10 Lost Pyramids Found in Remote Regions
Here's a collection of 10 remote pyramids that were forgotten or buried for centuries and later rediscovered through modern exploration and archaeology.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
This article explores 10 pyramids found in remote regions around the world that remained lost due to natural concealment or geographic isolation. Each site reveals the architectural ingenuity of ancient cultures and the challenges archaeologists faced in uncovering them.
1. 1. The Pyramids of Nuri in Sudan
Image from Sudanow Magazine
The pyramids of Nuri sit deep in the Nubian desert, which helped them fade from mainstream memory. Archaeologists rediscovered them in the 19th century and found that they were burial sites for Kushite royalty. Excavations revealed inscriptions, tomb goods, and evidence of advanced Nubian engineering. Their remote location allowed the site to remain largely untouched for centuries.
2. 2. The El Tigre Pyramid in Honduras
Image from Mundo Maya
Hidden in the dense jungle of the Mosquitia region, the El Tigre pyramid was part of the ancient city of La Venta. Over time, the rainforest swallowed its stepped structure, making it nearly impossible to distinguish from the surrounding hills. The structure indicates a complex society that used monumental architecture for rituals. Its rediscovery showed how entire cities had once thrived in a region now almost inaccessible.
3. 3. The Calakmul Pyramids in the Yucatán Jungle
Image from Yucatán Magazine
Calakmul contains one of the largest pyramids in the Maya world, yet it remained lost for centuries due to its deep jungle surroundings. When archaeologists finally mapped it, they found multiple massive structures rising above the forest canopy. The largest pyramid was used as both a royal residence and a ritual center. Its remoteness helped preserve murals, ceramics, and architectural features rarely found elsewhere.
4. 4. The Cerro Purgatorio Pyramid in Peru
Image from Inca Trail Machu
Located in a rugged coastal desert, the Cerro Purgatorio pyramid was hidden under centuries of sand and wind erosion. When excavations began, archaeologists uncovered layers of painted walls and ceremonial spaces. The site showed evidence of sophisticated planning and communal labor. Its difficult terrain discouraged earlier explorations, allowing many structures to remain buried until recent decades.
5. 5. The Qa’le Karvansara Pyramid in Iran
Image from Iran Doostan Tours
In Iran’s southeastern highlands, researchers discovered a stepped pyramid structure known as Qa’le Karvansara. The site had been mistaken for a natural hill until surveys confirmed its geometric design. Excavations revealed pottery, stone tools, and traces of ancient pathways leading to the structure. Its remote mountain location kept it hidden from scholarly attention for generations.
6. 6. The Chankillo Complex in Peru
Image from Britannica
Chankillo features a fortified hilltop with pyramid-shaped structures, long buried under rock and soil. Because the site sits in an isolated desert, early explorers overlooked its architectural significance. Modern investigations uncovered staircases, walls, and ceremonial platforms that form part of an ancient solar observatory. Its discovery reshaped our understanding of early Andean engineering and astronomy.
7. 7. The Pyramid of Monte d’Accoddi in Sardinia
Image from Turismo Sassari
This prehistoric Sardinian structure looks like a stepped pyramid, though it is often described as an altar. For centuries, it was forgotten and overgrown, blending with the surrounding countryside. Archaeologists rediscovered it and recognized its unusually advanced design for Neolithic Europe. Its remote island location allowed its form to remain untouched until modern research uncovered its origins.
8. 8. The Los Morteros Pyramid in Peru
Image from Nature
The Los Morteros pyramid sits in a barren coastal plain where sandstorms frequently bury archaeological structures. It remained hidden until satellite imagery and excavations revealed its stepped design. Researchers uncovered hearths, offerings, and evidence of early coastal communities. Its isolation helped protect its features from extensive looting.
9. 9. The Méyo Pyramid in Gabon
Image from Google Blog
Located in a sparsely inhabited forest region, the Méyo pyramid remained unknown outside local communities. Researchers identified its geometric shape during surveys of remote central African sites. Its construction used large stone blocks arranged in layered terraces. Artifacts found nearby suggested ritual use by early inhabitants. The forest’s density helped conceal the pyramid from wider documentation until recent exploration efforts.
10. 10. The Pyramids of La Quemada in Mexico
Image from HeritageDaily
La Quemada sits in a remote highland region and contains pyramid-shaped structures built by an ancient northern Mesoamerican culture. Early explorers struggled to reach it due to its rugged terrain. Excavations revealed stepped buildings, wide plazas, and fortification walls. Its geographical isolation contributed to its centuries of obscurity.