Just a short drive from greater Mexico City, the ruins of Teotihuacan stand as a testament to ancient engineering and enduring mystery. Even the Aztecs, who ruled the region when the Spanish arrived, didn’t know who originally built this massive city of pyramids and temples.
Today, researchers continue to explore and discover new details about Teotihuacan. I’ve been fortunate to visit the site multiple times while living in Mexico. Each trip, whether by public transport or by car, with friends or solo, was a memorable adventure.
Teotihuacan is one of the best day trips from Mexico City and a must-see for anyone visiting Mexico. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your visit.
There is ongoing debate about who founded Teotihuacan, with the Toltecs and Totonacs being the most likely candidates. The Toltecs are known for their enormous statues and carvings found at sites like Tula, influential in many Mesoamerican cultures. The Totonacs, from modern-day Veracruz, claim their ancestors built Teotihuacan.
Evidence suggests Teotihuacan was a melting pot of cultures, including the Toltecs, Totonacs, Mayans, Mixtecs, and Zapotecs. Its language remains undeciphered, adding to the mystery of its origins. The city’s name, meaning “the place where men become gods,” was given by the Aztecs centuries after its decline.
Settled as early as 400 BC, Teotihuacan peaked from 100 BC to 650 CE, housing over 100,000 people across an 8-square-mile area. A possible class conflict around 550 CE, indicated by evidence of a large fire, might explain its eventual abandonment by 750 CE.
Key landmarks include the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. The Pyramid of the Sun, at 213 feet, is one of the world’s tallest pyramids, featuring six layers and an underlying cave. The Pyramid of the Moon, standing 147 feet tall, was a site for human and animal sacrifices.
The Street of the Dead runs between these pyramids, passing various ceremonial platforms decorated with intricate murals and carvings. Nearby, the Palace of Quetzalpapálotl and Tepantitla Palace contain notable carvings and murals.
The Citadel complex hosts the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, adorned with serpent carvings and marine life imagery. Climbing the pyramids offers magnificent views, but check current regulations as access can change.
Two museums at the site, the Museum of Teotihuacan Murals and the Museum of Teotihuacan Culture, offer additional insights into the ancient city. Activities such as hot air balloon rides and night tours with a light and sound show provide unique ways to experience the ruins.
San Juan Teotihuacan, the nearby town, celebrates several festivals, including the feast of John the Baptist. Dining at La Gruta, a cave restaurant offering traditional food and folk dance shows, is a treat not to be missed.
Various tours cater to different interests, from skipping lines to balloon rides over the ruins, or combining visits to other Mexico City attractions like the Guadalupe Shrine.
Plan to arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat, as there’s little shade. Vendors selling jaguar-call souvenirs are everywhere, so a polite “gracias” will suffice to pass by. Don’t miss the museums, which provide informative exhibits and a chance to cool off.
Here’s some practical information: Teotihuacan is 25 miles from Mexico City. Frequent buses from the North Bus Terminal (Autobuses del Norte station on Line 5) take about two hours each way. The ruins are open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and climbing the pyramids requires good shoes and plenty of water.
Mexico City’s high elevation keeps temperatures moderate, with more rainy days in summer. Weekends, holidays, and the spring equinox can be crowded, so aim for weekdays to avoid long lines.
Entry to Teotihuacan costs 80 pesos, with an additional fee for video equipment. Parking is 45 pesos. Visiting Teotihuacan is like a rite of passage, offering an awe-inspiring blend of history and mystery. Ascending the pyramids, you’ll ponder the same questions as the Aztecs: Who built these incredible structures, and why?