The Teotihuacán Pyramids are one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. This destination, located near Mexico City, will allow you to explore the past and present of one of the most important pre-Columbian civilizations of Mesoamerica.
In this guide, based on our own experience, we’ll provide you with the Teotihuacán hours and costs, available options for getting there from Mexico City, some recommended tours, and various tips that will be very helpful for your visit.
Let’s start planning your trip:
Teotihuacán Pyramids Location
The Teotihuacán Pyramids are located in the State of Mexico, about 40 kilometers northeast of Mexico City. Specifically, they are in the municipality of Teotihuacán, within the Basin of the Valley of Mexico.
This archaeological site has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the City of the Gods, between 300 A.D. and 600 A.D. it was the epicenter of a culture that influenced other pre-Hispanic civilizations like the Mayans and the Aztecs.
Recommended: What to Do in Mexico City: 4-Day Itinerary
How to Get to the Teotihuacán Pyramids, Mexico
To get to the Teotihuacán Pyramids from Mexico City, you have several options. By public transport, you can take the metro to the Terminal de Autobuses del Norte and then take a bus that will take you directly to the entrance of the archaeological site in about 1 hour.
You can also join this guided tour, which includes transportation from various tourist points in the capital and entrance to Teotihuacán. Another option is to choose this tour, which also visits the Basilica of Guadalupe and Tlatelolco. If you prefer to get there on your own, you can rent a vehicle here.
If you plan to travel to Teotihuacán from the United States, Canada, Colombia, or anywhere else in the world, you must first arrive in Mexico City and then continue by public transport or on a tour. Below, we provide some links for you to find flights at the best price and view the recommended tour.
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Check the tour price from CDMX
How to book the tour to Teotihuacán from Mexico City? It’s very easy! First, choose the type of experience you want. If you only want to tour the pyramids and the archaeological site, click here now. If you also want to include a visit to the Basilica of Guadalupe and Tlatelolco, click here.
After selecting the tour, you will find a detailed description of the plan, the price, what’s included, and reviews from other travelers. After reviewing the information, choose the date you want, the number of people, and click “book” to proceed with the payment.
The advantage of booking these tours in Mexico City is that you get immediate confirmation and very good prices. Additionally, if you need to cancel or reschedule your trip, you can easily manage a 100% refund in some cases up to 24 hours before the activity.
See price and details of the tour to the pyramids
See the tour that includes the Basilica of Guadalupe and Tlatelolco
Hours and Entrance Fees for Teotihuacán in Mexico
Teotihuacán Hours: The archaeological site is usually open every day of the week, from Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last entry at 4:30 p.m. Keep in mind that exploring the pyramids can take you 2 to 3 hours.
Entrance Fee for the Teotihuacán Pyramids: The entrance fee to the archaeological site is $95 Mexican pesos for the year 2024. On Sundays, entry is free for Mexican citizens. Typically, payments are accepted in cash and by card.
Hotels near the Teotihuacán Pyramids: Posada Colibri Hotel & Spa, Hotel Quinto Sol, Hotel Jatziri, La Finca del Abuelo, El Sueño de Quetzalcoatl, Hotel Fer y Hotel Coatlicue.
Tips for finding good, beautiful, and budget-friendly accommodation: The best way to get the best price on lodging is to book in advance. If you wait until the last minute, the most affordable and top-rated options may already be sold out, leaving you with fewer choices.
Our favorite platform for finding the best deals is Booking.com. Click here to save up to 15% or more on your stay. In many cases, you can book without a credit card, pay at the property, and cancel without penalty.
Additionally, if you book frequently, you’ll get exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, and room upgrades at no extra cost, helping you save even more on your trip.
Book your stay today with 15% off or more! Click here!
What to Do in Teotihuacán, Mexico
1. Fly Over the Teotihuacán Pyramids in a Hot Air Balloon
Before telling you about all there is to see inside the archaeological site, we want to start with one of the most memorable experiences you can enjoy on your trip: a hot air balloon flight over the Teotihuacán pyramids.
The hot air balloon ride usually begins with the first rays of sunlight, allowing you to witness a beautiful sunrise. The flight lasts between 45 and 60 minutes, during which you can admire the vastness of the Valley of Mexico, fly over agave fields, and enjoy an unparalleled view of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.
To take the balloon ride over the pyramids, keep in mind that Mexico City is 1 hour away from Teotihuacán, and you need to arrive at the launch site before sunrise. Therefore, if you don’t have a vehicle, you’ll need to book a tour that includes transportation. We chose this tour and had a wonderful experience.
Check prices and availability for the balloon ride
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Recommended: Teotihuacán Hot Air Balloon Ride from Mexico City + Tickets. This tour starts at 4:30 am from the Angel of Independence in Mexico City and will take you to fly over one of the most visited archaeological sites in the country. You will have a privileged view of the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
Keep in mind that the flight will last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on weather conditions. It’s important to book in advance, as although there are guaranteed departures every day, spots are limited.
To book the flight, click on this link. The tour includes round-trip transportation from Mexico City, a buffet breakfast, a hot air balloon ride over the pyramids, a flight certificate, a toast with sparkling wine, a craft workshop, a pulque tasting, and admission to the Teotihuacán Ruins.
Book your hot air balloon ride over the pyramids now!
