population: 0.21 million

extension: 285.51 square kilometers

Museums

If you are in Loja, Ecuador and you want to visit museums, I would suggest checking out the Museum of Music, located in the city's historic center. Another option is the Central Bank Museum (Museo del Banco Central), which features exhibits on Ecuadorian art, culture, and history. If you're interested in similar museums, you might also want to visit the nearby city of Cuenca, where you can find the Casa del la Cultura Ecuatoriana Benjamín Carrión Museum and the Pumapungo Archaeological Site and Museum.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Loja, Ecuador include:

1. Churrasco: grilled steak served with rice, beans, fried plantains, and a fried egg on top.
2. Caldo de gallina criolla: a chicken soup made with potatoes, corn, and herbs.
3. Llapingachos: potato cakes stuffed with cheese and served with peanut sauce, avocado, and sausage.
4. Fanesca: a traditional soup made from grains, beans, lentils, pumpkin, and milk, typically served during Holy Week.
5. Canelazo: a hot drink made from aguardiente (sugar cane liquor), cinnamon, and fruit juice.

These dishes are known for their rich flavors, hearty portions, and use of local ingredients, so be sure to try them if you have the chance to visit Loja!

Activities

Sure! Here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Loja, Ecuador:

1. Visit the Parque Nacional Podocarpus: This national park is located near Loja and offers hiking trails, bird watching, and beautiful views of nature.

2. Explore the Historic Center: Take a stroll along the narrow streets and colorful colonial buildings of Loja's historic center, where you can find local markets, churches, and museums.

3. Attend a Music Festival: Loja is known for its vibrant music scene, especially during the annual International Festival of Baroque Music, which takes place in November.

4. Taste the Local Cuisine: Ecuadorian food is delicious, and Loja has its own specialties like churrasco, hornado, and tamales de verde. You can try them at local restaurants or street food stalls.

5. Watch a Soccer Game: Like most of Latin America, soccer is a favorite sport in Ecuador, and you can join the enthusiastic crowds cheering for their favorite teams at stadiums such as the Reina del Cisne or the Federación Deportiva de Loja.