The present work was developed at the State Park of Ibitipoca (PEIb) to assess the characteristics of its visitors to gather information on their profile. A total of 324 visitors were interviewed during the months of January, February, April, and June of 2004, while data related to the frequency of monthly and annual visits (1988-2004) were provided by the administration of the Protected Area. The variables used in the interviews were tabulated, analyzed and compared with other protected areas. The variables education level, age, gender, group size and place of origin of the visitors were obtained. The results mainly showed that visitors staying time in the park was than two days and that they had been informed about through informal advertising. Visitor profile showed a high education level, with most visitors having completed the secondary school level. The main objective of the visit was to search for a quiet place, with great landscape beauty and contact with nature. Nowadays, rather than being just a fad, ecotourism is also a form of interaction and recovery of a traditional life style, provided by the Conceição de Ibitipoca Village, only 3 km distant from the park entrance.
Ibitipoca State Park; protected area; visitors
