Giza Pyramids (Egypt) versus Teotihuacan Pyramids (Mexico): A side-by-side guide I put together for all those fellow curious travellers who share my passion for chasing remnants of ancient civilizations and monumental architectural wonders – and who, like me, have found themselves torn between the two most iconic pyramid destinations I could think of on Earth.

Well, I visited both of them, Egypt’s Giza Plateau, in late spring, and Teotihuacan Complex in Mexico, one early fall. In fact, I returned to Giza a couple of times, years apart, but even so, it’s hard to say which one stays as my favorite.

These are two of the world’s most iconic ancient sites known for their pyramids, – mysterious structures on two different continents, thousands of miles away from each other, both built with the stars’ alignment in mind. Still, they couldn’t be more different.

On one hand, Giza was imagined as a funerary complex, or more like a tribute to the divine power and eternal dreams of some of the proudest pharaohs Egypt had ever had. Teotihuacan, on the other hand, is said to have been a vibrant Mesoamerican ceremonial, commercial and urban center.

One was built for the dead. The other, for the living. But the question remains: which one should you visit first?

Travel Mood: Giza vs. Teotihuacan

At times, these magical journeys I took to see the pyramids seem like they’ve been nothing more than fleeting dreams. So, how else could I begin, if not by trying to recall them with my eyes closed, still lost in their magic?

Miles apart, from chaos to mirage and old stories, two completely different monumental archaeological sites – one raw and immediate, the other distant and dreamlike.

Or maybe it’s just how I experienced them..

Giza

Entrance to Pyramids of Giza, Image Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Have you ever heard of Fata Morgana? Well, that’s just how it felt seeing Giza for the first time. As we got closer to it, on the busy streets of Cairo, the necropolis seemed to rise from the desert like a vision from a forgotten myth – completely massive.

The pyramids sit on the edge of the Sahara Desert, within a vast stretch of sand, with a rocky plateau beneath your feet, and the hardly distinguishable outline of Cairo’s densely built-up urban areas creeping in.

The whole place feels pretty intense with all the golden heat flowing down the grand ancient structures. There’s very little shade wherever you look, almost no greenery — just raw desert, monumental stone, and the sun.

It has the Indiana Jones vibe and monumentality, but the atmosphere around the site is anything but quiet.

People riding camels at the base of the pyramid in Giza, Image Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Tourist crowds gather around the pyramids and the Sphinx, guides are offering tours, and local vendors may approach you with all kinds of trinkets.

It can be chaotic, but in the end, Giza is about grandeur, legacy, almost mythic, larger-than-life energy, and sacred stillness. All of that is covering the buzz of modern tourism.

Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan Pyramids Early in the Morning, Image Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Compared to Giza, Teotihuacan seems like another miracle, but more laid-back, and spacious. A lost city of arts and culture.

The ruins, pyramids and palaces, are set in a highland valley, surrounded by soft hills. They sit behind tall grasses, next to shading pink pepper trees, and gigantic cacti growing here and there. I’ve seen butterflies, birds, and heard the wind in the early morning, along with the jaguar roar-like whistles.

I think the vibe around the Teotihuacan is quieter and more meditative. Vibrant murals, serpent carvings, sacred geometry give the place a sense of ritual creativity rather than a tomb solemnity.

These pyramids feel grounded in the landscape, and there’s room to breathe and explore, literally and culturally, without being overwhelmed by crowds and noise (and constant pressure from local sellers— the most challenging part in Egypt).

Teotihuacan feels as though it has grown into the earth, like the landscape and the pyramids belong to each other.

Giza Pyramids vs, Teotihuacan: Age & Civilization

Giza

Most of the tombs in Giza are well-identified, with known owners and time periods, Image Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

As far as we know, The Giza Pyramids were constructed during Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty, sometime around 2600–2500 BCE, along with other mastabas and smaller tombs.

These absolutely massive and perfectly geometrical structures were built as royal tombs for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. And the Great Pyramid of Khufu, in particular, is the last standing Wonder of the Ancient World.

Made of millions of limestone blocks, the pyramids aligned with the stars and were part of a larger funerary complex that included various temples above and under the ground, plus the Sphinx.

Teotihuacan

Most of the tombs in Giza are well-identified, with known owners and time periods, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Although half the age of the pyramids in Giza, Teotihuacan’s origins are quite a mystery. No one knows who built the three Mexican pyramids, just that they appeared between 100 BCE and 250 CE.

