Temple of Quetzalcoatl (Feathered Serpent Pyramid)
Quick Facts
- Location
- Mexico, Teotihuacán
- Category
- Sightseeing
- Duration
- 45-60 min
- Opening Hours
- Daily 08:00-17:00 · Site daily 8:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00-16:30); open year-round; no shade, so visit the Citadel right after opening
- Ticket Price
- Adult: Included in the site ticket, MXN 210 for foreign adults in 2026 · Free Admission: Free for Mexican citizens and residents on Sundays · No separate ticket; buy via INAH online to skip queues; video cameras extra; Gate 1 is closest
- Address
- La Ciudadela, Zona Arqueologica de Teotihuacan, Estado de Mexico, Mexico (by Gate 1)
- Coordinates
- 19.6825, -98.8445
Introduction
The Temple of Quetzalcoatl stands inside the great Ciudadela plaza at the southern end of the Avenue of the Dead, the most richly carved structure at Teotihuacan. Its stepped facade alternates heads of the Feathered Serpent with another being linked to water, rain and time, all among shells and conches evoking the sea and the underworld; obsidian eyes and red, green, blue and white pigment once covered it, traces of which survive in sheltered recesses. It is among the earliest and most monumental Mesoamerican images of Quetzalcoatl. Excavations found close to 200 symmetrically arranged sacrificial burials, many bound warriors in military regalia, around the base, and more recently a ritual tunnel beneath the temple holding thousands of offerings — evidence that overturned the old view of Teotihuacan as a peaceful trading state. It joined the UNESCO World Heritage listing with Teotihuacan in 1987.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 08:00-17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00-17:00 |
Site daily 8:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00-16:30); open year-round; no shade, so visit the Citadel right after opening
Ticket Information
| Adult | Included in the site ticket, MXN 210 for foreign adults in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Free Admission | Free for Mexican citizens and residents on Sundays |
No separate ticket; buy via INAH online to skip queues; video cameras extra; Gate 1 is closest
Transportation
'Piramides' bus from Mexico City's Terminal Norte, 1 h, stops at Gate 1
50 km via the Mexico-Pachuca highway; paid parking
South end of the Avenue of the Dead
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Temple of Quetzalcoatl (Feathered Serpent Pyramid)?
Monday: 08:00-17:00; Tuesday: 08:00-17:00; Wednesday: 08:00-17:00; Thursday: 08:00-17:00; Friday: 08:00-17:00; Saturday: 08:00-17:00; Sunday: 08:00-17:00; Site daily 8:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00-16:30); open year-round; no shade, so visit the Citadel right after opening
How much is the admission for Temple of Quetzalcoatl (Feathered Serpent Pyramid)?
Adult: Included in the site ticket, MXN 210 for foreign adults in 2026; Free Admission: Free for Mexican citizens and residents on Sundays; No separate ticket; buy via INAH online to skip queues; video cameras extra; Gate 1 is closest
How long should I spend at Temple of Quetzalcoatl (Feathered Serpent Pyramid)?
A typical visit takes 45-60 min.
How do I get to Temple of Quetzalcoatl (Feathered Serpent Pyramid)?
Bus: 'Piramides' bus from Mexico City's Terminal Norte, 1 h, stops at Gate 1; Driving/Parking: 50 km via the Mexico-Pachuca highway; paid parking
