Things to do & places to visit in Loja Province, Ecuador

Loja Province #12 destination in Ecuador 2023. The average rating score is 4.53 based on 1.204 traveler reviews, of 55 attractions. Timezone: America/Guayaquil, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 16:40.

Top things to do (48)

Top destinations in Loja Province 15

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Free Walks Loja (96 reviews)
- Loja at Its' Intimate!
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM City Tours • Cultural Tours • Walking Tours • Coffee & Tea Tours

I have been following Free Walks Loja for the last three months, and finally decided to get out of bed early enough to make the 0915 trip. I met Jona Poma last year, and we live in the same neighborhood. He was impressive then and steller now. He has organized an excellent tour of a number of highlights of the central downtown. We've been walking and exploring around these places for two years now, and learned many and new fascinating things about the culture and history of the city. I know some folks that have taken this tour more than 3 times, and each has provided a unique experience. We will be back. What a wonderful service for the city of Loja. See more..
5.0 Life in Loja (38 reviews)
- Tour gastronómico
City Tours • Ghost & Vampire Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

He’s great! We were taking a tour in February and us knew several places in Loja, we learned the process of coffee, craft beer and sugar cane. It was a wonderful day! Gracias por ese maravilloso día. Danke Laura & Jürgen See more..
5.0 Hosteria Izhcayluma Spa (25 reviews)
- Incredible.
Spent More than 3 hours Yoga & Pilates • Spas

Was here for two weeks during the Covid lockdown- owners were incredibly kind and helpful I can’t thank them enough. Beautiful place and just wonderful location- nowhere else id rather be stuck. Thank you and all your staff so much for everything I will definitely be back :) See more..
5.0 La Casa Del Arco (20 reviews)
- a must to do thing in vilcabamba!
Thursday: Spent 1-2 hours Shooting Ranges

We are an archery range in Vilcabamba. We provide one day experiences and continuos courses and practices for improvement. If you want to start a new activity for the long term or just enjoy the fun of trying something new, this is a great activity to do while in Vilcabamba. Relax, have fun and get into this magical sport. Archery practices are an outdoor activity, suitable for families, friends, couples and solo travelers. We are located in the way to Yamburara bajo, diagonal from the hotel named "El Descanso del Toro". See more..
5.0 Lotus Center (19 reviews)
- Totally Amazing
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Yoga & Pilates

Center for Healing Therapies, (Lotus Touch, Yoga,Detox,Rejuvenation,Health,Knowledge & Wellbeing). We are located in San Pedro de Vilcabamba. Call or email for directions or more information See more..
5.0 Viejo Minero (9 reviews)
- Just having some beers
Thursday: 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM Bars & Clubs

The oldest miner of Loja, it is set deep at the right historic Center of the city, it is a pub with a greatest tradition in town. Opened to the public since 1988. Cozy atmosphere and good music. Classic rock only and nothing else, good drinks and the best brewed beer. See more..
5.0 ARTENOMADE (8 reviews)
- Great art great people !
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

If you are looking for a place to get hand made gifts and the most beautiful jewellery search no more and get out to visit this shop. You won’t be disappointed. Always my last stop before heading back to Canada … beautiful jewellery and extremely affordable. See more..
5.0 Mangahurco (8 reviews)
- Guayacanes Blooming <3
Spent 2-3 hours National Parks

Well Mangahurco is a little town very far away. 1st: I recommend to take a guided tour to get here It is easier, If you don´t like easy them you have to take a bus from Loja city, the Bus company is Cariamanga and the days that are high demand they have 3 schedules 12am, 730am, 1030am It took me almost 8 hours to get to Zapotillo where you have to take a truck (if you have the chance to go with more people¨-Group or local- you have 2 pay like 10 dollars but if you are not them the ride its 60-70 dollars, because is almost 2 hours drive in a very sandy rally type road. To go back there is a bus that leaves at 430pm but you have to pay the ticket at 10am when it arrives otherways you wont have a seat. 2nd: They are just starting to have a lot of visitors and they have the experience to deal with it. So be patient, Where i recommend to eat it a street that has a little declination where a Lady put tables outside on the street, she is very nice with customers and cooks a really Good Chivo al Hueco (lamb cook in a hole). 3th: It is really hot well for me It was take sunblock, buy a Ecuadorian panama hat ;) and water it is important. I didnt use a sleeping bag just the foam mat. 4th: the reason i recommend to take a tour it is because they also take you to Inca´s bath. i didn´t have the chancee to get there so sad :( Thats it I guess enjoy See more..
5.0 Parque Nacional Yacuri (8 reviews)
- Aventura
National Parks