Some people I asked said that possibly Toltecs or pre-Aztec Mesoamericans. But clearly not the Aztecs.

And, in contrast to Giza, Teotihuacan was not primarily a vast necropolis, but one of the largest cities in America at its peak, showing a sophisticated urban planning, and symbolic alignment with celestial events. In other words, it was a center for rituals, politics, and everyday life with lots of temples and elite homes.

It seems the city was already abandoned for hundreds of years when the Aztecs discovered it, in the 14th century. They named it “Teotihuacan” — the place where gods were born.

Architecture

Although they are grouped under the same cultural travel category as pyramid destinations, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt are quite different from the ones in Teotihuacan, Mexico, in terms of architectural design, function, as well as construction materials.

Everything starts from the fact that Giza was meant to be a necropolis for eternity, while Teotihuacan functioned as a city of the living with ceremonial temples, here and there.

Giza

Giza Archaeological Site, Sphinx View, Egypt, Image Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

What we find in Giza is a more austere, funerary architecture, built primarily for pharaohs.

The three giant pyramids (Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure) are tombs meant to house the soul on its journey to the afterlife.

Their architecture is monumental, eternal, and geometrically pure. And the whole construction concept aligns the complex with solar, cosmic, and religious symbolism — especially with the sun god Ra. Even the materials speak of the same sacred intent: massive blocks of granite for scale and once-polished white limestone for reflecting the sunlight.

Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan Archaeological Site, Pyramid of the Moon View, Mexico, Image Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

In Teotihuacan, though, the pyramids (Sun, Moon and Feathered Serpent) look and feel differently.

This site used to be a ceremonial and urban center, for both ritual and daily life. And the Pyramids inside were likely altars or platforms for religious ceremonies, not tombs. Built in the talud-tablero style — sloped base with vertical panels — they show a stepped, trapezoidal shape typical of Mesoamerican architecture, rather than pointed peaks like in Giza.

The Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon both have this multi-level, terraced structure, and they were originally topped by temples — now lost.

Materials were also different: volcanic stone like tezontle, mixed with adobe and lime plaster.

The Interiors

Regarding the interiors, the pyramids in Giza, and additional tombs, have tunnels and chambers decorated with carvings, hieroglyphs and scenes of the afterlife.

Like everyone else, I did enter Cheops Pyramid. A bit hard to climb and suffocating at the same time. But some of the most fascinating underground chambers that I visited are definitely in the Eastern Cemetery. This was once home to large stone mastabas for Khufu’s family and top officials. This article speaks more about the cemetery.

I do recommend seeing the tomb of Qar. Although the mastaba structure above the ground has mostly vanished, the sunken chambers with hieroglyphs and life-like standing statues still exist.

Tomb of Qar, Eastern Cemetery, Giza Necropolis, Image Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

In contrast, the pyramids in Teotihuacan are completely solid, no inner chambers, with their interiors entirely filled in.

A somewhat exception is the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcoatl) which was found inside La Ciudadela. In 2003, during excavations, a tunnel along with several ceremonial chambers were discovered beneath the pyramid accidentally after a heavy rain caused a sinkhole.

The temple features rows of carved stone serpent heads, seashells, and symbolic motifs representing water, fertility, and divine power. These decorative elements reflect the mythological complexity of the city and its gods, carved into the very façade of its sacred spaces.

Layout & How to Explore

Giza

Cairo view from inside the Great Pyramid of Giza (Cheops), Image Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

The Giza Plateau is located in Egypt, on the southwestern edge of Greater Cairo, at about 13–15 km from downtown. You can easily reach it by car or taxi in about about 30–40 minutes.

While the plateau was once completely isolated in the desert, today the city has expanded almost up to the pyramids themselves. You can literally see the pyramids from the roads, rising behind apartment buildings, and even from hotel rooftops.

Giza Archaeological Site, Image Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

The layout of the ancient necropolis is rather compact, with the three main pyramids arranged diagonally, in descending size, on a northeast-southwest axis. Surrounding them are mortuary temples, smaller queens’ pyramids, causeways, and the Great Sphinx guarding the complex.

Every part of the archaeological site in Giza is centered around the idea of funerary ritual and cosmic alignment, particularly with the sun.

Usually, the entrance is made through the main gate next to the Great Pyramid, and you can walk between all landmarks in just a few hours. The alternative way to move through the site are camel rides and horse carts.

