Yes. There are also various restaurants and food stalls around the exterior of the archaeological site. There were tools, ritual relics, and indications of a rich culture in the city, but there werent any clues about what mightve happened there or where everyone went. Like this Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan, or this, Teotihuacan Pyramids with Tequila Tasting Private Tour. But, when you go there with a guide, you learn about every little detail as if youre seeing it with your own eyes. Temple of the Moon with the ceremonial plaza in front of it, taken from the top of the Temple of the Sun. Most people visit Teotihuacan on a day-trip from Mexico City. On the way back, you can pick up the bus again from one of the other exits, rather than walking all the way back to your starting point. This is the largest pyramid in the city and the most iconic and easily recognizable. One of the most popular local eateries is La Gruta, noted for being located inside a cave. Many of the larger pyramids can even still be climbed, offering sweeping views from the summit of these centuries-old pre-Hispanic works of engineering. Those wanting to use electronic video recording equipment in the Zone must purchase a permit. Crowds climbing to the top of the Temple of the Sun, the largest structure at Teotihuacn and one of the largest in the Mesoamerica cultural region. If you are staying in San Juan Teotihuacn and do not need a pick up service, and do not want to go into the archaeological site after your balloon ride, a balloon ride without pickup and entry tickets is what you need. Its thought to date back to 200 A.D. and rises up to 65 meters (about 213 feet) in height making it the third-largest stone pyramid ever built, anywhere in the world. If youre traveling from Mexico City youll need to leave early-ish to get a whole day in. There are five gates, each with a ticket office to pay for entry. Book your Ticket for a Guided Tour via Tiqets, or select your dates on the availability calendar and follow the booking procedure. The ruins of Teotihuacan and the surviving pyramids are all that remain of what was once the most powerful city in Mesoamerica. Renting a Car Though its possible to rent a car with Discover Cars and drive yourself to the archeological site, I wouldnt recommend it. Give my list of the 13 best museums in Mexico City a shot. When the Feathered Serpent Pyramid was discovered, over a hundred bodies were found buried underneath. There are a number of highly rated hotels (for a list and to book, see Booking.com) in the town, to suit all budgets. Safe travels, and enjoy your visit to Teotihuacan. But, the beautiful natural environment around the archaeological zone makes it an especially fun day trip out of Mexico City. Staying overnight isnt necessary, but it does mean you can get in early to see the pyramids, watch the sunset, or go for a sunrise hot air balloon flight! After parking, follow the path from Gate 5 to the Avenue of the Dead. The pyramids you see today were constructed (primarily for religious reasons) at the height of the citys power. Learn how your comment data is processed. Gate 3 is the only accessible entrance (with ramps and walkways for wheelchairs). COMMENTdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a3961764a2fe74168665bbfd5f17c6ae" );document.getElementById("eda2f4e600").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Buying Tickets in Advance, Online for Teotihuacn, Transport to Teotihuacn from Mexico City with fast-track entry, Visiting the Teotihuacan Archaeological Zone, What is Included in the Cost of Entry Tickets for Teotihuacn, Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Tours. The last thing you want when youre having fun in Mexico City is a searing sunburn. You can climb the Teotihuacan pyramids (only halfway up the Pyramid of the Moon), but numbers are restricted and lines form for the Pyramid of the Sun soon after opening at 9am. Entry is free for certain groups of Mexican citizens, including children under the age of 13, individuals over the age of 60, students and teachers. I want emails from Road Affair with travel updates and marketing. Standard entry to the Teotihuacn Archaeological Zone costs 80 pesos. By the seventh century A.D., Teotihuacan was beginning to be abandoned for unknown reasons (at the same time, many Mayan cities in the south were also being abandoned). Teotihuacan covers around 20 square kilometers (8 square miles), though satellite communities are thought to have existed far beyond these boundaries (up to 30 square kilometers). Visiting Mexico? Teotihuacan is best visited at opening time, around 9am, before crowds begin to build up in the late morning and afternoon. Its a mile and a half long, aligned slightly east of true north, and points directly at a nearby sacred peak called Cerro Gordo, an extinct volcano. Can I drive to Teotihuacan? Small communities remained among the ruins however, and during the heyday of the Aztec Empire in the 15th century Teotihuacan was a sacred place of pilgrimage, the place where the sun was born. Because the altitude of Teotihuacan is 2,300 meters (7,500 feet), the winters can be surprisingly chilly despite its location in Central Mexico. These are ideal for those who want to minimise fuss but not for those who want to explore Teotihuacn independently. Located in front of gate two, this is the largest structure in the Zone and is a dominant feature of the local landscape. When not hunting down archaeological monuments