Diseño de un producto de agroturismo en el barrio La Calera, cantón Latacunga, provincia de Cotopaxi.

Abstract

This research proposed the design of an agrotourism product in La Calera neighbourhood, Latacunga canton, Cotopaxi province, for this purpose residents were interviewed using the interview guide as an instrument that led to the situational diagnosis based on the tourism system and the cultural characterization of agricultural products. On the other hand, a market study was conducted through surveys and field trips using the questionnaire and direct observation as an instrument to gather information regarding supply and demand. Also, a technical study of the product was established, including the use of services, design facilities, and activities. The legal and administrative structure was analyzed through a bibliographic review; while the positive and negative environmental impacts were identified and evaluated using the Lázaro Lagos cause-effect matrix; the Net Present Value (NPV), the Internal Rate of Return (IRR), the Cost-Benefit Ratio (CBR), and the capital recovery period were calculated. La Calera has 18 tourist attractions, basic services, roads and connectivity, 26 tourist accommodations at the village level, 27 local agricultural products, lodging infrastructure, and trails, so the farms will have the capacity to serve 55 tourist per day, so, 2 tourist packages and informative sings were designed, a limited liability company was formed. In fact, the project generated positive impacts with 493 points and negative impacts whit 159 points, and the economic-financial study NPV was $ 133.831.37; IRR 13%; RCB $ 1.44; the capital recovery period is between three and four years. The project is feasible, because the results of the commercial, technical-productive, environmental, legal-administrative, and economic-financial analysis report viability. It is recommended to those interested in the project its execution betting on innovation in the activities and the application of the environmental management plan.