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Teotihuacan is the ruined city northeast of Mexico City that was once among the largest urban centers in the ancient Americas. It flourished during the first centuries of the common era, long before the Aztecs, who later found its monuments abandoned and gave the site the name it still carries. Its grid layout, huge pyramids and painted palaces are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Avenue of the Dead runs through the center of the site, linking the major monuments. The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest structure, and the Pyramid of the Moon closes the northern end of the avenue with a view straight down its length. At the southern end, inside the Ciudadela, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl displays carved serpent heads. The Palace of Quetzalpapálotl preserves carved pillars, while the residential compounds of Atetelco, Tetitla and Tepantitla retain fragments of murals. On-site museums, including the Museo de la Cultura Teotihuacana and the Museo de los Murales Teotihuacanos, add context.
The site is large and exposed, so sun protection, water and comfortable shoes are essential. Arriving early beats the heat and tour groups. Hot air balloon flights at dawn offer an unforgettable perspective. Most visitors come as a day trip from Mexico City, though staying nearby allows a calmer start.
WiserMap travel guideTeotihuacan Mexico Pyramids of the Sun and MoonPlan a visit to Teotihuacan in the State of Mexico: the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Avenue of the Dead, painted palaces, balloon flights and local food.Read the guide
The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest building at Teotihuacan and one of the biggest pyramids in the Americas, built around the 2nd century. Its massive stepped form dominates the east side of the Avenue of the Dead. Climbing has been restricted in recent years, so check current rules, and bring water, a hat and sunscreen.
The Pyramid of the Moon closes the north end of the Avenue of the Dead and stands in front of a large plaza with smaller temples. From its lower platform there is a classic view down the avenue to the Pyramid of the Sun. It is at the far end of the site, so plan your walk and visit early before the midday heat.
The Avenue of the Dead is the main axis of Teotihuacan, a wide way more than two kilometres long lined with temples, platforms and palaces. Walking it end to end gives a sense of the scale of what was once one of the largest cities in the world. There is little shade, so carry water and wear a hat and sunscreen.
The Temple of Quetzalcoatl, also called the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, stands inside the large enclosure known as the Ciudadela at the south end of the site. Its facade is covered with carved heads of the feathered serpent and another deity. Start your visit here from Gate 1, then walk north along the avenue.
The Palace of Quetzalpapalotl, beside the plaza of the Pyramid of the Moon, has a courtyard surrounded by stone pillars carved with bird and butterfly figures, with traces of the original paint. It is one of the best preserved residential buildings at the site. Look for the nearby Palace of the Jaguars with its jaguar murals.
The Palace of the Jaguars sits just behind the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl and is known for its murals of feathered jaguars blowing conch shells, still showing red and other colours. A covered area protects the paintings. It is easy to miss, so follow the signs from the Moon plaza and take a moment to look closely at the details.
Outside the main avenue are several apartment compounds with some of the finest murals of Teotihuacan. Tepantitla has the famous mural often called the Paradise of Tlaloc, while Tetitla and Atetelco show jaguars, priests and warriors. They are quieter than the pyramids; ask at the entrance which compounds are open that day.
The former Augustinian monastery of Acolman, about 15 minutes from the pyramids, was founded in the 16th century and has a fine Plateresque facade, a cloister and wall paintings. A small museum shows religious art. It makes a good stop on the drive between Mexico City and Teotihuacan; check opening days, as it is often closed on Mondays.
The site museum near the Pyramid of the Sun explains how Teotihuacan was built and lived in, with sculptures, ceramics, obsidian tools and burials found at the site, plus a large model of the ancient city. Entry is included in the site ticket. Visit it in the middle of the day to take a break from the sun.
The Museo de los Murales Teotihuacanos Beatriz de la Fuente, near the Pyramid of the Moon, displays fragments of the city's wall paintings with their red, green and blue colours, along with reconstructions. It helps you imagine how colourful Teotihuacan once was. Entry is included in the site ticket; it is near Gate 3.
Several companies offer hot air balloon flights over the Teotihuacan valley at sunrise, with views of the pyramids and the surrounding hills. Flights last about an hour and usually end with breakfast. Book with an established operator, expect an early start before dawn, and know that flights are cancelled in bad weather.
La Gruta is a restaurant set inside a large natural cave a short walk from the Teotihuacan site, serving traditional Mexican dishes, often with live music and dance on weekends. It is a popular lunch stop after visiting the pyramids. Prices are higher than in town, so it is best for the unusual setting; book ahead on weekends.
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