And, the coolest thing about Giza is that you can also explore the inside of the pyramids, Pyramid of Khufu being open year-round, with a separate ticket: narrow, steep corridors are leading to burial chambers carved deep into the bedrock.

What you should consider is that you will spend a lot of time in the sun as the plateau is rocky and sun-drenched, with minimal shade and lots of open space.

Teotihuacan

Pyramid of the Sun and Avenue of the Dead. To the left – Moon Pyramid, to the right, La Ciudadela, Image Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Teotihuacan pyramids stand tall about 40 km (25 miles) northeast of Mexico City. You can get there by bus or taxi / Uber, which are all extremely affordable.

Inside, you just need to follow the main road and it will take you to most important landmarks. Each landmark has its own info panel with its own small area map.

If Giza is set at the edge of Sahara Desert, Teotihuacan has the privilege of lying in a less urbanized, green highland valley, with mountains in background, while wild nature is creeping into the ruins.

Pyramid of the Moon and Pyramid of the Sun, from nearby La Ciudadela, Image Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

As it used to be a metropolis, both for ceremonial and daily life, Teotihuacan has this vast, urban-grid layout, structured along a central, wide road, the Avenue of the Dead, that runs about 2 km, on a North-South axis, from Pyramid of the Moon to the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Citadel).

Even so, you will have to climb a lot of stairs, on the road and outside it.

Along the way, you pass the towering Pyramid of the Sun, smaller platforms, temples, and what’s left of the residential compounds.

The entire site appears to reflect cosmological principles, possibly including solar cycles and the cardinal directions. But the whole experience feels more like walking through an ancient city than visiting a monument. Many people pair their visit with a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.

People climbing the platform inside La Ciudadela, Image Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

While you can’t enter the pyramids—they are solid inside—you could once climb them; today, climbing is mostly restricted, though you can still go up the exterior shell surrounding the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, the platform of La Ciudadela.

The complex is open and walkable, with wide plazas and shade under the pepper trees. But keep in mind: the sun is very strong due to high altitude.

Extra Activities

Just exploring for a whole day only the pyramids is incredible on its own, but there are also some other amazing activities or tours with locals that could make your day even more memorable, both in Giza and Teotihuacan.

These extras can also be a decisive factor in choosing your destination, things that one place has and the other doesn’t. Seeing the camels in Giza, for example, or riding a hot air balloon over Teotihuacan.

Here are a few experiences you might want to check out.

Giza

Teotihuacan

Best Time to Visit Each

Both archaeological sites are year-round pyramid destinations.

Still, if you’re choosing based on the weather, Giza’s heat has the potential to become unbearable in the summer, while Teotihuacan’s biggest challenge is definitely the rainy season.

📅 Best Time to Visit Giza

I visited Giza in January (not so crowded) and May (already a bit crowded, and loud). In January, I wore a sweater, a light cardigan, and a scarf, while in May I was in jeans and a very light sweater.

Both times felt perfect to me, although it’s generally recommended to visit Giza Pyramids between October and late April, as temperatures from mid-May to September can climb above 35°C (95°F). It did not happen to me. But if it does, then you can get really exhausted walking under the desert sun, especially since there are no places to shelter, except maybe inside the pyramid.

📅 Best Time to Visit Teotihuacan

On the other hand, Teotihuacan is said to be best enjoyed during Mexico’s dry season, from November to April (~22–27°C / 72–80°F). I personally visited in September and was lucky enough to get a clear sky for most of the day. The rain did start around 6 p.m., but I was already on the bus, heading back to my hotel in Roma Norte, in Mexico City.

The rainy season lasts from May to October, and these (not-so-occasional) afternoon showers can make paths slippery and harder to move around the site. However, November can be crowded because of the Day of the Dead, and December is the busiest month of all.

Souvenirs

Now, let’s talk about the lovely memories you can bring back home from the pyramids. My favorite part.

In Teotihuacan, you’ll generally find colorful folk art and obsidian crafts, while in Giza, shopping for souvenirs leans more toward a treasure hunt with symbolic relics and pharaonic keepsakes. But in both places, you’ll have to be ready to spot the fakes and bargain.

Souvenir Store in Giza, just outside the Pyramids Complex main entrance, Image Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Around the Giza Plateau, vendors are literally everywhere, and as a tourist, you can expect haggling and pressure. This is how I felt and this is why I would recommend skipping the quick grabs and going for the quieter shops and papyrus galleries just outside the complex.

