Turismo de Naturaleza y Bienestar Mental en América Latina: Una Revisión Sistemática de la Literatura Científica Post-Pandemia (2021-2025)

Abstract

This research analyzes the relationship between nature tourism and mental well-being in Latin America during the post-pandemic period (2021-2025). The study arises from the need to identify effective therapeutic alternatives to mitigate the increase in psychological disorders, such as stress and anxiety, derived from the global health crisis. The main objective was to systematize recent scientific production to determine the impact of natural environments on the psychophysiological recovery and mental health of visitors in the region. Methodologically, a qualitative approach of a descriptive nature was used, using a systematic review based on the PRISMA statement and a bibliometric analysis through tools such as Bibliometrix in R Studio and Scopus. A total of 204 documents that met the defined inclusion criteria were analyzed. The results reveal an exponential growth of 19.38% per year in academic production on the subject, led by institutions in Mexico and Ecuador. The findings confirm that interaction with conserved ecosystems significantly reduces cortisol levels and improves cognitive restoration, validating theories such as Biophilia and Attention Restoration. It is concluded that nature tourism constitutes a strategic asset of preventive public health in Latin America. The effectiveness of these benefits depends directly on the biological integrity of the destinations, which requires territorial management that prioritizes conservation over overcrowding. Finally, the integration of mental well-being policies into tourism planning is recommended to strengthen regional social resilience.