Yangana, Ecuador
- Map of Yangana
- Hiking
- Crystal Mountain
- Cheese
- Spanish Translation
- Photo Gallery
- Buying property in Yangana
YANGANA
Yangana is a small rural parish located in the canton of Loja, in the province of Loja, in southern Ecuador. This locality is known for its tranquility, natural surroundings, pleasant climate, and as the main gateway to the Amazon and parts of Peru, making it an attractive destination for both visitors and local residents.
Just by stepping out of the car, you are faced with so many shapes, colors, flowers and plants, many you have never seen in person or even know their names. You don’t have to walk another step to keep yourself occupied. This place is rich in diversity.
Location and Access to Yangana, Ecuador
- Location: Yangana is located about 55 kilometers south of the city of Loja. It is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, giving it a mild and cool climate throughout the year.
- Access: From Loja, Yangana can be reached by road in approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by private car, and by bus, it takes about 2 hours. The main route is the Loja-Zamora road, which passes through the parish of Vilcabamba before reaching Yangana.
Car, Taxi, Bike
From Vilcabamba start early in the morning around 9am and head south. It takes about 30 minutes driving past breathtaking scenery. Make it a point to stop and enjoy the views. The first impression is how quiet it is roadside. Take a deep breath and keep going, the double church steeple will appear over the horizon and soon you will be in the quaint town of Yangana.
To go to the Crystal Mountain, head into Yangana, at the stoplight turn left and drive until you see the Cerro Toledo sign and make another left. You will be on a dirt road with vertigo drops on the driver’s side. Take it easy and keep driving until you find the landslide. This may take an hour and when you stop you might feel as if you’ve been on a long flight.
If you are biking, there are services that will drive you to the top and pick you up at the bottom of the hill. There are several bike tours to take in Vilcabmaba and also a world famous bike shop.
El Chino Taller de Bicicletas (Bicycle Hire/Repair)
and Gringuito’s Bike Rentals.
Cost
Taxi truck to Yangana
$30 plus $10 per hour
Ask a friend to take you
lunch + gas money
Hikers on a budget
Bus ride from Loja $2.85
Bus from Vilcabamba $1.50
drops you off at the stop light
Bike Adventure
Private Guided tours $20-$60 WhatsAPP 096-877-9208
Bike Rentals and Tours
Chinos Bike https://www.facebook.com/chinosbik/
Contact us to make reservations for you. See our services page
Car Trekking
The road to crystal mountain is shoulder to shoulder with the musings of mother nature. There is even a stream that follows the road 2/3 up. So you don’t have to feel like you are left out if you can’t hike or bike a trail. There is plenty to look at and explore right outside the window.
Population
- Inhabitants: Yangana is a parish with a small population, mostly composed of farmers dedicated to agriculture. The community is known for its kindness and hospitality. There are not a lot of locals who speak English so be prepared to have a translation device or book with you.
- Approximately, it has a population of 1,671 inhabitants according to the latest census of 2020.
Economy
- Agriculture: The main economic activity in Yangana is agriculture. The predominant crops include coffee, corn, sugarcane, cassava, plantains, fruits like granadilla, and vegetables. Livestock such as cattle and pigs are also raised.
- Tourism: Although it is not a mass tourist destination, Yangana attracts visitors interested in ecotourism, hiking, and bird watching. The mountainous landscapes and biodiversity of the area are points of interest.
Cheese at 3,000 feet!
Artisanal Cheese in Ecuador –
Translated from Spanish: Although its production is still artisanal, it is one of the essential foods at breakfast time. Due to tradition and flavor, in Loja consumer preferences are greater than those sold from factories. We are referring to “Queso Lojano”, one of the culinary emblems deeply rooted in our province; and desired by locals and strangers. The tastiest cheeses in Loja are produced in the parishes of Yangana and Valladolid, and Mundovisión visited these towns to find out the secret of such a unique flavor…
Realization: Nilo Valarezo M.
Camera: Fabián Alvarado
(c) 2010 ECOTEL CHAIN Ecuador
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Ecuadorian Breakfast
Be sure to enjoy the amazing bakery goods, coffee and cheese for breakfast in Vilcabmaba sent from Yangana. In our office the first thing we do is sit down to coffee and bread. Boiled eggs and cheese are on the menu and it’s a hearty way to start the day.
The best place to get cheese in Yangana
- “Cheese Lady” 1st house on the left after the bridge with a big brown metal gate. Cheese sells out at about 9am, so get there early.
