Tips When Visiting Loja Ecuador
An Overview of Loja
Loja is a thriving city in Southern Ecuador, popular for it’s popular music scene, the Museum of Music displays and a well-preserved city center filled with colonial buildings. Loja is one of the oldest cities in Ecuador, founded by Field Marshal Alonso de Mercadillo in 1548. The city can be reached along the Pan-American highway or by flying into the Catamayo Airport.
Advice When Visiting Loja Ecuador
Buses from Cuenca to Loja leave from Terminal Terreste. These are somewhat infrequent, so getting tickets in advance is advisable. Tickets cost a little under $9 USD one direction.
The bus from Cuenca to Loja takes roughly five hours, following the Pan-American Highway.
Loja is somewhat notorious for it’s access to the artistic town of Vilcabamba to the south. Loja is also known for it’s music scene, and concert venues are popular here.
Points of Interest in Loja
Puerta de la Ciudad
The “Gate to the City” is a large, European-styled gate entering the city from over a narrow bridge. The gate has several attractions embedded in its walls, including an art display and café.
El Barco
El Barco is a sculpture and art display made of billowing sails located across the street from Puerta de la Ciudad.
Parque Central, Inglesia Catolica San Francisco, Parque San Sabastian
Found throughout the city center, these are a series of parks, plazas and churches that make up Loja’s beautiful central area. Many of the buidlings around these parks are historical. The plaza spaces themselves often have musicians, singers, food carts and buskers.
Calle Lourdes
This narrow lane is filled with colorful houses and storefronts which sell trinkets and souvenirs to visiting tourists.
Sendero Ecológico Teleférico Loja
This is a steep hiking trail located on the East side of Loja. The route offers overlooks of the city below and views of the windmill lines across the valley.
Parque Pucara
This is a small park on the East side of Loja. It’s somewhat run-down and popular with skaters.
Teleférico Loja
This is a spire and castle located atop the Sendero Ecológico Teleférico Loja trail. The spire can be climbed (the exterior is open to the public) for an overlook of the lower city. Reaching Teleférico Loja is a challenging uphill hike on somewhat rugged terrain.
Parque Recreational Jipiro
This is a large family park with lots of cartoonish recreations of famous buildings turned into de-facto playgrounds. Dance performances, local animals, food and miniture train rides can all be found here.
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