Fodor's Expert Review Casa del Alabado

This museum of pre-Colombian art and artifacts is easy to miss, hidden as it is inside a lovingly-restored 17th-century house. The museum has arranged the pieces thematically, not chronologically, so a walk through the eight galleries is both a history and an art lesson. The museum is small, so you can move through it in less than an hour before or after visiting Iglesia de San Francisco next door. There are two tranquil courtyards here where guests are welcome to relax. The gift shop sells nice Ecuadorian handicrafts alongside some locally-made clothing and bags. The free audio tours are informative and engaging.