Venture Through the City of Loja
The city of Loja is one of the oldest cities in Ecuador and was established in its current location on 8 December 1548. Today, its streets and architecture remind visitors of its 500 year-old past and the fact that Loja was a pioneering city. It was the first city that made use of electricity in Ecuador - something that was quite an achievement in 1897. It went on to grow as any city usually does, but it managed to remain ahead of the times while ensuring the protection of its heritage, culture and natural surroundings. Loja will therefore greet you with all the modern technology you would expect from a city, but with a nostalgic charm that makes this destination in Ecuador spectacular and unique.
Loja has an estimated population of approximately 140 000 people who are proud of their tourist friendly town which draws many visitors each year. It is also the cultural and musical capital of Ecuador. Loja is home to a school of law and a music conservatory. It is said that the best and most talented musicians originate from Loja. The Teatro Bolivar often showcases these talents free of charge. Visitors can also enjoy a movie at the local movie house and, if you would like to join in the fun instead of watching it, the Allianza Francesa can teach you to dance and cook. At night, Loja is one of the more lively destinations in Ecuador, with a range of cozy bars, restaurants and thumping dance clubs.
The Podocarpus National Park is an extraordinary park to visit if you have a love for birds. It has approximately 800 different bird species, of which some have just recently been discovered while still others are waiting to be found. Churches such as the Fatima, San Francisco, Santo Domingo and San Augustin are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. Visitors are encouraged to explore these religious institutions as they have many artworks to view. The locals cannot promise anything, but it is said that the undiscovered secret of Vilcabamba Valley is the reason that some people have lived to 100 years of age. Other interesting attractions to visit include the Virgen del Cisne festival and the museums that have beautiful art, historical and craft exhibits available.
User Comments & Reviews
2009-12-31 15:43:03
Do the citizens of Loja welcome Americans who want to live in their fabulous town?
2009-12-30 13:08:14
Would like info about cost of living in Loja or other places in Ecuador. Since my husband does not speak Spanish would like to hear from US ex-pats.
2009-12-28 16:20:53
I am an American who lived in Loja, Ecuador for over 5 years. Sadly for Loja because it is "a little off of the beaten track" & a little harder to get to many visitors don't take the time to go there. More so than that being sad for Loja it is even sadder for these visitors because they miss so much. Many visitors wind up in Quito & Guayaquil which are large cities w/ international airports. Loja on the other hand DOES have a NATIONAL airport located only about 30 mins. by car away so it really ISN"T as difficult to get to as one might think. And once there as this web page says it is a city w/ all the things one would want, need & expect from a city yet it is a small, close knit town type community. The architecture is old old colonial. Sadly everyone says CUENCA is famous for their colonial architecture. Now it is true that Cuenca ALSO has a lot of colonial architecture but anyone who has walked the streets of Loja would have to agree that it does too. Poor Loja is like the forgotten city because it is smaller & a little out of the way but I can promise anyone who takes the time to get there they WON'T be sorry to have made the trip.
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