Get to know the architecture, culture, and history of Loja, Ecuador, “Cradle of Artists”. A bilingual guide will bring to life Loja’s fascinating past through stories of indigenous peoples, colonial conquest, economic development, and social change. You will see historical sites and visit the Museo de la Cultura Lojana and the Music Museum to learn even more about one of the oldest cities in Ecuador.

Are you considering a move to Loja? Then an ‘expat tour’ can provide an introduction to downtown sites and service providers (day 1) and desirable Loja neighborhoods (day 2). On day 1, we visit downtown markets, museums, churches, squares, and galleries and nearby utility, bank, ATM, clinic and hospital service providers. On day 2, we visit beautiful and safe Loja neighborhoods. Depending on your interests, we can also look at ads for rental properties and real estate.

One of the things that is putting Loja “on the map” are the fine Arabica coffees grown in our area. If you want to really experience Loja, then you must walk through an organic farm and processing facility to learn about the many factors that make a great cup of coffee. The tour includes learning how to taste and grade different coffees.

Saraguro is home to one of the oldest indigenous people in South America. So you will find in this charming town one of the most authentic experiences of Andean culture. From Andean foods to ancient weaving tools and hand-crafted jewelry, you will experience how traditional local people live and immerse in the Andean cosmic vision of Saraguro’s ancestors.

Our urban coffee tours are the most authentic tours in Ecuador’s premier growing region. Sip your way through Loja’s award winning coffees! This guided tour of our city’s finest shops features expert baristas preparing award winning coffees. You will learn about roasting and tasting methods that determine what makes a great cup of coffee.

Zamora is known as the “land of birds and waterfalls” because of its unique Amazon biosphere which includes nearby Podocarpus National Park. Zamora is also home to indigenous Shuar communities. The Shuar heritage museum in Timbara presents ancestral origins and community folkways, including the ancient warfare practice of shrinking the heads of captured enemies. A visit to El Arenal resort, designated as a “magical place” by Ecuador’s Tourism Council, offers meals sourced by the El Arenal farm’s fish ponds and organic gardens and served amidst abundant Amazonian tree species and spectacular scenic lookouts.

Vilcabamba and Malacatos have been known for many years as “The Valley of Longevity.” Throughout its history, many of the valley’s inhabitants have reportedly lived for more than one hundred years. Also, this has long been one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the region. In addition to green valleys and spectacular miradors (lookouts), the tour includes tasting coffee ice cream and visiting a panela factory, as well as a guided walk around the central square and downtown river.

Explore Loja’s natural beauty on guided hiking tours! “Once Lagunas” (Eleven Lagoons) is a ‘hidden gem’ forest preserve with easy walking trails and a freshwater wading pool with exotic fish. In the “Tres Leguas” neighborhood in the southern part of Loja city, the Caxarumi trail offers beautiful views, abundant nature, colonial houses, and more! Or, enjoy spectacular views at two of the most beautiful lookouts in town on the Colinas del Pucara and Yahuarcuna hike. (Level of difficulty 1 – 2 (easy, medium)

Yantzaza’s Amazon jungle forest is the site of local silkworm farming and gourmet chocolate production in the neighboring province of Zamora Chinchipe. Now you can personally experience how our region produces luxury silk textiles and some of the finest chocolate in the world! At a cacao farm, we will learn about cacao farming and varieties of cacao. We will also taste chocolate from the Amazonian region. And we will visit beautiful gardens in a picturesque town of San Antonio, also known for its Saraguro and Shuar indigenous cultures.

In Cera and Taquil, the traditional art of pottery has been passed down from generation to generation. We will travel to local clay mines, the source of local Lojano pottery-making materials, before an expert Cera ceramicist demonstrates the process of making authentic clay pots. A visit to these communities also offers stunning landscapes and historical sites, like the tile eco-chapel in Taquil Parish and Hacienda Gonzabal’s organic farm, where you can shop for certified organic fresh produce, amidst 300-year-old hacienda architecture and Spanish colonial guest accommodations.

El Cisne and San Pedro de la Bendita are hidden gems of our province. On this guided tour, we will explore several questions: Why is “El Cisne” such a popular destination? What are the real causes that led to the construction of one of the most magnificent basilicas in Ecuador in this town? Why is the Virgin of El Cisne the core of southern Ecuador’s religious activities? We will offer answers to these questions and share curious details about this area. The stop in Catamayo provides an opportunity to try the local gastronomy, like Cecina and bizcochuelos.

Gonzanamá is known as the “Agricultural, Livestock and Artisanal Capital of the South of the Country.” It is also known for having some of the friendliest people in Ecuador. Gonzanama is located in a beautiful and fertile region of crops and livestock, amidst natural wonders like scenic lookouts and waterfalls. We will stop at El Toldo Hacienda, where they make Greek yogurt and jams, and tour the picturesque 20 hectare working farm. On our visit to a weaving workshop, we will see how Loja’s traditional alforja saddle bags, hammocks, and other textiles are made.

During seasonal festivals, in partnership with indigenous community partners, we offer guided cultural tours to experience the unique solstice and equinox traditions in local Kichwa communities. The four Andean festivals, called raymis, are ancient celebrations: Pawka Raymi (March); Inti Raymi (June); Killa Raymi (September); and Kapak Raymi (December).

In addition, a seasonal Guayacanes blossoming tour is scheduled annually to see Zapotillo’s tropical dry forest burst into flower. The blooming of the Guayacan trees in western Loja releases massive saffron-colored foliage in our bosques secos tropicales.