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

Paúl Carrión-Mero,Sthefano Serrano-Ayala,Fernando Morante-Carballo,Maribel Aguilar-Aguilar,Nataly Paz-Salas,Gricelda Herrera-Franco,Miguel Gurumendi-Noriega,Edgar Berrezueta,Alicia Ayala-Granda

doi:10.3390/su12208468

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.

Highlights

Geodiversity, as a concept analogous to biodiversity, was introduced in the early 1990s [1,2,3,4]
Based on the described data, we propose the development of a specific itinerary of the geomorphosites in the Ruta Escondida called “Rocks & Water in Ruta Escondida” (Figure 10)
The results reveal the significance of this geotourism route and its potential contribution to the regional tourism offer

Summary

Introduction

Geodiversity, as a concept analogous to biodiversity, was introduced in the early 1990s [1,2,3,4]. In recentGeodiversity, years, this term everyday to use in inventorywas studies, valuation andearly conservation of as abecame conceptofanalogous biodiversity, introduced in the 1990s [1,2,3,4]. According to Gray [9], be defined as “the range. Term became of everyday usegeodiversity in inventorycan studies, valuation andnatural conservation (diversity) of geological (rocks, minerals, fossils), geomorphological (landform, processes) and soil of geological heritage [5,6,7,8]. According to Gray [9], geodiversity can be defined as “the natural features”. It ofrefers to the(rocks, assemblage of fossils), these features, their relationships, range (diversity) geological minerals, geomorphological (landform, properties, processes) interpretations, andItsystems. Geodiversity can considered therelationships, basis of the properties, increasing and soil features”.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion