Top Things to do in Loja
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What to do and see in Loja, Ecuador: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Loja, Ecuador including Puerta de la Ciudad, Parque Recreacional Jipiro, Parque Nacional Podocarpus, Parque Eolico Villonaco, Basilica de la Virgen El Cisne, Plaza Parque Central, Catedral de Loja, Museo de la Musica, Calle Lourdes, Mercado Centro Comercial Loja.
Restaurants in Loja
1. Puerta de la Ciudad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By MSMHSRN - Asheville, North Carolina
Loja is a walkable town and one must walk through the city gates to appreciate her beauty. Like a castle, the gates dominate the street and invites one to explore the history, flavor and culture. Great place to take touristy photos, too!
2. Parque Recreacional Jipiro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By Christian W. B
We were lucky enough to visit on a Sunday afternoon, and this park was incredible! Small replicas of famous architecture from around the world, great playground equipment, long walkways through Forests, a skate park - something for everyone, and very highly recommended!
3. Parque Nacional Podocarpus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By Marjan v - Community of Madrid, Spain
We entered the park from Loja (bus to Vilcabamba, about 10-15 minutes). Once inside we had to walk 8 km to get to the refuge (Cajanuma) from where the hikes start. This 8 km took us already 2 hours - there were some amazing views so it wasn't too bad though. Afterwards there was only enough time to go up to one mirador. The view was amazing and the park itself was beautiful. Definitely recommend it, but if you go on foot like we did, book a night in one of the cabins ($3) or camp for free near the refuge so you can walk up the first day and hike to the lakes (15 km) or the three viewpoints the next day.
4. Parque Eolico Villonaco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By global3adventure - Quito, Ecuador
About 13 km west of the city on the road to Catamayo and the regional airport, perched at 2720 m on the hilltop overlooking Loja is Parque Eolico Villonaco. Very interesting as Loja was the first city in Ecuador to receive electricity, and now the first to ecologicaly harness the wind & generate electricity from 11 windmill towers. The size of the wind towers and blades is awesome when viewed in the park and the winds are forceful and cold.
5. Basilica de la Virgen El Cisne
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By SARAGUEV - Japan
This is one of the most emblematic places for Loja people. The road leading to the place is windy and full of beautiful landscapes. The Basilica architecture worths a visit, and it´s always crowded, so just watch for your belongings as in any other place.
If you are Catholic, take your time and go in early hours to be almost alone and pray. The Virgin of El Cisne is loved by locals and foreigners as she is considered very miraculous.
6. Plaza Parque Central
Overall Ratings
4 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By jsharpton
Lots of activity around this park on a regular basis. Safe place to hang out and watch people live their simple stress free lives. Food options around the square and easy access to buses and taxis. Nice small town atmosphere.
7. Catedral de Loja
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By FERNANDO-iDP - Quito
I had the good luck to visit the Cathedral in December and the Nacimiento was already set up. The nacimiento was a piece of art and worldclass. THe place is really nice and worth the visit.
8. Museo de la Musica
Overall Ratings
4 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Beenmostplaces - Montreal, Canada
Multiple rooms around a pretty courtyard filled with exhibits and photos of Lojan musicians of which there were clearly many. All in Spanish however it is also the rehearsal space for the local symphony orchestra which we enjoyed listening to as we wandered around.
9. Calle Lourdes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By global3adventure - Quito, Ecuador
Immediately behind Plaza San Sebastion ( where there is a Clock Tower in the square in front of San Sebastion Church ) is Calle Lourdes. A narrow cobblestone antique alleyway between Simon Bolivar & Mariscal Sucre preserves the historic charm of Loja. Picturesque with many restored colourful shops, cafes, and artesanal galleries.
10. Mercado Centro Comercial Loja
Overall Ratings
4 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By R C - Asheville, North Carolina
We went here late in the afternoon hoping to buy fresh fruit, and although half the vendors had quit for the day, we did score a good variety at typically low prices.
In addition, we walked through the fresh meats section, fresh flowers, vegetables, etc, and then went upstairs where we found all kinds of clothes, shoes, backpacks and similar accessories, etc. There are cafes and food stalls as well.
10 Centavos to use the toilet.
A fun place to check out.
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