The Ruta del Café connects specialty coffee shops in the city of Loja, coffee farms in the province and cafés in the main towns of the cantons. This lets you encounter coffee at different stages: as a carefully prepared drink, at its source and during its processing.
Coffee from Café to Farm
At specialty coffee shops in the city of Loja, trained baristas can tell you more about coffee’s history and origins, and you can try prepared drinks. The second stage takes you to coffee-growing areas, where visitors can follow the full production process, from sowing to cup. At Hacienda San Gabriel, you can visit coffee fields and learn more about the coffee varieties and the fermentation and drying processes. The café and farm thus show different aspects of the same product: preparation and origin.
The Ruta del Café is an initiative of the provincial tourism project. It aims to strengthen domestic tourism and position coffee from Loja as a national symbol of identity and quality.
Forests and a Bloom After the Rain
The Podocarpus-El Cóndor Biosphere Reserve spans the provinces of Loja and Zamora Chinchipe. Its core zone includes, among others, Podocarpus and Yacurà National Parks. The reserve’s flora includes 4,191 plant species; 629 bird species have also been recorded there. Both figures may be updated through future inventories. This diversity is part of the biosphere reserve, whose territory extends across two provinces.
A different natural highlight awaits in Zapotillo: the Guayacanes bloom appears after the first rains in January. Its timing is therefore linked to the onset of the rains. A previous bloom program included a guided hike through the Guayacán forest, a horseback ride along the old route between Mangahurco and Cazaderos, and five cycling routes to choose from through Bolaspamba, Mangahurco and Cazaderos. Before planning a trip specifically for the event, check which of these activities are currently available.
Puyango: Scenery and Canoeing
The Puyango area lies partly in El Oro Province and partly in Loja; the Puyango River divides it. Canoeing on the river is rated international difficulty grade III. This geographical context matters: Puyango is an area in two provinces, not exclusively part of Loja.
Pilgrimage Traditions and Religious Art in El Cisne
During the traditional RomerĂa, the image of El Cisne is carried along a 74-kilometer route to Loja. The procession begins on August 17 and returns to El Cisne on November 17. If you plan your trip around the RomerĂa, check the dates in advance. This way, the stated recurring sequence of the outward journey and return remains part of your plans.
The Basilica of El Cisne is also associated with this devotion: it houses the Museum of Religious Art. The museum preserves artistic treasures associated with the devotion to Our Lady of El Cisne among the people of Loja and neighboring provinces.
Saraguro: Textile Crafts and Local Cuisine
In the community of Ñamarin in Saraguro Canton, you can take part in every step of wool processing at Mama Rosa’s textile workshop. Visitors clean and separate sheep’s wool, spin it, dye it with natural dyes from flowers and plants, and then weave a garment on a backstrap loom. The activities are participatory: you encounter the craft not only in the finished textile but also by taking part at its different stages.
In Gera, you can learn about the process of making Guajango and share the drink with the community as a sign of welcome. At Cerveza Artesanal Kapak in Ilincho, two kilometers from Saraguro, you can tour the facilities, have the brewmaster explain the production process and try different beers with homemade snacks.
Pinzhi is a traditional Saraguro dish served communally. Its presentation includes guinea pig on wheat or potatoes with pumpkin seed sauce, tortillas or bread, cheese with bread, a basket portion of peeled mote and a jug of chicha. These examples range from a drink whose preparation and sharing are part of the experience to a dish that is shared communally.
Saraguro can be reached via the E35, E45 and E50 highways by private vehicle or public transport. Check information about transport providers and routes before traveling.
Discover more destinations: Loja, Vilcabamba, Saraguro, Catamayo, Malacatos, San Pablo de Tenta, Veracruz, La Cocha
For the main travel overview: Ecuador.
