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Pyramid of the Sun

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Pyramid of the Sun (Mexico)

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The Pyramid of the Sun is the crowning achievement of the ancient city of Teotihuacán and remains one of the largest structures of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Completed around 200 AD, this massive monument has a base side length of 225 meters and stands 65 meters tall, making it a masterpiece of pre-Columbian engineering. It is strategically positioned on the eastern side of the Avenue of the Dead, carefully aligned with the sun's position on specific dates, reflecting the advanced astronomical knowledge of its builders. Beneath its layers of adobe and stone, a natural cave system suggests the site held deep mythological significance as a place of origin or creation. Visiting the pyramid allows one to appreciate the sheer scale of Teotihuacán's urban planning, and climbing its ancient steps gives a panoramic view of the entire valley, connecting modern travelers with the grandeur of a civilization that flourished long before the Aztecs.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar–May.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C101214161716151514131111
Rain mm1414213161148150157171883012

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest structure in Teotihuacán and can be climbed during the archaeological zone's opening hours. The climb of 248 steps features a sweeping view over the entire valley.
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Typical hours
The site opens daily at 8:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm; last entry is at 4:00 pm. On public holidays the schedule may vary; inquire ahead.
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Photography
From the top of the Pyramid of the Sun you have a spectacular view of the Avenue of the Dead and the Pyramid of the Moon. Photograph on a clear day to capture the monumental layout best.
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Time needed
The climb and visit to surrounding structures take about 1.5-2 hours. For the entire Teotihuacán complex, plan at least half a day to see everything.
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Combine with
Be sure to combine the Pyramid of the Sun visit with the Pyramid of the Moon and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. The museum at the entrance also provides interesting background on the site.
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Getting there
Teotihuacán is reachable from Mexico City by bus from the North Terminal (Terminal del Norte); the journey takes about an hour. By car, take the highway towards Pachuca.
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Insider tip
Climb the pyramid early in the morning as it gets very hot later and the steps become crowded. Bring plenty of water - the climb is strenuous but the view is unforgettable.

Geography

Coordinates
19.69250, -98.84380

Facts

  • The base measures 225 by 225 meters, similar to the Great Pyramid of Giza.
  • The current height of the pyramid is approximately 65 meters.
  • It consists of an estimated 1.1 million cubic meters of material.
  • An artificial cave system was discovered beneath the pyramid.
  • Teotihuacán means 'the place where men become gods' in Nahuatl.
  • It was likely dedicated to a rain god or a fertility goddess.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pyramid of the MoonPyramid of the Moon<1 km · WExplore →
TexcocoTexcoco5 km · SEExplore →
ChalcoChalco9 km · SEExplore →
PachucaPachuca10 km · NWExplore →
ChimalhuacánChimalhuacán14 km · SExplore →
Pachuca Clock TowerPachuca Clock Tower15 km · NWExplore →
CuautlaCuautla20 km · SEExplore →
NezahualcóyotlNezahualcóyotl20 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Pyramid of the Sun (10)

Catedral del Divino Redentor🏺 historical

A 16th-century church built on a pre-Columbian platform in Teotihuacan.

teopanacaxco🏺 historical

An archaeological structure with the Nahuatl name 'Teopanacaxco' (divine house).

Reino Animal📍 landmark

A small zoo with local animal species near Teotihuacan.

Parque Estatal Sierra Patlachique🌿 nature

A state park with hiking trails through volcanic rock formations.

Las Viviendas de los Sacerdotes🏺 historical

Residential compounds where Teotihuacan priests likely lived.

Templo del Quetzalcoatl📍 landmark

It is the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, a prominent pyramid in Teotihuacan.

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan📍 landmark

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological zones in Mexico.

🕒 9:00 - 17:00

Museo de Sitio Teotihuacan🏛 museum

The Teotihuacan site museum, housing artifacts from the ancient city.

🕒 09:00-16:30

Teatro al aire libre🎭 culture

An open-air theater at the foot of the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan.

Reserva Ecológica Estatal La Cañada🌿 nature

A protected natural area with canyons and diverse wildlife near Teotihuacan.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is it allowed to climb the Pyramid of the Sun?
Currently, climbing the pyramid is not permitted for conservation reasons.
How is the terrain for wheelchair users?
The terrain is uneven and sandy, making accessibility challenging for wheelchair users.
Do you need a guide?
A guide is not strictly necessary but highly recommended for deeper historical insights.
How long does a visit to Teotihuacán take?
You should allow at least 3 to 4 hours for the entire site.
Is there water and food available?
There are restaurants at the entrance, but be sure to carry enough water while walking.
Pyramid of the Sun: where is it located?
Pyramid of the Sun is located in Mexico.
Pyramid of the Sun: what is there to see?
Highlights include Catedral del Divino Redentor, teopanacaxco, Reino Animal.
Pyramid of the Sun: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, May.
Pyramid of the Sun: why is it worth visiting?
The Pyramid of the Sun is the crowning achievement of the ancient city of Teotihuacán and remains one of the largest structures of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Mexico City — Pyramid of the Sun (Mexico)
Mexico City
Capital of Mexico
Paseo de la Reforma Financial Zone — Pyramid of the Sun (Mexico)
Paseo de la Reforma Financial Zone
The prestigious boulevard houses the Mexican Stock Exchange and the headquarters of the country's major banks.

More places

Pyramid of the Moon — Pyramid of the Sun (Mexico)
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The second largest pyramid in Teotihuacán at the northern end of the Avenue of the Dead.
Pachuca Clock Tower — Pyramid of the Sun (Mexico)
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A monumental clock tower located in Plaza Independencia.
Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque — Pyramid of the Sun (Mexico)
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An impressive engineering masterpiece from the colonial era.
Central de Abasto Market — Pyramid of the Sun (Mexico)
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Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe — Pyramid of the Sun (Mexico)
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One of the most important Catholic shrines in the world.
Templo Mayor — Pyramid of the Sun (Mexico)
Templo Mayor
The religious center of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán.
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral — Pyramid of the Sun (Mexico)
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
The cathedral on the Zócalo is one of the oldest in the Americas.
Postal Palace — Pyramid of the Sun (Mexico)
Postal Palace
A magnificent building in the historic center of Mexico City.