Cochasquí Pyramids
Explore ancient pyramids, astronomical tools, and resident llamas at this mysterious archaeological site near Quito.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for views and exploration
Cochasquí Pyramids
Best Time
Best for views and exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient pyramids, astronomical tools, and resident llamas at this mysterious archaeological site near Quito.
"A very interesting and mysterious place with incredible views and a great guided tour."
🚗 Easy Day Trip from Quito
Just over an hour from Quito, making it a perfect half-day or full-day excursion.
🗣️ Hire a Local Guide
Guides offer invaluable insights into the history and astronomical uses of the site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ceremonial Pyramids
Explore ancient earth mounds and burial sites, offering a glimpse into the Cochasqui people's civilization.
Ancient Sundial and Moondial
Discover astronomical tools used for agriculture, showcasing the advanced knowledge of ancient cultures.
On-site Museum
View interesting artifacts and figurines unearthed at the site, providing further context to the history.
Llama Encounters
Interact with and feed the resident llamas, adding a fun, living element to your historical visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There from Quito
Guided Tours Enhance the Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Day Trip from Quito
Just over an hour from Quito, making it a perfect half-day or full-day excursion.
🗣️ Hire a Local Guide
Guides offer invaluable insights into the history and astronomical uses of the site.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The open fields can get fresh, so bring a jacket.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be exploring mounds and open fields, so good footwear is a must.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Day Trip from Quito
Just over an hour from Quito, making it a perfect half-day or full-day excursion.
🗣️ Hire a Local Guide
Guides offer invaluable insights into the history and astronomical uses of the site.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The open fields can get fresh, so bring a jacket.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be exploring mounds and open fields, so good footwear is a must.
🍎 Pack Snacks & Water
While there's a small museum, amenities are limited. Bring your own refreshments.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Cochasqui Pyramids to be a mysterious and fascinating archaeological site with incredible views. The guided tours are highly praised for bringing history to life, and the opportunity to feed the resident llamas adds a unique, enjoyable element. It's considered an energetic and live history experience, perfect for sparking curiosity in all ages.
"A very interesting and mysterious place. My daughter found it fascinating, and now she's researching ancient civilisations in different parts of the world."
Helen Towler
"Fascinating site. Incredible views, too.
We had a most excellent guide. And he worked very hard to share info in both Spanish and English to accommodate our small group: one of whom spoke mostly Spanish, another mostly English, and one woman who was bilingual.
The museum was small but had some interesting artifacts and figurines discovered on site.
As one who has visited many earth mounds in the United States, I was very interested in exploring these in Ecuador, which were slightly different than those in North America."
Cynthia Greb
"An energetic place, live history."
Alejandro Herrera
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cochasqui Pyramids are located about 1 hour and 15 minutes north of Quito. Many visitors opt for a guided tour which includes transportation, or you can hire a taxi. Driving yourself is also an option if you have a rental car.
Yes, there is typically ample parking available at the site, especially during weekdays.
Public transport options are limited and can be time-consuming. It's generally recommended to arrange private transport or join a tour for convenience.
The journey usually takes around 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions leaving Quito.
Some tour operators offer shuttle services as part of their packages. It's best to check with local tour providers in Quito.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The site is generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check for any specific seasonal hours or holiday closures before your visit.
Admission fees are typically modest. Prices can vary, so it's a good idea to confirm the current rates upon arrival or through your tour operator.
Advance booking is usually not required for individual visitors. However, if you are part of a large group, it might be beneficial to inquire.
Often, a single admission fee covers access to both the archaeological site and the small museum. Confirm this when purchasing your ticket.
Yes, guided tours are usually an additional cost on top of the entrance fee, but they are highly recommended for a richer experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A visit, including a guided tour of the museum and the compound, usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
You can explore ceremonial pyramids, ancient burial mounds, a sundial, a moondial used for agriculture, and a small museum with artifacts.
Yes, you can feed the approximately 70 llamas on site, which is a popular activity for visitors.
Absolutely! It's a great place to bring kids, offering a fascinating historical and interactive experience with the llamas.
The site offers incredible views and a great panorama of the surrounding landscape due to its exposed open-field location.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the top of the mounds, the ancient sundial, and the llamas provide excellent photo opportunities.
Photography rules can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask a staff member before taking pictures inside the museum.
Morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing the landscape and the ancient structures.
Drone usage is typically restricted at archaeological sites to preserve the environment and prevent disturbance. Check local regulations.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos with the llamas, especially while feeding them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn about ancient civilizations in a hands-on way. The museum also offers a chance to see real artifacts, sparking curiosity about archaeology and history. Remember to bring snacks and water, and dress for the weather, as it can be breezy.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Engaging a knowledgeable guide is highly recommended to fully appreciate the nuances of the site's history and significance. Comparing the earth mounds here to those found in North America can also offer interesting comparative insights for those familiar with other archaeological sites.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Astronomical Significance of Cochasqui
The precision of these ancient instruments is remarkable, especially considering the tools available at the time. Researchers believe these celestial markers were used to determine optimal times for sowing and reaping crops, ensuring successful yields. The orientation and design of the pyramids themselves may also hold astronomical significance, aligning with solstices or equinoxes, further highlighting the deep connection between the Cochasqui people and the cosmos.
Visiting Cochasqui offers a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the ingenuity of ancient cultures in their use of celestial observation for practical purposes. It's a testament to their deep respect for the natural world and their ability to harness its power through scientific understanding.
Exploring the Museum and Artifacts
Visitors can expect to see pottery fragments, tools, and decorative objects that provide a glimpse into the past. The figurines, in particular, can be quite intriguing, offering insights into their artistic expression and potential religious practices. While the museum is not extensive, its contents are carefully curated to enhance the understanding of the larger archaeological complex.
The museum's exhibits are designed to be educational and accessible, making them particularly engaging for families and those new to Ecuadorian history. It's a great place to start your visit to get a foundational understanding before venturing out to the pyramids and other structures.
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