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All about Teotihuacán Pyramid of the Moon

The Pyramid of the Moon is one of the most powerful structures in Teotihuacán — second in size only to the Pyramid of the Sun, but arguably more sacred. Located at the northern end of the Avenue of the Dead, the Pyramid of the Moon Teotihuacán  mirrors the Cerro Gordo mountain behind it, blending earth and sky in a seamless visual illusion. Built between 100–250 CE, this temple may have been the heart of the city’s ceremonial life, dedicated to a goddess of water, fertility, and the moon.

Quick facts

  • Height: ~43 meters
  • Constructed: 100–250 CE
  • Location: Northern end of Teotihuacán ’s Avenue of the Dead
  • Function: Ceremonial rituals, sacrifices, burials
  • Style: Built in seven layers, like a cosmic staircase
  • Nearby landmarks: Temple of the Feathered Serpent, Plaza of the Moon, Palace of Quetzalpapalotl

​All about Teotihuacán

Where is the Pyramid of the Moon located in Teotihuacán?

Teotihuacan's Pyramid of the Moon with Road of the Dead in foreground, Mexico.

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?

Guided tour group exploring Pyramid of the Moon, Teotihuacan, Mexico.

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

Visitors ascending the Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacan, Mexico.
Teotihuacan ancient pyramids and ruins in Mexico under a clear sky.
unearthed human skeletons
Teotihuacan wall painting fragments depicting the Great Goddess, Mexico.
Temple of Quetzalcoatl with carved intricate structures in Teotihuacan, Mexico.
Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan, Mexico, with tourists exploring the ancient site.
Pyramid of the Moon viewed from a distance in Teotihuacan, Mexico.
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The Pyramid of the Moon Teotihuacán  was built in seven layers, one stacked over the other.

Archaeologists discovered burial chambers containing obsidian blades, greenstone figurines, conch shells, and animal remains like eagles and jaguars.

Human skeletons were found bound and placed with offerings—likely sacrifices tied to religious ceremonies

Many offerings are linked to the Great Goddess of Teotihuacán, believed to represent fertility and creation.

Some chambers may have served as royal tombs, suggesting the pyramid wasn’t just a temple.

The findings inside make this a key site when studying the temple of the moon Mexico and ancient rituals.

While it’s not a literal pyramid on the moon, what lies beneath adds to its mystery and historical weight.

Astronomical significance of the Pyramid of the Moon

On the summer solstice, the rising sun aligns with the Pyramid of the Moon’s northeast corner and the distant Xihuingo volcano. On the winter solstice, it sets behind Moctezuma Peak. Some believe this alignment dictated the entire city’s orientation, showing just how central the temple of the Sun and Moon Mexico was to cosmic timekeeping.

Despite being called the “Moon” pyramid today, researchers suggest the names Pyramid of the Moon and Sun were likely Aztec-era inventions. The original names are lost to time, but the structure’s alignment with solar and lunar events may reveal what mattered most to the ancient Teotihuacáns: the skies.

​Teotihuacáns from the sky!

How to visit the Pyramid of the Moon, Teotihuacán, Mexico

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
Tourist climbing Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacan, Mexico.

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.

Tourists walking along Avenue of the Dead, viewing Pyramid of the Moon, Teotihuacan, Mexico.

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).

Teotihuacan opening times

All Teotihuacan tickets provide access to the Pyramid of the Moon.

Visiting the Pyramid of the Moon today

You can’t climb to the very top of the Pyramid of the Moon, but visitors are allowed up to the fifth platform. That’s high enough to take in the full sweep of the Avenue of the Dead and the symmetry of the ancient city.

For an extraordinary experience, the best way to appreciate the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon is from above!

A hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacán gives you a full aerial view of the temple of the moon Teotihuacán , its layered construction, and the surrounding landscape.

Arrive early to beat the crowds and the sun — there’s almost no shade here. Most visitors start at the Pyramid of the Sun, but heading straight to the Moon Pyramid gives you a quieter experience and a wider vantage point.

**Quick tips

  • Entrance: Puerta 3 gets you closest to the Moon Pyramid
  • Best time: 8am to 10am
  • Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes
  • Pair with a guided tour or balloon ride for a deeper context

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.

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