Climbing the Teotihuacan pyramids

Can you climb the Pyramid of the Sun in 2026?

No. Its stairs have been closed to the public since 2020, and INAH has not reopened them.

The closure began in the pandemic and stayed. For the 2026 spring equinox, INAH's bulletin repeated that nobody may go up the Pyramid of the Sun. You walk round its base, stand on the plaza in front and look up. Reports of a reopening "next year" have come and gone. Believe it when INAH announces it.

Can you climb the Pyramid of the Moon?

Yes, as far as the first platform. INAH reopened that climb on 19 May 2025 after five years, and guests describe it in October 2026 reviews.

The summit stays off limits. Running, jumping and games on the monument are banned, and INAH staff stand on the steps to enforce it, per México Desconocido. Alexa, on the La Gruta tour, called them "incredibly steep steps" and said the view is your reward. Alan, on the same tour, found it "physical" but "certainly rewarding".

Why is the Pyramid of the Sun closed?

To protect the monument and its visitors, INAH says. The closure started with the pandemic in 2020 and was never lifted.

The equinox bulletin gives the reason in one line: to safeguard the visitors and the monuments. Climbing a pyramid was always a privilege, not a right. Most of Mexico's famous pyramids, El Castillo at Chichén Itzá among them, have been closed to climbers for years.

How hard is the climb up the Pyramid of the Moon?

Short but steep: tall, narrow steps up the front staircase, at about 2,300 m above sea level.

Take it slowly, and use your hands on the way down if you need them. INAH's advice, as reported by México Desconocido: skip the climb if you have a heart condition, breathing problems or high blood pressure. Wear shoes with grip. Go early, too. By noon the stone is hot and the stairs are busy; one guest who reached the Moon late found "it was already hot and got too many people".

What can you see from the Moon's first platform?

The whole Avenue of the Dead running south, with the Pyramid of the Sun on its left and the mountains behind.

This is the classic Teotihuacan photo, and it explains the city's plan better than any map: the Plaza of the Moon below, the platforms lined up along the avenue, the Sun pyramid set beside it. Come in the morning for the light. Sit, take your time, then come down with care.

Can you climb the Temple of the Feathered Serpent?

Partly. Visitors climb the stairs of the platform built in front of it for a close look at the carved facade; the temple's upper levels stay closed.

The temple sits inside the Ciudadela at the south end of the avenue, a long walk from the Moon. Its serpent heads, with their feathered collars, are the finest carving on the site. Many quick tours skip it. Ask for it at the start of the day.

Want all three with a licensed guide? The La Gruta tour covers the Sun, the Moon and the Feathered Serpent; lunch in the cave is paid separately.

★ 5.0 815 reviews · 7.5 hours · from $69

Explore the small-group La Gruta tour →

Can the Moon climb close at short notice?

Yes. INAH can close it for crowds, weather, works or security, and on the equinox weekend it keeps visitors off the pyramid bases.

After an incident in April 2026 the site closed for two days. It reopened on 22 April, and the climb to the Moon's first platform was allowed again. Plan your day so the Moon is a bonus, not the reason you came. Security on site is visible now, with bag checks at every gate and staff along the avenue.

Which tour gives you the most time to climb?

One with about three hours on site: the morning tour, the La Gruta tour or a private car. The balloon packages leave 90 minutes, which is tight.

The morning tour ($59) spends about three hours in the zone; one guest still had time to "climb the temple of the moon and roam around". The La Gruta tour lists 2 hours 30 minutes on site. With a private guide you set the pace yourself, see the private tour guide.

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