Loja, Cultural capital in southern Ecuador
The city extends across the Cuxibamba valley at 2,060 meters elevation, bordered by two rivers: Rio Zamora and Rio Malacatos.
Field Marshal Alonso de Mercadillo established Loja in 1548, relocating it from its first location due to earthquakes and disease concerns.
Three major universities, numerous museums, and music schools maintain Loja's status as Ecuador's music and cultural center.
Local transportation includes an efficient bus network and affordable taxis, while fresh produce markets offer regional products at reasonable prices.
The Puerta de la Ciudad stands as the only city gate in Ecuador, featuring metal sculptures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.
Location: Loja Canton
Inception: December 8, 1548
Founders: Alonso de Mercadillo
Elevation above the sea: 2,060 m
Website: https://loja.gob.ec
GPS coordinates: -3.99684,-79.20167
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:50
El Cajas National Park
128.1 km
Tumbes Mangals National Sanctuary
135.4 km
Podocarpus National Park
39 km
New Cathedral of Cuenca
124.3 km
Museo Pumapungo
123.5 km
Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca
124.3 km
Arenillas Ecological Reserve
116.8 km
Estadio Alejandro Serrano Aguilar
123.2 km
Yacurí National Park
83.2 km
Basilica of El Cisne
29.8 km
Old Cathedral of Cuenca
124.3 km
Tumbes National Reserve
122.6 km
El Cóndor Biological Reserve
127.2 km
Cathedral of Loja-Parroquia El Sagrario
88 m
Paquisha
58.9 km
Our Lady of Mercy Cathedral, Machala
117.3 km
Church of Our Lady of the Pillar
91.6 km
Jardín botánico Reinaldo Espinosa
65.2 km
Museum Remigio Crespo Toral
123.8 km
Cerro de Arcos
56.5 km
Santuario Diocesano Católico del Señor de Burgos de Borma
133.8 km
Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno
124.3 km
Macará River
109.2 km
Tren Crucero
2.7 km
Museum of Aboriginal Cultures
123.8 km
Monument to Abdón Calderón
124.3 km
Parque de la Madre
123.6 km
Iglesia de San José del Vecino
125.1 kmReviews
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