at home and abroad and writing about these for the website, Ethan researches religion in early Medieval England and contemporary uses of heritage (Academia Profile). Most tourists visit Teotihuacan on day-trips from Mexico City. At the pyramids of Teotihuacan themselves, youll need at least three to four hours to take in all the sights. It has features of a Mayan city and Toltec culture but is also reminiscent of neighboring cultures. Its believed that construction on Teotihuacan began around 400 BCE. If youre really on a budget in Mexico City, you can take the Metro from La Raza station to Autobuses del Norte station and follow the signs to the bus station. Things to look out for when choosing between seemingly similar activities: some include hotel pick up, for others you are required to get to the departure point. Book here. They are safe, easy to book on the app, and a surprisingly good value. There are several entrances and exits to the pyramid complex, but just get off at the first stop by the pyramids (Gate 1). What currency is used in Teotihuacan? Taking an organized tour (with transport by bus included, from around 900 pesos) is the most convenient option and is easy to arrange at hotels in the city, but its also relatively straightforward to visit independently a far cheaper option, and allowing more flexibility. Near the Palace of Quetzapaplotl is Palacio de los Jaguares, or Palace of the Jaguars. The trek up to the top of the pyramid isnt super difficult, but it can get a little crowded. Alternatively, you can just grab an Uber to the bus station for a couple of bucks. Temple of the Moon, the second largest pyramid at Teotihuacn. Running through the site is the Avenue of the Dead, a long straight pathway that reflects the carefully planned nature of this ancient city. There is a diverse range of activities for visitors to experience Teotihuacn, from Guided Tours at Dawn, an In-depth Guided Tour With an Archaeologist to Hot Air Balloon Rides Over the Archaeological Site (more information in the section below). The pre-Hispanic ruins have stood the test of time, and offer a deep insight into the complex cultures that rose and fell long before Europeans arrived on Mexican shores. Click here to book your hot air balloon ride. The Temple of Feathered Snails is also inside the Palace of Quetzapapalotl, which is known for its huge murals. Being prepared with water is especially crucial when youre doing an activity that gets you moving. You will have four hours to explore Teotihuacn before heading back to Mexico City. Or why they left a seemingly thriving city. There are a number of small group tours that start in Mexico City and travel to Teotihuacn and back. Plus, you get to walk around with an experienced guide who can tell you all about the history of this important pre-Hispanic city. How big is Teotihuacan? Theres only one reason to come here the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan (officially Zona Arqueolgica de Teotihuacan). What about food? You must have a permit to use a tripod. And will not be available during 2022. It gets really bright out there without anything to create little shady spots. There is a bookshop at Gate 5, where you can purchase books about the site as well as tourist guides. Some visitors like to combine their trip to Teotihuacan with a visit to historic sites in Mexico City itself. Of all the major ruins in Mexico, the ancient city of Teotihuacan is one of the best. See our full guide to what to pack for Mexico. mexico holidays things Specifically for Teotihuacan, youll want to bring: Once you get out into the archaeological complex, there will be little to no cover from the blazing hot sun. Antiquarians and then archaeologists began exploring the ancient city from the 19th century onward, revealing more about its fascinating history. You cant spend the night at pyramids themselves, but you can spend the night in the nearby town. Plus, many of the tours have an additional layer of adventure. Tunnels into the pyramid revealed that the pyramid we climb today is the last of six pyramids, each one built over its predecessor. Prices are reasonable, and youll leave the pyramids of Teotihuacan with a much deeper understanding of their importance than when you arrived. One option is to hire a car in the city and drive there, taking Highway 85D and following the signs to San Juan Teotihuacn. They were clearly a powerful society that exerted an influence across a wide area of Mesoamerica. Las Pirmides, the official restaurant at Puerta 1, offers the best views of the pyramids and fairly decent Mexican food, as well as three-course set menus. Check out one of his most recent books, Wicca: History, Belief, and Community in Modern Pagan Witchcraft, published by Sussex Academic Press. Teotihuacan is one of the finest archaeological sites of pre-Columbian Mexico. If youre looking for more great ideas, then check out this epic list of things to do in Mexico City. Signage is in both Spanish and English. Pro Tip: Being prepared for weather should be one of your top priorities in this region. The tours are really affordable, and they take all of the questions out of getting to the city. Reflecting its importance not just for Mexico but internationally, Teotihuacan is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Theres no shade at all once youre inside the pyramid complex (except at the museum) because everything is so wide open. this Teotihuacan day tour from Mexico City, 10 Best Hostels in Cape