ABSTRACT
This chapter explores geopolitical and economical changes in the Latin American context from 2003 to the present and their manifestations in various traveling artisan cultural practices. Artisans adopt a particular type of nomadism, with the consequences for the construction of collective identities and communities that do not need to simultaneously share a physical territory for their reproduction. Latin American nomadic artisans are backpackers, their belongings reduced to what can fit into their backpacks. Their budgets are meager, so they normally stay at hostels with affordable prices. This sets them apart from other travelers and tourists. The chapter focuses on Latin American backpackers who survive through the practice of one or more economic activities while they travel, with the ultimate goal of perpetuating their movement from one place to the next. Their flexibility, adaptability and creativity in terms of procuring the financial means necessary to keep on moving sets these Latin Americans apart from other types of travelers.
