Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone
4.4(510)

Walk the Avenue of the Dead at Teotihuacán

Included with Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone tickets

Timings

RECOMMENDED DURATION

5+ hours

Avenue of the Dead
























































From happy customers

Loved by 43 million+
Mitchell Josvai
US

Mitchell

United States
Aug 2025
5/5

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The early tour is a great experience. The bus ride is smooth and they make a stop so that you may use the restroom and grab a snack or coffee. There are no crowds whatsoever when you arrive, which makes for some excellent photos. Lots of time spent at the pyramids, including climbing them, which was amazing. Lunch is not included but is at a spot that we really enjoyed. We felt that we had ample time and were not rushed, but still made it back to CDMX by 3 pm.
Gaspar Saul Cristobal Lucas
US

Gaspar

United States
Aug 2025
5/5

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Karen and Guillermo were great! Karen made our experience fun! She was very knowledgeable about the pyramids and was able to answer our questions. They both were a great vibe and had great laughs. Our group was small that day so the experience felt more personal. We visited the plaza of 3 cultures, the pyramids, and checked out a small cave. Definitely would recommend the Prehispanic Small Group Tour as it did take up our morning and into a bit after lunch time, and we were still able to go explore Mexico City afterwards which was good!
Ruy Noya
CA

Ruy

Canada
Aug 2025
5/5

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Robert and Lili were very professional and demonstrated an unsurpassed level of knowledge, they took care of the group, especially us who were always late. A thousand thanks to both of them and to the driver for his great skill. The food at Rancho Azteca was spectacular.
Joan B Griswold
US

Joan

United States
Mar 2024
5/5
Our guide Lily and driver Francisco were excellent. Both were friendly. Lily was most knowledgeable and recommend her most enthusiastically.
Philip Blair

Philip

Mar 2021
4/5
Had a great time at this tour and loved the liqueur tasting with a local Teotihuacan family. We tasted a variety of liqueurs such as tequila, mezcal, etc and all these were made from a cactus. It tasted amazing!
Genny Saenz

Genny

Apr 2021
5/5
Just mindblowing! I had so much fun today , the guide was amazing and knew so much about the various places. It did not even cost that much and we went to three major sites all in one day! The lunch was amazing too. Great initiative.
Chere Ruffin

Chere

Mar 2021
4/5
Had a great day. We went to three places , my favourite was the city of gods. The scenery from there is beautiful. I could have stayed there for hours. The guide is really nice and knowledgable.
Mark Hamidi
CA

Mark

Canada
Oct 2023
4/5
The two day tour was very informative. 1st day was a very well organized tour of Teotihuacan. Lunch was not included in the price but the place for lunch was an authentic experience with decent food. Our English speaking tour guide Gerson was very knowledgeable and also very funny. We only wish he spoke a little slower and more clearly as it was sometimes very hard to understand him and what he is saying. Day 2 was a private tour of National Museum of Anthropology and the historic centre of Mexico City, including Templo Mayor Museum. Our guide Emmanuel was absolutely fantastic and super knowledgeable and well spoken. Highly recommend Emmanuel. Our only issue with Day 2 tour was it was none stop walking and standing from 9am to 2pm without even a break for lunch or some snacks etc. so we were extremely tired and hungry by the end of the tour. So our only suggestion is to include a lunch or rest period with some food and drinks in Day 2 tour of Mexico City. Other than that great tour altogether and we would recommend taking this tour as you learn a lot about the history of Mexico in general and particularly about Teotihuacan, Mayan and Aztec civilizations.

Top things to do in Mexico City

Discover the Avenue of the Dead

Walk the same path ancient Teotihuacanos once took to honor their gods and rulers. The Avenue of the Dead is the heart of Teotihuacán, a 2.5-kilometer-long ceremonial boulevard lined with temples, palaces, and pyramids that once formed the sacred axis of the city. It’s here you truly feel the scale and power of what was once the largest metropolis in pre-Columbian America.

