Vilcabamba
Ecuador · Provincia de LojaEC
Village in Loja Province, Ecuador
Vilcabamba is a village in the southern region of Ecuador, in Loja Province, about 45 km (28 mi) south of the city of Loja. The name ‘Vilcabamba’ apparently derives from the Quichua ‘huilco pamba’. Huilco denotes the sacred trees, Anadenanthera colubrina, that grow in the region; pamba means ‘plain’.The area has been referred to as the ‘Playground of the Inca’, which refers to its historic use as a retreat for Incan royalty. The valley is overlooked by a mountain called Mandango, the Sleeping Inca, which is said to protect the area from earthquakes and other natural disasters.
Read more on Wikipedia →- Population
- 4,478
- Coordinates
- -4.262, -79.223
- Timezone
- America/Guayaquil
- Elevation
- 1565 m
Overview of Vilcabamba
Vilcabamba — a tiny locality in Provincia de Loja, Ecuador — is worth a place on your map. Records put its population near 4,478. Which matters when you decide how long to stay. Its strongest draws are nature, adventure and sports. Its southern-hemisphere position decides when the high season falls. Elevation is roughly 1,565 metres.
Things to do in Vilcabamba
Nature in Vilcabamba
(9)Nature lovers get Countryside, Gardens, Lakes, Mountains and Natural Places. All of it is drawn from Vilcabamba's recorded activities. That is 9 tagged options in total, so there is room to pick and choose.
Adventure in Vilcabamba
(8)Adventure in Vilcabamba covers Abseiling, Adventure, Adventure Parks, Escape Room and Off Road Trails. In all, 8 activities are recorded in this category. This reflects only what is documented for Vilcabamba.
Sports in Vilcabamba
(8)Vilcabamba's sports entries include Biking, Hiking, Hiking Trails, Hunting and Skateboard. All of it is drawn from Vilcabamba's recorded activities. That is 8 tagged options in total, so there is room to pick and choose.
Culture in Vilcabamba
(5)Looking for culture? Vilcabamba has Bridges, Castles, Fountains, Religious Sites and Towers. Enough to anchor an afternoon or a full day. Straight from the activity profile stored for Vilcabamba.
Wellness in Vilcabamba
(5)Vilcabamba records Farms, Ranches, Spa, Turkish Baths and Wellness under wellness. Everything listed here comes from what Vilcabamba is actually tagged with. Small in number, simple to combine into one outing.
Family in Vilcabamba
(2)For family, expect Playgrounds and Zoo. Each one is worth building half a day around. Straight from the activity profile stored for Vilcabamba.
Nightlife in Vilcabamba
(1)Looking for nightlife? Vilcabamba has Events. Plan them together and you have a full day. This reflects only what is documented for Vilcabamba.
Shopping in Vilcabamba
(1)Our data lists Shopping as shopping options here. Plan them together and you have a full day. Straight from the activity profile stored for Vilcabamba.
Water Sports in Vilcabamba
(1)Under water sports, Vilcabamba is tagged with Water Sports. Enough to anchor an afternoon or a full day. This reflects only what is documented for Vilcabamba.
More to do in Vilcabamba
(1)Other activities lovers get Secret. All of it is drawn from Vilcabamba's recorded activities. Small in number, simple to combine into one outing.
Best time to visit Vilcabamba
December to March brings the conditions water activities need. Choose October to November and March to April for hiking without the heat or the crowds. Snow activities belong to June to August. Culture, dining and nightlife hold up in every season.
Getting there & around
Vilcabamba is small, so plan to arrive via the nearest hub in Provincia de Loja and continue by car or bike. Time zone: America/Guayaquil.
Similar destinations
Places near Vilcabamba that share the same kinds of activities.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Vilcabamba known for?
- Vilcabamba, in Provincia de Loja, Ecuador, is best known for nature, adventure and sports. Those categories cover most of what visitors record here, in a place of roughly 4,478 residents.
- What can you do in Vilcabamba?
- Recorded activities in Vilcabamba include Countryside, Gardens, Lakes, Mountains and Natural Places. Combine two or three of them and you have a full day without leaving the area.
- When is the best time to visit Vilcabamba?
- December to March brings the conditions water activities need. Choose October to November and March to April for hiking without the heat or the crowds. Snow activities belong to June to August. Culture, dining and nightlife hold up in every season.
- Where is Vilcabamba located?
- Vilcabamba is located in Provincia de Loja, Ecuador. Use the country and region pages to see what else lies nearby and to plan a route between stops.
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