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

Sustainability

卷:12

Nataly Paz-Salas¹  Miguel Gurumendi-Noriega¹  Fernando Morante-Carballo²  Paúl Carrión-Mero²  Maribel Aguilar-Aguilar²  Edgar Berrezueta³  Gricelda Herrera-Franco⁴  Sthefano Serrano-Ayala⁵  Alicia Ayala-Granda⁵ 

[1] Bira Bienes Raíces S.A. (BIRA S.A.), Av. Alfonso de Mercadillo, Zaruma 071350, Ecuador;

[2] Centro de Investigaciones y Proyectos Aplicados a las Ciencias de la Tierra (CIPAT), ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador;

[3] Departamento de Infraestructura Geocientífica y Servicios, Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (IGME), 33005 Oviedo, Spain;

[4] Geo-Recursos y Aplicaciones GIGA, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador;

[5] Sacharxeos Cía. Ltda. Tulipanes 153 y Arupos Capelo Valle de los Chillos, Cantón Rumiñahui 170501, Ecuador;

关键词: geomorphological heritage;    Ruta Escondida;    geomorphosite;    geotourism;   

DOI  :  10.3390/su12208468

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

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.

【 授权许可】

Unknown