How to access the Avenue of the Dead

  • You don’t need a separate ticket to visit the Avenue of the Dead. Access is automatically included with every Teotihuacán entry ticket. The avenue stretches from the Pyramid of the Moon in the north to the Ciudadela complex in the south, where the Temple of the Feathered Serpent stands.
  • Once you enter the archaeological site through any main gate — Gate 1 (south), Gate 2 (east), or Gate 3 (north), you’ll immediately find yourself walking parts of this ancient road. Guided tours and combo experiences naturally follow this route, as every major monument connects to it.

Avenue of the Dead in a nutshell

What it is

The Avenue of the Dead is Teotihuacán’s main ceremonial avenue, running about 2.5 kilometers through the city’s core. It was the central axis for processions, rituals, and religious ceremonies connecting the Pyramid of the Moon, Pyramid of the Sun, and Temple of the Feathered Serpent.

Origin of the name

The name was given by the Aztecs, who discovered the site centuries later. They believed the mounds along the road were royal tombs, hence calling it the “Avenue of the Dead.”

Layout and design

The avenue is aligned 15.5° east of true north, a deliberate astronomical orientation linked to solar and star movements. It’s about 40 meters wide, flanked by stepped platforms, temples, and plazas.

Purpose in Teotihuacán’s culture

It symbolized the pathway of souls, from the earthly realm toward the divine. Processions honoring deities and rulers moved along this route during sacred festivals

Key landmarks along the avenue

  • Pyramid of the Moon: marks the northern end; used for ritual offerings and sacrifices.
  • Pyramid of the Sun: central monument built over a sacred cave.
  • Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Ciudadela): southern end, decorated with serpent heads.
  • Palace of Quetzalpapálotl: elite residential complex with carved columns and murals.

Unique facts

  • The surface was once plastered in white limestone, giving it a reflective glow visible across the valley.
  • The entire layout mimics the Milky Way, according to some interpretations, reinforcing its cosmic symbolism.

Things to know before booking Avenue of the Dead tickets

  • You don’t need a separate ticket for the Avenue of the Dead; it’s part of the archaeological site. Whether you book a Skip-the-line tickets , guided tour , or Balloon experience , you’ll naturally walk along this avenue since it connects all the main monuments.
  • If you prefer exploring freely, the standard entry ticket works best. For context and history, go for a guided tour, it includes a walk through the Avenue of the Dead with detailed stops. For aerial views, pick a hot air balloon combo that lets you see the entire stretch from above before exploring it on foot.
  • The site opens at 8am, and by mid-morning it gets hot and busy. Early Access Tours let you walk the avenue in cooler, quieter conditions with better light for photos.
  • You’ll need at least 1.5 to 2 hours to walk the avenue and explore its adjoining pyramids. If you’re on a guided tour, the walk is naturally broken into informative stops, making it easier to manage.
  • Personal photography is allowed everywhere on the avenue, but tripods and drones require special permits issued by INAH (the National Institute of Anthropology and History).

Your Avenue of the Dead ticket types explained

Access to the Avenue of the Dead is automatically included with every valid Teotihuacán entry ticket. Whether you visit independently, join a guided tour, or take a hot air balloon ride, you’ll walk this avenue — it’s the main route connecting the Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and Temple of the Feathered Serpent.

Here’s what each ticket offers:

Teotihuacán skip-the-line entry

Best for: Independent travelers who want full freedom to explore.

  • Includes: Fast-track entry to the Teotihuacán archaeological site, allowing you to start your walk along the Avenue of the Dead right after entry.
  • Tour included? No, this is a self-guided visit. You can explore the entire avenue, climb the pyramids (when open), and spend as much time as you wish at each section.
  • Inclusions: Entry ticket, skip-the-line access, flexible visit duration (1–6 hours).
  • Exclusions: Guided service, transportation, and transfers from Mexico City.
  • When you’ll visit the avenue: Immediately after entering through any of the main gates — the avenue forms the core of your entire route through Teotihuacán.
  • Recommended ticket: Teotihuacán Pyramids Skip-the-Line Entry

Teotihuacán early access or afternoon guided tour

Best for: Travelers who want context and storytelling.