Un lugar para visitar con la familia o con amigos para aventura la naturaleza te abre las puertas y te enseña su magia See more..
5.0 Cerro Ahuaca (5 reviews)
- Incredible rock formation,
Geologic Formations

this is a beautiful rock formation next to Cariamanga town, in the Loja province of Ecuador, is a perfect place to visit by all kind of people, adults, youths, children, it takes around 2 and 3 hours to get to the summit, from where you can see mountain ranges in all directions, you can have a picnic or camp overnight. See more..
5.0 Finca Verde (5 reviews)
- Permaculture Paradise
Spent More than 3 hours Lessons & Workshops

For people who want to start their own permaculture farm or organic garden, we offer a 5 Day Introductory and a 5 Day Advanced Permaculture Course in beautiful Ecuador. We also offer courses about natural healing surthrival and bushcraft,plus more and are always looking for volunteers and interns who are offered free classes. Contact us for lots more information. See more..
5.0 D LEY T Disco Bar (3 reviews)
- Un lugar divertido y acogedor
Dance Clubs & Discos

Llegue por recomendación de un conocido y me pareció bastante interesante la idea q ofrezcan varios ambientes en un solo sitio, fuimos muy bien atendidos, buenos cócteles, el sitio y sobretodo los baños muy limpios y ordenados. Excelente lugar, se los recomiendo.
Llegue por recomendación de un conocido y me pareció bastante interesante la idea q ofrezcan varios ambientes en un solo sitio, fuimos muy bien atendidos, buenos cócteles, el sitio y sobretodo los baños muy limpios y ordenados. Excelente lugar, se los recomiendo. See more..
5.0 Pailas Rotas (2 reviews)
- Great afternoon out with the family
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Pailas Rotas is a beautiful landscape that is located in the limit of the cantons Quilanga, Gonzanama and Calvas. Touring them represents a journey suitable for people who like adrenaline and extreme sports. It is a beautiful place to swim in cracks and lagoons formed by giant stones See more..
5.0 le rendez vous (2 reviews)
- excelente
Other Outdoor Activities
Actualmente estamos en este hotel. Llevamos más de un mes recorriendo todo ecuador y realmente el rendez-vous en vilcabamba es el mejor hotel calidad precio. La habitación en la que estamos es grande , super limpia, cómodísima. Todo con muy buen gusto.¡NO EXISTE UN PERO!
El jardín es hermoso y muy cuidado Y sin olvidar los riquísimos desayunos. See more..
5.0 Garden Of Paradise (2 reviews)
- Garden Paradise
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Forests

this heavenly place inspired me to engage in permacultural design projects and I stayed here. Here are master classes in crop production, synergy of plants and animals. Reviving rainforests and maintaining the Ecuadorian ecosystem. See more..
5.0 mundo ganesha (1 review)
- Great Retail Store for Affordably Priced Gifts & Clothing
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

This is one of my favorite places to shop for myself and for gifts. Creative, handcrafted jewelry from Ecuadorr and Peru abounds and is reasonably priced. Clothing and textiles are mostly handcrafted with some imported from India. Sweaters, scarves, mittens, socks, and textile bags are careful and boast beautiful traditional patterns. In addition this is my source for Nag Champa and other insence items. Friendly, helpful service, (minimum English spoken) and variety of inventory make this an inviting place for locals and travelers. See more..
4.5 Parque Recreacional Jipiro (221 reviews)
- Adored this park
Parks

More to do than any other park we’ve seen in Ecuador. Skate park, paddle boats, field sports, places to eat. The big attraction is the many, colorful, versions of buildings from worldover. Eiffel Tower, Kremlin, Chinese temple-many equipped with slides. Really picturesque and fun to wander around. See more..
4.5 Puerta de la Ciudad (204 reviews)
- Delcious roasts that you will love
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

The city of Loja is a magical enchanting place, a year ago I went to know the beautiful places that these cities have and also to visit a special person, the trip was long and tiring, but it was worth it. Loja is a very clean and orderly city, the people are very friendly and respectful, what struck me the most was the countless places to visit, some full of history. The Jipiro park is one of my favorite places where people can go practice sports and have fun, the city gate is a place full of history and its very old churches that have particular models which attract the attention of a pooch. The climate is mild, excellent for people who do not like hot or colder. It is a city that, if I were given a choice where to live after mine, I would choose it. I recommend it as a place where you can go on vacation See more..
4.5 Parque Nacional Podocarpus (107 reviews)
- Amazing views, worth a visit
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

Amazing views from the mirador. We only spent an afternoon there and managed to reach the mirador and one of the other short walks (2 couples and a 9yo). The walk to the lagunas, which is a much longer walk is not accessible still during the Covid pandemic. See more..
4.5 Zarza Brewing Co. (48 reviews)
- Zarza Brewing Company makes delicious true to style beers...
Thursday: 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM Spent 2-3 hours Breweries

As the first microbrewery in Loja, we offer excellent house smoked meats, the best burgers in town and Tex-mex offerings to go along with our delicious brews. Started in 2013 by dual-nationals (Texan-Ecuadorian). See more..
4.5 Parque Eolico Villonaco (43 reviews)
- My bicycle experience XD
Parks

