Macará Canton

Macará Canton is an administrative division in Loja Province encompassing a landscape of river valleys where rice farming dominates the land use. The area sits at approximately 450 meters elevation and comprises five parishes that together form a functioning rural community.

This territory originated from an Indigenous people known as the Macarara and was established as a settlement during the early 19th century. Agricultural development gradually became the defining feature of the region over subsequent generations.

The populations of Macará Canton consist of diverse ethnic groups with Mestizo representing 90.5%, followed by White 4.7% and Afro-Ecuadorian 4.2%.

The canton comprises five smaller administrative areas that can each be visited throughout the region. The best way to explore is by traveling along local roads that connect villages and farmland.

A river forms the natural border between this canton and Peru and creates several swimming areas used by people from both countries. This cross-border waterway serves as a meeting point for the surrounding communities.

Location: Loja Province

Inception: September 22, 1902

Capital city: Macará

Elevation above the sea: 448 m

GPS coordinates: -4.38333,-79.95000

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:44