DESCRIPTION: From Saraguro the road drops rapidly to a sweet place where you'll find many different animals in Loja - a pleasant elevation that leads to a temperate climate. Loja was founded by the Spanish captain Alonso de Mercadillo on December 8, 1548; therefore, is one of the oldest towns in Ecuador. Mostly none of the earliest buildings have survived, although lots of houses from the 18th century can be found.

The Province has about 429.010 inhabitants, Loja is both an important and provincial capital and a college town, with two universities, a music conservatory and a law school. A small hydroelectric project became operational in 1897, found at the base of Pedestal Hill a short distance west of the town center. It generated 34 kilowatts, and gave Loja the distinction of being the first city in Ecuador to have electricity.

The town itself is particularly exciting and very attractive, and travelers on their way to Peru travel the border to the town of Macará and find this is a convenient place to stop and then it turns into a stay at this beautiful place. The highland route to Peru through Loja and Macará is slower and rougher but much more scenic than the more traveled route through the coastal towns of Machala and Huaquillas. Loja is also the departure point for visiting Vilcabamba and Zamora in the Southern Oriente. The road between Cuenca and Loja is being improved and the area between Loja and Machala is also very scenic.

Travelling options

OPTION A
Departing from Quito, early Flight to Loja with TAME, arrive and Transfer in a 3 Star Hotel, lunch and later on in a City Tour we will visit Loja's highlights: Historical Churches, Historical center of the City and it's Museums.
Day 2: Visit to Podocarpus National Park, Flight back to Quito in the afternoon.

Price: 400 USD per Person, includes: Flight Quito-Loja-Quito, 1 Overnight in a 3 Star Hotel in Loja in single or double accomodancy with Continental Breakfast included, private car 4X4 & Guide for the visit to Podocarpus National Park. Meals on own.

OPTION B Departing from Quito, early Flight to Loja with TAME, arrive and Transfer in a 3 Star Hotel, lunch and later on in a City Tour we will visit Loja's highlights: Historical Churches, Historical center of the City and it's Museums.
Day 2: Visit to, Vilcabamba (valle de la longevidad), Petrified Forest of Puyango, or El Compadre Lakes & the "Santuario de la Virgen del Cisne", Flight back to Quito in the afternoon.

Price: 400 USD per Person, includes: Flight Quito-Loja-Quito, 1 Overnight in a 3 Star Hotel in Loja in single or double accomodancy with Continental Breakfast included, private car 4X4 & Guide for the visit to Podocarpus National Park. Meals on own.