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It’s impossible to visit Mexico City without making a stop at the pyramids of Teotihuacan.

However, I waited until my third visit to finally go—because that’s just how I am. Let’s say, I’m not exactly plagued by FOMO when I travel. Hahaha.

But don’t wait as long as I did! Whether you’re a history lover or simply curious, if you’re looking to be amazed, this is the place for you.

Here are all my tips for getting from Mexico City to Pyramids and making the most of your experience.

From Mexico City to Pyramids

Once you’ve explored the main attractions of Mexico City, it’s time to escape the hustle and bustle and discover a unique place.

The pyramids of Teotihuacan are a must-see on any tourist itinerary, and you’ll quickly see why once you’re there.

Personally, I loved taking my time and observing every corner. It’s quite fascinating to think that humans were once capable of building such monumental structures.

Getting to Teotihuacán is incredibly easy. The same goes for the visit. In any case, here are my tips to help you make the most of your experience at the site.

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From Mexico City to Pyramids By Yourself

I decided to visit the famous site of my own. Why?

  • It’s very easy to get there by yourself 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 areas beforehand so you can fully appreciate what each monument represents.

If your phone has internet access via a regular SIM card or eSIM, you can use it on-site to look up information as you explore. However, on hot days, be mindful of your device to prevent it from overheating.

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), just 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!

From Mexico City to Pyramids With a Tour

This option is less complicated since all you need to do is get to the meeting point. In fact, most tours include transportation to the Teotihuacan site, an entrance fee, and a guide.

Once there, you’ll benefit from detailed explanations that will help you fully enjoy this magical place and understand its rich history.

The variety of tours offered by different agencies is growing, so you’ll easily find one that aligns with your interests and expectations.

Book your tour!

As I mentioned earlier, the range of options is growing, making it challenging to choose among so many possibilities.

To help you out, I’ve highlighted three incredible tours:

  1. This one offers an unforgettable experience—a breathtaking balloon flight over the stunning landscapes of Teotihuacán.
  2. The other two not only include a visit to Teotihuacánn but also take you to remarkable destinations such as the Shrine of Guadalupe and Tlatelolco.

Each tour promises a unique adventure you won’t want to miss!

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.

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Discover Teotihuacan: The City of the Gods

The Teotihuacán pyramids are a must-see for all tourists because these impressive pre-Hispanic structures embody the grandeur of this ancient Mesoamerican city.

Teotihuacan in a nutshell

Founded around 200 B.C., Teotihuacan was an ancient Mesoamerican city that thrived between 100 and 650 A.D.

It became 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 title 6 centuries after its abandonment.

The origins of Teotihuacan are believed to be linked 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 by 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 occurring in the 4th century, when the population exceeded 200,000 people.

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 site.

Mexico City to Pyramids

Main attractions

The site of Teotihuacan is vast, with several points 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.

visitar Teotihuacan

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.

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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.

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Mexico City to Pyramids
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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!

Mexico City to Pyramids
visitar Teotihuacan
Mexico City to Pyramids

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, held 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 much remains unknown about the people of Teotihuacán, these spiritual and cultural elements are evident, particularly in the sculptures and murals that have been preserved over time.

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 🙂

What is the 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. 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.

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How long does a visit to Teotihuacan last?

Given the grandeur of the site, there’s no doubt you could easily spend hours admiring these massive pyramids and imagining the daily lives of their inhabitants. However, if your time is limited, I recommend setting aside at least 4 hours to fully appreciate it.

Personally, I spent just over 5 hours exploring at my own pace, taking breaks in the few shaded spots I could find. I also made sure to visit several other areas beyond the four main ones. In particular, I enjoyed spending time at the cultural museum and the beautiful botanical garden nearby.

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What to bring with you to Teotihuacan?

If the sun is shining brightly and the sky is clear, it can get quite hot, and shade will be limited. I recommend bringing water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the heat.

While the site isn’t overwhelmingly large, you’ll need to walk and climb a few stairs, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes to make your visit more enjoyable.

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 in Teotihuacan?

At the entrance to the site, you’ll find a variety of stalls selling souvenirs like postcards, magnets, and even tote bags featuring Frida Kahlo.

If you’re looking for something more unique, you can also purchase local crafts as a souvenir of your visit. However, keep in mind that at such a popular tourist destination, prices may be higher than in other areas.

Travel Responsibly in Teotihuacan

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.

A Few Words about Mexico 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.

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 😉

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.

If you think this article can help other travelers to get from Mexico City to Pyramids, share one of these images on Pinterest!

mexico city to pyramids teotihuacan
mexico city to pyramids teotihuacan
mexico city to pyramids teotihuacan

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