Best Mexico City Pyramids Tour: Insider’s Guide to Visiting Teotihuacan
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico City, a tour of the ancient pyramids in Teotihuacan is a must-do. A trip south of the border isn’t just about amazing street food tacos and world-class museums (though you can certainly do those too), there are also incredible, unmissable historical sites you can literally walk through (or float above!).
Here’s everything you need to know about the best Mexico City pyramid tours, from different group sizes to key tips to make the most of the day and not roast in the sun.
Looking for more CDMX favorites? Check out my complete guide to Mexico City here or my 4-day itinerary here.
Hold On, There are Pyramids Near Mexico City?
You might be surprised to learn that yes, Mexico City is home to the majestic Teotihuacan (or City of the Gods), one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in Mesoamerica. These iconic pyramids, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, predate the Aztecs and continue to captivate visitors with their mystery and grandeur.
I loved walking through these ancient grounds and, while you can’t climb the pyramids anymore, it still felt incredibly majestic.
Best Mexico City Pyramids Tour
Tour Type | Who This Tour Is Perfect For | Average Cost | Recommended Tour |
Early Morning Small Group Tour | People who want to beat the crowds, learn a lot, and not break the bank | $$ | |
Private Tour | People who want focused attention without waiting for anyone else | $$$ | |
Hot Air Balloon Tour | People who love adventure and want epic photos. It's worth it. | $$$ |
The word “best” here really depends on what you’re looking for. Fortunately, whether you’re a history buff, adventurer, or casual sightseer, there’s a tour for you. Here are my recommended three top options for Teotihuacan day tours:
- Early Morning Small Group Tour of the Pyramids: Perfect for those who enjoy a more intimate experience with fewer people. This is what I did my first time and cannot recommend it enough.
- Private Teotihuacan Pyramid Tour: Ideal for personalized attention and a customizable itinerary. I would take my parents on this.
- Hot Air Balloon Mexico City Pyramids Tour: Seeing the pyramids from above (for my second trip to Teotihuacan!) was an unforgettable experience. It’s one thing to walk through the pyramids, and another experience entirely to get to float above them while the sun rises. I highly, highly recommend doing this.
Ideal Teotihuacan Small Group Tour
Small group tours are fantastic for a more personalized feel without the crowds. Trust me when I say I’m not a morning person, and it was 100% worth it to be there early. Being the only people inside the City of the Gods was unforgettable.
The particular tour I took also included transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and extra perks like a stop at a local crafts market.
Why Choose Small Group Tours?
- More interaction with the guide. You’ll have a lot of questions and I really appreciate the incredible knowledge of a guide I can actually talk to.
- Easier to manage and you’re not waiting for 50 people to use the bathroom.
- Closer to a private tour, but more affordable.
The “Teotihuacan Early Morning Tour From Mexico City” is the exact tour I took. Check it out here.
Top Mexico City Pyramids Private Tour
For those who prefer a tailored experience, private tours are the way to go. Honestly, this is what I would do if I were traveling with my family, especially my parents. These tours offer flexibility in terms of timing and itinerary, and you can often request specific sites or activities. Plus you don’t have to share attention – always a perk.
Benefits of Private Tours
- Customized itinerary based on your preferences (History? Culture? Shopping? You’ve got it)
- Personal guide to answer your questions (I love learning from a tour guide, and not worrying about bothering other people in the group with my questions is appreciated)
- Flexible schedule (no waiting for the rest of the group during the bathroom break)
This tour often sells out and has excellent reviews on Viator (which I love because you earn Viator rewards, which you can use for other tours!). Check out the latest prices and availability.
Best Mexico City Hot Air Balloon Tour
Imagine floating over the ancient city as the sun rises—hot air balloon tours offer a breathtaking perspective of the pyramids while also offering an “on the ground” tour after. I absolutely loved this experience and hands down recommend it to everyone. This is a unique way to see Teotihuacan and is perfect for those looking for a bit of adventure.
Why Try a Hot Air Balloon Tour?
- Stunning aerial views. Like truly breathtaking. My photos are pretty amazing.
- A memorable and unique experience given the height of the pyramids.
- Great photo opportunities (we live for the ‘gram, don’t we?).
With over 800 5-star reviews, I recommend this tour that comes with breakfast, pickup, and both hot air balloon and ground tour: Check the latest prices and availability.
Mexico City Pyramids Tour FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
My #1 piece of advice is to go early. This allows you to avoid the crowds and experience the pyramids in cooler temperatures. Many tours start around 6:00 or 7:00 AM.
The pyramids are about 31 miles (50 kilometers) northeast of Mexico City’s center. Roughly an hour’s drive, depending on traffic. This is another reason I highly recommend leaving early.
Comfortable shoes are key, as you’ll be doing some walking (but you can no longer climb the pyramids directly). Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a lot of water as Teotihuacan can get sunny.
Not anymore. But don’t worry, you can walk right up to them and all around them. While it’s kind of a bummer, I’m okay with it from a preservation standpoint.
Absolutely! It’s incredible to be able to walk through thousands of years of ancient history just outside the busting city of CDMX. Whether you do a small group tour, a private tour, or a hot air balloon ride, it’s worth it.
Best Mexico City Pyramids Tour: Wrap-Up
Visiting Teotihuacan was truly one of the highlights of my time in CDMX. No matter how you like to vacation, these really are the best Mexico City pyramids tour options to ensure you have an unforgettable Teotihuacan experience. So pack your sense of adventure, comfortable shoes, and get ready to be amazed by the magic of Mexico’s ancient pyramids!
Cheers to your next adventure ✈️🥂
