Table of contents:
Welcome to our Teotihuacan tips; here are some of the tips that we want to share with you:
- Get there early ☀️
- Bring enough water and comfortable clothing 💧
- Visit the Archeological Museum 🏠
- Visit the Quetzalpapálotl Temple 🐍
- Hot-air balloon 🎈
- Go with a tour guide 🗺️
- Take a themed tour 🏍️
- Where to stay 🏨
- Where to eat 🍽️
- Snap a picture! 📷
Additional Information about Teotihuacan in Mexico
Teotihuacan is recognized for having been one of the largest cities in Mesoamerica during pre-Hispanic times. This “City of gods” will leave you enchanted and full of energy. Enjoy this article, read some of our next tips, and get ready to time-travel safely to the ancient City of the Gods, Teotihuacan.
1. Get there early
The first reason is that the Teotihuacan Pyramids heat up quickly, making exploration a bit harder. The second reason is that you want to beat the crowd and get there early, as soon as the doors open.
Teotihuacan tips: How to get there?
To get to the Teotihuacan Archaeological Zone from Mexico City, you have a few options:
- Public transportation: You can take the Metrobus Line 5 from the Indios Verdes station to the Autobuses del Norte station. From there, you can take a bus to Teotihuacan. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the Terminal de Autobuses del Norte to Teotihuacan.
- Guided tours: Let Vibe Adventures take you to this amazing site. We will take care of you! Check out our Teotihuacan tours.
- Taxi or private car: You can also hire a taxi or a private car to take you to Teotihuacan. This option may be more expensive than public transportation or guided tours, but it offers greater flexibility in terms of when you arrive and how long you stay.
- The archeological zone is open from 8:00 to 17:30 all year long.
2. Bring enough water and comfortable clothing
The “Calzada de Los Muertos” is the main avenue in Teotihuacan. It is 2km long and crosses the entire enclosure, from the Citadel to the Pyramid of the Moon. In its surroundings, you can admire different pyramidal constructions. Wear a hat and sunscreen as it can get very sunny in the central hours of the day. If you forget a hat, there are vendors at the entrance. Also, do not forget water, shoes, and comfortable clothes, as you will have to walk a lot.
3. Visit the Archeological Museum
We know the pyramids are the most popular attraction in Teotihuacan, but don’t forget to visit the rest of the amenities. In addition to the incredible archeological wonders, this site offers a very complete educational and cultural museum. Inside, you will see various articles found in the archaeological zone, such as ceramics, textiles, and other pieces.
Furthermore, you can also find representations of the human sacrifices that occurred in Teotihuacan. The entrance to the museum is included in the entrance to Teotihuacan. However, you must keep the ticket, as they will ask you to enter. Check out our post: Museums Mexico City: Top 8 & More!
4. Visit the Quetzalpapálotl Temple
Many people miss the Temple of Quetzalpapalotl, which is located near Exit 3. The impressive paintings and engravings here are on several walls and pillars, and several are decorated with representations of butterflies and quetzal feathers.
This temple corresponds to a building that, at the time, served as a residence for the Teotihuacan elite. Similarly, it used to serve as the home of the main priests of the city. It is the third-largest monument in Teotihuacan. It has one of the most beautiful and complex decorations of pre-Hispanic times.
5. Hot-air balloon
The landscape views you get from this experience are amazing. Seeing the Teotihuacan pyramids from the air and the sunrise at the same time is an unforgettable moment. This is one of the best activities to do in Teotihuacan. It’s very interesting to see how the pilot controls the balloon’s direction with pure air currents. However, hot-air balloon tours usually take place very early because the air currents are more stable and calmer than in the afternoon.
Teotihuacan tips: precautions
Unfortunately, accidents have occurred in archaeological zones because several hot air balloon companies lack safe and efficient quality control. This also happens in places like Turkey, South Africa, and France, among others. This is why we recommend that you get advice and do comprehensive research about the tour you will take and the company with which you will have your hot air balloon adventure.
6. Go with a tour guide
There is nothing better than an experienced guide to explain how wonderful each of the structures is. Your experience will be more complete with someone guiding you through its history, what the colossal heads mean, or why structures overlap.
Not only will they guide you educationally and culturally, but they are also experts in the area, leading to great dining and entertainment options. Check out our tour: Teotihuacan Tour (Personal Guide & Driver / Private or Group/ 6h).
7. Take a themed tour
It is okay to visit Teotihuacan alone, but the full experience relies on exploring its surroundings. Outside the Archaeological Zone, many activities will help you complement your visit and enjoy much more than just the pyramids. Many specialized tours focus on temazcales, food, drinks, ATVs, hot-air balloons, etc.
8. Where to stay
While many visitors to Teotihuacan stay in Mexico City, others prefer to stay near the ruins to visit early and avoid crowds. Its main town, San Juan Teotihuacan, is a small, magical town; therefore, staying near the main square is recommended. An example of accommodation is the Acocalli Boutique Hotel, located between the town square and the Teotihuacan Pyramids.
Teotihuacan tips: Where to stay in Teotihuacan?
- La Choza de Barro: This guesthouse is in the nearby town of San Sebastian Xolalpa and offers comfortable rooms and a beautiful garden. Many guests have praised the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere and the delicious breakfast.
