Information Sheet Last Updated: 2005

Loja

Population: 429,010. This southernmost province of Ecuador forms one of the lowest points in the Andes. The flora and fauna are varied and interesting, since the relatively low altitude permits communication of plant and animal species between the west and east sides of the mountains. The capital city of Loja is pleasant and tranquil but without colonial charm, while the warm, lush valley of longevity at Vilcabamba offers a relaxing base from which to explore the rich life of Podocarpus National Park.

Air Access: Catamayo “La Toma” airport in Loja city (Tame & Icaro airlines)
Bus Access (from Quito): Transportes Loja, Panamericana, Transportes Pullman from the Terminal Terrestre (ca. 15 hrs.)

Information given for:

Loja
Gonzanamá
Macará
Saraguro
Vilcabamba
Podocarpus National Park

LOJA
Population: 127,200. One of Ecuador's oldest cities, Loja is pleasant and attractive with a temperate climate and surrounding hills. It has some interesting churches but few surviving colonial buildings. It is a good stop-over on the way to the Peruvian border at Macará.

Hotels

Hostal La Riviera
Tel: 572-863, Telefax 577-302
Universitaria y 10 de Agosto
$10 per person
Cable TV, hot water, clean.

Hotel Quinara
Tel: 570-785
Av. Universitaria y 10 de Agosto
$10 per person

Hotel Libertador
Tel: 570-344, Fax 572-199
Colón 14-30 y Bolivar
$35 (+22%) single with bath (breakfast include)
$45 (+22%) double with bath (breakfast include)

Hotel Loja
Tel: 570-241, 575-200
Rocafuerte 15-27 y 18 de Noviembre
$6 private bath
$3 shared bath
Beautiful colonial building. Clean, safe.

Hotel Londres
Tel: 561-936
Sucre 0751 y 10 de Agosto
$3 per person, shared bath

Restaurant

Delfin Dorado
Imbabura y Sucre
Excellent fish dishes.

GONZANAMA
1.5-2 hours southwest of Loja is this little weaving town where they make alforjas (saddle bags).

Hotels

Residencial Jimenez
Bath and cold shower

MACARA
This is the main border town for access to Peru. From town it's a 40-minute walk to the border but there=s no problem finding a ride. The border opens at 8 am and exit stamps are obtained there. Walk across the bridge and go into the building on your right for your stamp. On the Peru side, colectivos run to Sullara or Piura.

Hotels

Hotel Amazonas
Rengel 418
Friendly, clean and basic

Parador Turístico
Close to the centre
Swimming pool.

SARAGURO
Has a great Sunday market starting at 9 am. At about 11 everybody goes off to church, so get there early.

Hotels

Nueva York
Calle Loja, over the chemist
Friendly with cold water

Pension Saraguro
Calle Loja 03-2 y Antonio Castro
Clean, hot water, laundry service

Residencial Armijos
Calle Antonio Castro

VILCABAMBA
The remarkable longevity of many of the inhabitants of this pleasant village is legendary if unsubstantiated. However, the delicious climate and slow pace of life are unquestionably healthful. Vilcabamba is located at the intersection of five valleys, and a creek runs through the town. It enjoys cool nights and warm days with a daytime temperature that doesn=t vary more than 5 degrees during the year. There are great hiking possibilities on all sides including walks through cloud forest and horseback rides from town, but you will find it an equally fine place to relax and enjoy the scenic panoramas and splendid sunsets. Many travelers also come to partake of a very strong halucinogenic cactus extract known as San Pedro. It is available if you are into that stuff, but be careful.

Hotels

Hidden Garden
Tel: 580-281, Fax: 580-281
E-mail: zetpeter@ecua.net.ec
$6 single
$5 (per person) double
Prices include breakfast. In the center of town with swimming pool, hot water, and kitchen facilities. Offers e-mail and fax services. Restaurant.

Hostal La Posada Real
Calle Agua del Hierro

Hostal Mandango
behind the bus terminal

Hostal Valle Sagrado
on the plaza

Hostería Las Ruinas de Quinara
Telefax: 580-314
Via a Yamburara

Outside of town:

Cabañas Rio Yambala
Charlie and Sarah, owners
about 4 km outside of town
$2-6 per person
Private / shared cabins some with kitchens. Restaurant, laundry service, book exchange. Horse-treks, excursions to Podocarpus National Park.

Pole House Lodge
10-min. walk from town by Río Chamba
$7 per person for two
$5 per person for three
$4 per person for four
Has kitchen.

Horseback Riding

Caballos Gavilan
Sign up with Gavin at Tienda de Pancho on the main plaza, by Huilcopamba restaurant. Offers 6-hour tours or 3-day rides into cloud forest. Includes food. (The 3-day tour includes Refugio Gavilan).

Wilson
Lives off the main plaza ask for him.

PARQUE NACIONAL PODOCARPUS
Most of the remaining podocarpus, the only conifer species native to Ecuador, can be found within this 146,280-hectare park, which straddles the border between the provinces of Loja and Zamora Chinchipe in the Oriente. Ranging in elevation from 3,600 to 1,000 meters, the park contains six distinct life zones from high páramo to rainforest. Protected within its confines are spectacled bears, pumas, sloths, Andean wolves (really foxes), toucans, woodpeckers, flycathchers, hummingbirds, and many more species. Much of the section east of Vilcabamba consists of unspoiled cloudforest good for day-hiking and bird-watching. Park facilities: a refuge, self-guided trails, rustic cabins, conference center, visitor centers. Camping also possible. Raingear a MUST. No fuel available, but food and supplies can be found in Zamora (expensive). From the Loja side, access is via the Cajanuma entrance 23km south of Loja, on the Loja-Vilcabamba road.

Contact info:
Tel: (07) 571-534, (07) 577-125
Sucre btwn. Imbabura y Quito, Loja.
Also most of the travel agencies at Loja and Vilcabamaba can give you info.