Plan your visit to Loja, Ecuador
On my last visit to Ecuador, I decided to visit Loja, the Southernmost city in the highlands of this diverse and extraordinary country. This article is meant to show you some of the main places to see and activities available in the city and its surroundings.
About
The charming city of Loja is located 4 hours South of Cuenca and has a relatively small population of 214.855 inhabitants. Several of them musicians, poets and writers, making this a city with vibrant cultural life.
This is the Southernmost city in the Andes region. With the Malacatos & Zamora rivers crossing it, it is considered one of the cleanest and safest cities in the country.
The city was founded in 1542 by Spaniard Alonso de Mercadillo at the “Cuxibamba valley” and has preserved most of its colonial style.
The average temperature in the city is 18C, making it a great destination to visit year-round and, for some expats, the world’s most ideal climate.
Top things to do
The city gate
This impressive monument was built in 1998, and during our visit in December, was specially lighted for the holidays, making it an incredible sight to visit by night in the city.
The city gate is a replica of the coat of arms of the province, which according to history, was the entrance into the Amazon rainforest and vital for the discovery of El Dorado.
Main square
As you stroll along the main square, you will admire the cathedral, the city government, and prominent buildings, most of them still preserving their colonial architecture.
This and all other town’s squares are places to unwind, enjoy people-watching, or meet up with friends. The people in Loja are amicable and welcoming, one of the reasons expats have chosen to retire and settle down in this city and its surrounding towns.
Lourdes street
Travel back in time as you take in the wooden balconies and patios inside the colonial houses of this street in Loja.
Visitors to Loja can tour centuries-old churches like the Fatima and Santo Domingo.
How to get there
Transportes Loja operates buses throughout Ecuador that will bring you to Loja. If you are getting there by car from Cuenca, it will only take you 4 hours.
If you are in South America, I would love to see your pictures.
What to do near Loja
Vilcabamba – Plan your day trip to this town that is attracting locals and expats in search of solace, also know as the valley of longevity. Read more: http://wp.me/p4zRuS-2c8.
Podocarpus – An eldorado for nature lovers and the habitat for approximately 800 species of birds, Podocarpus National Park is located near Loja. Find out all about Podocarpus here: http://wp.me/p4zRuS-2bR.
What and where to eat
Some of the traditional food of Loja not to miss is: cecina de chancho, pernil, quesadillas lojanas, biscochuelos, tamales lojanos, among others.
Where to stay
My recommendation when it comes to location, service, and comfort is Grand Hotel Loja.
Conclusion:
Plan your visit to the charming city of Loja in the South of Ecuador, known as the musical and cultural capital of Ecuador, for a weekend of peaceful, natural, and cultural experiences.
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If you want more in-depth information and also a guide that you can bring along during your trip, I recommend the travel guide Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
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This is an excellent source of information and tips, maps, and all you need if you plan on visiting Ecuador. I like the option of having a hard copy version where I can take notes and have them at hand.
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11 Responses
These are all such beautiful pictures! I have never been to Ecuador, but I would love to one day. I’ll be sure to stop by these places, thanks for sharing!
I’ve never been to Ecuador, but it truly does look beautiful. It will have to go on my travel bucket list 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Although i am not an avid traveller but its always good to know where to go and what to expect wherever you’ll have to travel.
Thank you for sharing
I’ve always wanted to go to that part of the world. Thank you for the suggestions!
I find myself lacking in world geography. The city of Loja, Ecuador looks beautiful. I would love to see the centuries old churches, the main Cathedral also the old architecture along Lourdes Street. The city gate would be a beautiful attraction also.
Oh how fun…it looks like you had a blast. This is definitely a place worth visiting.
Lovely guide! Didn’t know there was so much to see and do in Ecuador, have to consider traveling there one day.
Ecuador has always been on my wish list of places I want to visit. All of South America actually, so beautiful.
I would love to visit Ecuador, I haven’t travelled much and would love to experience the culture here. It looks amazing.
I’ve never considered traveling to Ecuador until I’ve read your post. So many interesting things to do and wonderful places to see in this place! 🙂