Tours in Colonia do Vale do Taquari, RS, Brazil: meanings of experiences for participants

Abstract

This study seeks to understand and analyze the meanings of the experience for the participants of Tours in Colonia Vale do Taquari, RS, Brazil. This study is qualitative and descriptive. Data collection was performed in three tours in Colonia through observations recorded in a field diary, and semi-structured interviews with the organizer and the participants. Among the participants we found out that the main reason for choosing the tour is being in contact with nature. When analyzing the reasons of the creation of the tours we found out that it was in order to present to the participants a space were they could be close to nature, to raise awareness on environmental education about conservation and respect for nature and to seek causing the least possible impact in nature. Among the created meanings we can cite: appreciation of nature, being in touch with nature, listening to the surrounding sounds, practicing a body activity in the midst of nature (walking), and meeting friends.