In comparison to Vilcabamba Loja, Loja has a 1 wk art and music event every Fall usually in November and there is a lot more cultural activity. There are public parks and it has a larger variety of restaurants. Vilcabamba is very small and hotter than Loja. Other friends from the US have been to Vilcabamba and were not very impressed you can see it all in 1 day and food is more expensive. We have a 3 floor condo for sale in Loja, Loja that is close to the Jipiro park and an organic market as well as larger grocery stores. If anyone is interested email me at [email protected].