TOURISM AND RECOMMENDATIONS

• Arrival: Loja and Zamora-Chinchipe are the southernmost provinces of Ecuador, with their respective capitals Loja and Zamora. The Podocarpus National Park lies between the two, but it is easier to access from Loja because there are daily planes that arrive to the city of Loja from Quito and Guayaquil, the two main cities of Ecuador. From the city of Loja one should take the road south to Vilcabamba, and 7 miles south of Loja there is a guard station with a signpost. At that point one turns left and continues 5 miles on a dirt road to Cajanuma, the visitor center. However, if one wants to visit Bombuscaro and Romerillos, one needs to travel east from Loja to Zamora in bus or car, then take a road south, but a 4WD may be necessary in rainy season. September and December are the driest months. Binoculars and guidebooks may come in handy to identify birds and orchids.
• Sanctuary of the Swan : since 1560 the Swan Virgin has been venerated in this area. A town named Santuario (sanctuary in Spanish), was formed near the city of Loja in her honor. In 1935 a gothic church was built in the town, with a museum recording her miracles. In September of each year there are festivities in her honor, with typical dances, costumes, rooster fights and popular songs.