Visit Teotihuacan
It’s impossible to stay in Mexico City without making a stop to visit the pyramids of Teotihuacan. However, I waited until my third visit to go, because that’s just how I am… Let’s say, I don’t really have FOMO while traveling. Hahaha. But don’t wait as long as I did! Whether you’re a history lover or simply curious, if you want to be amazed, you’re in the right place! Here are all my tips for getting from Mexico City to Pyramids and making the most of your experience.
Mexico City: A Vibrant City
Mexico City is one of my favorite cities. I’ve been lucky enough to visit it 3 times, and I only have one wish: to return!
With its history, art, and gastronomy, this enormous capital has so much to offer to all travelers who decide to drop their backpacks there.
ALSO READ: 8 Things to Do in Mexico City
A city in the heart of Mexico
Located in the center of the country, the capital sits in the Valley of Mexico at an altitude of 2,240 meters. This central geographical position makes the city a major economic and cultural hub in the Americas.
Mexico City is the economic heart of the country, as it hosts the headquarters of numerous national and international companies.
It is also a significant cultural center, with a particularly rich history that dates back to pre-Hispanic civilizations, especially the Aztecs, and which is still evident today.
Main attractions of Mexico City
Mexico City is home to famous landmarks like the Cathedral or the Templo Mayor, museums such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes or the must-visit Archaeological Museum, but above all, it’s its different neighborhoods like Xochimilco or Coyoacán, where an authentic and immersive atmosphere reigns.
If you like big cities, like I do, you are going to love it! If you quickly feel overwhelmed by crowds and noise, spend less time there, but still take the opportunity to see the main attractions.
For a quick trip, here is my article Things to Do in Mexico City. Trust me, I spent no less than 3 months in this incredible destination, so I know the places you can’t miss for a short visit 😉
From Mexico City to Pyramids
Once you’ve visited the main tourist attractions in Mexico City, it’s time to escape the hustle and bustle and discover a unique place.
The pyramids of Teotihuacan are part of every tourist itinerary, and you’ll understand why once you’re there. Personally, I loved taking my time and observing every corner. It’s quite fascinating to think that human beings are capable of building such monuments.
Getting to Teotihuacán is extremely simple. The same goes for the visit. In any case, here are my tips for making the most of the site.
How to Visit the Pyramids?
To visit Teotihuacan, you have two options: go on your own or join an organized tour.
On your own
It’s the option I chose. Why?
- It’s very easy to get there on your own using public transportation.
- I like being able to take my time and explore at my own pace.
- Hiring a guide can be expensive when you’re alone.
Do I regret it? Not at all! If you decide to visit this incredible site without a guided tour, I recommend reading as much information as possible about the different sites in advance to understand what each monument represents.
If you have internet on your phone through a regular SIM card or an eSIM, you can also use it on-site, but be careful on hot days to avoid overheating your device.
To buy your ticket and visit this fantastic site, you can do so at the park entrance. If, like me, you arrive at Gate 2 (there are several access points), follow the signs. The entrance fee is 95 pesos (this price may have increased since my visit).
If your budget allows, you can also hire a guide on-site who will explain what Teotihuacan is and why the site is so important in Mexican history. Numerous guides will offer their services upon your arrival!
With an Organized Tour
This option is less complicated, as you only need to worry about getting to the meeting point. In fact, transportation to the Teotihuacan site, the entrance fee, and the guide are included in most tours.
Once there, you’ll receive the best explanations to fully enjoy this magical place and understand its entire history.
The number of tours offered by different agencies is increasing and becoming more varied. You’ll easily find one that suits your expectations.
How to Get from Mexico City to Pyramids?
Teotihuacan is about 40 km from Mexico City. If you choose to go on a guided tour, you won’t have to worry about the journey.
However, if you decide to go on your own, here’s how to do it:
By Bus
The first step is to take the metro to the Autobuses del Norte station. Once there, walk to the bus terminal of the same name. Look for Gate 8 – Puerta 8– and check which company has departures to Teotihuacan.
Remember to also purchase your return ticket. I was there in October 2023, and payment was only possible in cash.
By car
It takes about 1 hour to travel from Mexico City to Teotihuacan, though the time may vary depending on traffic conditions. In any case, you’ll need to take the Autopista México Pachuca and then the Carretera de Cuota San Juan Teotihuacan, although your GPS will guide you better than I can 😉
If you don’t have a car but are interested in exploring the area independently, why not consider renting one? Compare the rates of different companies before making your decision.
Discover Teotihuacan: The City of the Gods
If the Teotihuacan pyramids are so essential for all tourists, it is because these imposing pre-Hispanic structures symbolize the grandeur of this ancient Mesoamerican city.
Teotihuacan in a nutshell
Founded around 200 B.C., Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city that thrived between 100 and 650 A.D.
It was one of the largest and most influential cities of the pre-Columbian era, although very little is known about its functioning and even less about its inhabitants at the time.
Teotihuacan means “the place where the gods were created” in Nahuatl and got its name from the Mexicas, who gave it this nickname 6 centuries after its abandonment.
The origins of Teotihuacan appear to be related to the eruptions of the Xitle and Popocatépetl volcanoes, as well as to earthquakes and ash clouds that led populations to settle around the volcanoes.
The Teotihuacan Valley was an ideal location as it provided drinking water and fertile land.
Researchers agree that starting from 150 B.C., the valley began to receive groups from various parts of Mesoamerica. The first city was established here between 150 B.C. and 200 A.D.
The major structures date from the 3rd century A.D., with the peak of local development being the 4th century, when the population exceeded 200,000 inhabitants.
