This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Loja.
Loja, Ecuador, is located in the south of Ecuador within the Cuxibamba Valley. The little-visited Loja actually has a lot on offer, and what's more, because it is not frequently visited by tourists it feels like an authentic Ecuadorian city.
Loja is a colonial town, founded in the mid-sixteenth century; its gorgeous churches are tastefully decorated and well worth a look. Loja also has several pretty, garden-lined plazas. These plazas seem to be the life of the town, and are where locals frequently hang out and chat or take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. Churches and plazas aside, Loja is actually a beautiful small city, its Colonial architecture is unique and well preserved in some streets.
In recent years, Loja has undergone several beautification projects, one of which is the fabulous Parque Recreacional Jipiro, located in the north of the city. This is a giant, fairy-tale-like park, with replicas of famous landmarks from around the world, playgrounds, and romantic lakes.
There are several activities you can enjoy when within the Loja region. There is loads of hiking and nature exploring to be done; Loja is less than a one-hour bus ride to the jungle and there are a number of tourist agencies that can assist you in getting there. Loja is also the self-proclaimed music capital of Ecuador, with live music events happening every week for free, usually in Independencia Plaza, so be sure to check it out!
Loja has a growing tourist industry, and as a result there are a number of hostels and hotels. Hostels in Loja, Ecuador tend to be excellently located within the Colonial centre and often situated in beautifully restored Colonial buildings. Hostels in Loja, Ecuador, tend to be comfortable, offering pleasant rooms and facilities such as guest kitchens and Wi-Fi, and many hostels in Loja, Ecuador, also offer a laundry service.
Getting in and out of Loja is simple -- many buses run throughout the day to several locations both north and further south. Just be sure to book at least a few hours in advance to ensure you get the bus you want.
Written by local enthusiast for Loja hostels
Chloe