Spiritual pilgrimages and UFO tourism in Uruguay: the case of La Aurora's cattle ranch
by Martín Gamboa
International Journal of Tourism Anthropology (IJTA), Vol. 8, No. 2, 2021

Abstract: This paper analyses the advent of a type of spiritual tourism that is taking place on livestock farms in northern Uruguay. The spread of stories about sightings of anomalous lights and unidentified flying objects by locals have historically caused these farms to become tourist attractions. This is the case of La Aurora's cattle ranch, where a series of 'events' between 1976 and 1977 changed the history of the area forever. After these supernatural events, which left several marks on the ground, happened, the cattle ranch gained local and international popularity regarding UFO issues. Nowadays tourists, ufologists, new age groups, and religious pilgrims from different countries visit it during the year. The beginning of a type of 'modern secular pilgrimage' at La Aurora cattle ranch is explained in terms of a multi-sited ethnography.

Online publication date: Fri, 09-Jul-2021

Free full text access

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com