Las rutas agroalimentarias en América Latina: concepto, situación y perspectivas

Agri-food routes in Latin America are innovative tourism products designed to valorize local agricultural production and provide alternatives for rural development. However, few studies have examined their characteristics, organizational structures, territorial impacts, and challenges. This article analyzes agritourism routes in Latin America to understand their current status and development prospects as tools for the territorial valorization of local products through rural tourism. Methodologically, this is an exploratory and qualitative study conducted in two phases: a literature review on agri-food routes and an online survey of route representatives. Twenty-six routes from 13 countries were studied, focusing on the following aspects: (i) the reasons and actors involved in their creation; (ii) processes of valorization, diversification, and food innovation; (iii) complementary tourist offerings; (iv) organization and participation of territorial actors; (v) administrative management and marketing; and, (vi) challenges and future perspectives. Among the most significant findings, it was discovered that these routes were created to valorize local agricultural and gastronomic production. Most routes focus on a primary product, and all exhibit processes of innovation and diversification of the central product. They offer complementary resources and products that strengthen their competitiveness through a basket of goods and services. Two collaboration models among the actors were distinguished, depending on the product type and the route's territorial scope. It is concluded that these routes are effective tools for territorial promotion and tourism development through local agri-food resources but face significant challenges to their positioning as tourism products, such as the absence of regulatory bodies, a lack of actor professionalization, and a need for greater collaborative work.