I wanted to go the Parque, so I went by bike It is a rought experience due the mountains and hills eventhou I am used to high places and I am not a sedentary person, It got me taking some stops sometimes I had to walk with the bike It was funny and looonngg! At the end I didnt make it to the top I was too exhauseted after 10km to continue I was about 4 km to the top. So if you plan to do the same just take the Bus to the nearest neighborhood Tierras Coloradas and them walk 4 km. See more..
4.5 Basilica de la Virgen El Cisne (34 reviews)
- Amazing history and church !
Spent More than 3 hours Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Every place has a history to tell, this one is amazing. Take your bag and travel 1 1/2 hour from Loja (on Car) , there is a little town located on the mountains called ¨EL Cisne¨ where you can find a huge religion history, lot of sweets and desserts and more. It has a bit cold weather, every year on august 16, there is a big peregrination to Loja in honor to Virgin of el Cisne, the most important catholic image on Ecuador. You won't regret if you wan t to met the church, it has a lot of history and details... See more..
4.5 Catedral de Loja (30 reviews)
- Impressive
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Impressive building inside and outside situated in a square with a wonderful clocktower and fountain. Don't pass it by without going inside. See more..
4.5 Sendero Cerro Mandango (16 reviews)
- Great hike, great views!
Hiking Trails

The place we were staying, Hosteria Izhcayluma, said this hike was available by guide only. My nephew, a Peace Corp volunteer has done this hike before, and said, "No problem, we can handle it." Despite the warning sign at the start of the hike that said not for people under 16 or over 55 (I'm 58), we took it on without a problem. But, I'm pretty in good shape. All that being said, it's not all that bad. If you have done aggressive hikes before, you will do OK with this one. There are some sketchy areas, so you'll want good shoes. You'll also want water, and maybe a snack. When you get to the top, you will want to enjoy it. One nice thing about hiking in April, it is green and lush. My my nephew hiked it in the summer, it was dry and brown. If you look up to the Mandago, and don't see green, it may not be worth it. Go fishing instead. Sure, you'll still have a nice view, and hike, but my nephew said it was so much nicer with the green! See more..
4.5 Iglesia de San Sebastian (13 reviews)
- the most beautiful plaza in Loja
Churches & Cathedrals

Lovely plaza that has music on Thursdays . The architecture surrounding the plaza itself is restored and very scenic. See more..
4.5 Cascada El Palto (11 reviews)
- The journey is the destination
Waterfalls

While the waterfall Cascada El Palto is only moderately spectacular, the trail leading to the waterfall offers the most stunning views on the valley and countryside surrounding Vilcabamba. To get there, head west out of town in the direction of Yumburara. Follow the road until you get to a bridge that crosses the river on your right side (40-50 min out of town). The bridge has a large sign indicating that this is the official trail to Cascada El Palto. When I was there, I met a couple of horse back riding groups, as an easier alternative to walking (you can reserve this trip in town). The hike takes about 5 hours, 3 hours to get to the waterfall and 2 hours back to town. In the mountains, you just need to follow the red dots or arrows, painted on the stones. If the iron gate shortly before the falls is locked, you can just walk around it, as a local guide told me. The superior GPS app maps.me has the hiking trail included. See more..
4.5 Museo de Arqueologico y Lojanidad (11 reviews)
- Favourite Museum In Loja
Speciality Museums

The museum is a little ways from downtown but very walkable if you don’t mind an uphill climb. There is a rich variety of indigenous artifacts from various ages. See more..
4.5 Rokart karting Loja (10 reviews)
- Meh
Thursday: 10:15 AM - 6:00 PM Game & Entertainment Centers

Not recommended for adults. Fun for little kids. After the second loop it's very likely you'll get bored. See more..
4.5 Plaza de la Independencia (10 reviews)
- Lovely Plaza at the heart of Loja Historic District
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Monuments & Statues

Large Plaza with clock tower and fountain - nice to spend time just sitting and people watching of an evening. - Cathedral De Loja at one side. See more..
4.5 Bosque Petrificado Puyango (6 reviews)
- "We are not Robbers"
Forests

It was a long drive from Loja to Puyango, so we stopped on the way for a dip in a river, then continued. When we arrived at Puyango, we parked and took a hike in the woods, not noticing any place where one would have to pay. After about a half hour wandering around, some very distressed fellow found us and said we must pay. I told him it was not a problem, and when we returned to the parking area, we would pay. But that was not good enough for him, whereupon I told him that we were not robbers, and we would pay when we were finished. Poor fellow, I thought he would have a stroke. So we continued hiking around and he followed us until we returned to the Parking area. Then I made sure each of us paid and apologized for having causing him so much grief. Then we entered the museum building and enjoyed the exhibits. Petrified forests are rare, and there are only three in the world, one of which is in Northern California were I am from. All in all, it was worth the trip, and I recommend it to anyone who is interested See more..