Visitor environmental impact on protected natural areas: An evaluation of the Huaytapallana Regional Conservation Area in Peru

Protected natural areas, especially regional conservation areas, are important for preserving biodiversity, ecosystem services and recreation. The Huaytapallana Regional Conservation Area in the Junín region of Peru is a mountain ecosystem providing hydrological, cultural, and tourism ecosystem services to the population. This study evaluated the environmental impact of visitors on two tourist trails (one vehicular and one pedestrian) and two ritual zones in this area using a Leopold matrix. Sample plots were previously installed of 20 × 25 m (subdivided into five sub-plots) systematically distributed. Organic and inorganic waste was quantified. The overall environmental impact of visitors in the natural environment was negative (−-532) with soil, air, and wild fauna the most affected; on the other hand, socioeconomic factors were positive overall (504).