Templo Mayor Tours

Templo Mayor


Explore part of an ancient Aztec city that was hidden underground for 400 years.

Take a tour of the Templo Mayor (the Great Pyramid) and discover the history of an ancient city and a temple that the Aztecs believed to be the center of the universe.

The Templo Mayor was once the religious hub of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. The city and temple were destroyed during the Spanish Conquest in the 16th century. Mexico City was built atop the ruins, hiding the Aztec Empire for hundreds of years. Templo Mayor was finally excavated in the 1970s and today is one of the most significant historical sites in the area.

Visit the onsite museum, which holds relics that archaeologists uncovered while exposing the ancient city. The exhibits offer a snapshot of what life was like during the time of the Aztec Empire and is divided into eight areas. Each area covers a facet of Templo Mayor, from rituals and economy to agriculture. Be sure to take a look at the model reconstruction in the museum’s entrance, which shows what Templo Mayor looked like in its heyday.

If you don’t speak Spanish, sign up in advance for English-language tours to get the most out of your visit. The entrance fee covers admission to both the museum and the ruins, and allows a much better understanding of the area.

The site is packed with noteworthy structures, including temples, shrines, and pyramids. Templo Mayor’s construction was inspired by a mythical mountain named Coatepec (“The Hill of the Serpent”), so take note of the many snake and reptilian carvings that pervade the architecture. Human sacrifice was commonplace at the temple. This is clear when you look at the Tzompantli-Shrine, a large wall covered with the skulls of victims.

Archaeologists have also uncovered residential buildings, a ballpark and other temples, so take the time to look around the whole site.

The Aztecs believed that Templo Mayor was the literal center of the universe, and it stands out today as a focal point of pre-Hispanic history. It is conveniently located a few minutes from Mexico City’s main square, the Zocalo.

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Best Lodging Options Near Templo Mayor

Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City

Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City

4 out of 5
Cinco de Mayo 61, Centro Historico, Mexico City
Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City
Barceló México Reforma

Barceló México Reforma

4.5 out of 5
Paseo De La Reforma 1, Mexico City
Barceló México Reforma
Hotel Catedral

Hotel Catedral

4 out of 5
95 Donceles Col. Centro, Mexico City
Hotel Catedral
Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico Zocalo View

Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico Zocalo View

4.5 out of 5
Mexico City
Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico Zocalo View
Hotel Punto MX

Hotel Punto MX

3.5 out of 5
Calle República de Uruguay 47, Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City, CDMX
Hotel Punto MX
Canada Central & Rooftop

Canada Central & Rooftop

4 out of 5
Calle 5 de Mayo, No. 47, Centro Historico, Mexico City, CDMX
Canada Central & Rooftop
Hotel Bellas Artes

Hotel Bellas Artes

3 out of 5
10 Av. 5 de Mayo Centro, Mexico City, CDMX
Hotel Bellas Artes
Historico Central Hotel

Historico Central Hotel

4 out of 5
Simón Bolívar No. 28, Centro Histórico, Mexico City, Mexico City
Historico Central Hotel
Hotel Juarez

Hotel Juarez

2.5 out of 5
17 1a. Cda. 5 de Mayo Centro, Mexico City, CDMX
Hotel Juarez
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Templo Mayor

When visiting Templo Mayor in Mexico City, don't miss out on unforgettable tours that delve into the rich history of the site. Nearby, you can explore vibrant shopping options and easily access the Turibus station for convenient transportation around the city. Enjoy a blend of culture and commerce that makes your trip truly memorable.

Food and drinks

Charlie's Chocolates, located 8 miles from Templo Mayor, offers delightful sweet treats in a family-friendly atmosphere. For an authentic taste of Mexico City, explore local snacks and indulge in the vibrant flavors at nearby food spots in the heart of the city.

Shopping

For a vibrant shopping experience near Templo Mayor, visit Mercado Jamaica, just 2 miles away for local goods. Antara Polanco and Tezontle Park Shopping Center, both 5 miles away, offer more family-friendly options if you're up for a drive, blending entertainment with urban flair.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at Estadio Azteca, where you can catch a thrilling sports event. For a touch of luxury, unwind at the Country Club of Mexico City, enjoying its upscale amenities. Alternatively, play a round at the Cuernavaca Country Club, surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery.

Adventure

Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez offers thrilling motor racing experiences only 3 miles from Templo Mayor, where adrenaline runs high among sports enthusiasts. For family fun, the Amazing World Fun Center, located 8 miles away, provides various adventurous activities. K1 Speed Mexico Garden Santa Fe, 10 miles away, features exciting karting experiences.

Nightlife

In the vibrant Templo Mayor area, Teatro Metropólitan offers captivating performances just a mile away, perfect for a romantic night out. For family fun, Planetario Luis Enrique Erro, located four miles away, explores the cosmos, while Cineteca Nacional, six miles away, screens films in a charming setting.

Find the best attractions near Templo Mayor

During your visit to Templo Mayor in Mexico City, immerse yourself in the rich culture by exploring the nearby Zócalo Plaza, the historic center, and the stunning Metropolitan Cathedral. Don't miss the National Palace, where you can delve into Mexico's history. The area is perfect for those seeking urban parks, archaeological sites, and art museums, offering a blend of outdoor experiences and cultural treasures.

  • Zócalo: Located just 0.2 miles from Templo Mayor, Zócalo is the heartbeat of Mexico City. This vibrant public square is surrounded by stunning colonial architecture and is often filled with locals and tourists alike, offering a rich cultural experience and lively atmosphere.
  • Paseo de la Reforma: A mile away from Templo Mayor, this iconic avenue is lined with impressive monuments, modern skyscrapers, and lush greenery. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride, showcasing the city's dynamic urban life.
  • Angel of Independence Monument: Situated 2 miles from Templo Mayor, this striking monument commemorates Mexico's independence. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a must-visit, providing a deep cultural vibe amidst the bustling city.

Best time to go to Templo Mayor

Visitor numbers around Templo Mayor is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Templo Mayor can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Templo Mayor falls in May, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Templo Mayor falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January57.7°F (14.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February61.3°F (16.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
March64.8°F (18.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
April67.6°F (19.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May68.4°F (20.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
June65.3°F (18.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July62.4°F (16.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August62.1°F (16.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November59.2°F (15.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
December58.5°F (14.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Templo Mayor

To save money during your visit to Templo Mayor, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Zócalo and Plaza Garibaldi. Plan your trip in January, June, or November for lower hotel rates. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by sorting prices and filtering for eco-certified options. Booking a package for flights and hotel stays can also lead to savings. Don't forget to join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Take advantage of public transport for affordable travel around Mexico City.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Templo Mayor are January, June and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July, October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results from the lowest to the highest prices to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type—if you select the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll be shown sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your Templo Mayor hotel stay with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.