This indigenous culture museum has more than 5000 archaeological pieces representing more than 20 pre-Hispanic Ecuadorian cultures going back some 15,000 years. But what makes this such a gem of a museum is the informative guided tour – touching upon such unexpected items as combs and obsidian mirrors (they were vain then, some of these pre-Inca peoples) and rather sophisticated cooking equipment as well as explaining the striking designs.
It's one of those rare museums which makes artifacts enthralling to look at. A peaceful courtyard cafe sells wickedly strong coffee.
