Tourism in natural areas attracts people seeking contact with pristine ecosystems as opposed to a polluted urban habitat and a stressful pace of life. An adequate tourist route and itinerary guarantees a high level of tourist satisfaction. The objective of this study was to focus on the design of a tourist route and itinerary in the Altar Volcano, Sangay National Park, central Ecuador, by integrating tourist attractions and facilities. Within the methodological process, the main tourist attractions of the area were identified and georeferenced; then, a thematic map was elaborated using ArcGIS 10.5^® software. Distances were determined by considering the transportation alternatives in relation to the base camps. Finally, the itinerary was structured by considering the possible tourist activities of each place or attraction. As a result, a tourist route was obtained that included 19 attractions and an itinerary that interacts with various activities in the study area. This research will strengthen tourism activities in the Altar Volcano, allowing for an increase in the number of visitors and the development of sustainable tourism thanks to proper planning in the use of a new tourist route.

Mining is an economic activity with significant socio-environmental implications, particularly in regions where communities depend directly on natural resources. This study aimed to analyze the perceptions of residents of the Pungala parish regarding the impacts of mining in the Alao River basin. A questionnaire was administered, considering sociodemographic, social, and environmental variables. The surveyed population was predominantly older adults and had a balanced gender distribution. The majority identified as indigenous or mestizo, with primarily secondary school educational levels and with a labor structure characterized by independent work. At the social level, mining is perceived as a source of economic benefits through job creation and increased income. However, negative impacts are also recognized, including conflicts over water use, displacement of families, and increased costs of goods and services. From an environmental perspective, the majority perceived negative changes, particularly water pollution, deforestation, erosion, and biodiversity loss. Regarding the ecosystem services, provisioning services were perceived as having the greatest importance and frequency of use, especially water for human consumption, irrigation, and productive activities. These results demonstrate the coexistence of benefits and risks and highlight the need for sustainable management strategies that integrate ecosystem conservation and community well-being.