Diseño de un sendero interpretativo autoguiado en la Laguna de Colta, parroquia Santiago de Quito, cantón Colta, provincia de Chimborazo

Abstract

This research proposes: to design an interpretative self-guided path in the Laguna de Colta, Santiago de Quito parish, Colta canton, Chimborazo province; the purpose is to make it into a place of entertainment for visitors though the interpretation of characteristic resources of the rural area. The diagnosis was made based on the six components that act on the territory, also 6 tourist attractions were validated, from which the Interpretive Potential Index (IPI) was calculated plus 7 potential resources that generated a high average to be interpreted inside signs and signage. In the market study, likes ad preferences of local and foreign tourists were determined, of which 25% of unmet demand is intended to be captured. In the technical study, the self-guided path “paraíso del zambullidor” was designed, with a route of 1795.39 meters in 45 minutes, in which there will be 10 interpretive stops, 17 signs and 29 signage in harmony with the natural environment; in addition, it presents an effective load capacity of 152 visits per day for approximately 10 groups a day. The path´s construction budget requires a total investment of $186 390.90 USD, financed by the municipal GAD of Colta and the parochial GAD Santiago de Quito welcoming their exclusive competences. It is concluded that the self-guided interpretive path will become into a place of recreation for visitors and the local population, which will not generate profitability because it is a social project that will help the territory to become into a competitive tourist area.

Keywords: INTERPRETATIVE TRAIL - TOURIST ATTRACTIONS - COMMUNITY TOURISM.