Small-scale hydroelectric projects have a low impact on the environment because they do not require large water impoundments, for this reason they are a good option for sustainable supply of electricity. A considerable part of Colombia is known as non-interconnected zones (NIZ), which are areas without electric service through the national network and electricity must be generated directly in the region. In the 1-5 kW hydroelectric generation range it is difficult to find hydraulic turbines with low cost and easy to operate. The Michell-Banki turbine can play an important role in the development of small hydro projects for rural use or in NIZ. Its main advantages are its simple design and the ease of construction and operation. This article describes the process of building a prototype of Michell-Banki turbine of 650W. For the construction of the prototype were used conventional manufacturing processes and a design that simplifies its installation, assembly and maintenance. In case of failure in one of the impeller blades it can be replaced swiftly and easily. The prototype was evaluated experimentally under different conditions of flow and mechanical load. For the application of the load and the determination of the delivered torque a brake is used whose design resembles a Prony brake. Also they are measured other variables, such as: flow rate, pressure head at the inlet of the turbine and the rotational speed. From the experimental data, the prototype turbine operation curves are constructed and the best operating conditions are determined.