Cochasquí is an archaeological site located about 65 km north of the capital, Quito, in the canton of Pedro Moncayo. It comprises about 84 hectares, at an altitude of 3100 meters.

The site contains 15 truncated pyramids, made from blocks of “cangahua” (a volcanic material that was extracted from nearby). Nine of the pyramids contain ramps. There are also 21 mounds at the site. An important feature is that the complex is located very near the Equator, at 0º 3' y 35''. The pyramids and the mounds were constructed in the period 850 CE to about 1550 CE. Located in the Caranqui region, they were built and occupied by the Cara people and then possibly later the Incan people. Since 1981, following extensive study (Programa Cochasquí), the site came under the supervision of the Government of Pichincha and in 1988 was declared an archaeological park.

There are various theories about the use made of the pyramids. In 1933 the German archaeologist Max Uhle conducted various studies and excavations. He concluded that the pyramids were used for ceremonial purposes, citing as evidence the many skulls that were found in one of them.

In 1964-1965, another German, Udo Oberem, and the “Grupo Ecuador” also studied the site and made excavations. They concluded that the pyramids were used for both ceremonial and living purposes. They believed that there were small, circular dwellings located on top of the pyramids and that they were inhabited by people of importance. This hypothesis was based on the discovery of some platforms of baked earth that they found on top of some of the pyramids.

Another theory, supported by the research of Valentín Yurevich and later Adolfo Hoguín, suggests a purpose related to astronomy. The pyramids themselves are oriented in a single direction. And in the only extensively excavated pyramid platform, that of pyramid #13, it is possible to observe several canals oriented in the direction of the mountains Cotopaxi and Pichincha. Inside the canals there are holes, where cones made of stone were found. During the equinoxes and the solstices, the cones produce patterns of shading that do not seem to be random; in fact, they indicate a probable astronomical calendar that could have been used to decide on the most propitious moments for planting, agriculture and ceremonies.

Many archaeologists and other scientists have studied the site, but since 1965 there have not been any extensive excavations. This current project, a joint effort by the Universidad San Francisco de Quito and Connecticut College, uses archival information, current investigations and digital techniques to reveal many of the wonders of Cochasquí.