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Loja, Ecuador 🇪🇨
#594
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Loja is a city in southern Ecuador, known for its cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 200,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is approximately 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD is the official currency, easily accessible via various banks and ATMs. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not recommended for drinking. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is typically 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | SIM cards available from Claro, Movistar, and CNT. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Banco Pichincha and Banco de Guayaquil; many accept international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Average Airbnb price is about $25 per night; options range from shared apartments to entire homes. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, with various listings available throughout the city. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal Montañita offers beds for as low as $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Historic Center is ideal for tourists due to its attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The La Concordia neighborhood is popular among digital nomads for its cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Punto Cowork is a popular coworking space with good amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café La Sitio provides a nice atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for local networking events on platforms like Facebook and Meetup. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the 'Loja Expats' Facebook group for gatherings and socialization. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Loja and is a safe choice for transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at various shops around the city; prices start at $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach, Puerto Cayo, is about 2.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca and LATAM provide regional air travel from Loja. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM and Copa Airlines operate international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Pan-American Highway (E35) provides good access to other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The Loja Transports Terminal is the main hub for buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single fares for local buses are around $0.25. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are the primary means of getting to nearby cities such as Cuenca and Vilcabamba. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | IESS Loja Hospital is the main healthcare facility providing various services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Centro de Yoga Niyama offers classes and wellness sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym Fit is a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería López provides reliable laundry services at reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and PedidosYa are popular for food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the 'hornado', a traditional pork dish, which is very popular in Loja. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Many restaurants in Loja offer vegetarian dishes; La Galleta Verde focuses on plant-based menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie de Loja is famous for its pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Plaza de Mercado is an excellent local market for fresh produce and affordable goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local stores may lack e-commerce, but global sites like Amazon deliver. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rappi can deliver groceries from local shops. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Las Tres Rutas offers several bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Loja produces local craft beers; tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine and beer can be found in various bars across the city, particularly at La Cava. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try 'empanadas' from local street vendors for an authentic experience. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants offering Italian and Chinese cuisine are prevalent in Loja. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Loja Cathedral and the Parque Central for local culture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de la Cultura is worth exploring for local history and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historical center offers various colonial buildings from the 19th century. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Iglesia de Santo Domingo showcases beautiful architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival Internacional de Artes Vivas is a major cultural event held annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the area around Parque Central for cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Bolívar hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Loja is a hub for local foods, crafts, and culture. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various venues host performances, including small concerts at cafes and bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals throughout the city, especially in the La Concordia neighborhood. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer traditional Ecuadorian cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Loja showcases local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Casa de la Cultura, a historic building, hosts cultural events. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Loja is known for its rich cultural and musical heritage, especially the 'pasillo' genre. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro Santa Ana offers great hiking and views of Loja. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Podocarpus National Park is nearby, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Río Malacatos provide scenic walking opportunities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit El Mirador for panoramic views over Loja. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Podocarpus National Park is recognized as a top spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | There are designated areas in national parks for bonfires, especially near campsites. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correos del Ecuador handles parcel deliveries locally. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various local shops offer tech repair services; Tech Loja is a good option. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Clubs around parks often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Idiomas offers Spanish language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal provides a quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural provides various community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Cafes often have gaming setups for the community to enjoy. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Loja offers various gaming options for entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% is the standard corporate tax in Ecuador. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Ecuador has a progressive tax system based on local income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply for foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax varies based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Usually around 1.5% for property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Ecuador offers a relatively favorable tax system for digital nomads with exceptions. |