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35 kilometers away from Loja we get to “The Valley of Malacatos” (1600 latitude, 1900 meters over see level) with its stunning views an cozy weather, this town still keeps its colonial style, colorful houses around the square where a traditional summerhouse remains from past years. Sundays are a perfect day to enjoy cultural events such as the old town band highly appreciated by locals and visitors.
Its name comes from the Suar language, according to the tales honoring the great Cacique Pedro Leiva who in the XVII contributed greatly in favor of world health; it was him who discovered the cure against Malaria from the shell of the Cascarilla tree.
The stunning view of the valley is enhanced by the devotion for the image of The Lord of the Charity, sculpted by orders of Fray Santiago de Esperanza during the XVIII century. It seemed that its inhabitants made donations for the purchase the image and since then the faith, devotion has rapidly spread around.
Priests and town people have always taken care of the temple, turning what was a small church into a Diocesan Sanctuary in August 1995 in a major ceremony with the presence of most important church authorities such as the the cardinal and the “Virgin of the Swan”.
Walking in Malacatos town, you can breathe coffee, sugar cane and some other farming products that create a colorful surrounding due to its fertility and comfortable weather all year round. |
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