- “Gus” at San Antonia Farm, South of Yangana – buy his cheese at the first Tienda on the right.
Climate
- Climate: Yangana enjoys a humid subtropical climate. Temperatures usually range between 15°C and 24°C throughout the year, with a rainy season that extends from October to May.
Natural Attractions
- Mountainous Landscapes: Yangana is surrounded by mountains and forests, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring nature.
- Rivers and Waterfalls: There are several rivers and waterfalls around Yangana that are ideal for hiking and picnicking.
- Biodiversity: The region is home to rich biodiversity, including a variety of bird, plant, and animal species.
Infrastructure and Services
- Education: Yangana has primary and secondary schools, but for higher education, young people usually travel to the city of Loja.
- Health: The parish has a health center that provides basic care. More complex cases are referred to the hospitals in Vilcabamba and Loja.
- Communications: Most households in Yangana have access to electricity, drinking water, and the internet. However, an important detail is that there is no cell phone signal anywhere in the area, so the population communicates via Wi-Fi internet.
Culture and Traditions
- Festivities: The patron saint festivities of Yangana are celebrated in September and October each year. These festivities include religious processions, cultural and sporting events, and local fairs.
- Gastronomy: The gastronomy of Yangana is simple and traditional, based on local products such as corn, potatoes, and plantains. Typical dishes include repe lojano, sango, and corn tortillas.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Challenges: Like many rural communities in Ecuador, Yangana faces challenges related to limited access to specialized health services, the migration of young people to cities, and the need to diversify its economy.
- Opportunities: The development of ecotourism, high-quality coffee production, and cheese making are potential opportunities to improve the local economy.
Yangana is an example of rural life in southern Ecuador, with a rich cultural heritage and a privileged natural environment that offers both challenges and opportunities for its inhabitants.
CERRO TOLEDO – The Crystal Mountain
We stopped at the landslide and considered taking the next leg up the mountain to the military gate. But at 1pm the fog rolled in like a dragon and with it a light rain which quickly herded us all back into the car where we began our decent back to Yangana. This time the views were even more elegant and mysterious in the blue haze. This place is timeless and neither here nor there. Our collection of crystals traveled with us back to Vilcabamba as they now are on an adventure exploring human life. We hope they are happy in our office.
Infinity Team
Cerro Toledo is a mountain located in the parish of Yangana, in the Loja canton of Ecuador, near the border with Peru, just an hour and a half from the Vilcabamba Valley, at an altitude of 3,508 meters above sea level. This mountain is known for its impressive natural beauty and is sometimes called the “Crystal Mountain” due to the presence of minerals and bright rock formations that reflect light in a particular way, giving the impression that the place is covered in crystals.
How to prepare
for Yangana Hiking
It’s important to mention the need for warm clothing and the recommendation to visit in summer, with a 4×4 vehicle, as the road is easy to access, but you never know what might happen on the way.
Often there is rain that could cause a landslide, so a good vehicle is recommended for this beautiful and unique experience.
The weather at such high altitudes can be very variable, and the wind can be strong. It’s a perfect destination for nature and adventure lovers.
Cerro Toledo also holds historical and strategic significance, particularly in relation to the conflict between Ecuador and Peru known as the Cenepa War, which took place in 1995. During this conflict, the Cerro Toledo area and surrounding regions were of military importance due to their strategic location on the border. Ecuador established military bases in this region, taking advantage of the elevation and difficult access to the terrain to protect its territorial sovereignty.
Today, the area remains of interest both for its historical value and its tourist appeal, especially for those interested in nature, hiking, and the military history of the region.
The “Crystal Mountain” at Cerro Toledo is a name that captures the essence of a fascinating natural phenomenon. In this area, certain rock formations contain minerals that, when interacting with sunlight, create a glow that seems to emanate from the mountain itself. Minerals like quartz and other siliceous formations, when exposed to the sun, reflect and refract light in a unique way, resulting in a mountain covered in crystals.
Cerro Toledo is part of the Ecuadorian Andes and sits at a considerable altitude, which gives it a cold climate and páramo vegetation. The conditions in this area, combined with the altitude and geology, have created an environment where these crystalline formations can develop.
Access to this area can be challenging due to the mountainous terrain and the need for local guides to navigate the paths. However, for adventurers and geology enthusiasts, visiting the “Crystal Mountain” at Cerro Toledo offers a unique experience where nature shows one of its most impressive and uncommon facets.
