Salud física y mental en el turismo de aventura en Baños de Agua Santa, año 2025

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the benefits of adventure tourism on the physical and mental health of visitors to the Baños de Agua Santa canton during 2025. The research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, which allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon under study. In an initial phase, a diagnostic assessment of the canton's adventure tourism offerings was carried out through a review of academic, regulatory, and official statistical sources. Activities such as rafting, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, and canopy tours were identified as having high potential to promote holistic well-being due to their direct interaction with natural environments. Subsequently, surveys were administered to national and international tourists who participated in these experiences to understand their perceptions of the physical and emotional changes they experienced. The results reflected an improvement in physical condition, a reduction in stress, a more positive mood, and a more stable emotional state, demonstrating that adventure tourism not only serves a recreational function but also contributes to the overall well-being of visitors. Finally, based on the findings obtained, a comprehensive promotion strategy was proposed aimed at strengthening the link between adventure tourism and physical and mental health, contributing to the diversification of the tourism offer and the positioning of Baños de Agua Santa as a healthy and sustainable adventure destination.