2. Explore the Pyramid of the Sun
The Pyramid of the Sun is one of Mexico’s most iconic structures. Interestingly, it’s not strictly a pyramid; it is actually a 65-meter-high pyramidal base, an architectural wonder that also showcases the ingenuity and spirituality of the ancient Teotihuacan civilization.
This is the largest structure in Teotihuacán and the third largest pyramid in the world. It’s believed to have had ceremonial and religious purposes, as there is a temple at its summit related to the worship of the sun god. Without a doubt, it’s one of the must-see pyramids in Mexico!
When visiting the archaeological zone of Teotihuacán, note that the Pyramid of the Sun is built in five tiers and primarily made of adobe covered with stone. Below the pyramid, archaeologists have discovered tunnels and caves, some of which may have been used for rituals or as tombs.
Can you climb the Pyramid of the Sun? No, since the archaeological site’s reopening after the pandemic, climbing the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon has been prohibited. This is mainly due to heritage conservation and maintaining the site’s historical and cultural value. However, you can still access areas that offer a beautiful panoramic view.
Discover the Best Tours & Experiences in Mexico City
If you want to explore the most impressive places in the historic center of Mexico City and not miss out on some of the most fascinating corners of the capital, we recommend booking this free tour. This tour will take you through the most representative points of the center, giving you a better understanding of the city’s rich history.
Ensuring your attendance at the free walking tour is very easy! You just have to click here, select your desired date, and indicate the number of people attending. Although the tour is free, a tip is expected at the end.
Book your free tour of CDMX now!
3. Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacán
The Pyramid of the Moon is another of the most representative sites in the City of the Gods, attracting visitors from all over the world to admire its majesty and enigmatic beauty. It’s the second-largest structure in Teotihuacán, after the Pyramid of the Sun.
This pyramid also had ceremonial and religious purposes. It is believed to have been dedicated to deities related to the moon, water, fertility, and earth. It is located in the northern part of Teotihuacán and can be reached via the Avenue of the Dead, an ancient path with deep astronomical significance.
The base of the Pyramid of the Moon measures approximately 150 meters on each side, and it stands 43 meters tall. It’s built in several tiers and is surrounded by a large ceremonial plaza, where smaller temples and residential structures can be found, offering beautiful views.
If you need accommodation in Mexico City with a good price/quality ratio, we recommend these nearby places: Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel, HoM Balderas, Hotel MX Centro, Fungi Hostal Condesa, Barrio Downtown Hostel, and Hostel Mundo Joven.
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4. Visit the Palace of Quetzalcóatl
Now that you know how to get to the Teotihuacán pyramids from Mexico City, you should also explore the Palace of Quetzalcóatl, a marvel dedicated to the Feathered Serpent, one of the main deities of Mesoamerican civilizations.
The Palace of Quetzalcóatl is one of the most important monuments in Teotihuacán. It’s a stepped pyramid decorated with sculptures of feathered serpent heads and figures of Tláloc, the god of rain. Remember, if you’d like a guided tour, you can book this tour from Mexico City.
To reach the Palace of Quetzalcóatl from the Pyramid of the Sun or the Pyramid of the Moon, simply walk south along the Calzada de los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead). Despite the heat, don’t miss this site, as its intricate decoration makes it one of the most beautiful buildings in the Teotihuacán archaeological zone.
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5. Visit the Teotihuacan Culture Museum
The Teotihuacan Culture Museum is located within the archaeological site, just a few steps from the entrance. This museum houses more than 500 ceramic objects, tools, jewelry, and human remains. Visiting it is an educational and enriching experience that perfectly complements your trip to the pyramids.
We recommend visiting the museum at the start of your tour. It’s a great way to begin immersing yourself in the greatness of this ancient civilization. You’ll also find detailed models that recreate how Teotihuacan looked at its peak, helping you better navigate its pathways.
Additionally, visiting the museum will give you a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and religious aspects of this ancient people. By the way, if you’re planning to visit Teotihuacan on your own, consider taking this guided tour of the pyramids and ruins, as there aren’t many informative signs.
If you’re planning to travel to Teotihuacán and haven’t booked your flights to Mexico City yet, don’t worry! Here are some links to help you find the best prices and compare offers from your preferred location and dates:
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Tip: When planning an international trip, we tend to focus on choosing destinations, accommodations, and tours, but often overlook unexpected events such as illnesses, accidents, thefts, or the need to return earlier than planned due to a family emergency.
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Tips for Visiting Teotihuacán Pyramids
Now that you know what to do at the Teotihuacán pyramids, along with the site’s hours and entrance fees, keep in mind that you’ll be visiting a semi-dry climate region. During the dry season, from November to April, you’ll enjoy cool mornings and evenings. In the rainy season, from May to October, expect more humidity and heat.
Teotihuacán is a large site, requiring a lot of walking. So, it’s essential to wear comfortable clothes, bring water to stay hydrated, and wear suitable footwear. Since most of the archaeological site is outdoors, don’t forget to apply sunscreen and wear a hat.
If you’re traveling around Mexico, here are some other travel guides that may be helpful:
Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende
5 Must-See Museums in Mexico City
Things to Do in Oaxaca and Its Surroundings
Other Recommended Tours in Mexico City
Tour of Coyoacán, Xochimilco, and the Frida Kahlo Museum
Free Walking Tour Roma-Condesa
Excursion to the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl Volcanoes
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