  • Includes: Round-trip transportation from Mexico City, professional bilingual guide, and entry to Teotihuacán.
  • Tour included? Yes, fully guided. The tour begins with a walk along the Avenue of the Dead before visiting the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.
  • Inclusions: Transfers, entry ticket, expert guide, and designated pickup points (MIGA Café or Hostal Amigo).
  • Exclusions: Meals and personal expenses.
  • When you’ll visit the avenue: Early morning tours cover the avenue first, the best time to walk it under soft light and fewer crowds. Afternoon tours end with the avenue as the sun sets behind the pyramids.
  • Recommended ticket: From Mexico City: Early Access or Afternoon Guided Tour

Teotihuacán, Guadalupe Shrine & Tlatelolco full-day tour

Best for: Visitors who want a complete cultural and religious journey.

  • Includes: Entrance to Teotihuacán, guided exploration of the Avenue of the Dead, and visits to two additional landmarks, the Guadalupe Shrine and Tlatelolco.
  • Tour included? Yes, led by a professional guide with commentary in English and Spanish.
  • Inclusions: Entry to all three sites, transport from Mexico City, tequila or mezcal tasting, and expert-guided experience.
  • Exclusions: Meals and personal purchases.
  • When you’ll visit the avenue: After the first stop at Tlatelolco, your guide takes you straight into Teotihuacán, where the Avenue of the Dead is the main walking route before heading to the pyramids.
  • Recommended ticket: Full-Day Tour with Guadalupe Shrine & Tlatelolco

Teotihuacán 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of the Sun & Moon Pyramids

Best for: Visitors short on time but who want in-depth insights.

  • Includes: A focused guided walk covering the Avenue of the Dead, Pyramid of the Sun, and Pyramid of the Moon. Entry ticket optional depending on variant.
  • Tour included? Yes, bilingual guide in English or Spanish.
  • Inclusions: Guided walking tour of Teotihuacán’s central monuments, flexible time slots (8am or 10am).
  • Exclusions: Transportation and meals. Some variants exclude entry tickets (must be purchased at gate).
  • When you’ll visit the avenue: It’s the starting point — the guide begins here to explain the city’s layout before exploring the pyramids.
  • Recommended ticket: Teotihuacan 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of the Sun & Moon Pyramids

Hot Air Balloon Flight + Teotihuacán Tour

Best for: Those who want to see Teotihuacán from both air and land.

  • Includes: 35–50 minute shared balloon flight over the pyramids, sparkling wine toast, flight certificate, and optional guided site visit.
  • Tour included? Yes, in the combo variant. After landing, you’re taken to Teotihuacán for a guided visit along the Avenue of the Dead.
  • Inclusions: Round-trip transport from Mexico City, guide, entry tickets, and balloon experience.
  • Exclusions: Meals and personal expenses (except where breakfast is specified).
  • When you’ll visit the avenue: After your balloon flight and cave breakfast (if included), you’ll enter Teotihuacán mid-morning — the Avenue of the Dead walk is part of your guided ground tour.
  • Recommended tickets:
  • Teotihuacán Hot Air Balloon Ride with Guided Tour & Basilica Visit
  • From Mexico City: Hot Air Balloon with Teotihuacán Tour
  • Teotihuacán Hot Air Balloon Flight with Natural Cave Breakfast

Teotihuacán & Pre-Hispanic Cave Tour (Small Group)

Best for: Culture lovers looking for a deeper local connection.

  • Includes: Guided visit to Teotihuacán, including the Avenue of the Dead, plus a meal in a pre-Hispanic cave restaurant.
  • Tour included? Yes, intimate small-group tour with pickup from your accommodation.
  • Inclusions: Entry ticket, bilingual guide, private round-trip transport, and authentic local experience.
  • Exclusions: Drinks and personal expenses.
  • When you’ll visit the avenue: Midway through the itinerary — after the cave experience and before heading to the Pyramid of the Sun.
  • Recommended ticket: Teotihuacán Hot Air Balloon Flight with Natural Cave Breakfast

Architectural highlights of the Avenue of the Dead

Teotihuacán’s architects designed the Avenue of the Dead as a grand ceremonial axis, 40 meters wide, paved with volcanic stone, and aligned with the cosmos. Archaeologists believe its design reflected the city’s connection between heaven and the underworld.

