When most people think of pyramids, Egypt usually steals the spotlight – but Mexico might just surprise you.
I’m yet to visit the pyramids of Egypt, but even without having seen them, I can guarantee that Mexico’s pyramids are potentially even more incredible than their Egyptian counterparts.
The monstrous step pyramids that make up Teotihuacán, which is only an hour out of Mexico City, are surprisingly large – I remember standing in front of the Pyramid of the Sun and feeling intimidated by its grandeur (for context, I was just about to ascend the hundreds of uneven steps that led to the top, and they looked alarmingly steep).
Teotihuacán is very, very old (established around 100 BCE) which makes it even more ancient than Chichén Itzá on the Yucatán Peninsula. The pyramids near Mexico City are thought to have been a major cultural, economic, and religious center with huge population and an influence that extended throughout Mesoamerica. It was mysteriously abandoned around 750 CE. No one knows why, but there are a few theories which you’ll hear about if you choose to do a guided tour.
These ancient ruins are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and are popular with people travelling throughout Mexico – they attract over 2 million tourists each year, making the site one of Mexico’s most visited attractions. I considered myself incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to explore the Teotihuacán site when I visited Mexico in 2015.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Teotihuacán pyramids, and I’d highly recommend this Mexico City day trip to anybody who will be visiting the capital. Here’s how to visit Teotihuacán from Mexico City!
Quick summary:
Planning a day trip to the ancient Teotihuacán pyramids from Mexico City? This guide covers everything you need to know — from how to get there (bus or tour), what to see, tips for visiting, and where to get the best views of this awe-inspiring archaeological site.
Recommended tours & tickets:
🚌 Pyramids of Teotihuacán Guided Day Tour – Includes transport, early access, and a guide for historical context
🎟️ Teotihuacán Entrance Ticket – Book online to save time at the gate
🎈 Teotihuacan Valley Hot Air Balloon Flight – Catch sunrise views of the pyramids from above for an unforgettable experience
How to get to Teotihuacán:
Teotihuacán guided tour:
🚌 I chose to visit on a Pyramids of Teotihuacán Day Tour from Mexico City as this option included transport, entry tickets to the site, and a guided tour on arrival.
Our tour left the city early in the day so that we could arrive before the crowds, which was great as we had the archeological site mostly to ourselves – the only other people there were a group of young school kids on a field trip.
Bus to Teotihuacán:
There is a bus to Teotihuacán from Mexico City that runs frequently throughout the day, approximately every 15-30 minutes between 6AM–6PM.
Head to the Terminal Autobuses del Norte. Inside the bus station, look for the “Teotihuacán” or “Piramides” ticket counter. Autobuses Teotihuacán is the bus company that operates direct trips.
Tickets should cost around 50-60 pesos one way. The trip takes about 1-1.5 hours and the bus will drop you off right at the entrance to the archeological site.
Once you’ve finished exploring the site, buses back to Mexico City will pick you up from the same general area that you were dropped off. The last bus typically leaves around 5PM, but it’s a good idea to confirm the departure times when you arrive.
What to see at Teotihuacán:
🎟️ You’ll need to buy tickets to enter the Teotihuacán archeological site. To save time at the gate, I’d suggest booking your ticket online in advance.
Teotihuacán highlights:
- Pyramid of the Sun: One of the largest pyramids in the world!
- Pyramid of the Moon: Located at the northern end of the Avenue of the Dead.
- Avenue of the Dead: Walk along this main avenue lined with ancient buildings and smaller temples.
- Temple of the Feathered Serpent: This temple is known for its intricate carvings.
Best views of Teotihuacán:
I was lucky enough to visit Teotihuacán just before the authorities stopped allowing visitors to climb the pyramids. Restrictions are now in place to preserve the structures and ensure safety (I definitely remember the steep incline up the rock steps feeling pretty dangerous!), so unfortunately you can’t do this anymore.
It’s still possible to walk around the base of the pyramids and get up close enough to appreciate their massive scale. There are also designated viewpoints within the archaeological site that will allow you to get scenic views of the entire complex.
🎈 If you really want the most photogenic views, you can book a Teotihuacan Valley Hot Air Balloon Flight for an impressive sunrise vista of the archeological site from the air!
This experience looks amazing and is reasonably priced compared to some hot air ballon rides in other countries. I didn’t do the hot air balloon ride myself, it would be high on my list for next time – the photos I’ve seen of the pyramids from above are jaw-dropping!
FAQ: Visiting the Teotihuacán Pyramids
How long do you need at Teotihuacán?
Most visitors spend around 2–4 hours at the site, though you may want longer if you plan to walk the entire Avenue of the Dead or add a sunrise hot air balloon flight. Half a day is usually enough to see the main highlights without rushing.
What’s the best time of day to visit?
Arriving early—right at the 8AM opening time—is the best way to avoid crowds and the strong midday heat. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends, and the morning light is ideal for photography.
What should I bring with me?
There’s very little shade at Teotihuacán, so bring a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, and some snacks. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the ground is uneven and you’ll be covering a lot of distance.
Can you still climb the pyramids at Teotihuacán?
No, climbing the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon is no longer allowed. These restrictions protect the ancient structures and ensure visitor safety. You can still walk around the bases and enjoy designated viewpoints for great photos.
Is a guided tour worth it?
Yes! Booking a Teotihuacán tour will provide valuable historical insight and theories about the site’s mysterious past, and most day tours include round-trip transport from Mexico City, making the logistics very easy.
Where are the best views of Teotihuacán?
There are designated viewpoints inside the site that overlook the Avenue of the Dead and both pyramids. For the most impressive views, consider booking a sunrise hot air balloon ride for sweeping aerial photos of the entire ancient city.
Are there places to eat at Teotihuacán?
There are small eateries and vendors near the entrances, but choices inside the archaeological zone are limited. Bringing snacks is recommended, especially if you plan to spend several hours walking the site.
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