OICC Press Geoconservation Research 2588-7343 6 2 2023 12 20 Sumaco Volcano (Ecuador): Integral Approach to its Geotourism Potential 271 292 10.57647/j.gcr.2023.0602.18 EN José Luis Sánchez-Cortez Instituto de Geografía, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria. DF, Mexico AND Napo Sumaco Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark, Fundación Geoparque Napo Sumaco. Tena, Ecuador https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1236-2848 Marco Simbaña-Tasiguano Napo Sumaco Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark, Fundación Geoparque Napo Sumaco. Tena, Ecuador AND Universidad Yachay Tech. Hacienda San José. Urcuquí – Ecuador https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2974-3839 Kathleen Vélez-Macías Napo Sumaco Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark, Fundación Geoparque Napo Sumaco. Tena, Ecuador AND Universidad de Guayaquil. Av. Juan Tanca Marengo & Raul Gomez Lince. Guayaquil, Ecuador https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8732-3205 Henry Grefa-Shiguango Napo Sumaco Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark, Fundación Geoparque Napo Sumaco. Tena, Ecuador Daniel Jaque-Bonilla Napo Sumaco Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark, Fundación Geoparque Napo Sumaco. Tena, Ecuador AND Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Km 7 Tena – Muyuna, Tena, Ecuador Estefanía Cabascango-Chiliquinga Napo Sumaco Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark, Fundación Geoparque Napo Sumaco. Tena, Ecuador AND Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Km 7 Tena – Muyuna, Tena, Ecuador Journal Article 2023 12 20 Sumaco is the easternmost active volcano in Ecuador, and is in the sub-Andean zone, towards the northwest of the country, and located in the Pleistocene Napo Uplift. Together, the tectonic setting of the eastern Andes and Amazonian plain is the main regional feature determining high ecological, landscape, geological and biological diversity. In addition, indigenous cultures of the Amazon have acquired a special status associated with their ancient and contemporary history, transforming it into a mystical element for locals and visitors. These natural and cultural conditions are the perfect framework for adventure tourism and geotourism activities. Community tourism is one of the main economic livelihoods of the Pacto Sumaco community, which has managed to interact with various local and national actors through its Community Tourism Center, creating strategies for sustainable use, conservation, control, monitoring and maintenance of the core area of the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, being considered an ideal example that demonstrates good practices of local-based tourism. This article discusses holistically the main criteria that have made it possible to strengthen geotourism activities in the Sumaco volcano: geodiversity, biodiversity, ecosystem services, cultural and historical heritage and community participation, as well as key institutional elements, and infrastructures for management and tourism development.