Teotihuacan
The vast pyramid city near Mexico City - a sacred metropolis older than the Aztecs, dominated by the colossal Pyramids of the Sun and Moon along the Avenue of the Dead, a UNESCO site.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
UNESCO World Heritage
Teotihuacan is one of the greatest archaeological sites in the Americas, the ruins of a vast and mysterious city that flourished near modern Mexico City over a thousand years before the Aztecs, who named it the place where the gods were created. Its colossal Pyramids of the Sun and Moon rise along the ceremonial Avenue of the Dead, a UNESCO wonder whose builders and language remain an enigma.
What you actually see
- The Pyramid of the Sun - the colossal pyramid, one of the largest in the world.
- The Pyramid of the Moon - the pyramid crowning the Avenue of the Dead.
- The Avenue of the Dead - the great ceremonial axis of the city.
- The Temple of the Feathered Serpent - the carved facade of Quetzalcoatl.
When to go
Year-round; the dry season from November to April is best, and mornings are cooler and quieter before the tour groups. Some balloon operators fly over the pyramids at dawn for a spectacular view.
Honest expectations
Climbing the pyramids has been restricted at times to protect them, so check before counting on it. It is huge, hot and shadeless, so go early with water, a hat and good shoes. It is a popular day trip from Mexico City, busy by midday, and vendors line the avenue.
Nearby
Mexico City and its great Anthropology Museum, which holds finds from the site, are an hour away.
What to pack for Teotihuacan
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
