Loja Travel Guide
Travel to Loja - Atmospheric town in Ecuador's Southern Andes
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The city of Loja, the capital of the province of Loja in Andean Ecuador, was founded in 1548 by a Spanish captain named Alonso de Mercadillo and is one of Ecuador's oldest cities. Loja’s history began in 1471 when the Inca Empire conquered the Loja region and brought in a group of people from Bolivia called the Saraguros. Throughout the centuries the Saraguros have maintained their traditions, beliefs, language, dress and, of course, their gastronomy.
Loja lies in an Andean highland valley, at an altitude of 2100 meters (6890 ft) above sea level, and is bordered by the Zamora and Malacatos Rivers. This small but charming and sophisticated city is a perfect base camp for day trips to the rest of the province.
The city has a rich tradition of the arts and is full of music and salsa bars. There are public works of art on display all over the city and it is also home to two major Universities.
Puerta de la Ciudad, the gates of the city, are modelled after the Coat of Arms presented by King Felipe II of Spain in 1571. The gate houses four galleries which show contemporary Lojano artwork and a stunning view of the city can be seen from the top of the clock tower. Loja contains a number of historic churches including the main Cathedral which is located in the central square and is one of Ecuador’s largest churches.
Attractions in Loja
One of the most important biodiversity areas in the world, Podocarpus National Park is a unique and diverse natural setting with large expanses of virgin forest that shelter a dazzling variety of wildlife. It is particularly known for bird life. Over 600 species that make their home there represent 40% of all avian species in Ecuador. Podocarpus is also home to fantastic orchids and spectacular scenery including pristine Andean lakes and waterfalls.
Just 42km away from Loja is the picturesque valley of Vilcabamba, a quilted patchwork of corn and sugar cane fields, fruit orchards and cattle pastures. Vilcabamba is also known as the "Valley of Longevity" due to the long life span enjoyed by the locals, attributed to a stable climate, pure air and water and a peaceful atmosphere.
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