Teotihuacán Day Trips from Mexico City

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Zona Arqueológica de Teotihuacán, San Juan Teotihuacán de Arista, State of Mexico, Mexico

RECOMMENDED DURATION

5+ hours

Timings

08:00–17:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

4200000

TICKETS

From $15

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

UNESCO YEAR

1987

Plan your visit

Did you know?

Mysterious Origins: The original name and founders of Teotihuacán remain unknown; the Aztecs named it "Teotihuacán," meaning "the place where the gods were born."

Astronomical Alignment: The city's layout aligns with celestial bodies, reflecting the inhabitants' advanced understanding of astronomy.

Multicultural Hub: Evidence suggests that Teotihuacán was a melting pot of various cultures, including Zapotec, Mixtec, and Maya.

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Teotihuacán Skip-the-Line Entry

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Guided tour

Transfers included

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From Mexico City: Teotihuacán, Guadalupe Shrine & Tlatelolco Full-Day Tour

Free cancellation

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9 hr.

Transfers included

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Teotihuacán Hot Air Balloon Ride with Optional Guided Tour & Basilica Visit

Free cancellation

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4 hr. 30 min. - 11 hr.

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

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From Mexico City: Teotihuacán Early Access or Afternoon Guided Tour

Free cancellation

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5 hr. - 7 hr.

Transfers included

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Like history? Big triangles? Ancient mysteries no one understands? You’ll probably love Teotihuacán.

Built ages ago by people we still can’t name, it once housed 150,000 humans, basically everyone at the time. The Aztecs named it “the place where gods were born,” even though they showed up fashionably late.

By 550 AD, everyone left. No note. No diary. Just... vanished. Classic. Now it’s all pyramids, cosmic alignments, and vibes. Teotihuacán is old, confusing, and kind of iconic.

So...What is Teotihuacán?

Teotihuacán is one of Mexico’s most fascinating archaeological sites, a city once so powerful it rivaled ancient Rome. Just 30 miles northeast of Mexico City, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was known as “the place where the gods were born.”

At its peak around 400 AD, more than 150,000 people lived here, making it one of the largest cities in the world. Yet around 550 AD, Teotihuacán was mysteriously abandoned. No records, no rulers, no explanation. What remains are its awe-inspiring pyramids, sacred caves, and murals that continue to captivate travelers from across the world.

Plan your visit to Teotihuacán

Hot air balloon with passengers over Teotihuacan at sunrise.

Teotihuacán is open every day from 8am to 5pm, including weekends and holidays.
Entry closes around 4:30pm, so plan to arrive before noon if you want enough time to explore both pyramids and the museum. During peak seasons (December to April), the mornings get busy after 9am, arriving by 7:30am gives you the quietest experience.
Keep in mind: the sun here is relentless. There’s no shade across most of the site, and the stone surfaces trap heat. Midday walks along the Avenue of the Dead can feel like walking through an oven, so schedule your climb before 10am or after 3pm.

Detailed operating hours of Teotihuacan pyramids

Hot air balloons over Pyramid of the Sun, Teotihuacan, Mexico.

The best months to visit are from November to April, when temperatures stay between 18°C and 25°C. These cooler months also mean clearer skies—perfect for hot air balloon rides.
If you visit in May through September, expect higher heat and occasional rain in the afternoons. Pack a light rain jacket, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Crowds are heaviest on Sundays, when entry is free for Mexican citizens, and during national holidays. For a peaceful experience, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning.

Teotihuacan pyramids and Avenue of the Dead with visitors exploring the ancient site in Mexico.

Winter (Nov–Feb): Crisp mornings and cool winds. Bring a light jacket.
Spring (Mar–Apr): Ideal weather and smaller crowds.
Summer (May–Aug): Hot, humid, and sometimes stormy; carry water and wear a hat.
Autumn (Sep–Oct): Pleasant temperatures and lush green surroundings after the rains.

Hot air balloons floating over the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan, Mexico.

Teotihuacán lies about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northeast of Mexico City in the State of Mexico. It’s part of the Teotihuacán Valley, bordered by the Cerro Gordo mountain.
Most travelers visit on guided day trips from Mexico City, which include transportation, entry tickets, and a bilingual guide. If traveling independently, buses run every 20 minutes from Terminal del Norte (look for “Piramides”) and take roughly an hour.
By car, take Autopista 132D; parking is available near Entrances 1, 2, and 3. Entrance 2 is closest to the Pyramid of the Sun, while Entrance 3 is best if you plan to start from the Pyramid of the Moon.
Find Teotihuacán on Google Maps

What to do at Teotihuacán

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Climb the Pyramid of the Sun

Watch one of the world’s largest pyramids and imagine what life looked like 2,000 years ago. At sunrise, the pyramid glows with golden light—proof that its ancient builders designed it with the cosmos in mind.

Walk the Avenue of the Dead

This grand 1.5-mile road connects Teotihuacán’s temples and pyramids. Its 15-degree tilt off true north still puzzles archaeologists, though many believe it aligns with sacred mountains and stars.

Admire the Pyramid of the Moon

Framed perfectly by Cerro Gordo mountain, the Pyramid of the Moon offers one of the most dramatic views of the ancient city. The platform in front once hosted rituals and ceremonies, and the symmetry of the site is breathtaking.