- Hotel Casa de la Luna: This guesthouse is located in the town of San Juan Teotihuacan, just a short drive from the pyramids. Guests have praised the spacious and comfortable rooms and the friendly and helpful hosts.
- Posada Jade Teotihuacan: This bed and breakfast is located just 0.621371 miles away from the pyramids and offers comfortable rooms and a peaceful garden. Many guests have praised the warm hospitality of the hosts and the delicious breakfast.
9. Where to eat
La Gruta Teotihuacan is a unique and highly rated restaurant located in Estado de Mexico (the state of Mexico), specifically, just a few steps away from the Pyramids of Teotihuacan. Its stunning location sets it apart – it is built into a natural cave, creating a truly memorable dining experience. The restaurant’s interior is decorated with traditional Mexican artwork and sculptures, adding charm.
As for the food, it serves a range of delicious Mexican dishes, including their famous mole sauce. Other must-tries include grilled meats and fresh seafood options. The restaurant also offers an extensive drinks menu featuring a range of tequilas and other local specialties. Overall, La Gruta Teotihuacan is an excellent choice for those seeking a unique, mystical, magical, and authentic Mexican dining experience. Check out our post: Traditional Food of Mexico (Top 20 Dishes).
For those who want to try traditional drinks,
There’s pulque, a Mexican drink made from the agave plant. You can taste it at local pulque bars. It might not be for everyone, but trying it is an authentic and unique cultural experience. Teotihuacan has colorful markets selling lots of local snacks.
You’ll find authentic Mexican street food like tacos, tamales, and gorditas there. It’s perfect for a quick bite while exploring the city. While wandering around the archaeological zone, you might find food sellers offering Mexican specialties. They sell snacks like corn on the cob, corn cups, and fruit with chili powder.
It’s a good chance to try some local flavors during your sightseeing break. There are also restaurants in town where you can enjoy different Mexican dishes like enchiladas, mole, and tacos al pastor. They’re great places to relax and taste various regional foods after a day of exploring.
10. Snap a picture!
Indeed, you will want to remember this moment. Don’t be afraid to strike weird poses to get the best picture. In addition to protecting Mexico’s history and culture, the Teotihuacan Pyramids are also an ideal place to take incredible photographs. One of those details that we always forget when taking pictures is the angle, which can give a different meaning to our photo.
Just a side note: Avoid jumping for your selfies; it is the best thing you can do to preserve the archeological zone. Studies carried out in Teotihuacan reveal that the city sinks between 2 and 3 cm each year due to the weight of the visitors.
Teotihuacan Mexico History
Teotihuacan is a special place in Mexico that’s over 2,000 years old. It was a famous city from 100 BCE to 650 CE, during a time called the classic period of Mesoamerica. People aren’t sure who exactly made this city or why. Historians think it was built by different groups of people who came together. This made the city a mix of cultures and traditions.
At its best, Teotihuacan was a big, busy city with more than 100,000 people. It had huge roads, tall pyramids, and beautiful temples with colorful pictures on the walls.
The buildings in Teotihuacan were amazing and showed how smart the people were. The Pyramid of the Sun was one of the biggest pyramids in the world, and the Pyramid of the Moon was used for special ceremonies.
Teotihuacan Pyramids
Teotihuacan’s pyramids are like giants from the past, standing tall and proud. The Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon are two of the most stunning pyramids in the world. These pyramids aren’t just big but full of history and mystery.
The Pyramid of the Sun is enormous. It’s one of the largest pyramids globally and is known for its impressive size and grandeur. People climbed it to feel closer to the sky and the sun. The view from the top is breathtaking and gives a glimpse of how vast the ancient city was.
Not too far away, the Pyramid of the Moon stands gracefully. This pyramid was dedicated to special ceremonies and rituals. People believe it was a sacred place where they connected with their gods.
Secrets and Mysteries
Teotihuacan in Mexico is a mysterious place that puzzles scientists and historians. Despite extensive research, parts of this old city still have secrets. One of the biggest mysteries is who built Teotihuacan. Experts aren’t sure which groups or cultures built it. Even the city’s name, Teotihuacan, which means “the place where the gods were created” in the Nahuatl language, suggests a mysterious beginning.
We’re still not sure what some of the huge structures, like the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, were used for. They seem to line up with the stars, showing a connection to space, but we don’t fully understand their religious meaning. Teotihuacan suddenly fell apart around the 7th century CE, leaving archaeologists puzzled. We’re not sure why it happened—maybe fights among people, natural problems, or invasions caused it.
The colorful paintings and detailed art in Teotihuacan are another mystery. They show daily life and gods, but we don’t know what they really mean. Hidden tunnels and secret rooms under the pyramids, too, add to the mystery and excitement of Teotihuacan. When people visit, they feel fascinated by the unknown parts of this old city. These unsolved mysteries make Teotihuacan in Mexico even more interesting and impressive.
Conclusion
Exploring Teotihuacan is like taking an incredible journey back in time to an old city full of amazing things to discover. This guide shows you the secrets and interesting stuff in this historic place, telling you about its fascinating past, mysteries, fun things to do, places to eat, and where to stay.
Teotihuacan is fascinating because it has a mysterious history but is also impressive today. People who come here can explore its secrets, see the huge pyramids, try yummy local food, and find peaceful places to stay. Teotihuacan, Mexico, is an extraordinary adventure that lets you unforgettably experience the ancient past. Time travel with us and welcome to Teotihuacan, Mexico!