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Your guide to exploring Teotihuacán with a map

Main landmarks in Teotihuacán

Visitors walking towards the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan, Mexico.
Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacan, Mexico, with surrounding ancient structures.
Temple of Quetzalcoatl with intricate carved stone serpent heads in Teotihuacan, Mexico.
Aerial view of tourists exploring the Avenue of the Dead, Teotihuacan, with pyramids in the background.
Entrance to the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl with stone walls and columns in Teotihuacan.
Stone steps and red murals inside the Jaguar Palace, Teotihuacan, Mexico.
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Pyramid of the Sun

The tallest and most iconic structure, towering at 65 meters.

Pyramid of the Moon

Overlooking the Plaza of the Moon, offering panoramic views of the Avenue of the Dead.

Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcoatl)

Decorated with serpent heads, a masterpiece of pre-Hispanic art.

Avenue of the Dead

The central spine connecting all major monuments.

Palace of Quetzalpapálotl

Known for butterfly motifs and elite residences.

Tetitla & Tepantitla compounds

Home to some of the most vibrant murals in Mexico.

Getting around Teotihuacán

Entrances

  • Gate 1: Near the Pyramid of the Sun.
  • Gate 2 & 3: Closest to the Pyramid of the Moon.
  • Gate 5: Often used for guided tours and groups.

Viewpoints

  • Top of the Pyramid of the Moon (restricted climb areas available).
  • Plaza of the Moon for wide-angle photos of the Avenue of the Dead.
  • Balloon viewpoints at sunrise.

Paths & routes

The Avenue of the Dead is your main route. From the Pyramid of the Moon, walk south to the Sun Pyramid and continue to the Ciudadela and Quetzalcoatl Temple.

Visitor facilities

  • Parking near Gates 1, 2, and 3.
  • Restrooms and small eateries at entrances.
  • Shops selling obsidian crafts and souvenirs.

Why a trip to Teotihuacán is a must-do

Visitors approaching the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacán, Mexico.

Walk up to the Pyramid of the Sun, one of the largest in the world, built over 1,800 years ago.

Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacan, Mexico, with surrounding ancient structures.
Teotihuacan Pyramid of the Moon with tourists on the way to the Dead Avenue, Mexico.
Stone steps and red murals inside the Jaguar Palace, Teotihuacan, Mexico.
Hot air balloon over Teotihuacan Pyramid of the Sun, Mexico.
Did you know?

Teotihuacán’s name means “the place where the gods were created”. By 500 AD, it was home to over 100,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in the ancient world.

Hot air balloons over Pyramid of the Sun, Teotihuacan, Mexico.

Your Teotihuacán itinerary

Arrival & entry (0–30 min)

Arrive early—ideally by 8am when the gates open. Enter through Gate 1 if you want to start near the Pyramid of the Sun, or Gate 2 for a direct approach to the Pyramid of the Moon. Pick up a site map at the entrance, grab water, and note restroom locations since they’re scattered only near gates.

Pyramid of the Sun (45–60 min)

Walk about 10 minutes from Gate 1 to reach this giant. It’s 65m high and once had a temple at its peak. You can’t climb all the way up anymore, but the base and terraces are still impressive. Take your time circling around for photos—the sheer size is overwhelming up close.

Avenue of the Dead (30–45 min)

Head north along this 2.5 km ceremonial avenue. The walk is dotted with smaller temples and platforms. Allow at least half an hour to soak it in, especially the perspective of pyramids looming on either side. This is the backbone of the city and the best way to imagine how processions once looked.

Pyramid of the Moon & Plaza of the Moon (45 min)

The northern anchor of the avenue. Climbing is limited to a lower platform now, but it’s worth it—the view from here is the most iconic shot of Teotihuacán. The plaza below is massive, framed by lesser pyramids, which once hosted rituals and gatherings.

Palaces & murals (45–60 min)

Detour to the Palace of Quetzalpapálotl, about a 10-minute walk from the Moon Pyramid. Admire carved pillars with butterfly motifs, then explore nearby housing compounds like Tetitla and Tepantitla, where colorful murals of jaguars, gods, and water scenes still survive.

Temple of Quetzalcoatl & the Ciudadela (45 min)

Located on the southern end, about a 15-minute walk from the Sun Pyramid. The feathered serpent heads lining the façade are breathtaking. This was once a political and religious hub, and the sheer size of the Ciudadela plaza shows the scale of ceremonies here.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Teotihuacán map highlights three main monuments: the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcoatl). These are connected by the Avenue of the Dead, the main road through the site.