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Plan your visit to Teotihuacán

Teotihuacán, often called the “City of the Gods,” is one of Mexico’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites. Sprawling across nearly 8 square miles, it’s home to the towering Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, ancient murals, and the remains of an entire civilization that vanished over a thousand years ago. The site is vast, open-air, and best enjoyed with a clear plan, one that helps you move through its highlights without missing what matters most.

Navigating your way

Teotihuacán is laid out along a central avenue called the Avenue of the Dead, with most landmarks branching from it. The main entrance is Puerta 1, near the Pyramid of the Sun, and that’s where most tours begin.

👉 Start here: Enter through Puerta 1 to reach the Pyramid of the Sun, the heart of the complex. From here, walk north to the Pyramid of the Moon and the Plaza of the Moon.
👉 Follow the flow: The one-way route runs roughly 2.5 km along the Avenue of the Dead. Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s little shade and plenty of walking.
👉 Add-ons: Don’t miss the Temple of the Feathered Serpent at the southern end, or the mural-filled palaces like Tetitla and Tepantitla.

Explore better with a local expert

The scale of Teotihuacán surprises most people; walking between monuments under the sun can take hours. A guided tour saves time and gives meaning to what you see—the hidden symbolism in murals, the geometry of the pyramids, and how the city aligned with stars. Combo tours from Mexico City also bundle in the Basilica of Guadalupe and Tlatelolco, letting you trace Mexico’s spiritual story from ancient to modern times in a single day!

How to make the most of your time

Visit typeDurationRouteWhat you get

Snapshot visit

2–3 hrs

Puerta 1 → Pyramid of the Sun → Avenue of the Dead → Pyramid of the Moon

Perfect if you’re short on time — the greatest hits, without the climb.

Half-day visit

4–5 hrs

Puerta 1 → Pyramid of the Sun climb → Avenue of the Dead → Pyramid of the Moon → Temple of the Feathered Serpent

A complete overview with enough time to enjoy each section without rushing.

Full-day experience

6–8 hrs

Puerta 1 → Pyramid of the Sun → Palace of Quetzalpapálotl → Pyramid of the Moon → Temple of the Feathered Serpent → Local cave restaurant or museum

A deep dive into Teotihuacán’s history, art, and culture, with time for rest and reflection.

Handy tips

  • Book ahead: Online tickets and tours sell out fast, especially on weekends. Walk-ins often wait 30–60 minutes in line.
  • Arrive early: Gates open at 8am. By 10am, tour buses start arriving and the Pyramid of the Sun gets crowded.
  • Weather matters: Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water — there’s almost no shade and temperatures rise quickly.
  • Avoid Mondays: Some nearby museums and eateries close; crowds gather instead on weekends.
  • Bring cash: Some small vendors near entrances only accept pesos, not cards.

Know before booking your Teotihuacán tickets

If you’re already near Teotihuacán, a Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket lets you enter directly and explore at your own pace — perfect for independent travelers. Expect to spend 1–6 hours inside.

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If you’re based in Mexico City, guided Full-Day Tours include round-trip transport, a professional guide, and stops at Guadalupe Shrine and Tlatelolco, connecting three eras of Mexican culture.

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Want a once-in-a-lifetime view? Choose the Hot Air Balloon Flight. It departs at sunrise and includes breakfast, a sparkling wine toast, and an optional cave meal or guided tour afterward.

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For a smaller group or flexible schedule, the Pre-Hispanic Small Group Tour or Private Guided Tour offers personalized attention and private transport.

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Choosing the right ticket depends on how deep you want to explore and how you plan to get there. See the comparison table below for inclusions and best-fit options.

Teotihuacán timings and best time to visit

DayTimingsLast entryClosed on

Mon – Sun

8 am – 5 pm

4:30 pm

Open daily (year-round)

Best time to visit

Weekdays are calmer than weekends, especially early mornings before 10 am or late afternoons after 3 pm.

Seasons

December to March offers clear skies and mild weather—great for balloon rides. April to June gets hot but bright for photos. Rainy months (July–September) see lush greenery and thinner crowds.

​Learn about Teotihuacán timings in detail here

Where is Teotihuacán located?

Teotihuacán lies about 50 km (31 mi) northeast of Mexico City, in the State of Mexico. It’s part of the town of San Juan Teotihuacán.

Address: Zona Arqueológica de Teotihuacán, San Juan Teotihuacán, State of Mexico 55800 | Find on Maps
Closest landmark: Museo de la Cultura Teotihuacana, 300 m from Gate 1.

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How to get there

By public transport

  • Bus: From Mexico City’s North Bus Terminal (Terminal del Norte), take the bus labeled “Piramides de Teotihuacán”. Trips run every 20 min, take about 1 hr 15 min, and drop you at the main entrance.
  • Tours: Many guided tours include hotel pickup—ideal if you want round-trip convenience.
  • Train (future project): The Tren Suburbano extension is planned but not yet open.

By car

Drive via Highway 85D (Mexico-Pachuca) and follow signs to Zona Arqueológica de Teotihuacán. The route takes 45–60 min.
Parking: Paid lots near Gates 1–5 (about 80 pesos per day).

Insider tips

  • Early bird rule: Arrive by 8 am and start from Gate 3 (Moon Pyramid) to walk south; you’ll move against the crowd.
  • Weather hack: Bring a small umbrella—it doubles as shade; summer storms come suddenly around 3 pm.
  • Balloon day tip: Book your hot-air-balloon slot for weekdays. Wind cancellations are fewer, and sunrise colors are clearer.
  • Hidden gem: The Palace of Quetzalpapálotl behind the Moon Pyramid has intricate murals and is often empty.
  • Cultural extra: Visit the Museo de la Cultura Teotihuacana at the south end before exiting; it adds context to what you’ve seen outside.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Teotihuacán

How long does it take to visit Teotihuacán?

Most visitors spend 3–5 hours; guided or combo tours take 6–8 hours including transfers.

What time does Teotihuacán open?

Daily from 8 am to 5 pm; last entry 4:30 pm.

Can I climb the pyramids?

No, climbing is currently restricted for conservation. Observation zones are open.

Is Teotihuacán wheelchair accessible?

Yes, major paths are paved, though some sections have uneven stone.

Information

All screenshots of maps found on this page are sourced from Google in accordance with fair use. All rights to such screenshots lie with the specific platform, and their use is solely for informational or guidance purposes.

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