Archaeological site 21 km south of Tepotzotlán
A Chichimec and Aztec pyramid rebuilt over itself many times, ringed by a wall of 138 carved stone serpents.
Tenayuca is a surprise in the middle of the urban sprawl of Tlalnepantla: a solid pyramid that was once the seat of the Chichimecs who settled the north of the Valley of Mexico in the 1200s, centuries before the Aztecs built Tenochtitlan.
What makes it special is how it grew. Archaeologists found that the temple was enlarged several times, each new layer wrapped around the old one, from the mid-1200s to the late 1400s. Its twin stairways and double temple on top set the pattern later copied by the Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan. Around three sides of the base runs the coatepantli, a wall of 138 carved serpents, and on the north and south sides two coiled fire serpents, xiuhcóatl, still keep traces of paint. The temple was linked to sun worship, with the serpents on one side tied to day and on the other to night.
A small site museum explains the building stages and shows objects found in the excavations, which began a century ago. The site is compact and rarely crowded, so it fits into a morning together with the nearby Santa Cecilia Acatitlan.
What to see and do
Walk around the base to count the serpents of the coatepantli.
Find the two coiled fire serpents on the north and south sides.
Visit the site museum to see how the pyramid was layered over time.
Combine it with Santa Cecilia Acatitlan, a few minutes away.
Getting there
Tenayuca is in Tlalnepantla, about 25 km south of Tepotzotlán; by car it takes roughly 35–45 minutes on the México–Querétaro highway, depending on traffic. Buses from Tepotzotlán toward Mexico City pass through the area, and a taxi or ride app covers the last stretch. INAH lists it as open Tuesday to Sunday with an entry fee; check current hours before you go.
21 km south of Tepotzotlán
Directions from Tepotzotlán on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather cool
Pirámide de Tenayuca shares the climate of Tepotzotlán, 21 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
Make Tepotzotlán your base
Pirámide de Tenayuca is an easy trip from Tepotzotlán, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Tepotzotlán
-
Xochitla Parque Ecológico
· Nature reserve · 2 km away
A 70-hectare ecological park on Tepotzotlán's edge with a botanical garden, bike rentals, boating and camping. -
Arcos del Sitio
· Landmark · 13 km away
A colonial aqueduct about 60 meters tall spanning a wooded ravine, inside an ecotourism park in the Sierra de Tepotzotlán. -
Santa Cecilia Acatitlan
· Archaeological site · 19 km away
A small Mexica pyramid with its temple rebuilt on top, the best idea of how Aztec shrines looked, plus a little museum.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.