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Guide
Loja, Ecuador πͺπ¨
#594
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Loja is a city in southern Ecuador, known for its cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes. |
π₯ Population | Approximate population is around 200,000. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is approximately 20 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD is the official currency, easily accessible via various banks and ATMs. |
π° Tap Water | Tap water is not recommended for drinking. |
π Power | Electricity is typically 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | SIM cards available from Claro, Movistar, and CNT. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Popular options include Banco Pichincha and Banco de Guayaquil; many accept international cards. |
π Accommodation | Average Airbnb price is about $25 per night; options range from shared apartments to entire homes. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still widely used. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, with various listings available throughout the city. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostal MontaΓ±ita offers beds for as low as $10 per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Historic Center is ideal for tourists due to its attractions. |
ποΈ 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
π’ Best Coworking Space | Punto Cowork is a popular coworking space with good amenities. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© La Sitio provides a nice atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Look for local networking events on platforms like Facebook and Meetup. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Join the 'Loja Expats' Facebook group for gatherings and socialization. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Loja and is a safe choice for transportation. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at various shops around the city; prices start at $5 per day. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach, Puerto Cayo, is about 2.5 hours away by car. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Avianca and LATAM provide regional air travel from Loja. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | LATAM and Copa Airlines operate international flights. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Pan-American Highway (E35) provides good access to other regions. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | The Loja Transports Terminal is the main hub for buses. |
π Public Transport Passes | Single fares for local buses are around $0.25. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses are the primary means of getting to nearby cities such as Cuenca and Vilcabamba. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | IESS Loja Hospital is the main healthcare facility providing various services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Centro de Yoga Niyama offers classes and wellness sessions. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym Fit is a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | LavanderΓa LΓ³pez provides reliable laundry services at reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and PedidosYa are popular for food delivery services. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the 'hornado', a traditional pork dish, which is very popular in Loja. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Many restaurants in Loja offer vegetarian dishes; La Galleta Verde focuses on plant-based menus. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | PΓ’tisserie de Loja is famous for its pastries and desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Plaza de Mercado is an excellent local market for fresh produce and affordable goods. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Local stores may lack e-commerce, but global sites like Amazon deliver. |
π Grocery Delivery | Rappi can deliver groceries from local shops. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Las Tres Rutas offers several bars and nightlife options. |
π» Local Brewery | Brewery Loja produces local craft beers; tours available. |
π· Wine Bars | Wine and beer can be found in various bars across the city, particularly at La Cava. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Try 'empanadas' from local street vendors for an authentic experience. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants offering Italian and Chinese cuisine are prevalent in Loja. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Loja Cathedral and the Parque Central for local culture. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de la Cultura is worth exploring for local history and art. |
π° Historical Sites | The historical center offers various colonial buildings from the 19th century. |
π Religious Sites | The Iglesia de Santo Domingo showcases beautiful architecture. |
π Annual Events | Festival Internacional de Artes Vivas is a major cultural event held annually. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Explore the area around Parque Central for cultural experiences. |
π Theater Venues | Teatro BolΓvar hosts various performances and events. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Mercado de Loja is a hub for local foods, crafts, and culture. |
πΌ Music Scene | Various venues host performances, including small concerts at cafes and bars. |
π¨ Street Art | Look for murals throughout the city, especially in the La Concordia neighborhood. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer traditional Ecuadorian cooking classes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | GalerΓa de Arte Loja showcases local artists' work. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Casa de la Cultura, a historic building, hosts cultural events. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Loja is known for its rich cultural and musical heritage, especially the 'pasillo' genre. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro Santa Ana offers great hiking and views of Loja. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Podocarpus National Park is nearby, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the RΓo Malacatos provide scenic walking opportunities. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Visit El Mirador for panoramic views over Loja. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Podocarpus National Park is recognized as a top spot for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | There are designated areas in national parks for bonfires, especially near campsites. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Correos del Ecuador handles parcel deliveries locally. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Various local shops offer tech repair services; Tech Loja is a good option. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Clubs around parks often have table tennis facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Instituto de Idiomas offers Spanish language classes for expats. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal provides a quiet place to study. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Centro Cultural provides various community events and activities. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Cafes often have gaming setups for the community to enjoy. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Loja offers various gaming options for entertainment. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $48,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $36,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $90,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $66,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $144,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $112,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 25% is the standard corporate tax in Ecuador. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividends is 15%. |
π¦ Tax System | Ecuador has a progressive tax system based on local income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard VAT rate is 12%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply for foreign entities. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax varies based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Usually around 1.5% for property transactions. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Ecuador offers a relatively favorable tax system for digital nomads with exceptions. |