That’s where I got some beautiful postcards, books, and bookmarks. And while the shopkeeper was busy adding up the prices, he even offered me a cup of tea. It felt so sweet and calm after a whole half day walking in the sun and all that crazy buzz outside.

Souvenir Vendor at Teotihuacan Pyramids, Image Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

I found that, in contrast to Giza, souvenir shopping at Teotihuacan is definitely more relaxed. People are extremely kind, and some of the vendors will simply use jaguar whistles to catch your attention.

They usually set up blankets with different goods along the Avenue of the Dead, or have a small stand in the artisan market at the entrance. The Mexican style seems more artisanal, compared to the “hard-sell” approach at the Egyptian pyramids.

Cost & Travel Considerations

💱 Costs & Local Currency

I tried to get into details as much as I could, but obviously, it will al depend on your budget.

It is important to bring local currency — Egyptian Pounds (EGP) for Giza, Mexican Pesos (MXN) for Teotihuacan. In Giza, sometimes they accept getting paid in smaller, pretty unknown currencies like Romanian Lei, which will not happen in Teotihuacan.

🏨 Where to Stay Nearby

💸 Which Destination is Cheaper? Giza or Teotihuacan?

Considering all the above, and obviously without taking into consideration airplane tickets, Teotihuacan is, in my opinion, the more affordable pyramid destination.

Entry tickets are cheaper  in Teotihuacan, and guides and local transportation also cost less overall, and souvenirs are usually more budget-friendly. There are more transportation options, compared to Giza, from public buses to organized tours and ride-sharing apps like Uber, even for the Teotihuacan route.

In contrast, Giza involves more add-ons: separate fees for entering the pyramids, the Solar Boat Museum, camel rides, and tipping, which is generally expected. Balloon rides are the only major optional splurge in Teotihuacan.

Local accommodations are similarly priced, often with higher prices in Giza, but it seems that you’ll often get more in terms of comfort for your money in Mexico. Even so, nothing quite compares to the breathtaking pyramid views from the hotels surrounding Giza, an experience that’s hard to match.

So, Which One Should You Visit First?

Me visiting Egyptian Pyramids (left, with the The Great Pyramid of Giza in the back) and Teotihuacan (right, with pyramid of the Moon in the background), Images Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

For me, both the Giza and Teotihuacan pyramids are hard to forget. After all, these are two of the world’s most dreamed of and searched for pyramid destinations, each spreading an infinite dust of ancient magic.

Giza is more suited for those who crave pure fascination and a lasting impact. The sheer scale of the pyramids, the mystical association to pharaohs and gods, and the entire symbolism surrounding them make the experience quite overwhelming.

I would totally recommend starting here if you have always wanted to visit one of the last ancient wonders that’s still standing. From every angle, it’s as dramatic, as it is intense.

Teotihuacan pyramids, on the other hand, invite you to wander, wonder, and meditate. It’s more about mystery than monumentality, more about rhythm and order than grandeur.

Start here if you’d love to explore an old, deserted city, discover carvings hidden in stone, and feel connected to a world once filled with music, markets, and ceremonies –  America’s once biggest metropolis.

Giza & Teotihuacan at a Glance

FAQ

🏨 Which pyramids are bigger?

The Pyramids of Giza are nearly twice as tall as those at Teotihuacan.

Just to get the idea, the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) stands today at 137 meters (449.5 feet), while the Pyramid of the Sun reaches only about 65–70 meters (213–230 feet) in height.

Interestingly, their base dimensions are quite similar: Khufu’s pyramid has a base length of 230.4 meters (755.9 feet) per side, compared to 225 meters (738 feet) for the Pyramid of the Sun.

🏨 Can I climb the pyramids?

Mmm… No. Climbing the outside of the pyramids in Giza is quite illegal and can get you arrested, fined, or even jailed. even touching them can get you a warning. Someone will usually show up to tell you not to lay your hands on them.

It used to be allowed though at Teotihuacan, but not anymore. These days, you’re only allowed to climb the platforms in front of the pyramids, and not the pyramids themselves.

🏨 What are the similarities between Teotihuacan and Giza?

Both feature massive pyramids built with advanced engineering, aligned to celestial events, and central to their civilization’s religious and cultural life.

Got questions about visiting either site, or still can’t decide which one’s for you? Drop them in the comments and I’ll be happy to help you plan your perfect pyramid adventure! Until next time!