Diseño de una ruta turística de trekking en la parroquia Cacha, cantón Riobamba, provincia de Chimborazo.

Abstract

This research aimed to design a tourist trekking route in the Cacha town, Riobamba city, Chimborazo province. The situational analysis of tourism in the Cacha town was developed through the five-star diagnosis compiled by Tierra (2012). Bibliographic review and field trips to tourist attractions, each of the natural, cultural attractions was carried out through the elements of the tourist system proposed by the UNWTO (1999), as well as other elements of tourist interest of the town were recorded. For the technical design of the tourist route, the specific conditions of relief, slopes, distances, travel time and the layout of the route were identified, the investment budget for the creation of the route was established based on the assets fixed as land, constructions, and buildings. Machinery and equipment, furniture and furnishings and other necessary elements, the results of the study carried out showed that there are 15 natural and cultural attractions within the town, of which, 40% correspond to natural sites (6) and 60% belong to the cultural attractions (9) and a single establishment that provides food, lodging, environmental interpretation, and recreation services. The tourist needs of the route were to design tourist facilities, such as: tourist signage (orientation and information), facilities (shade stations and rest, picnic area, and gazebo). It was concluded that the trekking tourist route was established for a type of tourist demand motivated by adventure and nature tourism. The total investment for the implementation of the route was USD 14,513.80. It is recommended to encourage the development of adventure, nature, and culture tourism in the town and to involve it in improving the quality of life of the population.