Assessment of Geomorphosites for Geotourism in the Northern Part of the “Ruta Escondida” (Quito, Ecuador)

Paúl Carrión-Mero, Alicia Ayala-Granda, Sthefano Serrano-Ayala, Fernando Morante-Carballo, Maribel Aguilar-Aguilar, Miguel Gurumendi-Noriega, Nataly Paz-Salas, Gricelda Herrera-Franco and Edgar Berrezueta
Additional contact information
Paúl Carrión-Mero: Centro de Investigaciones y Proyectos Aplicados a las Ciencias de la Tierra (CIPAT), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador
Alicia Ayala-Granda: Sacharxeos Cía. Ltda. Tulipanes 153 y Arupos Capelo Valle de los Chillos, Cantón Rumiñahui 170501, Ecuador
Sthefano Serrano-Ayala: Sacharxeos Cía. Ltda. Tulipanes 153 y Arupos Capelo Valle de los Chillos, Cantón Rumiñahui 170501, Ecuador
Fernando Morante-Carballo: Centro de Investigaciones y Proyectos Aplicados a las Ciencias de la Tierra (CIPAT), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador
Maribel Aguilar-Aguilar: Centro de Investigaciones y Proyectos Aplicados a las Ciencias de la Tierra (CIPAT), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador
Miguel Gurumendi-Noriega: Bira Bienes Raíces S.A. (BIRA S.A.), Av. Alfonso de Mercadillo, Zaruma 071350, Ecuador
Nataly Paz-Salas: Bira Bienes Raíces S.A. (BIRA S.A.), Av. Alfonso de Mercadillo, Zaruma 071350, Ecuador
Gricelda Herrera-Franco: Geo-Recursos y Aplicaciones GIGA, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador
Edgar Berrezueta: Departamento de Infraestructura Geocientífica y Servicios, Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (IGME), 33005 Oviedo, Spain

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 20, 1-23

Abstract: The relevant geomorphological characteristics of territory represent an essential part of its natural heritage. They are also an asset to be exploited for stimulating socio-economic development. The “Ruta Escondida” in Ecuador constitutes a historical place full of culture and landscapes that have been shaped over time by geological and geomorphological processes. Among the geomorphological features of the study area, volcanic cones, hilltops, terraces, foothills and glacial valleys stand out. The aims of this work were: (1) to characterize 18 places of geomorphological interest, located in the northern part of the Ruta Escondida and (2) to propose alternatives (geotourism) to contribute to the local development of the area. The applied methodology included: (1) the compilation of geomorphological elements; (2) the assessment of geomorphosites using the Inventario Español de Lugares de Interés Geológico (IELIG) method and (3) a strengths–opportunities–weaknesses–threats analysis of the contribution and influence of geomorphosites in the development of the study area. With this work, it was possible to determine that all the analyzed geomorphological sites have a high and very high interest. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis revealed that the geomorphosites could provide significant added value to the development of geotourism on the route, complementing the already known cultural and historical attractions.

Keywords: geomorphological heritage; Ruta Escondida; geomorphosite; geotourism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:20:p:8468-:d:428104

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