Located in Ecuador, approximately 70 kilometers north of the city of Quito, it is an archaeological site that is worth knowing as it houses a series of pyramids and pre-Columbian structures belonging to the Quitu-Cara culture.
Archaeological Mystery
Although archaeological research has been carried out in Cochasquí, there are still many mysteries surrounding the exact function of these structures. Various theories have been proposed, including the possibility that they were astronomical observatories or religious sites. Some of the pyramids appear to align with solstices and other astronomical events.
Cochasquí is located about 3,000 meters above sea level in the Ecuadorian Andes, near the city of Cayambe and approximately 60 kilometers north of Quito, the capital of Ecuador.
In 2002, Cochasquí was declared Cultural Heritage of Ecuador, highlighting its importance in preserving the history and culture of the region.
Earth Pyramids
Cochasquí’s most distinctive feature is the pre-Inca earth pyramids, believed to have been built by the Quitu-Cara culture around 900 AD. The site has 15 truncated pyramids (of which 9 have a ramp) and 21 funerary mounds built between 500 and 1500 AD.
The Quitu-Cara culture was a developed social, technological and scientific organization that inhabited a vast region from the Coast to the Amazon and from the north of the province of Pichincha to the southern region of Colombia.
Museum
Actually, there are 4 museums in the park. The one we visited is the small on-site museum that exhibits artifacts and archaeological finds found in the area. The museum provides additional information about the history and culture of the ancient inhabitants of Cochasquí.
Nature trails
Cochasquí is an archaeological park but it is also a natural reserve that covers approximately 83 hectares. The park features nature trails, a variety of flora and fauna, and beautiful views of the Ecuadorian Andes.
If you visit, you can walk a trail that leads to the different tolas with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, which includes the mountains and valley of the province of Pichincha. There is also a small museum displaying archaeological objects found in the area.
The park has a privileged location, whoever visits it on a clear day admires the panoramic view of a majestic landscape that includes snow-capped hills such as Cayambe, Pichincha and Cerro Puntas.
Full of nature
In the archaeological site there are llamas, domestic animals and in the wild you can find: skunks, wolves, rabbits, partridges, turtledoves, owls, condors, eagles and rarely pumas.
You can also observe the native vegetation that includes trees such as the Puma Maqui, Arrayán, Sacha-Rosa, Capote, Aliso, Orchids, among others.
Remember that 15 km away are the Mojanda Lagoons and the Fuya Fuya elevation.
Astrotourism
Another great attraction begins when the sun goes down, and it is the enviable dark sky of Cochasquí.
This energetic enclave is the highest point where the equator passes, and is known as one of the most important astronomical points in the country and the world.
Where to stay
Camping in Cochasquí
The Cochasquí Archaeological Park has a brand new camping and lodging space for 64 people.
There are three two-bedroom cabins that sleep four people and a camping area for 20 tents, comfortably located. It also has four barbecue huts, toilets and hot water showers.
These tourist facilities allow national and foreign visitors to fully enjoy this wonderful complex by staying there.
In Quito City
It is also possible for you to stay in Quito if you want to visit the Park. The city is a fascinating place with one of the best preserved and largest historical centers in Latin America and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978.
El Parque Arqueológico Cochasquí es un lugar de importancia histórica y cultural en Ecuador. Es un sitio visitado tanto por turistas nacionales como extranjeros que aúna arqueología, astronomía y ecología.