Town, South Africa, 10 Best Travel Strollers for Babies & Toddlers, Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort in Hoi An, Vietnam. It is unclear when it will be reinstated. The similar Pyramid of the Moon (Pirmide de la Luna) at the end of the Calzada de los Muertos is slightly smaller but provides the best overview of the sites overall layout (though its only possible to climb as far as the platform half way up). As youre probably starting to realize, its going to be sunny and hot when you visit this particular attraction. Not surprisingly then, at only 50km northeast of Mexico City Teotihuacn is the most visited site in Mexico. Its one of the best excursions from Mexico City, but it takes a little planning to get the most out of the day. The main attractions at Teotihuacan are the monumental pyramids along the 2 km Calzada de los Muertos, the Causeway of the Dead. You can even take your experience to the next level with a hot air balloon ride over the monumental architecture. The museum covers almost all known eras of Mexican history, too, so you can really start to piece the story together and visualize how the pyramids fit into the timeline. One popular attraction for archaeological explorers is Tlatelolco, the remains of another pre-Columbian city-state that is partially excavated. Check out our picks for the best hotels in Mexico City. Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city in central Mexico, located in the federal State of Mexico, in-between the modern towns of San Juan Teotihuacn and San Martn de las Pirmides. Additionally, theres a stunning view of the Pyramid of the Sun. Due to government restrictions Skip-the-line tickets for the archaeological site of Teotihuacn can not be purchased online. Teotihuacn has been captivating people for many years. The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest pyramid in the city, and its absolutely enormous. How do I get to Teotihuacan? Its also possible to rent a car once here and drive to Teotihuacan from Mexico City, but its much easier to take a bus or a guided tour, especially for first-time visitors.
Id recommend renting a car in Mexico if youre going on a further weekend trip, but its a hassle for a site thats just an hour away. Or how can we improve it to help you travel better? After the Spanish conquest, the pyramids fell into further disrepair until archaeological work began centuries later. The pyramids at Teotihuacan are very close to Mexico City, and on weekends they can get seriously busy. Allow around at least half a day to visit the ruins aim to eat lunch here if possible. The best way to experience the ancient city of Teotihuacan from above. The city came to be one of the most populated in the world, being home to tens of thousands of inhabitants. Summer is swelteringly humid, and the weather is characterized by continuous rainfall (not a good time to be outdoors, visiting the pyramids). Required fields are marked *. Accessibility This attraction isnt completely accessible, but there are a few efforts made at accessibility for wheelchair users. Need more things to do on your trip to Mexico? Although some visitors choose to wear flip-flops due to the heat, sturdy shoes that you can walk around in all day are better. Recommendation: By booking a tour you dont have to worry about getting on the right bus or rush hour traffic. 2022 Road Affair, LLC. Another important pre-Columbian site in Mexico City is the Templo Mayor, a major religious structure during the Postclassical period. Its thought that the pyramid was an important place of ritual sacrifice and religious ceremonies, as many graves have been found around the base and within the layers of the pyramid itself. Luckily, its located in a great spot right behind the Pyramid of the Sun, the museum, and an accessible restroom. When youre visiting, there are a few main sites to see. Visitors from abroad should also avoid Sundays, the day on which the archaeological zone is often more crowded than normal because entry is then free for locals. Gate 5 of Teotihuacan has accessible parking. Tickets can be purchased at the multiple entrance gates to the Zone. At its height, Teotihuacan had a total population of over 150,000, making it one of the biggest cities of ancient times. This was the city of Teotihuacans main thoroughfare, and its so named because this would have been the route taken by those destined to die on the pyramids. Its the perfect way to merge a day of history with a thrilling activity. Doors open at 8 AM, so try to get there right before then. Amigo Tours is a recommended operator for guided tours of Teotihuacan they offer early access tours which arrive before most of the other tour groups (amigotours.com.mx/mexico-city/sunrise-tour). Its usually a little faster to take the Metro to the Indios Verdes station (line 3) and take a bus to Las Pirmides. The profile of the pyramid copies the profile of Cerro Gordo Mountain north of the site. Buses depart Mexico Citys Terminal del Norte (Autobuses del Norte metro stop, Line 5), every 20 minutes or so through the day to Teotihuacan via Autobuses Teotihuacan (www.autobusesteotihuacan.com.mx). The site itself is pedestrian only and small enough to explore on foot. It houses a famous relic associated with the Virgin of Guadalupe that continues to attract many pilgrims in this deeply religious country. Photography is also permitted in the on-site museum, although flash is prohibited in certain areas to protect the artworks on display. Some