Analysis of Tourism Infrastructure and Services in the Petrified Forest of Puyango, Located in the Middle Basin of the Puyango River, Between the Ecuadorian Provinces of El Oro and Loja

Abstract

Tourism depends on strategic factors that directly influence the sustainability of destinations. This study analyzes the infrastructure and tourism services of the Petrified Forest of Puyango, a paleontological resource of high heritage value, through a comprehensive diagnostic approach. The research employed a descriptive, non-experimental, and cross-sectional design, utilizing a mixed-methods approach. Data was collected through document reviews, interviews, surveys, observation forms, and SWOT analysis. The findings reveal that, although the forest stands out for its conservation, fossil richness, and positive visitor perception, it faces structural limitations such as the absence of promotional strategies, limited diversification of tourism activities, and poor accessibility especially for people with reduced mobility—and low participation of the local community in the tourism value chain. External threats include competition from better-positioned destinations and the disinterest of younger audiences. However, significant opportunities were identified: development of active ecotourism, creation of tourism products tailored to various target groups, implementation of an ecological complex (according to the PDOT), and improved positioning through digital marketing and strategic alliances. The study concludes that the Petrified Forest of Puyango has the potential to become a competitive tourism destination, provided that integrated strategies are applied to connect its heritage value with improvements in infrastructure, accessibility, targeted promotion, and community engagement.