By Sama Marwan,
Near the border between Peru and Brazil, deep within the lush landscapes of the Amazon rainforest, stands El Cono — a mysterious, pyramid-shaped peak that rises 400 meters above the mostly flat jungle canopy. Visible from hundreds of kilometers away, this formation has drawn widespread attention. Yet, it is neither a pyramid, a volcano, nor a typical mountain.
According to Spain’s Perúfilo newspaper, unlike most of the surrounding mountains — which were formed around 200 million years ago along the Andes mountain range — El Cono is a volcanic formation dating back approximately 5 million years, placing it within the Cenozoic era, the most recent geological period on Earth, as confirmed by UNESCO sources.
A Geological Puzzle
El Cono has long puzzled scientists. Some believe it is the remnant of an extinct volcano, while others argue it is simply a rare geological rock formation. A more speculative theory, though unsupported by evidence, suggests that El Cono might be hiding the remains of a pyramid built by an ancient indigenous civilization. However, no conclusive explanation has yet been found — its origins remain a mystery.
Due to its steep slopes, many scientists believe it was formed through explosive volcanic eruptions, which spewed ash, rock, and pyroclastic flows. These materials would have gradually piled up around a volcanic vent, eventually creating a cone-like mountainous structure.
What If There Are Ancient Ruins Beneath El Cono?
This leads to a tantalizing possibility: Could there be ancient ruins beneath the hill?
Archaeologists suggest it is plausible that pre-Columbian structures—perhaps even a pyramid—lie beneath the mound. This theory aligns with the rich history of ancient civilizations in the region, including the famed Inca Empire.
Still, while the idea is captivating, no solid scientific evidence has yet confirmed this hypothesis. Investigations continue to uncover what may lie beneath the hill.
A Biodiversity Hotspot Under Threat
Adding to the mystery, the summit of El Cono is covered in dense jungle and serves as a refuge for endangered animal species, such as:
- The giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus)
- The jaguar (Panthera onca)
- More than 16 species of primates, making it the highest concentration of primate species in Peru
The region also contains numerous river sources and diverse ecosystems that have been threatened by illegal logging and gold mining. Thankfully, during the 1990s, the area was declared a priority for conservation due to its biological richness, and efforts continue to protect this natural treasure.
