The Top 10 Things To Do In And Around Loja Ecuador

Nicknamed the Ciudad Castellana, Loja revels in its Spanish colonial roots and Catholic traditions. It is home to the second oldest university in Ecuador, has a vibrant city center with many well-preserved historic buildings, and has a rich cultural heritage. In fact, Loja may be one of the most underrated locations in this small Andean nation. Here are the top 10 things to do while visiting the city.

1. The City Gate

Museum

Loja is the only city in Ecuador to have a city gate, la Puerta de la Ciudad. The castle-like edifice, built in the late 1990s, is also home to a small museum, café, and the metal sculptures of Don Quijote and his faithful companion, Sancho.

Puerta de la Ciudad, Loja, Ecuador

Loja City Gate, Ecuador | © Angie Drake / Flickr

2. The Río Malacatos

The Río Malacatos runs through the city of Loja, providing several opportunities to walk trails and explore lovely parks along its banks.

Río Malacatos, Loja, Ecuador

Alongside the Río Malacatos, Loja, Ecuador | © Angie Drake / Flickr

3. Plaza Parque Central

Park

The heart of Loja revolves around Central Park, a huge plaza with well-designed gardens, relaxing places to people-watch, and historic monuments. Some of the most important historic buildings in the city stand beside this colorful plaza.

Parque Central, Bolivar, Loja, Ecuador

Parque Central, Loja, Ecuador | © Angie Drake / Flickr

5. Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden, University

A short distance outside of town lies the University of Loja’s botanical garden, a collection of native and non-native flowering plants and trees. The extensive grounds are home to meticulously designed gardens, an excellent collection of native orchids, a working farm, and examples of the only native species of pine tree in Ecuador, the Podocarpus.
Jardín Botánico Reinaldo Espinosa, Loja, Ecuador, +593 7-254-7275

Botanical Garden, Loja, Ecuador | © Angie Drake / Flickr

6. Calle Lourdes

The narrowest street in Loja provides a great opportunity to photograph picturesque Spanish colonial homes and an example of a traditional filigree metal gate.

Calle Lourdes, Loja, Ecuador

Calle Lourdes, Loja, Ecuador | © Angie Drake / Flickr

7. Santuario de Nuestra Señora de El Cisne

Many Ecuadorians make an annual pilgrimage to the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de El Cisne, located a couple of hours outside of Loja. Don Diego de Robles carved by hand the Statue of the Virgin del Cisne in the 16th century. For six weeks beginning in May and culminating in July, local Lojanos celebrate the Virgin with festivals and special masses.

Santuario de Nuestra Señora de El Cisne, Loja, Ecuador

Basilica del Cisne | © Berposen / WikiCommons

8. Vilcabamba

Vilcabamba has long been on the list of favorite expat destinations in Ecuador. Located in a green valley with access to many hiking trails, Vilcabamba makes a great home base for exploring the Southern Andes.

Vilcabamba, Loja, Ecuador

Vilcabamba, Ecuador | © The lifted lorax / WikiCommons

9. Cascada de Los Incas

A never-ending list of outdoor destinations surrounds Loja, including the Cascada de Los Incas near Saraguro, Ecuador. This waterfall fills a natural basin used since ancient times for sacred bathing during the equinox and solstice celebrations.

Saraguro, Loja, Ecuador

Cascada de Los Incas | © Angie Drake / Flickr

10. Podocarpus National Park

Park

The Podocarpus National Park protects the only native pine in Ecuador and is home to hundreds of species of native birds and animals. Many easily accessible trails and roads into the park lie just outside of Loja’s city limits.

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