This colonial city is surrounded by the massive Andes Mountains giving the visitor plenty to marvel at during a walking tour.

• Mirador - for a sensational view of Loja, especially beautiful in the evening. Located on the street to the UTPL (Universidad Tecnica Particular de Loja), the lookout is also known as the "Mirador cerca de la Tecnica". Further up on the road you can buy student made ceramics at the UTPL's store, along with the University's all natural lactose products.
  
• Cathedral and Parque Central (10 de Agosto and Bolívar) - this immaculately landscaped plaza has historically been the sight of all political and civic manifestations. There is a monument of Bernardo Valdivieso in the center, as well as various government buildings, a Cathedral with interesting art and architecture, an Anthropological Museum, and much more! This Park is the center of the action in Loja and is a great place to admire the surrounding mountains and colonial architecture.
  
• San Sebastian (Bolívar and Mercadillo) - in this historic plaza, on November 18, 1820, Loja declared its independence from Spanish rule. A clock tower, 32 meters tall, detailed in a Moorish style, dominates the center of the plaza. Look closely for the hidden door on the tower's side that allows visitors to climb to the top. Surrounding the park you will find historic architecture, with wooden balconies and eaves. There is also a church, and a nearby market that bus
  
• Lourdes Street (between the streets Bolívar and Sucre) - one block long, this magnificent street depicts the creative and traditional style of Loja and proves that size isn't everything. Each home, shop, and cafe, on this quaint street is painted a distinct color.
  
• Puertas de La Ciudad (from town follow Sucre north to the junction of the two rivers) -demonstrate the character of Loja's people and their desire to preserve and maintain Loja's beauty. The newly constructed "Gates of the City" serve as a welcome entrance to Loja. The architecture is convincingly historic and blends with the rest of the city. The myriad lights of this area make for an excellent evening stroll.
  
• Virgen del Cisne - is a statue of the Virgin Mary famous throughout Ecuador. The "Virgen" resides in the Gothic church of El Cisne but for twice a year, when thousands of devout Catholics from Peru and Ecuador make a 70-kilometer pilgrimage from the city of El Cisne to Loja and back with the Statue on their shoulders. This religious festival is celebrated with huge parades and a culminating produce fair in Loja on September 8th. During this time "La Virgen" is housed in the Cathedral of Loja, until November when it is carried back to El Cisne.
  
• tles on weekends.

  Rainbow in UNL University Park. Photo by Molly Boeder.

  Parque Jipiro - intrigues all ages, with its freely roaming animals, and a wide variety of sport and leisure activities. Jipiro also has unique architectural replicas paying tribute to multiple cultures and hosts musical productions on an island in the center of the park's lagoon. To get there follow the river Zamora north to just beyond Isidro Ayora Street.
  
• Parque Universitario La Argelia - offers hiking trails that lead high above the city for great views. This University owned park is located just south of the city. To get there catch a bus headed to "Argelia". Across the street from the park entrance is the Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden) which hosts numerous tropical plants and flowers.
  
• Stadium - has a large track, weight room, sauna, and occasional soccer matches, most of which are free to use. Located on Lourdes street and Macara (parallel to the Zamora River) this colorful structure is impossible to miss.
  
• River Zamora Pathway - enjoy a pleasant walk through the lush neighborhood of Zamora Huayco, and a peek into traditional ways of life. Pick up the route anywhere along the River and head south towards the mountains.
  
• Almacen Municipal (Bolívar and 10 de Agosto) - this shop has a large selection of souvenirs and handcrafts typical of the region.
  

Other places to visit are the Parque Bolívar along the river Malacatos between the streets Imbabura and Colón and the Plaza Santo Domingo on corner of Rocafuerte and Bolívar. The Plaza of El Valle is another great plaza to see with its colonial church and numerous restaurants serving typical Lojano meals.