Romancing the WildThe worldwide development of ecotourismincluding adventures such as mountain climbing and whitewater rafting, as well as more pedestrian pursuits such as birdwatchinghas been extensively studied, but until now little attention has been paid to why vacationers choose to take part in what are often physically and emotionally strenuous endeavors. Drawing on ethnographic research and his own experiences working as an ecotour guide throughout the United