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The Pyramid of the Moon Teotihuacán was built in seven layers, one stacked over the other.
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Where is the Pyramid of the Moon located in Teotihuacán?
From the base of the Temple of the Sun and Moon, your eyes are naturally drawn northward, straight toward the Teotihuacán Pyramid of the Moon and Sun alignment. This was no accident—the Moon Pyramid was deliberately placed to mirror the nearby Cerro Gordo mountain, blending architecture with the natural world. Alongside its larger counterpart, the Temple of Sun and Moon formed the symbolic and spiritual backbone of Teotihuacán’s urban design.
What was the Pyramid of the Moon used for?
While many visitors focus on the Teotihuacán Pyramid of the Sun and Moon, archaeologists believe the Pyramid of the Moon actually predates the Sun Pyramid. It was built in seven stages, each layer burying the previous one like a ritual time capsule. Several of these layers were sealed with human and animal sacrifices—jaguars, eagles, obsidian blades, and figurines—placed with precise spiritual intention.
The temple of the Moon Teotihuacán may have also hosted royal burials. Some believe high-status individuals were laid to rest here, surrounded by offerings, in a city where death and divinity walked hand in hand.
What’s inside the Pyramid of the Moon: Rituals, sacrifices, and symbolism
How to visit the Pyramid of the Moon, Teotihuacán, Mexico
How to get there
Closest entrance
Best time to visit
To visit the Teotihuacán Pyramid of the Sun, you’ll need to travel about 50 minutes northeast of Mexico City. The easiest options are:
- By car or Uber (most convenient if you're tight on time)
- Public bus from Autobuses del Norte station (look for the sign “PIRÁMIDES”)
- Teotihuacán sunrise tour or hot air balloon ride with roundtrip transfers
Gate 2 (Puerta 2) is the most direct entry to the pyramid of the sun at Teotihuacán. It drops you right near the base, saving time and energy for the climb.
Get there by 9am to beat the crowds and harsh midday sun. The pyramid faces east, so early mornings offer the best light — especially for that perfect Teotihuacán sunrise shot.
Weekdays are quieter; Sundays get busy with locals (entry is free for Mexican citizens).
Pyramid of the Moon vs. Pyramid of the Sun
Feature
Pyramid of the Moon Teotihuacán
Pyramid of the Sun Teotihuacán
Height
43 meters
65 meters
Built
Around 250 CE
Around 100 CE
Location
North end of Avenue of the Dead
East side of Avenue of the Dead
Symbolism
Associated with the Great Goddess, water, fertility
Possibly dedicated to a sun deity
Interior Findings
Ritual burials, obsidian blades, jaguars
Limited interior excavation
Orientation
Faces Cerro Gordo mountain
Aligned with solar calendar
Climbing Access
Partial (up to the 5th level)
Not currently accessible
Panoramic View
Best view of sun and moon pyramids and city layout
Most iconic and largest visual
Religious Use
Ceremonial center with sacrificial offerings
Likely ceremonial but less ritual evidence
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Frequently asked questions about the Teotihuacán Pyramid of the Moon
What is the Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacán?
The Pyramid of the Moon is the second-largest structure in Teotihuacán, Mexico. It was built around 200 AD and used for ceremonies dedicated to the Great Goddess.
Can you climb the Pyramid of the Moon?
You can no longer climb to the top of the Pyramid of the Moon due to preservation efforts, but you can access partway for stunning views of the Avenue of the Dead.
How does the Pyramid of the Moon compare to the Pyramid of the Sun?
The Pyramid of the Moon is slightly smaller but older than the Pyramid of the Sun. It's thought to have had more ceremonial significance in Teotihuacán culture.
Where is the Pyramid of the Moon located within Teotihuacán?
The Pyramid of the Moon stands at the northern end of the Avenue of the Dead and aligns with Cerro Gordo mountain, adding to its symbolic importance.