Each structure along the avenue follows strict symmetry. Platforms, plazas, and stairways were built to create an unbroken visual line, guiding processions toward the pyramids. The use of talud-tablero (sloping and vertical wall pattern) became a signature style later adopted across Mesoamerica.

Historical and cultural significance

The Avenue of the Dead wasn’t just a road. It was the stage for rituals, royal parades, and sacrifices that defined Teotihuacán’s spiritual life. Scholars believe the dead rulers of Teotihuacán were carried along this path toward the Pyramid of the Moon, the symbolic gateway to the afterlife.

The Aztecs, arriving centuries later, were so awed by the ruins that they believed it was where the gods themselves were born — hence the name Teotihuacán, “the place where gods were made.”

Read more

Know before you go

  • Opening hours: The Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone is open daily from 8am to 5pm. Last entry is around 4pm.
  • Recommended arrival time: Arrive by 8am to enjoy cooler temperatures and smaller crowds, especially for walking the Avenue of the Dead comfortably.
  • Balloon tours: These start early, around 6am, with hotel pickups from 4:30–5am, depending on your operator.
  • Ticket offices: Close about 30–40 minutes before site closure, so don’t plan to buy tickets too late in the day.
  • Seasonal variations: Hours generally remain the same year-round, though certain sections may close temporarily for restoration or safety.
Detailed Teotihuacan timings
  • Where it is: The Avenue of the Dead runs through the heart of the Teotihuacán Archaeological Site, about 50 kilometers northeast of Mexico City.
  • Entrances:**Gate 1 (South): Closest to the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Ciudadela).Gate 2 (East): Near the Pyramid of the Sun- most tours start here.Gate 3 (North): Closest to the Pyramid of the Moon**.
  • Reaching the site:By tour: Easiest and most comfortable — all guided and combo tours include round-trip transfers.By car: Around 1 hour from Mexico City via Highway 132D.By public transport: Regular buses leave from Terminal del Norte to “Zona Arqueológica de Teotihuacán” every 20–30 minutes.
  • Inside the site: The Avenue of the Dead connects all key monuments; expect to walk roughly 2.5 km each way if covering the entire stretch.
All about getting to Teotihuacan
  • Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and at least 1L of water; shade is minimal throughout the site.
  • Carry cash (Mexican pesos) for small purchases near the entrances; many vendors don’t accept cards.
  • Avoid visiting during midday (12pm–2pm) when the sun is strongest.
  • If joining a guided tour, ask your guide to explain the astronomical alignment (15.5° east of north), it’s one of the most fascinating aspects.
  • Use Gate 2 if you want to start near the Pyramid of the Sun and make your way north toward the Moon Pyramid, it’s the most efficient walking route.
  • Bring a light jacket during winter months (November–February); mornings can be chilly, especially for early balloon tours.
  • Allow at least 2–3 hours if you plan to explore the Avenue of the Dead along with the pyramids and palaces.
  • Climate: Teotihuacán has a semi-arid climate. Days are warm, nights can be cool.
  • Average temperatures:**Dry season (Nov–Apr): 22–28°C daytime, 8–10°C mornings.Rainy season (May–Oct):** 24–30°C daytime, short afternoon showers.
  • Clothing tips:Lightweight, breathable clothes.Closed shoes or hiking sandals.Light rain jacket in summer months.Layered clothing for early morning tours or balloon rides.

Frequently asked questions about Avenue of the Dead tickets

Is access to the Avenue of the Dead included in all Teotihuacán tickets?

Yes. Every Teotihuacán entry ticket includes access to the Avenue of the Dead.

Which Teotihuacán ticket is best for exploring the Avenue of the Dead?

Guided walking tours or full-day combo tours are ideal since guides explain its layout and symbolism.

Can I see the Avenue of the Dead from a hot air balloon?

Yes, the balloon flight offers a complete aerial view of the avenue and the pyramids.

How long should I spend at the Avenue of the Dead?

At least 1.5 hours if you’re walking end to end and exploring the pyramids along the way.

Do I need to book Avenue of the Dead tickets separately?

No, it’s part of your Teotihuacán site entry.

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