Are you ready to visit the hidden paradises of Ecuador located in Loja? Keep reading to know our favorite places! You will love them.
Loja, located in southern Ecuador, also nicknamed the Castilian City, delights tourists with its Spanish colonial roots and Catholic traditions. It is home to Ecuador’s second oldest university, 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 places in this small Andean nation.
The city of Loja, thanks to its colonial roots, has such an ancient history rich in culture. It is part of the Ecuadorian Andes starting from the Cordillera to the west of the coast and to the south of the neighboring country, Peru.
There are so many places to visit in Loja. For locals, you can spend most of your weekends here. Foreigners can also visit this place. Activities you can participate in include hiking, horseback riding, and paddle boating.
If you are looking for indigenous markets mixed with colonial constructions, wonderful views and the quality of its people, we will tell you the reasons why you should visit this beautiful city by breaking down the tourist attractions of Loja.
Hidden Paradises of Ecuador Located in Loja
Gate of heaven in Loja
Loja is the only city in Ecuador that has a city gate, the Puerta de la Ciudad. The castle-like building, built in the late 1990s, also houses a small museum, a café and metal sculptures of Don Quixote and his faithful companion, Sancho.
The building’s design took the shape of the city’s coat of arms. In 1571, the Spanish King Philip 2 had completed the presentation of the building. So what does the place have to offer? This beautiful place gives you the opportunity to take a self-guided tour. Inside, there are four galleries exhibiting the most beautiful local works of art. A cafeteria and a gift store are also present. Here, self-service is the order of the day.
You can go to the top where the clock tower is located where you will enjoy a beautiful view of the whole city in different directions.
Plaza Parque Central
The heart of Loja revolves around Central Park, a huge plaza with well-designed gardens, relaxing people-watching spots and historical monuments. Some of the city’s most important historic buildings are located adjacent to this colorful plaza.
Botanical Gardens in Loja, Ecuador
Within walking distance of the city is the botanical garden of the University of Loja, a collection of native and non-native flowering trees and plants. Among them many orchids and other beautiful flowers.
In the botanical gardens, there is another activity in which you can participate. As a scientist or researcher or even environmentalist, this is the place to be. The laboratory has several native and exotic species.
Waterfall of the Incas
An endless list of outdoor destinations surrounds Loja, including the Cascada de Los Incas waterfall near Saraguro, Ecuador. This waterfall fills a natural basin used since ancient times for sacred bathing during equinox and solstice celebrations.
Podocarpus National Park
Podocarpus National Park is one of the most biodiverse places in the whole world. It protects Ecuador’s only native pine tree and is home to hundreds of species of native birds and animals. Many trails and easy access roads to the park are located just outside the city limits of Loja.
With over 550 different bird species, you know what your visit to this park is all about.
It will cost you about $15 to take a cab to the trailhead of the park. In the park, be assured of seeing every species of bird in the world.
