The Avenue of the Dead, or Calzado de los Muertos in Spanish, is one of the most fascinating components of the ruins of Teotihuacan that are worth exploring. The avenue is the main road through the center of the ancient city, and the name came from an observation by the Aztecs that the mounds on either side of the street resembled tombs. The archaeological site, including the Teotihuacan Citadel, is one of the most-visited historical attractions in all of Mexico. Located only 25 miles northeast of Mexico City, it is possible to explore the ruins on a day trip from the capital. As the main boulevard of the city, the Avenue of the Dead stretches from the Citadel to the north towards the Temple of the Moon.

As you walk along the Calzado de los Muertos, you will pass excavations that have revealed former living quarters. From the Teotihuacan Citadel, the Avenue of the Dead doesn’t follow a direct north-south pattern, but it is thought to have been built on a northwest angle to align with the sun on a specific date. Throughout your tour of the ancient city, it will become apparent that the people who lived there had relatively sophisticated civilization that they have only recently been given true credit for. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the archaeological ruins of Teotihuacan have only grown in popularity since. The Avenue of the Dead is lined with impressive ceremonial architecture, including platforms and temples. The Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon are also located along the avenue.