Click and learn!
reacción
What an incredible experience! Cerro Toledo is magical place full of natural beauty that you see it for yourself. The combination of the altitude, the spectacular views, and the white crystals we found was impressive. It’s great that it’s so close to Vilcabamba and that the adventure is accessible in a short journey.
Yangana
Poem for Yangana, Ecuador
Sweet motherland
Open hands
Dipped into waters
So clear
The heart empties
All sorrows
Deep feelings
Cleanse old wounds
By the river
Rocks anchor
Each traveler
Who wishes to stay
The rocks will say
Yes or no
Real Estate
Investing in Yangana
It’s important to feel invited to invest in property in Yangana. This country is for pioneers who know how to talk to their neighbors and care for the land. There is a great responsibility to moving here.
It’s not about adapting to the culture in Ecuador it is about becoming a part of the landscape. It’s best if you have experience living in rural places throughout the seasons and have an interest in learning Spanish.
The nearest gas station is 45 minutes away and you will have to bring in your own gringo amenities. There is a small police station, a clinic with one doctor, a nurse and a vet.
The rewards to investing here cannot be measured. It will have its challenges if you are not prepared to humble yourself to what has already been here for millenia.
If you want to really see who and what you are take this challenge. Climb the mountain first, sit in the quiet and wait for your answer. Yes or no. It’s that simple.
Buyers
Yangana is settled into a valley so you will be purchasing mountainside property. Many have outstanding waterfalls, ancient trails, mysterious plants and animals. You will be neighbors with farmers and their extended families.
YANGANA español
Yangana es una pequeña parroquia rural ubicada en el cantón Loja, provincia de Loja, en el sur de Ecuador. Esta localidad es conocida por su tranquilidad, su entorno natural su clima agradable, y la entrada principal a la amazónica y parte del Perú, lo que la convierte en un destino atractivo tanto para visitantes como para residentes locales.
Ubicación y Acceso
- Ubicación: Yangana se encuentra a unos 55 kilómetros al sur de la ciudad de Loja. Se ubica en un valle rodeado de montañas, lo que le da un clima templado y fresco durante todo el año.
- Acceso: Desde Loja, se puede acceder a Yangana por carretera en aproximadamente 1 hora con 15 minutos en carro particular y en bus lleva aproximadamente 2 horas. La ruta principal es la carretera Loja-Zamora, que pasa por la parroquia de Vilcabamba antes de llegar a Yangana.
Población
- Habitantes: Yangana es una parroquia con una población pequeña, compuesta en su mayoría por campesinos dedicados a la agricultura. La comunidad es conocida por su amabilidad y hospitalidad.
- Aproximadamente tiene una población de 1.671 habitantes según el último censo del 2020.
Economía
- Agricultura: La principal actividad económica en Yangana es la agricultura. Los cultivos predominantes incluyen café, maíz, caña de azúcar, yuca, plátano, fruta como la granadilla y hortalizas. También se crían animales como ganado vacuno y porcino.
- Turismo: Aunque no es un destino turístico masivo, Yangana atrae a visitantes interesados en el ecoturismo, el senderismo y la observación de aves. Los paisajes montañosos y la biodiversidad de la zona son puntos de interés.
Clima
- Clima: Yangana disfruta de un clima subtropical húmedo. Las temperaturas suelen oscilar entre los 15°C y 24°C durante todo el año, con una estación lluviosa que se extiende de octubre a mayo.
Atractivos Naturales
- Paisajes Montañosos: Yangana está rodeada por montañas y bosques, lo que ofrece oportunidades para el senderismo y la exploración de la naturaleza.
- Ríos y Cascadas: En los alrededores de Yangana hay varios ríos y cascadas que son ideales para caminatas y picnics.
- Biodiversidad: La región alberga una rica biodiversidad, incluyendo una variedad de especies de aves, plantas y animales.
Infraestructura y Servicios
- Educación: Yangana cuenta con escuelas de educación primaria y secundaria, pero para estudios superiores, los jóvenes suelen desplazarse a la ciudad de Loja.
- Salud: La parroquia tiene un centro de salud que brinda atención básica. Los casos más complejos se refieren a los hospitales de Vilcabamba y Loja.
- Comunicaciones: La mayoría de los hogares en Yangana tienen acceso a electricidad, agua potable e internet, pero un detalle importante no existe señal de teléfonos celulares en ninguna parte de la zona, la población se comunica a través de internet wifi.
