Almost hidden in the foothills of the Andean region of southern Ecuador, lies Vilcabamba, located in the heart of the province of Loja (bordering Peru).
45 minutes from the city of Loja, and on a road that connects you to one of the main Amazonian border crossings between Ecuador and Peru
Although the population of Vilcabamba does not exceed 6,000 inhabitants, the international community is truly diverse, with a growing population of American, British, Italian, French, Argentine, German, Canadian and other nationalities that give it a distinctive touch at a cultural and gastronomic level, which is very much in keeping with the local ways of life.
The peaceful lifestyle, the small-town atmosphere and the open spaces are precisely some of the characteristics of the Vilcabamba Valley region that cause such an attraction for those who come to this land that until not long ago was practically isolated from the rest of the world.
A few years ago, there was almost no unhealthy processed food, there were no vehicles and there was even no television signal, and there was very little water and air pollution.
Although much of that has changed in recent years, Vilcabamba is still undoubtedly a very healthy place to live and grow up. The nearby mountains are virtually uninhabited and the streams that flow from them bring clean, fresh water through several rivers that surround the Valley.
Vilcabamba is a small but dynamic town distinguished by its friendly people. Its small central square is cared for and enjoyed by locals and is filled with joy by the multicultural presence in which the laughter and games of children with their parents usually share this space stand out, which, as by nature, is usually the obligatory meeting point before moving on to any of the activities that take place in the surroundings of the Sacred Valley.
Surrounded by mountains that seem to choose the shape of their peaks, and from which in some cases crystal-clear streams flow down from the cloud forest in the Podocarpus National Park, providing clean water to the community.
At an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters above sea level (5,000 feet), and a constant spring temperature of around 21°C (70-80°F), Vilcabamba enjoys a permanent spring climate that enchants those who visit it. who live throughout the year; and that without a doubt it is one of the best climates in Ecuador.
It was baptized as "The Valley of Longevity", since they began to record that the natives of Vilcabamba have the reputation of living more than 100 years. Several studies mention that the combination of a relaxed lifestyle, a healthy diet, aerobic exercise, naturally mineralized waters and a pollution-free environment are the main factors for the health status of residents to be of well-being.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A FUN AND QUALITY ACTIVITY TO DO OUTDOORS IN VILCABAMBA WITH YOUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS?
Backpackers and adventure travelers have known Vilcabamba for a long time, this fame grew until other people heard of the benefits of the site and decided to come to the valley to retire or to grow in their life plans.
The population of the urban center does not exceed 3,000 inhabitants, but when adding those who live in the surrounding valleys and hills of the parish, it is estimated that the population is around 6,000 people.
The fact that it is a point of visit on the international route of travelers from all over the world has given it a cosmopolitan touch that is perceived mainly in its gastronomy and stores (several of them focused on healthy products).
There are several of the people who come to Vilcabamba who undertake activities related to their knowledge, in many cases related to well-being, natural health, healthy eating and gastronomy typical of each of their countries.
Given the wide distribution where its residents offer their products or services, the Go2Vilcabamba platform has been developing the guide VILCASERVICES to bring producers and consumers together.
How to get to Vilcabamba?
There are several ways to get to Vilcabamba depending on where you are. In most cases it is by land, although very close to the city of Loja (approximately 35 minutes), there is the Catamayo Airport that basically connects with the cities of Quito and Guayaquil.
By landway
Vilcabamba is located on the road that from the city of Loja leads to the border crossing with Peru, known as Las Balsas. From where you can arrive in one of the shifts that several transport companies offer (Transportes Loja, Cariamanga, etc.).
From Guayaquil
You can take any of the buses that offer you several daily shifts. Loja Transport Cooperative. You can also find other options from the Guayaquil Terrestrial Terminal (although they do not have the same number of frequencies as the previous one). The trip takes about 7 hours to the city of Loja where you can make a connection to Vilcabamba on frequencies that you can find every 15 minutes.
From Quito
There are also comfortable buses with many daily departures to and from Loja. Remember that Quito has several bus terminals distributed around the shape of the city, and getting from one to the other can take a long time. Several companies make this route, although we recommend Transportes Loja for the number of frequencies and comfort of the buses (there are even sleeper bus schedules).
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