visitors have found an absence of toilet paper, so packing tissues is a good idea. It lies some 50 km northeast of central Mexico City. Be sure to also visit the two site museums, the Teotihuacan Culture Museum (Museo de la Cultura Teotihuacana at Puerta 5) and the Museum of Teotihuacan Murals (the Museo de Murales Teotihuacanos at Puerta 3A), crammed with precious artifacts discovered at Teotihuacan, from obsidian tools and ornately decorated ceramics, to burials recovered from under the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. Traffic permitting, this journey takes about an hour, passing through impressive scenery. Visit our Best Places to Stay in Mexico City guide for more info. mexico holidays cancun artesania shopping souvenir xochimilco All Rights Reserved. Its practically a guaranteed sunburn if you show up unprepared so I recommend bringing sunscreen and a hat. However, we still dont know where the hundreds of thousands of people that lived there went. In spring, the sun is shining and temperatures start to rise, but tourist numbers pick up, too. Built between the 1st and 7th centuries AD, in its time it was one of the largest cities in the Americas, home to at least 25,000 people. The city proper was established during the Teotihuacan I phase (200 BC to 1 BC), while the city grew to be the biggest in the Americas in Teotihuacan II (1350 AD). Read Next: Best Things to Do in CDMX, Mexico. Using this main road of the ancient city, youll be able to wander around the archaeological complex fairly easily. Today, the city of Teotihuacan remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries. In past year, visitors have been able to climb several of the main pyramids, although this is not possible at present. Be prepared and wear comfortable shoes. Uber Uber is only a slightly less expensive option than renting a car to visit Teotihuacan. There is still much that remains a mystery about the people who built and lived at Teotihuacan. This includes entry to the onsite Teotihuacan Culture Museum, as well as the Museum of Teotihuacan Murals (Beatriz de la Fuente). The main attraction here is the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, with its four steps featuring ornate bas-relief sculptures. This tip is important for professional photographers or enthusiasts novices leave the tripod at home or get a permit way ahead of time. You can also rent a bicycle by the entrance if you prefer. Tours In my opinion, the best way to get to Teotihuacan is by joining a tour. Teotihuacn is only 40 kilometres, or 25 miles, northeast of Mexico City. The vast settlement with its stepped pyramids, temples and platforms lining a central avenue of the dead so impressed the Aztecs they named it the place where gods were created. One of the coolest things you can do on your trip to Teotihuacan is taking a hot air balloon ride. Uber is available in Mexico City one-way rides to Teotihuacan from the Zcalo in the center of Mexico City cost around 490 pesos. What about Uber? You can actually climb it all the way to the top and get a birds eye view of the city. You can grab water, sunscreen, and souvenirs from the on-site museum. What did you like about this post? This will grant you access to the zone and both museums. The reasons for this are still debated, ranging from internal unrest (civil war), to ecological collapse (droughts). Teotihuacan is so important because its believed to have been one of the largest and most successful cultures of the ancient world. Teotihuacan is spread out after several kilometers, so be prepared for lots of walking throughout the day. You definitely want to be wearing some comfortable sneakers to do it. If youre planning on taking some model shots and want to wear cuter shoes, pack them in your bag. Itll cost between USD 2 to USD 6 and take a little less than an hour to arrive in the city. The Mexican border states of Nuevo Len and Tamaulipas have been affected by drug cartel violence, and the roads in and around Mexico City are heavily congested and confusing to navigate. More details and book online here >>. A close up of the head of the feathered serpent. All you have to worry about is waking up and bringing your camera. The ruins of the city and the pyramids held great influence for centuries to come, however. It takes around 1 hour and costs around 110 pesos return. The Aztecs, who came to build their capital of Tenochtitlan to the south (where Mexico City stands today), made pilgrimages to the temples, and the name Teotihuacan is said to mean Birthplace of the Gods in the local Aztec dialect. You dont want to risk walking around in heels all day at this place. Today, the square mile around this centre is preserved as the Zona Arqueolgica de Teotihuacan the Teotihuacan Archaeological Zone. Do I need a car in Teotihuacan? So, as you can imagine, it holds a lot of historical value. When is the Best Time to Visit Teotihuacan? Check the forecast beforehand as the area does experience rainy and windy days in which case a poncho and umbrella are recommended. The journey can take as little as 45 minutes from the terminal, depending on traffic. After a post-college adventure around 6 Asian countries, she dove head-first into a writing career and travel lifestyle. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. However, it was discovered by the Aztecs and given its modern name of Teotihuacan in the 1400s. The museum features many numerous stone heads, ancient artifacts, art pieces, and a 3D model of the city.