Cultura y Tradiciones
- Festividades: Las fiestas patronales de Yangana se celebran en los meses de septiembre y octubre de cada año. Estas fiestas incluyen procesiones religiosas, eventos culturales y deportivos, y ferias locales.
- Gastronomía: La gastronomía de Yangana es sencilla y tradicional, basada en productos locales como el maíz, las papas, y el plátano. Platillos típicos incluyen el repe lojano, el sango, y las tortillas de maíz.
Desafíos y Oportunidades
- Desafíos: Como muchas comunidades rurales en Ecuador, Yangana enfrenta desafíos relacionados con el acceso limitado a servicios de salud especializados, la migración de jóvenes a las ciudades y la necesidad de diversificar su economía.
- Oportunidades: El desarrollo del ecoturismo, la producción de café de alta calidad y elaboración de quesos, son oportunidades potenciales para mejorar la economía local.
Yangana es un ejemplo de la vida rural en el sur de Ecuador, con una rica herencia cultural y un entorno natural privilegiado que ofrece tanto desafíos como oportunidades para sus habitantes.
CERRO TOLEDO
El Cerro Toledo es una montaña ubicada en la parroquia de Yangana, en el cantón Loja, Ecuador, cerca de la frontera con Perú a tan solo 1 hora y media desde el Valle de Vilcabamba, a 3508 metros sobre el nivel del mar. Esta montaña es conocida por su impresionante belleza natural, y a veces se le llama “montaña de cristal” debido a la presencia de minerales y formaciones rocosas brillantes que reflejan la luz de manera particular, dando la impresión de que el lugar está cubierto de cristales.
El Cerro Toledo también tiene un significado histórico y estratégico, especialmente en relación con el conflicto entre Ecuador y Perú conocido como la Guerra del Cenepa, que ocurrió en 1995. Durante este conflicto, la zona del Cerro Toledo y áreas circundantes fueron de importancia militar debido a su ubicación estratégica en la frontera. Ecuador estableció bases militares en esta región, aprovechando la elevación y el difícil acceso del terreno para proteger su soberanía territorial.
Hoy en día, la zona sigue siendo de interés tanto por su valor histórico como por su atractivo turístico, especialmente para aquellos interesados en la naturaleza, el senderismo, y la historia militar de la región.
La “montaña de cristales” en el Cerro Toledo es una denominación que captura la esencia de un fenómeno natural fascinante. En esta zona, ciertas formaciones rocosas contienen minerales que, al interactuar con la luz del sol, crean un resplandor que emana de la propia montaña, minerales como el cuarzo y otras formaciones silíceas que, al estar expuestas al sol, reflejan y refractan la luz de una manera única, dando como resultado una montaña cubierta de cristales.
El Cerro Toledo es parte de los Andes ecuatorianos y se sitúa a una altitud considerable, lo que le otorga un clima frío y una vegetación de páramo. Las condiciones en esta área, combinadas con la altitud y la geología, han creado un entorno donde estas formaciones cristalinas pueden desarrollarse.
El acceso a esta zona puede ser desafiante debido a su terreno montañoso y la necesidad de guías locales para navegar por los caminos. Sin embargo, para los aventureros y los amantes de la geología, visitar la “montaña de cristales” en el Cerro Toledo ofrece una experiencia única, donde la naturaleza muestra una de sus facetas más impresionantes y poco comunes.
https://ecuador.inaturalist.org/places/10504#page=1
https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-senderismo/cerro-toledo-117189709
https://mapcarta.com/es/N7601273885
mi opinión: ¡Qué experiencia tan increíble! El Cerro Toledo suena como un lugar mágico y lleno de belleza natural, hasta que lo conoces, La combinación de la altura, las vistas espectaculares y los cristales blancos que encontramos ha sido impresionante. Es genial que esté tan cerca de Vilcabamba y que la aventura sea accesible en un corto trayecto.
Es importante que mencionar la necesidad de ropa abrigada y la recomendación de ir en verano, con un automóvil 4 x 4, ya que la vía es de fácil acceso, pero no sabemos que pasara en el trayecto, muchas veces lluvia que puede causar un deslizamiento de tierra, por eso se recomienda un buen vehículo para ir a esta hermosa y única experiencia, el clima en lugares a esa altura puede ser muy variable y el viento puede ser fuerte. Es un destino perfecto para los amantes de la naturaleza y la aventura.