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 fountain depicts Ecuadorian wildlife.
Plaza de la Independencia
Loja
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.85 MILES
With perhaps more pomp and circumstance than you'll encounter anywhere else in Loja, the City Gate greets you into downtown from the northern corner. It's…
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0.23 MILES
This fun museum located in an old school explores the lives of famous musicians who hailed from Loja (most peaking in success during the golden 1890–1940…
10.18 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…
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13.22 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…
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17.4 MILES
Head a block southwest of the main plaza and hang a right on the dead-end lane to find this wildlife rescue center. Housing colorful parrots, coatis (big,…
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0.3 MILES
On the south side of Parque Central, a characterful republican-era building houses this museum and its exhibits, which include good local art, archaeology…
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17.76 MILES
Zamora's most famous landmark is the huge clock on the hill above the bus station, attractively decorated with flowers. The minute hand is 11.34m long…
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24.58 MILES
Tupus and textiles are made in the community of Las Lagunas, making this an interesting cultural excursion. Catch a bus ($0.20, 10 minutes) from the main…
Nearby Loja attractions
0.2 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…
0.22 MILES
Make a beeline a block south of Parque Central for this plaza, mainly notable for the Church of Santo Domingo, adorned with religious paintings.
0.23 MILES
This fun museum located in an old school explores the lives of famous musicians who hailed from Loja (most peaking in success during the golden 1890–1940…
0.3 MILES
On the south side of Parque Central, a characterful republican-era building houses this museum and its exhibits, which include good local art, archaeology…
5. Museo del Monasterio de Madres Concepcionistas
0.31 MILES
A half-block east of Parque Central, this monastery has three public rooms housing religious treasures from the 16th to 18th centuries.
0.34 MILES
Loja’s main square is always busy with shoeshine boys, newspaper vendors and local devotees stepping into the cathedral for their daily devotions to the…
0.35 MILES
Watch the devotees stepping inside for their daily devotions to the Virgen del Cisne.
0.4 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…