Propuesta metodológica alternativa para la identificación de la capacidad de carga ecoturística y ecológica de los cerros orientales: caso camino al cerro el aguanoso

Abstract

Nature tourism, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like Bogotá's Eastern Hills, has experienced significant growth in recent decades. This raises challenges related to environmental sustainability and the conservation of ecosystem services. In this context, this research proposes an alternative methodology to evaluate the ecological and ecotourism carrying capacity of the trail to Cerro El Aguanoso, located in the Eastern Hills. The alternative methodological proposal integrates environmental, social, cultural, and economic components, addressing key variables such as biodiversity, visitor behavior, soil and air quality, and the social and economic impact of ecotourism. This was done using a mixed approach, which included a literature review, field analysis, and the application of indicators, where patterns of trail use were identified and the environmental impacts generated by tourism activity were evaluated. The results highlight the need to implement sustainable strategies based on this methodology, which combines traditional and alternative approaches to ensure ecosystem conservation and effective management of tourist flows. This alternative proposal is not only applicable to the case study but can be replicated in other protected natural areas.