Argentina - The new Route of Yerba Mate

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Argentina is the largest producer and exporter of yerba mate. Its use is spread all over the country, regardless of age or social class. It is also a mark of distinction of argentine culture that attracts the attention of visitors. The new Route of the Yerba Mate (RYM) was born to put this product in its place: a way to know its origin site, from the small seed to the crop through the harvesting, processing and manufacturing . Through guided tours, horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, tastings and activities in the jungle, this circuit offers a unique journey to the origin of the pure argentine culture.

Designed and developed by the Rural Tourism Area in the Faculty of Agronomy, University of Buenos Aires, the RYM was funded by the National Institute of Yerba Mate. The proposal is in addition to the growing argentine tourism routing that relates regional production and cultural heritage.

One of the particularities of this route is that it was originally conceived as a venture that brings together the different actors involved in the cultivation of the herb, and is aimed at showcasing the attractions of the region while promoting economic development in the region. With the participation of the full range of stakeholders associated with this production, as large, small farmers, artisans and ranchers, hoteliers and travel agencies, the Rural Tourism Area in the Faculty of Agriculture put together a route that covers more than a thousand miles the Argentine coast and offers a look on the multiple experiences of the yerba mate. Rural tourism is concerned with finding the perfect balance of tourist importance, agricultural production, cultural identity and socio-economic development of all social sectors in the region.

Ernesto Barrera, coordinator of that area in the Faculty of Agronomy and one of those responsible for RYM, in an exclusive interview with www.argentina.ar, described the process of assembling the RYM and detailed what their most important attractions.

The steps of constructing the RYM contemplated meetings with all the social actors from the productive area, then the formation of an Association of the Route of the Yerba Mate, comprising representatives from various sectors of production and tourism, and finally designed a protocol to standardize the quality for all participants. According to Barrera, "the route has a quality standard itself, while each member has a quality protocol that must be respected for belonging to the route. "

Circuits
Those who want to make the route eligible for some of the 6 tour of 2 / 3 days for various parts of the region. The options are:
1 - Southern Circuit Missions
2 - Caraguatay Circuit, Monte Carlo, Eldorado, Victoria, Andresito (Missions)
3 - Circuit Obera - Aristobulo Del Valle (Misiones)
4 - Circuit San Ignacio - Capioví (Missions)
5 - Union Circuit Cologne - Cnia. Liebig - Govt. Virasorao (Corrientes)
6 - Posadas - San Ignacio (Misiones)

In terms of attractions and activities, Barrera said: "they are varied and always in a direct or indirect way have close contact with the productive system and the culture of tje yerba mate. There is horseback riding, hiking, fishing, canoeing, rappelling, there are activities in the jungle where the yerba mate is born". The acommodation was designed to suit all tastes, from cozy rooms in estancias to campsites and even private residences. Different types of visitors to show the steps of the production process of the herb. However, the general idea is to combine the RYM options for those who choose to practice as a tourism asset for those seeking relaxation.

Another feature that makes this most interesting destination is the chance to try delicious and unique dishes that combine several products typical of the region but which have the particularity to include yerba mate as an ingredient. This menu, which can be tested in all restaurants and bars to stay RYM was selected from a National Cuisine. Composed by: surubí fried tempura yerba mate, yerba golden sauce, a dessert with fruit, cream and meringue green, a mixture of mate, orange juice and ginger ale and a drink made of rum, liqueur and ice tea and peach pulp.

Also, the RYM fits perfectly to the most important tourist attractions in the provinces: the Iguazú Falls and Moconá Falls in Misiones and Esteros del Ibera in Corrientes.

Argentina by Specialists Blog

Rural Tourism is no trend

According to Ernesto Barrera, coordinator of the Rural Tourism Area of the UBA´s Faculty of Agronomy, this activity is a sustainable resource that generates profits, contributes to local development, preserves the environment and attracts investments.