Potential for public use in <em>Tijuca</em> National Park

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize the visitor’s profile of Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro state. The interviews were conducted during one year, on Saturdays, Sundays and on one working day. In this period 400 people were interviewed in four different spots of the park: Cascatinha, Meu Recanto, Paineiras and Corcovado. Cascatinha and Meu Recanto visitors reside mainly in the North zone; they practice physical activities and are motivated by the contemplation of nature. Regarding people’s age distribution, Meu Recanto attracts quite heterogeneous public, while basically middle aged individuals prefer Cascatinha. The visitors of Corcovado are tourists at a wide age range who are seeking nature contemplation. In Paineiras, the public is more homogeneous, coming from North and South zones, interested in free spaces to exercise.