The city is especially known for its monumental pyramids, such as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, as well as for its rich murals and elaborate sculptures.
Even after its decline around 650 A.D., the city continued to fascinate and influence later civilizations, including the Aztecs, who regarded it as a sacred place.
Main attractions
The site of Teotihuacan is enormous and there are several places of interest to visit. However, there are 4 that you must not miss under any circumstances:
Pirámide del Sol
The most iconic monument of the ancient Mesoamerican city. It is the largest pyramid in the city and the third largest in the world. With its three levels, it rises to about 65 meters in height. Its alignment is largely based on solar cycles.
Some archaeologists believe it played a central role in rituals and ceremonies related to the worship of the Sun and fertility.
Pirámide de la Luna
The second largest structure in the city rises to approximately 42 meters in height and was built in at least 7 stages. It is located to the north of the site, facing the Avenue of the Dead.
Recent astronomical calculations suggest that it may have marked the astronomical orientation axis of Teotihuacan.
Calzada de los Muertos
This grand ceremonial road stretches for 2.5 km and connects the main monuments of the city. Its name was given by the Aztecs, who thought that the temples and ancient palaces lining it were funeral structures.
The Avenue of the Dead served as the main axis for ceremonies, festivals, and parades. Today, it provides a fascinating view of the complex urban planning of ancient Teotihuacan.
Templo de la Serpiente Emplumada
This temple is dedicated to Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, a major deity in Mesoamerican mythology. It is famous for its impressive sculpted friezes depicting feathered serpents, which adorn the exterior walls of the structure.
The construction of the temple spans several levels. Religious rituals and human sacrifices were performed there. Feel free to visit the interior; it’s truly stunning!
ALSO READ: Lucha Libre in Mexico City
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
As demonstrated by the four sites mentioned earlier, Teotihuacan was a central place both religiously, astronomically, and culturally for the inhabitants of that time.
Pre-Hispanic Beliefs
The pre-Hispanic peoples of Mesoamerica, such as the inhabitants of Teotihuacán, had complex religious and cultural beliefs centered around nature, the stars, and the cycle of life.
They worshiped numerous deities associated with natural elements like the sun, rain, and fertility, and believed in a close relationship between the gods and humans, often maintained through rituals, offerings, and sacrifices.
Their worldview was generally cyclical, incorporating concepts of death and rebirth. They integrated these beliefs into their architecture, art, and social organization.
Although little is known about the inhabitants of Teotihuacán, these characteristics are evident, particularly through some of the sculptures and paintings that have been preserved over the years.
Influence on modern Mexico
The site of Teotihuacán continues to exert a significant influence on Mexico today, both culturally and symbolically.
The pyramids of Teotihuacán are iconic symbols of Mexican cultural heritage and are frequently used in popular culture to illustrate the grandeur of pre-Hispanic civilizations, their advanced architecture, and their complex spirituality.
Teotihuacán serves as a symbol of unity and cultural continuity in Mexico. Images of its pyramids are regularly incorporated into national representations and cultural celebrations.
It is also a source of inspiration for many Mexican artists, writers, and musicians, who find in its structures a powerful creative symbol.
Tips for travelers
I loved visiting Teotihuacán and I have some tips to share with you 🙂
Best time to visit Teotihuacán
Between February and April, the weather is dry and temperatures are pleasant, so I recommend visiting the site during this period to experience this unique place. You can also choose to go from November to January, although temperatures will be cooler, not to say cold 😉
Try to avoid Mexican holiday periods, such as Holy Week and summer vacations in July and August, as the site may be more crowded and temperatures higher.
Finally, I suggest visiting on a weekday and early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere. Keep in mind that the site is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Visit Duration
Given such an impressive site, there’s no doubt you could spend hours admiring these giant pyramids and imagining the daily life of its inhabitants. However, if your time is limited, it’s recommended to spend at least 4 hours.
Personally, I spent a little over 5 hours exploring the site at my own pace and taking some breaks in the few shaded spots I found. I also took the opportunity to visit many other places beyond the 4 mentioned earlier. In particular, I enjoyed my time at the cultural museum and the surrounding botanical garden.
What to bring with you?
If the sun is shining brightly and the sky is clear, it can get very hot and shade will be scarce. I recommend bringing water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself.
The site is not huge, but you will need to walk and go up and down some stairs, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Where to eat in Teotihuacan?
Outside the site, there are many places to eat, so you can easily have lunch there.
Once inside, there are no food stalls or vendors, so consider bringing a snack with you if you think you might get hungry at some point.
Where to buy souvenirs?
At the entrance to the site, you’ll find a multitude of stalls selling souvenirs. Postcards, magnets, and even tote bags featuring Frida Kahlo are available.
You can also take the opportunity to buy a more local souvenir, such as regional crafts. Keep in mind that in such a touristy attraction, prices are likely to be higher than in other places.
Travel Responsibly
Water bottles or snack wrappers, remember to leave nothing behind. There are trash cans located on-site where you can dispose of your waste.
Many stray dogs roam the site. It’s tempting to feed them, but remember that some foods, like chocolate, are harmful to them.
The Teotihuacán pyramids are an incredible testament to a fascinating people and culture, deserving of the utmost respect. Avoid touching the monuments, and do not attempt to take a piece with you or leave a mark of your visit.
Also, do not attempt to enter restricted or closed areas. Preserving the site for future generations is a responsibility we all share.
To conclude this article about how to get from Mexico City to pyramids, I highly recommend taking the time to discover this unique place, a testament to the grandeur of Mexico and its people over the centuries.
It’s a fascinating visit that also provides a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital.
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