Museo Cultural De La Llama
About This Museum
Tucked away in the Calpi highlands, the Museo Cultural De La Llama is a heartfelt tribute to the animal that has been the soul of the Andes for millennia. It feels less like a formal museum and more like stepping into a living, breathing relationship between a people and their most cherished companion. You don't just see artifacts; you feel the deep, enduring bond in every hand-woven textile and carefully crafted tool. The air itself carries a faint, earthy scent of hay and wool, grounding you completely in its authentic world.
Collection Highlights
The star exhibit is undoubtedly the collection of vibrant ponchos and ceremonial mantles, each intricate pattern telling a story older than written language. Don't miss the display on traditional pack saddles—beautifully worn leather that speaks volumes about centuries of travel across rugged mountains. A particular favorite is a small case of pre-Columbian pottery, where llamas are depicted with such charming character they seem to leap from the clay.
Visitor Information
It's a cozy, intimate space, so you can easily soak it all in within an hour. The staff are wonderfully knowledgeable locals who share stories with genuine passion, making the experience truly personal.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a modest, whitewashed building with a red-tiled roof that feels seamlessly woven into the rural landscape, it has the unassuming charm of a large, well-kept hacienda.
Contact & Location
Address: Museo Cultural de la Llama, E492, Bayushi San Vicente, Calpi, Riobamba, Chimborazo, 060118, Ecuador
Phone: +593 3-262-0500