If there’s one archaeological site in Mexico that everyone should visit at least once in their life, it’s Teotihuacan. There’s something about this place that makes you feel incredibly small: its sheer scale, its history, and the energy it radiates. I remember the first time I laid eyes on it; I was floored. It’s hard to wrap your head around the idea that an ancient civilization pulled this off without modern tools.
What’s truly incredible about Teotihuacan isn’t just its monumental architecture, but also the city’s layout, the alignment of its buildings with celestial bodies, and the cultural influence it had on other Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Mexica (Aztecs), who adopted it as a sacred site.
This is a comprehensive, detailed guide to visiting Teotihuacan with everything you need to know: how to get there, what to see, historical context, tips, and recommendations to make the most of your visit.
History of Teotihuacan: The mystery behind the great pre-hispanic city
Teotihuacan is one of Mexico’s most mysterious ancient cities. We still don’t know exactly who built it or why it was eventually abandoned. What we do know is that when the Aztecs discovered it centuries later, it was already in ruins. They named it Teotihuacan, meaning “the place where men become gods which feels pretty accurate once you see it up close.
Experts think the city was founded around the 2nd century BCE. At its peak, more than 100,000 people lived here, making it the biggest city in Mesoamerica at the time. It served as a major commercial, religious, and cultural hub across the region.
The city’s planners designed their city with astonishing precision: pyramids aligned with the stars, straight roads, vast plazas. It’s like they saw the city as a mirror of the cosmos.
Walking through Teotihuacan, it’s easy to imagine what life might have looked like: water flowing past temples, ceremonies honoring the gods, and bustling markets filled with trade and community life.
How to get to Teotihuacan from Mexico City
Teotihuacan is located about 50 km (31 miles) northeast of Mexico City, and the journey takes between 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic and your mode of transport.
Guided tour:
If you prefer to skip the logistics and just enjoy the experience, this is your best bet. Guided tours include round-trip transport, an expert guide, and often extras like mezcal tastings or obsidian carving demonstrations. Prices range from 600 to 1500 MXN depending on the package, and having a guide greatly enhances your understanding of the site.
Public transport:
Buses to Teotihuacan leave from Mexico City’s Terminal del Norte, costing around 100 MXN round-trip. It’s the most budget-friendly option, but less comfortable. If you’re not familiar with navigating the city, this route may be challenging.
By car
Got a rental? Take the Mexico-Pachuca highway and follow the signs. Parking near the site is simple and costs about 50 MXN. Just make sure your GPS is working.
What to see in Teotihuacan: Must-sees in the City of the Gods
Exploring Teotihuacan means stepping into a city that, even centuries after its peak, still showcases the grandeur of its past. The first thing you feel is awe: the colossal pyramids, the vast Avenue of the Dead, and an atmosphere that feels charged with something special.
There’s way more to explore than just the two main pyramids, though. Leave time to wander, there are hidden gems all over the place.
Pyramid of the Sun
Start here. The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest structure on site and ranks as the third tallest pyramid in the world. It rises 65 meters into the sky and dominates everything around it.
This was the city’s most important ceremonial center. Although climbing it is no longer allowed, its presence is still deeply impressive. Its astronomical alignment is said to be precise, and ancient rituals were once held at its summit.
Standing at its base, looking up, it’s easy to imagine the faithful climbing toward the sky, believing they were stepping closer to the divine. Even now, crowds gather during equinoxes to “absorb the energy.”
Pyramid of the Moon
Continue along the Avenue of the Dead and you’ll reach the Pyramid of the Moon. Though smaller than the Pyramid of the Sun (at about 43 meters tall), it offers one of the best panoramic views of the entire archaeological zone.
Visitors are allowed to climb to the first platform, making it the perfect spot to admire the city’s layout and imagine its ancient splendor: temples, plazas, homes, and markets that once filled the area with life.
Even as ruins, the majesty of Teotihuacan is still palpable.
Avenue of the Dead
This is the main artery of Teotihuacan, a grand ceremonial boulevard more than 4 km long. It connected the city’s major structures and was likely used by priests and rulers during important rituals.
Its name, “Avenue of the Dead,” comes from the Aztecs, who believed the buildings along its sides were tombs. In reality, they were elite residential and administrative complexes.
Walking this avenue is like walking through the heart of the ancient city. Along the way, you’ll see temples, plazas, and palaces. Some of them still adorned with original murals.
Temple of Quetzalcoatl (Feathered Serpent Temple)
Inside the Citadel, this temple is one of the most stunning and weirdly underappreciated spots in Teotihuacan. This massive ceremonial complex was once the center of Teotihuacan’s political and religious power.
Its façade features intricately carved feathered serpent heads and other mythological creatures, setting it apart from the other pyramids. Archaeologists have uncovered over 200 human burials here, pointing to ritual sacrifices.
The temple’s detail is astonishing. Even after centuries, the serpents’ fangs, eyes, and feathers remain clearly visible. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in Mesoamerican art and symbolism.
Palaces and murals
Beyond the pyramids, Teotihuacan also stuns with its art. Some of the murals have survived for centuries, still showing off bold color and intricate style.
The Palace of Quetzalpapálotl is thought to have housed a high-ranking priest or noble. Here you’ll find carved columns featuring quetzal birds and stunning murals with colors that have survived the centuries.
Another highlight is the Palace of the Jaguars, where murals depict jaguars playing conch shells, a sign of music and ritual in Teotihuacan culture.
For lovers of pre-Hispanic art, these areas offer a rare glimpse into the everyday life and beliefs of this ancient civilization.
Teotihuacan museum
To round out your visit, be sure to stop by the Museum of Teotihuacan Culture, which houses a vast collection of artifacts found across the site. Here, you’ll see pottery, tools, sculptures, and even human remains.
One of the highlights is a large-scale model of the entire city, giving a breathtaking visual of what it once looked like at its peak. As a fan of miniature models, I found myself mesmerized by the detail and scale.
Tips for Vvisiting Teotihuacan and making the most of your trip
- Arrive early. After noon, the sun gets intense and there’s very little shade. I joined a 6 AM tour and it was the best decision: fewer crowds and cooler weather.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Exploring the site takes several hours under direct sun, and there are no shops or shaded areas inside.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Expect to walk a lot and possibly climb, so be prepared.
- Hire a guide if you can. It’s well worth it to understand the meaning behind the ruins. Also, plan for a full day. Between travel and exploration, it takes up most of your day.
Where to eat near Teotihuacan
You’ll be starving after all that exploring. If you’re with a tour, lunch is probably covered. If you’re on your own, here are a few places worth checking out:
- La Gruta: A unique dining experience inside a natural cave.
- Techinanco: Traditional Mexican cuisine with views of the pyramids.
- Mayahuel: Specializing in pre-Hispanic dishes and edible insects.
Teotihuacan is a one-of-a-kind destination full of history, mystery, and a powerful presence that lingers in the air. Walking through its ancient avenues and gazing at its pyramids is an experience that’s hard to describe in words. Whether you join a tour or go solo, the key is to take it all in and let yourself be transported by the magic of this sacred site.
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico City, make sure to set aside a full day for Teotihuacan. You won’t regret it.
