museo de las culturas aborigenes

This museum was a very good collection. They had an English booklet that explains some of the basics of the discoveries. There were also lots of little placards in the various displays that were in both Spanish and English. The store also had a good selection of reproductions and souvenirs.

This was a refreshing and unpretentious museum, with a fantastic collection of pre Colombian pottery and other artifacts. Appreciated the booklet with a complete English translation.

The $4 entrance fee took me aback mainly because so many of the museums were free. As reasonable as it would be in other cities, here it seemed unreasonable at the start. The door was locked, but the attendant came to let us in and collect our fees. She handed each of us a comprehensive self-guided tour book that was informative without requiring an overpowering amount of reading. She directed us up a staircase.With the first glance, we realized this was worthy of a $4 admission. The specimens were spectacular, incredible, and clean. So many times, we have gone to museums such as this and there is enough dust to believe it dated back to the prehistoric times too. Each section of what was once a huge room was broken into sections or ‘rooms’. The guide explained what we would see in each ‘room’ as well has including drawings of some the specimens to make it more comprehensive with examples. Within these sections, you have the opportunity to gaze at more than 5000 archaeological pieces.We spent more than 2 ½ hours here, studying, photographing, and attempting to soak in the knowledge while being awed at every turn. What must be the best-kept secret in Cuenca is the gift shop. With an extensive assortment of high quality souvenirs, their prices are incredibly reasonable. If we lived here, I would shop here for culture-based decorations.

The museum has a good collection of Inca and pre-Inca artifacts. Not as extensive as many Peruvian museums of pre-Columbian art but still interesting. Worth seeing if you're in Cuenca!

This museum is very well laid out. The exhibits are displayed by time periods and it is fascinating to see how the culture developed. The museum was very clean with sufficient bench to sit and pause. It was self guided with the option of spanish or english (I think there were other language options).

Interesting to see things tracking back several hundred years. Privately owned, we had a short introduction, in Spanish and then were allowed to spend as much time as we wanted looking around. Each set of items has a written explanation, in English, French and Spanish. There is also a gift shop and café.

Collecting is strange passion, often similar to addiction. Some collectors need to “scratch the itch” so frequently that they end up focusing more on quantity than quality. Juan Cordero Iñiguez, founder of the Museo de Las Culturas Aborígenes, is evidently such a collector. This homegrown museum contains masses of stuff, much of it mediocre, and a few great things. Iñiguez’s son, who studied in the US, is trying to improve the museum’s marketing. There are extensive object labels: in Spanish, English and French, no less! But the displays could benefit from better contextualization in terms of dating, source and function. Better still would be to get rid of half the pieces and focus on the really good works. But the collector’s pride undoubtedly would not permit that.

What a joy to explore the ancient archaeology of Ecuador in this spectacular museum. Exhibits from stone age to Inca, and many artifacts not behind glass, so much of the photography allowed came out without glare from glass cases. A huge collection from all areas, from a stone wind chime one can hear to the marvelous ancient figurines excavated all over Ecuador, astonishingly advanced early ceramics from Valdivia....I could go on and on. Even if you aren't that interested in archaeology, do not miss this museum, and their vast museum shop: wonderful museum guide and incredibly affordable reproductions. Architectural gem, modern yet indigenous materials with lots of natural light. Their garden cafe has the best tamale ever, wrapped in huge leaf. Watch large hummingbirds feeding, a few feet from your table.

This is not a place you want to visit if you are in a hurry or short on time. This small museum is , packed with pre-Columbian art, tools, cookware and lots of other pieces you will have never seen before. Though you tour at your own speed with the guidance of a booklet in either Spanish or English, I was left with tons of questions that the booklet didn't address. It was unfortunate, but since my husband is not into historical artifacts, it was OK as I plan to return without him hurrying me along! The gift shop is an undiscovered treasure on it's own. You don't have to pay admission to the museum in order to go to the giftshop though, so you can shop there anytime. Absolutely beautiful handmade products and the jewelry is spectacular! Both well worth visiting!

A very well set out collection of Pre-Columbian ceramics complete with an English guide book to explain the collection. A private museum of over 5000 pieces and photography is allowed. There is an excellent gift shop at the exit. we really enjoyed viewing the huge variety of objects in a very peaceful setting.

Very well done, with well written guides in English or Spanish. Proression through the museum was chronological, with outstanding representations of artwork. Well worth the $4.00 admission fee. Nicely stocked gift shop. Beautiful courtyard.

Thank you for your valuable comment. We are glad that you liked the Museum and its Gift-shop. Keep enjoying your trip and a have a safe return!

By visiting this museum, you will experience an interesting journey to pre-columbian cultures in Ecuador. The museum is quite complete, and the people who run the place has a vast knowledge about ecuadorian history...

We loved to visited is so complete collection. Excellent !!! and the people works there is the best! We loved the food there is so good and the most beutifull was see in the tree the lovely colibri bird is allways there. We recomend this place if you want have a such good experience about museums in Cuenca. Also the store is complete and you take the best suveniers from Ecuador, but for us the people who works there that are the owners are so lovely person and you can feel the education and love they have for this place. Just go there and have a wounderfull experience will be your best choice!! :)...

The most antique of America from Valdivia to Incas. I recomendaly 100%. This museum is fantastic....