Small church on the south side of the Central Plaza.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Vilcabamba attractions

1. Lagunas de los Compadres

9.97 MILES

Branching off from the Los Miradores Loop Trail is the challenging but enticing 14.5km trail to the two dozen or more lakes that make up the remote…

2. Podocarpus National Park

14.34 MILES

This national park fills in much of the triangle between Loja, Zamora and Vilcabamba, as well as a huge swath to the southeast. Because altitude ranges so…

4. Parque Universitario PUEAR

15.65 MILES

Almost 5km south of the center, the 90-hectare reserve has excellent trails. You’ll need to cab it here ($1.25).

5. Tapichalaca Reserve

16.52 MILES

The small Tapichalaca Reserve, 75km south of Vilcabamba, protects one of Ecuador’s most rare and endangered birds, the jocotoco antpitta (Grallaria…

6. Mirador Teléferico

17.6 MILES

Loja's best viewpoint is at the top of the cable car from Parque Pucará, 1km south of Plaza de la Independencia up Olmedo. Walk or get a taxi ($1) to the…

7. Calle Lourdes

17.82 MILES

This narrow lane is the oldest colonial street in Loja. There are some nice art galleries here (if only the street were pedestrianized, they would be much…

8. Plaza de la Independencia

17.91 MILES

The plaza is hemmed in by the Church of San Sebastián and colonial-era buildings with pillared overhangs and shuttered wooden balconies. A brightly tiled…