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

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  • 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
    Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, 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
    Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador
    Geo-Recursos y Aplicaciones GIGA, 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
    Facultad de Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena (UPSE), La Libertad 240204, Ecuador)

  • Edgar Berrezueta

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

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Paúl Carrión-Mero & Alicia Ayala-Granda & Sthefano Serrano-Ayala & Fernando Morante-Carballo & Maribel Aguilar-Aguilar & Miguel Gurumendi-Noriega & Nataly Paz-Salas & Gricelda Herrera-Franco & Edgar B, 2020. "Assessment of Geomorphosites for Geotourism in the Northern Part of the “Ruta Escondida” (Quito, Ecuador)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-23, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:20:p:8468-:d:428104
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fernando Morante-Carballo & Geanella Herrera-Narváez & Nelson Jiménez-Orellana & Paúl Carrión-Mero, 2020. "Puyango, Ecuador Petrified Forest, a Geological Heritage of the Cretaceous Albian-Middle, and Its Relevance for the Sustainable Development of Geotourism," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-24, August.
    2. Dyson, Robert G., 2004. "Strategic development and SWOT analysis at the University of Warwick," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 152(3), pages 631-640, February.
    3. Gricelda Herrera-Franco & Paúl Carrión-Mero & Niurka Alvarado & Fernando Morante-Carballo & Alfonso Maldonado & Pablo Caldevilla & Josué Briones-Bitar & Edgar Berrezueta, 2020. "Geosites and Georesources to Foster Geotourism in Communities: Case Study of the Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark Project in Ecuador," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-24, June.
    4. Ľubomír Štrba & Branislav Kršák & Csaba Sidor, 2018. "Some Comments to Geosite Assessment, Visitors, and Geotourism Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-8, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Paúl Carrión-Mero & César Borja-Bernal & Gricelda Herrera-Franco & Fernando Morante-Carballo & María Jaya-Montalvo & Alfonso Maldonado-Zamora & Nataly Paz-Salas & Edgar Berrezueta, 2021. "Geosites and Geotourism in the Local Development of Communities of the Andes Mountains. A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-23, April.
    2. Ľubomír Štrba & Andrea Vravcová & Michaela Podoláková & Lenka Varcholová & Branislav Kršák, 2023. "Linking Geoheritage or Geosite Assessment Results with Geotourism Potential and Development: A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-20, June.
    3. Edison Navarrete & Fernando Morante-Carballo & Jairo Dueñas-Tovar & Paúl Carrión-Mero & María Jaya-Montalvo & Edgar Berrezueta, 2022. "Assessment of Geosites within a Natural Protected Area: A Case Study of Cajas National Park," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-26, March.

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