La Arquelia is a beautiful 90 hectare park on the edge of the city. There are 7 km of excellent hiking trails that go through forest, streams and the parámo. There is a small museum and information center, and, at the entrance to the trails, there is a map that shows the various hikes. Also part of the park, with an entrance across the street, is the impressive botanical garden, including many species of plants native to Ecuador, such as cinchona trees, various medicinal plants and an orchid garden.

Location:
Loja, Ecuador

City Plaza

Getting There
La Arquelia is on the road from Loja to Vilcabamba. Take any bus heading toward Vilcabamba and get off at the gate (12 minutes, $0.50). Or take an Argelia-Pitas bus (10 minutes, $0.20) that drops you off at the campus. From there it is a 10-minute walk.

Price Description: La Arquelia: Park is open daily during daylight hours. The museum is open 8 - 12 pm and 2 - 5:30 pm. Both are free.

Botanical Garden:

Mon-Fri: 9 - 4 pm and Sat-Sun 1 - 6 pm. Entrance $0.60.

Travel Skills: None

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