Good News For Tourists — Teotihuacán Reopens Pyramid of the Moon
The INAH has announced the completion of conservation efforts at the Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacán. As of Monday, visitors have once again gained access to the ancient structure, though with certain restrictions in place to ensure its preservation as Teotihuacáns reopens.
Access will remain limited to the pyramid’s first level to safeguard both its structural integrity and cultural significance. In an official statement, INAH urged visitors to adhere to safety guidelines: “We encourage all guests to respect the established safety measures. Comfortable footwear is recommended, and running, jumping, or playing on the stairs or monument is prohibited. As the climb requires physical exertion, those with health concerns are advised to refrain from ascending.”
The reopening marks a careful balance between public access and heritage conservation, allowing travelers to once again experience the majesty of Teotihuacán while protecting its ancient wonders for future generations.
“I had no idea we would be able to climb the pyramid at all, since I had heard long ago that it was entirely closed off. Even from the first level, the view is fantastic”, said a tourist from Ottawa by the name of John to El País.
The pyramid of the moon was built around 100 C.E. and reaches a height of 43 meters (141 feet) and measures approximately 168 meters (551 feet) at its base, making it the second-largest structure in the city. Its seven-tiered platform aligns precisely with the contours of Cerro Gordo, the sacred mountain behind it, suggesting a deliberate symbolic connection between architecture and natural landscape.
There is no word on whether or not similar action will be taken to allow visitors to climb the even larger Pyramid of the Sun.
The name Teotihuacán was given to the city by Nahuatl-speaking Aztecs sometime after the fall of the great city in the 4th century CE. In the Nahuatl language, Teotihuacán is often interpreted to mean “birthplace of the gods” or “place of those who have the road to the divine.” The name reflects the Aztec belief that Teotihuacán was at the center of all creation.
Conservation and controversy as Teotihuacans reopens
In early 2024, Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) flagged multiple cases of illegal construction within the protected buffer zone surrounding Teotihuacán. Among the most alarming was a privately built structure near the Pyramid of the Sun, allegedly erected without permits. Authorities swiftly issued demolition orders, but the incident reignited concerns about lax enforcement and the pressures of urban sprawl.
“We are continuously reporting illegal construction at Teotihuacan, but there simply is not the political will to do what is necessary,” said Historian Jane Kadala, who runs a not-for-profit organization looking to protect the site’s heritage.
The rise of hot air balloon tourism at Teotihuacan
Over the past decade, hot air balloon companies have multiplied around Teotihuacán, capitalizing on the site’s dramatic landscape. The experience, often marketed as a “bucket-list” adventure, allows tourists to drift silently above the ruins at sunrise, capturing Instagram-worthy shots of the ancient city bathed in golden light. For many, it’s a dream come true—but not everyone is celebrating.
The INAH has faced pressure to intervene, but regulations remain relaxed, with flights permitted outside the core archaeological zone but still within its broader protected area. Some officials defend the industry, citing its economic benefits for local communities. Others demand tighter restrictions, including No-fly zones directly over the pyramids, a halt to the increase of daily flights, and stricter noise and altitude controls.
Then there are safety concerns. In April 2023, two people died after a hot air balloon crashed down near the Pyramid of the Sun, after catching on fire. No further fatal accidents have occurred since, even though the total number of flights has steadily increased over the past couple of years.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a journalist, photographer, and expedition leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada, and Norway.
