CHARACTERISTICS AND REASONS WHY LOCAL AND FOREIGN TOURISTS VISIT ECUADORIAN SNOW-CAPPED MOUNTAINS AND LAKES

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to identify the characteristics and reasons why national and foreign tourists visit snow-capped mountains and Ecuadorian lakes. A review of the state of the art of the snow and lakes that are most frequently visited by tourists and that is directly related to their influx into the Ecuadorian territory was carried out. The methodology used was based on direct observation "in situ" and the application of interviews with visitors that were previously validated. The information collected is documentary, using personal files and text information. The analysis of results showed that 67% of tourists decide to go to the lake or mountain because they are unique in the world and extraordinary, 100% of visitors frequent Nevados (Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Ilinizas, Cayambe); 100% go to lakes (Quilotoa, Cuicocha and Mojanda); the stay in the country between 6 to 10 days (53%); they visit this country when in the USA and Europe they are in winter season. These details mean that Ecuador is frequently visited and considered as a worldwide tourism power, promoting domestic tourism as it is a business that generates USD 4 million per day and USD 900 million per year and, in addition, is an excellent generator of employment.