Loja & Vilcabamba & Saraguro

Sample itinerary

• Tour Days
• 1

  Day 1 - Cuenca - Saraguro - Vilcabamba

  Visit Saraguro, home to a unique indigenous group who maintains many of its traditions and ways of life. Continue on to Vilcabamba for the night. Meals included: -/L/-

• 2

  Day 2 - Vilcabamba & Surroundings

  Spend the day exploring the area and relaxing in Vilcabamba. Meals included: B/L/-

• 3

  Day 3 - Podocarpus National Park - Loja - Cuenca

  Travel to the cloud forest area of Cajanuma for hiking and bird-watching. Visit city of Loja. Return to Cuenca. Meals included: B/L/-

• 4

  Highlights

  Loja Founded in 1548 this remote provincial capital in the south of the Ecuadorian Andes has historically placed an emphasis on learning and culture and boasts two universities, a law school and a major music conservatory. At 2100m above sea level it is noticeably warmer than other cities in the sierra. Podocarpus National Park Covering almost 1500 km2, this national park has a wide range of endemic species due to its location in the meeting point of four ecological systems: Northern Andes, Southern Andes, Amazonian and Pacific ecosystems. Named the Botanical Garden of America, there is a vast range of flora with more than 4000 species such as the romerillo tree, the cinchona and many orchids. Almost 70 mammals have been records including the mountain tapir, spectacled bear, northern pudu and jaguar. The area is ideal for hiking. Saraguro Saraguro (“land of corn” in Quichua) is a small agricultural town about 140km south of Cuenca which is home to the Saraguro indigenous people known for their distinctive clothing (men wear black ponchos, black knee-length shorts and black wellington boots for farm work while women wear pleated black skirts and hand-woven black shawls fastened by elaborate silver or nickel brooches), pure form of the Quichua language and their elaborate celebration of religious festivals. The indigenous peoples of Saraguro live as cattle herders and were relocated to southern Ecuador by the Incas during their expansion into the area from Bolivia. Sunday is the highpoint of the town when indigenous peoples in the area come to the morning market and mass. Vilcabamba Located 40km south of Loja travelers will find the beautiful subtropical valley of Vilcabamba which is renowned for the longevity of its people. Some scientists claim this phenomenon is due to the clean air; others say it is the perfect balance of minerals in the water. There is a pleasant climate and relaxed atmosphere ideal for hiking, relaxing or enjoying spa facilities.