Explore the Temple of the Feathered Serpent

Dedicated to Quetzalcoatl, this smaller but intricate temple is covered with carvings of the feathered serpent god. Beneath it lies a tunnel filled with liquid mercury and golden spheres—possibly representing the underworld.

Discover the Palace of Quetzalpapálotl

One of the most elegant structures in Teotihuacán, this palace was likely home to high priests. Step into its courtyard and look up—the carvings form a cosmic map when sunlight hits at noon.

Marvel at the Murals of Teotihuacán

The ancient murals, like the famous Jaguar Mural, reveal stories of gods, warriors, and rituals. Look for one hidden along the Avenue of the Dead that shows figures wearing what resemble helmets—sparking endless theories.

Take a hot air balloon ride

Drift above the pyramids at sunrise for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. During winter, the sunlight aligns perfectly with the Avenue of the Dead, bathing the city in gold.

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Who built Teotihuacán?

Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan, Mexico with surrounding ancient ruins.

400 BCE – 100 AD

Here’s the thing—nobody really knows who built Teotihuacán. Unlike the Maya or Aztecs, this civilization left behind no written records, no royal tombs, or known rulers. All we have are its pyramids, murals, and artifacts, and from them, archaeologists have tried to piece together the story.

What we do know is that the city started forming around 400 BCE, and by 100 AD, it had grown into a massive metropolis, with planned neighborhoods, markets, palaces, and religious centers. Some theories suggest that its early settlers were refugees from volcanic eruptions in the region, while others believe it was founded by a mix of different Mesoamerican cultures, including the Totonacs, Zapotecs, and Mixtecs.

Nothing beats being at Teotihuacán! Go see it. Book now!

Temple of Quetzalcoatl with carved intricate structures in Teotihuacan, Mexico.

100 AD – 550 AD

At its height, Teotihuacán was bigger than imperial Rome, covering over 8 square miles (21 km²) and serving as a center of trade, religion, and power. Its people were master builders, astronomers, and engineers, designing a city that aligned perfectly with Orion’s Belt.

But then, around 550 AD, something happened. The city was suddenly abandoned. Some believe it was due to internal revolt, while others suggest drought or warfare. The Aztecs, who discovered its ruins centuries later, were so awestruck that they believed the gods themselves had built it.

The truth? It’s still buried beneath the ruins, waiting to be uncovered.

Explore the Pyramid of the Moon

Unique facts about Teotihuacán that will blow your mind!

Teotihuacan's Avenue of the Dead with Pyramid of the Sun in the background, Mexico.

The city is a cosmic map

The pyramids align with Orion’s Belt, and the city layout mirrors the Milky Way. This wasn’t random—Teotihuacán’s builders were tracking the cosmos.

💡 Try this: Stand at the Pyramid of the Moon at sunset during the equinox—the shadows align perfectly with the Avenue of the Dead.

Teotihuacan ruins with Pyramid of the Sun in the background, Mexico.

Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan, Mexico, with tourists exploring the ancient site.

Entrance to the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl in Teotihuacan, showcasing ancient stone carvings and architectural details.

Teotihuacan Pyramid of the Sun with tourists exploring the ancient site in Mexico.

Teotihuacán’s biggest mystery: Who is buried there?

Unlike Egyptian pyramids, the pyramids of Teotihuacán were never used as royal tombs, or at least none were found. However, in 2003, a tunnel was discovered beneath the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, revealing something incredible.

Inside the tunnel, archaeologists uncovered over 75,000 artifacts, including intricately carved statues, jade masks, and human remains. The walls were coated with liquid mercury, and the ceiling was embedded with fool’s gold (pyrite), reflecting light like a starry sky. It was unlike anything found before, leading experts to believe it might be a symbolic underworld or even the final resting place of a forgotten ruler.

Here’s the catch—no definitive royal tomb has ever been found. Some believe the bodies of Teotihuacán’s elite were hidden even deeper underground, while others suggest their remains were cremated, leaving no trace. Whatever the truth is, it’s still buried beneath Teotihuacán, waiting to be uncovered.

All about the Pyramid of the Sun

Frequently asked questions about Teotihuacan

How long does a typical guided tour last?

Most guided tours from Mexico City last between 5 to 9 hours, depending on the inclusions and itinerary. This timeframe covers transportation, site exploration, and any additional activities.

Is Teotihuacán accessible for visitors with mobility issues?

While the main avenues are relatively flat, access to the pyramids involves steep steps. Visitors with mobility challenges can still enjoy the site but may need to forgo climbing the pyramids.

What are the opening hours of Teotihuacán?

The archaeological site is open daily from 8am to 5:pm. It's best to arrive early to avoid crowds and the midday heat.

Can I book a private tour to Teotihuacán?

Yes! Private tours offer a more personalized experience, allowing you to explore at your own pace with a dedicated guide. Many private tours include hotel pickup, customized itineraries, and even special experiences like tequila tastings or visits to local artisan workshops.

What is the best time of year to visit Teotihuacán?

Teotihuacán is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the cooler months from November to April, when temperatures are more comfortable. Avoid visiting during the midday heat in the summer (May–September), as temperatures can be intense.