Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone
4.3(1,012)

Plaza de las Tres Culturas | Where Mexico’s three eras meet

Included with some Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone tickets

Timings

RECOMMENDED DURATION

5+ hours

Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacan, Mexico, with surrounding ancient structures.

From happy customers

Loved by 45 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.
Tomas

Tomas

Oct 2025
5/5
Our family from Argentina loved this tour. We learned a lot, and the guides were super patient with my parents. Be sure to wear comfy shoes and bring a bottle for water, it gets HOT.
Marcela

Marcela

Oct 2025
4/5
Went with my cousin and we had a BLAST. The drizzle made it kinda magical tbh, tho my shoes got all muddy. Our guide (I think her name was Sofia?) was SO passionate abt the history, made it come alive. Only downside: the souvenir shop was a bit meh and felt like a tourist trap. But pyramids = EPIC. Bring snacks, I got hungry halfway!
Yasmin

Yasmin

Jun 2025
4/5
Visited with my parents, weather was HOT but there’s a nice breeze up top. Pyramid stairs are steep, so we took it slow. The murals in the Temple of the Feathered Serpent were my fave—so colorful! Lots of stray dogs around, super friendly tho. Didn’t love the restroom situation (bring ur own TP...).
Lucas

Lucas

Jun 2025
5/5
Felt like a kid again climbing up. We got there early to beat the crowds (and sun). Local guides hang out near the gate, ours was Jorge—he was hilarious, really brought history alive. Only thing: no food allowed inside, so eat before you go. Marketplace near the exit is fun for souvenirs, got a tiny obsidian jaguar.
Aleksei

Aleksei

Oct 2025
4/5
Loved the balloon ride but felt a bit rushed during the pyramid tour. Not enough time for photos. Guide was knowledgeable and breakfast was tasty. Would do it again, just wish for more free time.

If you want to understand Mexico’s story beyond its pyramids, start at Plaza de las Tres Culturas in Tlatelolco, Mexico City. It’s a place where three worlds stand side by side: the pre-Hispanic ruins of the Aztec city of Tlatelolco, a 16th-century Spanish church, and modern apartment buildings that rise above both.

Here, you can literally walk across centuries in one square. It’s the first stop on most Teotihuacán day tours from Mexico City because it helps you trace the path of Mexico’s evolution, from ancient gods to colonial conquest to the present-day city you’re exploring.

Why visit Plaza de las Tres Culturas

Plaza de las Tres Culturas with ancient ruins and colonial church, Tlatelolco, Mexico City.
Remains of Aztec temples at Plaza de las Tres Culturas, Mexico City.
Teotihuacan pyramids with Pyramid of the Sun in the background, Mexico.
Aerial view of Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan, Mexico, with surrounding ancient structures.
Teotihuacan Pyramids with Avenue of the Dead, Mexico, featuring Pyramid of the Sun.
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Why visit Plaza de las Tres Culturas

Walk through three eras at once. See Aztec ruins, a 16th-century church, and modern buildings all in one place, no other site in Mexico City offers this mix.

Stand where history changed

The plaza marks the meeting of the pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern worlds, a living timeline carved into stone.

Discover the ruins of Tlatelolco

Once one of the Aztec Empire’s largest markets, these excavated remains tell stories of trade, community, and faith.

See the Santiago Church

Built from the same stones that once formed Aztec temples, this colonial church embodies both loss and transformation.

Start your Teotihuacán journey here

Most full-day tours begin at this plaza to help travelers understand Mexico’s layers of history before heading to the pyramids.

What you’ll see

Tlatelolco Aztec ruins with stone structures and historical site in Mexico City.

Tlatelolco Ruins

The remains of an ancient Aztec marketplace that once rivaled Tenochtitlan in power. Excavations reveal altars, temples, and market platforms.

  • What to do: Take a short walk through the site to imagine thousands trading obsidian, jade, and cacao here.
  • Tip: Hire a local guide or join a Teotihuacán tour to understand the symbolism behind each structure.
Teotihuacan pyramids and Avenue of the Dead with visitors exploring the ancient site in Mexico.

Santiago Church

Built in the 1500s by Dominican friars, this church was made using stones taken directly from the Aztec temples destroyed during the conquest.

  • What to do: Step inside to see its simple yet haunting interior.
  • Tip: Notice how the old Aztec carvings are still visible on some of the reused stones.
Teotihuacan pyramids with tourists exploring, Tlatelolco ruins, and Guadalupe Shrine in Mexico City tour.

Memorial 1968

A stark, moving monument that commemorates students who were killed during the Tlatelolco massacre on October 2, 1968.

  • What to do: Spend a few quiet minutes reading the names etched on the walls.
  • Tip: Visit early in the morning when the plaza is quiet, it’s the most respectful time for reflection.
Teotihuacan pyramids with tourists, Tlatelolco ruins, Guadalupe Shrine, tequila tasting tour, Mexico City.

Cultural Walkway

A pedestrian path linking the ruins, church, and museum.

  • What to do: End your walk at the Museo de Tlatelolco, which displays artifacts found here.
  • Tip: It’s free to enter and gives you a compact but insightful look at Mexico’s post-Aztec history.
Connection to Teotihuacán and Tlatelolco

While Plaza de las Tres Culturas is not inside Teotihuacán, it’s part of the historical story most Teotihuacán day tours tell. This plaza represents the continuity of civilizations, from the pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacán to the Aztec empire that rose later, and finally to colonial and modern Mexico.

Tickets and tours that include Plaza de las Tres Culturas

Tour NameWhat you’ll loveIncludesTransportTimings & durationKeep in mind
Full-Day Tour

Begin your day at Plaza de las Tres Culturas before exploring Teotihuacán’s pyramids

Entry to Teotihuacán and Guadalupe Shrine, professional guide, tequila tasting

Round-trip from Mexico City

9 hours, starts 7:30am–8:30am

Morning pickup from central points in Mexico City

Pre-Hispanic Small-Group Tour

Visit Plaza de las Tres Culturas and Tlatelolco before heading to the pyramids

Entry + guide at Teotihuacán, visit to Tlatelolco, hotel pickup

Included

6 hours

Comfortable small-group transfers

Practical tips for visiting

  • Best time to visit: Early morning to enjoy cooler weather and fewer visitors.
  • Dress code: Comfortable shoes; the plaza’s stones are uneven in places.
  • Accessibility: Mostly wheelchair-friendly, but some ruins have short steps.
  • Photography: Allowed everywhere except inside Santiago Church. No drones.
  • Nearby: The Museo de Tlatelolco sits right next door, perfect for a quick 30-minute visit before continuing your tour.

Frequently asked questions about Plaza de las Tres Culturas

Is Plaza de las Tres Culturas part of Teotihuacán?

No. It’s located in Mexico City, but many Teotihuacán day tours include it as the first stop for context.

Do I need a separate ticket?

No. Entry is free and included when you book a full-day tour that covers Tlatelolco.

How long should I spend here?

About 30 to 45 minutes is enough before heading to the Basilica of Guadalupe and Teotihuacán.

Is it worth visiting if I’m not doing a Teotihuacán tour?

Yes. It’s one of Mexico City’s most symbolic public squares and an easy stop before or after exploring the Centro Histórico. It gives context to everything you’ll see later at the pyramids.

Is it safe to visit Plaza de las Tres Culturas?

Yes. The plaza itself is in a calm area, but like anywhere in Mexico City, stay aware of your belongings and avoid visiting late at night when it’s less crowded.

Read more

Visitors walking towards the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan, Mexico.

Pyramid of the Sun

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

Pyramid of the Moon

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

History