By Angela, Your Tour Guide Who's Seen All the Policy Changes
Hola! I'm Angela 👋
I've been giving Teotihuacan tours for over half a decade…
And everyone wants to know:
"Angela, can we climb the Teotihuacan pyramids?"
**UPDATE: As of May 2025, you CAN climb the pyramids! But only parts of 2 of them... keep reading to see more:
(on my Teotihuacan tours that's what we do. We climb the pyramids and I share all the ancient secrets, stories & mysteries along the way!)
(Updated Policy Guide) Which Pyramids in Teotihuacan You Can Climb:
After a 5-year conservation ban, officials have reopened the first section for climbing.
What you can climb:
✅ Pyramid of the Moon - You can climb part of this
❌ Pyramid of the Sun - You can't climb this
❌ Temple of Quetzalcoatl - You can't climb the full pyramid, but you can climb the platform in front of it
What Can You See from the Pyramid of the Moon's First Section?
I've been up there with my tour groups since it reopened, and the views are incredible!
From the first section of the Pyramid of the Moon (the part you can climb up to), you get:
- Perfect views down the Avenue of the Dead
- Amazing perspective of the Pyramid of the Sun
- Great photo opportunities of the entire complex
- A sense of the scale and layout of ancient Teotihuacan
It's not as high as the full pyramid used to be, but the views are still great 🙂
What It's Like Climbing the Pyramid of the Moon
Here's what to expect:
The Climb Itself:
- Takes about 10 minutes to climb up
- Moderate difficulty - some people opt out not to climb it. That's okay too!
The Experience:
- Amazing views of the Avenue of the Dead stretching out below
- Perfect photo opportunities with the Pyramid of the Sun in the background
- Sense of accomplishment without the extreme difficulty
- Less crowded than the old full-pyramid climbing used to be
Safety Improvements:
- Better marked pathways
- More security personnel monitoring
- Clearer safety guidelines
- Regular maintenance of the climbing surfaces
Can You Climb the Pyramid of the Sun?
Unfortunately no: The Pyramid of the Sun remains closed to climbing.
This is the big pyramid that most people think of when they picture Teotihuacan.
Why is it still closed?
- It's the largest and most fragile structure
- It receives the most visitor traffic
- The steepest and most dangerous climb
- Most significant archaeological importance
Will it ever reopen? Maybe someday, but there are no current plans.
The good news? From the Pyramid of the Moon's first section, you get incredible views OF the Pyramid of the Sun!
How the Climbing Experience Has Changed Since Before COVID
Having guided tours both before and after the ban, here's how things are different now:
Before the Ban (Pre-2020):
- Could climb to the very top of both pyramids
- No limits on number of climbers
- Long lines and overcrowding
- More accidents and injuries
- Significant damage to the structures
Now:
- Can climb first section of Pyramid of the Moon, and climb the platform to see the Temple of Quetzalcoatl
- Controlled access with limits
- Better safety measures
- Less crowding and more enjoyable experience
- Protected structures that will last for future generations
Honestly? I think the current system is better because it's safer and more sustainable.
Tips for Climbing the Pyramid of the Moon
Based on my experience taking tour groups up since the reopening:
Best Times to Climb:
- Early morning (8-10 AM) - Cooler temperatures, better lighting
- Late afternoon (4-5 PM) - Beautiful golden hour lighting
- Avoid midday - Too hot and crowded
What to Bring:
- Comfortable shoes with good grip
- Water bottle - you'll work up a sweat!
- Hat and sunscreen - no shade on the pyramid
- Camera - the views are incredible!
Physical Requirements:
- Moderate fitness level required
- Take your time - there's no rush
- Ask for help if you need it - security is always around
How to Include Pyramid Climbing in Your Tour
On my tours, I always include time for climbing the Pyramid of the Moon
Here's how I structure it:
- Start with the history - Learn about the site before climbing
- Climb the pyramids - Get those amazing views and photos
- Explore the rest of the complex - See everything else with context
- End with the mysteries - Discuss all the unanswered questions
Alternative High Views if You Can't/Don't Want to Climb
If climbing isn't for you, there are still ways to get elevated views:
Hot Air Balloon Tours
Still the best aerial views of the entire complex! I offer balloon tours that give you perspectives you can't get anywhere else.
Observation Areas
There's various spots throughout the complex offer good elevated views without climbing.
Planning Your Teotihuacan Visit with Climbing
Here's how to make sure you get the full experience:
Book a Knowledgeable Guide
My tours include the climbing experience plus all the history and stories that make Teotihuacan special. I'm bias but I think my tour is the best 🙂
Check Weather Conditions
Climbing is more enjoyable (and safer) in good weather conditions. I wrote a blog post about the weather at Teotihuacan, and what months are best for visiting, check that out here.
Bring Proper Gear
Comfortable shoes, water, sun protection, and a camera are essential.
Ready to Climb the Teotihuacan Pyramids?
On my tours, I'll make sure you get the full experience - the climbing, the history, the mysteries, and all the best photo spots.
Whether you want a private tour or to join a group, I'll help you make the most of this incredible opportunity to climb part of these ancient pyramids!
Have questions about the new climbing policy or planning your visit? Let me know in the comments!
Nos vemos pronto!
Angela
P.S. - Want to combine pyramid climbing with aerial views? I also offer hot air balloon rides and tours afterwards so you get the best of both worlds!
