere creativity or boldness—it calls for a well-planned, adaptable, and expert-driven approach. Diego Rodriguez Managing Director, Buenos Aires, Argentina Horwath View source
