Cochasquí South Platform
Cochasquí Pyramid 13 (South) · Cochasquí – Mojanda South
Late Intermediate – Late Horizon (c.1250–1534 CE) Cara – Quitu – Inca·Cara–Quitu (Cochasquí–Cayambe)·🇪🇨 Pichincha, Pedro Moncayo, Tocachi, Ecuador
About
About Cochasquí South Platform
The Cochasquí South Platform (Pyramid 13 South) is the southernmost of the famed 15 Cochasquí ramp-pyramids on the Mojanda volcano plateau above Tocachi, Pichincha, at 3,100 m on the Inca takeover frontier. Built 1250–1500 CE by the Cara–Quitu confederation, the cangahua (volcanic ash) pyramid 70×50×20 m with a 90 m western ramp encloses a quadrangular funerary chamber – one of the only earthen pyramids with summit burial rooms. The 84-ha park (largest Ecuadorian archaeological park) mapped by Udo Oberem showcases storm-water cisterns and a 2-km Inca causeway; the south pyramid overlooks the Cayambe glacier and the Qhapaq Ñan north road.
Why it mattersThe Cochasquí South Platform (Pyramid 13 South) is the southernmost of the famed 15 Cochasquí ramp-pyramids on the Mojanda volcano plateau above Tocachi, Pichincha, at 3,100 m on the Inca takeover frontier. Built 1250–1500 CE by the Cara–Quitu confederation, the cangahua (volcanic ash) pyramid 70×50 Type-site defining regional sequence.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction
- 02Function of elite vs communal architecture
Theories
- 01Regional capital coordinating irrigation and exchange
- 02Ritual-ceremonial amphitheatre aligned to astronomy
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.1250–1500 CE main phase
- Period
- Late Intermediate – Late Horizon (c.1250–1534 CE) Cara – Quitu – Inca
- Culture
- Cara–Quitu (Cochasquí–Cayambe)
- Builders
- Cara–Quitu
- Purpose
- Southernmost of the 15 Cochasquí earthen ramp-pyramids with funerary quadrangular platforms on Mojanda upland, 3,100m volcano fortress
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.1250–1500 CE main phase
Initial construction
c.800–900 CE
Major occupation / refurbishment
c.1000–1532
Late horizon / Inca incorporation where applicable
On the ground
Structures & features
0.0560° N · 78.3070° W · 3100 m · 2 mapped features
Ramp Pyramid 13 South (Cangahua Pyramid)
pyramid70×50×20m cangahua ramp-pyramid with 90m ramp and summit funerary chamber
0.0563° N · 78.3068° WAguada Reservoir Causeway
hydraulicCangahua-lined aguada and Inca causeway linking pyramids across 84 ha plateau
0.0556° N · 78.3073° W
Gallery