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What's up on the Ruta Pantera?
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Messi Retires From Argentina and Closes a Historic Era in International Football
After 21 Years With La Albiceleste, the Captain Leaves as Argentina’s All-Time Leading Scorer and Most-Capped Player
Lionel Messi has brought his extraordinary journey with the Argentina national team to an end. At 39, the captain announced on August 31, 2026, that he w... [read more.]
Grand Canyon Flash Floods Leave Two Dead as Search Continues and Tourism Is Disrupted
Deadly Flooding Destroys Trails, Damages Critical Infrastructure and Forces Overnight Closures
Two people are dead, one remains missing and 82 people have been rescued after a powerful flash flood swept through the Grand Canyon on August 29, trigge... [read more.]
U.S. Airport Security Enters a New Era for Travelers Across America and Beyond
TSA’s Horizon 25 Strategy Aims to Modernize Checkpoints, Improve the Passenger Experience, and Expand Partnerships With Private Companies
U.S. airport security is preparing for a transformation that travelers could begin to notice in the coming years. On August 24, the Transportation Securi... [read more.]
Announcement: Ruta Pantera Will Keep "Lake Ontario" as the Name of Lake Ontario (and "The Gulf of Mexico" for The Gulf of Mexico, etc.)
Unilaterally Renaming Countries, Regions, or Landmarks Is an Act of Aggression and Intimidation
Ruta Pantera will side with MapQuest, Apple and Google and continue to use the original name of Lake Ontario. Early this year we decided to side with Me... [read more.]
The Major Events Redefining Tourism and Economic Growth Across the Americas
The Record-Breaking Iowa State Fair Drives Travel And Economic Growth.
In Des Moines, a celebration built around agriculture, food, music and Iowa traditions has demonstrated that a major event can have an impact far beyond ... [read more.]
Venezuela Seeks to Reconnect With the World and Revive Tourism
More Flights and New Investment Are Creating Opportunities, but Tourism Recovery Remains Uneven Across the Country.
Venezuela is trying to reconnect with the world at a decisive moment for its economy and a tourism industry that has operated below its potential for yea... [read more.]
To see more News Stories, please become a member here.
Border Wall Expansion Is Putting Natural Destinations and Sacred Sites at Risk Along the U.S.-Mexico Border
The Expansion of U.S. Border Infrastructure Is Transforming Cultural Territories and Natural Destinations in the Sonoran Desert.
The expansion of the U.S.-Mexico border wall is moving into an area where security, nature, Indigenous heritage and tourism intersect in particularly sen... [read more.]
U.S. Immigrant Visa Interview Pause Creates Uncertainty for Applicants
The Pause Could Delay Interviews and Family Reunification Plans.
The temporary pause in U.S. immigrant visa interviews is creating uncertainty for people who have spent months or even years preparing their cases to reu... [read more.]
The Loss of Marine Protections Threatens One of the Pacific’s Last Pristine Ecosystems
Changes to U.S. Ocean Policy Are Putting Palmyra Atoll’s Exceptional Wildlife and Future Tourism Potential Under New Pressure.
In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, more than 1,000 miles south of Hawaii, Palmyra Atoll looks almost impossibly remote. There is no city, no resort stri... [read more.]
Indigenous Land Protection Preserves Sacred Landscapes and Cultural Heritage for Future Travelers
A Black Hills Victory Stops Graphite Drilling at Pe’ Sla, Protecting Indigenous Heritage
When two Oglala Lakota explorers heard that a company was preparing to drill near Pe’ Sla, a sacred site in South Dakota’s Black Hills, they followed... [read more.]
Haiti’s New Violence Escalation Raises Fresh Travel Warnings
Gang Violence Is Increasing Risks for Travelers, Particularly Around Port-au-Prince
A new escalation of violence in Haiti is raising concerns for travelers, airlines and the tourism industry. A gang attack in Kenscoff, a community in the... [read more.]
Nicaragua Enters A New Period Of Uncertainty For Travelers
The OAS Emergency Meeting Adds International Pressure To A Destination Already Facing Security Advisories.
Nicaragua remains open to international tourism, but the environment in which tourism operates is changing. On August 19, 2026, the Permanent Council of ... [read more.]
To see more Travel Advisories, please become a member. here.
Is the United States Losing Its Place as a Favorite Destination for International Travelers?
