Loja Entertainment

Two universities, a law school, and an accredited music conservatory invigorate the City with a young, intellectual vibe. Also, Loja has been dubbed "the music capital of Ecuador" because of its reputation for producing the country's finest musicians. Needless to say, cultural activities abound.

Teatro Bolívar - best on Thursday nights when the symphonic orchestra plays in this beautifully preserved theater for free. Front row or balcony seating at excellent shows is a bargain you mustn't miss!

El Dorado - (Bernardo Valdivieso and Rocafuerte) is a local movie theater occasionally shows English films with Spanish subtitles.

La Casa De Cultura - (Imbabura and Bolívar) schedules special cultural events and has ongoing classes in painting, pottery, dance, and more.

Allianza Francesa - (Ibero América and Miguel Riofrio) shows foreign films with subtitles, offers French cooking classes, dance classes, and has a library.

Nightlife

Night view of the city. Photo by Lojanos.com.

During the week, most Lojanos stay home, but starting on Thursday night and continuing throughout the weekend, Loja offers a variety of evening entertainment. The scene ranges from mellow bars to lively discotecas.

La Siembra (cross the Río Zamora at 24 de Mayo) - is a rustic and cozy bar that offers a variety of beverages, good music, and a place to meet friends. Also, they grill delicious meat and chicken dishes until the midnight hour.

Free Days (across the street from Siembra) - this new bar has an abundance of athletic decor and a sporty feel. Its claim to fame in Loja is the special attraction found only here, a karaoke! Sing the night away, in Spanish or English, as you enjoy your Pilseners. Good eats are also served until closing.

El Bielero (on the River Zamora and Bernardo Valdivieso) - this bar has an ambience similar to Siembra, yet it is much larger and has a dance floor. Authentic guitars decorate the walls, and you can dance while d.j.s spin tunes.

La Fiesta Discoteca (10 de Agosto and Juan José Pena) - this discoteca is packed on Friday and Saturday nights. Relax in a cushioned booth enjoying the darkly lit atmosphere or dance to Salsa, Merengue, and American tunes until the sun comes up.

Restaurants

Traveler's can look forward to a variety of excellent cuisine. Loja has good Chinese, Italian, and Vegetarian restaurants. It also has numerous yogurt and juice shops, bakeries, and small cafes serving up typical Ecuadorian dishes.

Diego's (Colón and Sucre) - offers inexpensive patio dining, with sandwiches, soups, and cervezas.

El Paraiso - (Sucre and Quito) - this meat-free rarity has creative vegetarian Ecuadorian plates. Soy everything!

Pizzeria Roma (Avenida Cuxibamba just beyond the Puertas de la Ciudad) - taste the best Italian pastas (and huge portions!) in town.

Mero Mero (Sucre and Colón) - serves excellent burritos, enchiladas, beef, chicken, and soy

El Jugo Natural (Eguigeren and Bolívar) - delight in the variety of incredible fresh juices, yogurts, tamales, and desserts.

Also try Topoli (Riofrio and Bolívar) for breakfast, Tratorria Verona (Imbabura and Sucre) for thick crust pizza, The Chifa (Bolivar and Lourdes) for fresh Chinese food, and the Panaderia (Colón and 18 de Noviembre) for sweets and snacks. In addition to these listed, many of the hotels have quality restaurants.