About Southern Highlands
Ecuador’s southern highlands offer Cuenca, heritage streets, cooler weather, and a more relaxed Andean city-and-countryside experience.
Best time to visit: June to September
Cities & Towns in Southern Highlands
Cuenca
Cuenca pairs UNESCO-listed blocks around Parque Calderón with riverside lanes toward Tomebamba, plus south-side modern corridors—hotel choice should match whether you want heritage plazas, El Vado ambience, Remigio Crespo practicality, Mall del Río, or airport-side logistics in Azuay.
Loja
Loja is a southern Andean city in Loja Province, Ecuador, where hotel choice tracks the Historic Centre, Parque Central, cathedral-side streets, San Sebastián and Calle Lourdes, Puerta de la Ciudad, Jipiro, university corridors, the bus terminal, Catamayo airport logistics, and nearby valley or regional bases such as Vilcabamba and Malacatos.