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The massive number of visitors entering the protected natural areas (ANP), in the Cotacachi Cayapas National Park (PNCC), has caused counterproductive effects on the ecosystem. In 2019, this destination received 211,628 visitors, with a daily average of 757 people in summer (July-September) and 532 in winter (October-June), figures that generate saturation in its three main trails called: Vehicular, Sacred Route and The Orchids. The purpose of the research was firstly to review the carrying capacity and secondly to propose a process to regulate the entry and determine use and conservation strategies. The methodological tools used were; 1. The Tourist Carrying Capacity (CCT), carried out with a quantitative deductive approach, and 2. The Limit of Acceptable Change (LAC), executed as a qualitative descriptive model. The results showed that the CCT has a saturation of 197% in winter and 250% in summer, while the LAC corroborated that the affectation of the trails exceeds the acceptable changes. Therefore, to remedy the impact, it is necessary to make the CCT operational, with a daily entry of up to 304 visitors and by the LAC with the operationalization of strategies for the conservation and sustainable development of the PNCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected natural areas are one of the most demanded resources from the tourist point of view. This research analyses the cause-effect relationships that the declaration of Monfragüe as a Biosphere Reserve and National Park has had on the demographic, economic and touristbehaviour of the territory it encompasses. From a qualitative methodology, supported by the analysis of statistical sources, it is concluded that the expectations placed in tourism have not managed to halt depopulation or promote economic diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]