Pyramid of the Sun Temple

Address: Zona Arqueológica de Teotihuacan, San Juan Teotihuacán, State of Mexico, Mexico (Pyramid of the Sun)

Website: https://inah.gob.mx

Hours: Daily 9am-5pm

Admission: Admission charged at site (Teotihuacan archaeological zone; typically around MXN 80-85 for adults; rates may vary)

The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest structure in the ancient city of Teotihuacan, located in the Basin of Mexico in the State of Mexico. Constructed around the early centuries CE, it is one of the largest pyramids in Mesoamerica and a central monument of the Teotihuacan urban plan.

The pyramid measures roughly 65 meters in height with a broad rectangular base and a stepped profile; public paths lead up its main stairway to a summit plaza that offers wide views across the complex. It sits on the city’s main axis and is flanked by the Avenue of the Dead, the Pyramid of the Moon to the north, and the Ciudadela and Temple of the Feathered Serpent to the south.

Teotihuacan’s major monuments, including the Pyramid of the Sun, were built by the city’s residents during the Classic period of Mesoamerican history; the city reached its peak between the 1st and 7th centuries CE. The site was later visited and named by Nahua peoples, who called it “Teotihuacan.”

The pyramid and broader Teotihuacan complex lie on the highland plain northeast of Mexico City, approximately 40 km from the capital, in the State of Mexico. The site occupies a large, flat archaeological zone visible from surrounding observation points.

• Size and access: The Pyramid of the Sun is about 65 meters tall with a base roughly 220 meters across, and visitors may climb the original stairway to its summit when open.
• Best viewpoints: Best photographic views are along the Avenue of the Dead and from the summit of the Pyramid of the Moon, especially in clear light at sunrise or late afternoon.

What to See#

• Pyramid of the Moon: Smaller but formally aligned pyramid at the northeastern end of the Avenue of the Dead; provides a direct axial view toward the Pyramid of the Sun.
• Avenue of the Dead: The central north-south axis of the city measuring roughly 2 kilometres in length along which the major monuments are arranged.
• The Ciudadela: A large ceremonial plaza and administrative enclosure that sits west of the Pyramid of the Sun and contains smaller platforms and temples.
• Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcoatl): A large Mesoamerican stepped complex decorated with stone facades that sits on the southern end of the Ciudadela; noted for its sculpted serpent motifs.

The Pyramid of the Sun is in the Teotihuacán archaeological zone about 45-60 km northeast of central Mexico City. From Mexico City’s Terminal de Autobuses del Norte take frequent buses to Teotihuacán (journey ~1 hour), or drive northeast from the city (the trip is roughly 45-60 minutes depending on traffic, following the Mexico-Pirámides/Autopista route signs).

When you arrive at the Teotihuacán site entrance the Pyramid of the Sun is a short walk (about 10-20 minutes) along the main avenue (Avenida de los Muertos) from the entrance area.

• Arrive as the site opens to climb the Pyramid of the Sun before temperatures and tour-bus crowds peak; early climbs also produce the clearest views over the Avenue of the Dead.
• Rent a bicycle or a pédalo bike near the main entrance to cover the long Avenue of the Dead efficiently and visit the Moon Pyramid and lesser complexes without retracing your steps on foot.
• After climbing the Sun, walk down the Avenue of the Dead toward the smaller palaces and the Palace of the Jaguars-many visitors skip the latter but it contains fine reliefs and quieter courtyards.