Political Tensions, Travel Advisories, and Changing Travel Habits Are Leading More Visitors to Consider Other Destinations
The United States has been one of the world’s leading tourism destinations for decades, an almost automatic choice for millions of international travel... [read more.]
A Fluctuating Dollar Is Changing the Cost of Travel Across the Americas
A Weaker Canadian Dollar, a Stronger Colombian Peso and Possible Venezuelan Dollarization Are Reshaping Travel Value
The same hotel, the same airfare and the same restaurant can cost a traveler a very different amount depending on the currency used to pay for them. That... [read more.]
The Invisible Side Of A Safer City Changes The Way We Travel
Surveillance Technology Is Quietly Transforming The Experience Of Those Moving Through Cities.
As cities turn increasingly to technology to make their streets safer, a less visible transformation is taking place in the way travelers move through th... [read more.]
Washington, D.C. Is Recasting Itself as a Destination, but Will the City See the Benefits of Tourism?
Washington Is Sponsoring Major Events, Yet the Impact of Tourisms Will Depend On Who Comes, How Long They Stay, and How Much They Spend
Washington, D.C., is about to become the stage for a major new event. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will take over the National Mall on August 22 and 23, br... [read more.]
Reality Check: Venezuela’s Political Independence and Future as a Tourist Destination Will Be Constrained by International Realities
Political Uncertainty and Opposition Leadership
Venezuelan politics is currently navigating a period of profound uncertainty as the nation searches for an institutional framework capable of restoring e... [read more.]
A New Digital Map Allows Travelers to Explore the Biodiversity Behind the World’s Destinations
Open Planet Brings Together Data About Species and Ecosystems to Help People Better Understand the Natural World
A new digital platform is making biodiversity information more accessible and could become a valuable resource for travelers interested in understanding ... [read more.]
To see more Trending articles, please become a member here.
Local Queer Creators as Guides to Genuine Travel
Social Media Transforms Travel Planning, Offering Real-Life Perspectives
LGBTQ+ travelers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences, moving away from polished tourism campaigns that often prioritize the commercial over th... [read more.]
Colombia's Tourism Renaissance
Unveiling the Top Visitor Nations and the Drivers of Growth
Imagine wandering through the colorful colonial streets of Cartagena, sipping world-renowned coffee amid misty Andean mountains, or trekking into the heart of the Amazon rainf... [read more.]
Minitrekking and Big Ice: Unforgettable Adventures on the Perito Moreno Glacier
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In the vast expanse of Los Glaciares National Park in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, stands one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders: the Perito Moreno Glacie... [read more.]
Bolivia, Land of Art and Tradition
A Journey through A Cultural Landscape that Defines Andean Identity
Bolivia is not just an exotic destination; it’s an experience that unfolds layer by layer, like the multicolored skirts of a pollera at an Aymara festival. With an ethnic di... [read more.]
Art in Transit: A Journey Through the Living Cartography of the Cuban Diaspora
From Island Memory to Global Cities, Where Creativity Becomes Movement
Travel, in its deepest sense, does not always mean covering great distances, but learning to see differently. To follow the creative pulse of the Cuban d... [read more.]
Citadelle Laferrière: The Experience of Visiting the Caribbean’s Most Imposing Fortress
History, adventure, and unforgettable landscapes at the top of Haiti.
Exploring Haiti means opening the door to a different Caribbean, deeper and more authentic. In that journey, one place redefines all expectations: the Ci... [read more.]
It's Time to Start Planning for San Francisco Pride 2026
Trans and Dyke Marches as Pillars of Resistance and Celebration
San Francisco prepares for one of its most emblematic celebrations of the year. From June 27 to 28, 2026, the 56th edition of the San Francisco Pr... [read more.]
To see more Trip Ideas, please become a member here.
Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States
Exploring Revolutionary Roots across the States
When: July 4, 2026 - July 3, 2027
Where: United States / Washington D.C. & Capitol
Highlights: Ce
Explore More: Celebrate a historic milestone as the United States commemorates 250 years of independence. Enjoy parad...
[read more.]
Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana)
North America's Largest Caribbean Cultural Festival
When: July 30–August 3, 2026
Where: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Highlights: The spectacular Grand
Explore More:
For more than half a century, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival has celebrated the vibrant traditions of the ...
[read more.]
Colombiamoda
Latin America's Leading Fashion Business and Runway Event
When: July 25–31, 2026
Where: Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Highlights: More than 500 exhibiti
Explore More:
Organized by Inexmoda, Colombiamoda has established Medellín as one of Latin America's leading fashion ...
