Loja

Colada Morada, historical collections and city views offer different themes to explore on a trip to Loja. These include the annual festival for Día de los Difuntos, archaeological objects and personal belongings of Matilde Hidalgo. The viewpoints at Museo Puerta de la Ciudad offer views of the city, while the Centro de Conservación de Fauna Silvestre “Orillas del Zamora” adds a distinct theme of its own. If you are planning a trip with children, you can discuss together which of these different themes would interest the family most.

Colada Morada for Día de los Difuntos

The Festival de la Colada Morada is held annually for Día de los Difuntos. It features traditional Colada Morada made according to a family recipe passed down through generations, along with bread figures. They are sold in Loja’s San Sebastián, El Valle and Los Molinos squares. The combination of a traditional drink and bread figures makes the festival a distinctive way to experience the city’s food culture.

The Festival de Colada Morada y Figuras de Pan took place from October 27 to November 2, 2025, in San Sebastián, El Valle and Los Molinos squares. These specific dates apply to the 2025 edition. If you are planning a trip around Día de los Difuntos, check the event dates for your travel period.

Museum, archaeology and city views

The Museo Puerta de la Ciudad stands on Puente Bolívar. It was built in 1999 and began operating in 2001. Its permanent archaeology exhibition mainly features stone and metal tools and weapons attributed to pre-Columbian cultures, as well as ceramic items with Inca themes. Different materials and subjects are represented side by side: tools and weapons on the one hand, and Inca-related ceramics on the other.

The viewpoints on the museum’s upper floors offer a different perspective, with panoramic views across the city of Loja. Those interested in cityscapes will find a different focus here than in the archaeology exhibition. The museum also has a handicrafts shop selling ceramics and souvenirs representing Loja. Artisans from Loja can showcase their work there, and the shop also serves as a collection point for local products. The cafeteria serves dishes featuring local culinary specialties. Before your visit, check whether the shop and cafeteria are currently operating, as municipal service information may change.

Personal belongings and a focus on wildlife

The Museo Matilde Hidalgo de Procel focuses on one person: its two rooms display photographs, documents, certificates and personal belongings of Matilde Hidalgo. This offers a different thematic approach from the permanent archaeology exhibition at the Museo Puerta de la Ciudad. You can request personalised tours through the Dirección Municipal de Cultura; check in advance whether a tour can currently be arranged.

The Centro de Conservación de Fauna Silvestre “Orillas del Zamora” is another of Loja’s varied attractions. Covering 3.7 hectares, it adds a distinct focus on wildlife to the city’s museum and food culture themes. When planning with children, comparing everyone’s interests can help: are historical objects, the story of one person, city views or wildlife the main draw? Along with the seasonal Día de los Difuntos occasion, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your stay in Loja.

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