[read more.]
Feria de las Flores
Colombia's Largest Celebration of Flowers, Culture, and Paisa Traditions
When: July 31–August 9, 2026
Where: Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Highlights: More than 200 of
Explore More:
Every August, Medellín transforms into one of Latin America's most colorful destinations during the Fer...
[read more.]
Círio de Nazaré – Brazil’s Largest Religious Procession
Faith in Motion
When: October 11, 2026
Where: Belém, Brazil
Highlights: Millions join a moving procession honori
Explore More:
The Círio de Nazaré is Brazil's most moving expression of faith, an event where devotion becomes a hum...
[read more.]
Downieville Downhill Classic 2026
Raw Speed Through California Wilderness
When: July 2026
Where: Downieville
Highlights: Legendary downhill race; long descents; forest ter
Explore More: Experience one of the most iconic downhill events in California. Downieville combines endurance, speed, and...
[read more.]
Park City Alpine Riding 2026
Endless Singletrack at Altitude
When: June–September 2026
Where: Park City
Highlights: Extensive trail network; lift-assisted r
Explore More: Explore one of North America’s most complete mountain biking destinations. Park City offers an extensive ...
[read more.]
Sedona Red Rock Trails 2026
Flow and Spirituality in the Desert
When: March–May & October–November 2026
Where: Sedona
Highlights: Red rock scenery; flowing s
Explore More: Ride through one of the most visually striking landscapes in the United States. Sedona offers a unique comb...
[read more.]
Puerto Escondido Big Wave Season 2026
Mexico’s Answer to Raw Ocean Power
When: May–September 2026 (Peak: June–August)
Where: Puerto Escondido
Highlights: Massive beac
Explore More: Discover one of the most powerful surf destinations in the Americas, where each wave delivers unmatched int...
[read more.]
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TravelDesk Finder (Find past news, advisories and travel trends here.) |
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Ruta Pantera's PanAmerica Investor Club
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RuPa's PanAmerica Investor Club is an investment group designed to acquaint our
members with investor opportunities available in the hemisphere — North, Central and South America.
We have capitalized our fund with $282,000 US and will publish our
results here, updated on a weekly basis.
Please see our livecast, Rupa 2.0 ~ Make Your Connection, for episodes discussing club investments. |
| SYMBOL | NAME | CAP. | %ROI | Earned |
| NA | RuPa Stocks | $7.8K | 3.5% | $222 |
| NA | Real estate 1 | $50K | 19% | $15K |
| NA | Real estate 2 | $26K | 1% | $260 |
| OZK | CD #1 / 7-mo. | $100K | 4.2% | $500 |
| OZK | CD #2 / 7-mo. | $100K | 4.2% | $500 |
| --- | --- | $283.8K | 5.2% | $15K |
RuPa's Latin American Holdings: A Basket of ETFs and Other Funds
Summary: Surprising to us, our basket of Latin American ETFs and Closed-end funds
has performed well in a rather rocky market since November 1. Since the end of January, 2026 we
have twice pulled out of these funds and reinvested roughly $23,000 due to abrupt movements in the
market. We increased our profits on both occasions, for a total of about 6% ROI in past three months.
This performance has proved a lot better -- but with more risk -- than our CDs! We believe these funds represent a strong long-term hold,
but only for those with steel nerves; they have jumped around 2-5% almost weekly so far this year. Frankly,
we've been lucky and do not plan on increasing our minimal holding in them until the geopolitics of
the region settles down. One potential negative impact is the Trump Administration's predicted threats against
China's growing physical and financial presence in South America.
On the other hand, Real estate investing is proving to be a sound strategy, especially in Medellin, Colombia,
where we are considering the purchase a second apartment this month for $53,000, to be used as a shooting studio
for the company. The problem is the instability of the dollar...and the strength of the Colombian
peso! The owner wants to be paid over the course of two months, which puts us a risk if the dollar
continues to fall in value.
Lastly, our CDs are providing safe place to park capital while we're deciding what to do next, each earning about $500 per month.
Our investment club is created and maintained for entertainment and educational purposes only. We do not offer investment advice or recommend particular stocks, bonds, ETFs or any other investment product. Please refrain from asking Ruta Pantera staff to provide investment advice. Thank you.
COLOMBIA
VENEZUELA
BRASIL
ARGENTINA
COSTA RICA
NICARAGUA
MEXICO
PERU
BOLIVIA
URUGUAY
