One of the best things to do when visiting Mexico City is to go on a day trip excursion to the famous Teotihuacan Archaeological Site. As such, if you’re having a vacation in the city, it’s not surprising that you end up in this guide to know more about the area.
This article will cover everything you need about the Teotihuacan Archaeological Site. This includes basic information about the area, the nearby restaurants and hotels, and even the activities and attractions to experience and explore.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
About Teotihuacan Archaeological Site
Teotihuacan was an ancient Mesoamerican city located within the Valley of Mexico. Today, it is known as the site of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, two of Mesoamerica’s most architecturally significant pyramids.
At one point, Teotihuacan was the largest city in the Americas in the first half of the millennium. In its heyday, it was the sixth-largest city in the world, with a population estimated to be more than a hundred thousand, making it one of the first advanced civilizations on the continent.
Originally one of the world’s largest cities, Teotihuacan is best known for its pyramids, all that remains of the ancient city.
Teotihuacan’s pyramids are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see on every traveler’s bucket list. The summits of many of these centuries-old pre-Hispanic engineering works are still climbable, providing satisfying panoramic views.
Operating Hours
The Teotihuacan Archaeological Site is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, even on Mondays (unlike most Museums). Due to its proximity to Mexico City, Teotihuacan is a top-rated tourist attraction, and you’re sure to encounter crowds.
Entrance Fee
In terms of cost, Teotihuacan is relatively inexpensive. Adults generally pay 80 MXN (about 5 USD) to enter the site, while children under 13 are free. The entrance fee covers both the entrance to the site and the Museum of Teotihuacan Murals and the Teotihuacan Culture Museum.
Location
The Teotihuacan Archaeological Site lies approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) northeast of Mexico City, the state’s capital. It’s less than an hour of travel away from the city, making it an ideal destination for day trip excursions.
How to get to Teotihuacan Archaeological Site
It’s easy to reach the place since you’ll find a bus system that passes it. Nonetheless, booking a day tour package to the area is best.
By Tour
Early morning tours are the best way to make the most of this impressive archaeological site before it opens to the public. Enjoy this magnificent city of ancient Mexico with its different buildings, plazas, and murals in a peaceful, mystical atmosphere that will allow you to experience it more authentically.
By Bus
Plenty of organized tours are available, but you can also catch public transport to the ruins (even if you’ve never used public transportation before). Mexico City’s main northern bus terminal, the Terminal de Autobuses del Norte, has regular public buses (run every 15 minutes).
Bus terminals in the North have their metro stations on the Yellow Line. Metro tickets can be bought on the metro or with a prepaid card. It is cheap to take the bus, costing only five MXN.
Travel time from the terminal can be as short as 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Get off the bus at the first stop (Gate 1) by the pyramids. There are several entrances and exits to the pyramid complex. You can explore the park with a day ticket of only 80 MXN.
Instead of walking back to your starting point, you could catch the bus again at one of the other exits. Buses run throughout the day, so you won’t have to worry about returning to the city.
By Uber
You can also book an Uber, but it’s best to do so only to reach the bus station. If you take an Uber to the station, you can save a lot of time. You can book them on the app; they’re safe and affordable.
The bus to Teotihuacan is advertised on different counters inside the airport terminal (with pictures of the pyramids to help you understand).
By Car
Of course, you can rent a car and drive to Teotihuacan Archaeological Site. This transportation is the most flexible, and you can navigate your way toward the area.
Parking
Parking is available around the Zone at a small fee in several areas. Your car is safe and secure if you’re driving to the area.
Activities To Do at Teotihuacan Archaeological Site
The main activities at Teotihuacan Archaeological Site are mainly sightseeing and exploration. Since it’s an ancient city with pyramids, ruins, and museums, it’s more of an exploration than a place filled with various activities.
Nonetheless, if you want something more fun while you’re in the area, you can always book a hot air balloon ride.
A hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan’s pyramids is one of the most exciting ways to experience the site. The best time to experience these hot air balloon rides is at sunrise, and you can arrange them in advance.
Attractions at Teotihuacan Archaeological Site
It is a large complex spread over several kilometers, so you will have to walk a lot throughout the day to see everything. Here are the top attractions at Teotihuacan Archaeological Site.
Temple of Quetzalcoatl
The Temple of Quetzalcoatl, or Temple of the Feathered Serpent, is one of the three enormous pyramids in the area. Since it is next to Gate 1, many day-trippers can see it first when visiting the park.
Pyramid of the Sun
The Pyramid of the Sun stands between the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramid of the Moon along the Avenue of the Dead at Teotihuacan. This is the city’s largest and most iconic pyramid in size and recognition.
Pyramid of the Moon
The Pyramid of the Moon can be found at the very end of the Avenue of the Dead, where the road ends. Seven distinct layers lead to the top of the pyramid, which is 43 meters tall (142 feet).
Avenue of the Dead
The Avenue of the Dead runs perfectly straight between the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramid of the Moon for 2.5 kilometers (about 1.5 miles).
Palace of Quetzalpapalotl
The excavated ruins of the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl, which once stood at the foot of the Pyramid of the Moon, are now open to the public for a visit.
Teotihuacan Museum
The small Museum of Teotihuacan offers an excellent introduction to the history and archaeology of the city surrounding the pyramids.
Nearby Restaurants
If you want to grab a bite while exploring Teotihuacan Archaeological Site, you can go close to the area since you can find restaurants nearby. Consider these options if you’re looking for restaurants serving authentic Mexican food in the area.
La Gruta
Address: Circuito Arqueologico, Av. del Puente S/N, 55820 San Francisco Mazapa, Méx., Mexico
Phone Number: +525551919799
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Website: La Gruta
Tlacaelel
Address: Circuito Arqueológico de las Pirámides de Teotihuacán Entre Puerta 1 y 2, Purificacion, 55800 San Juan Teotihuacan de Arista, Méx., Mexico
Phone Number: +525949332290
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Website: Tlacaelel
Restaurante El Balcon Teotihuacan
Address: Bravo 17, Centro, 55800 San Juan Teotihuacan de Arista, Méx., Mexico
Phone Number: +525949589042
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Website: Restaurante El Balcon Teotihuacan
El Ranchito
Address: Circuito Arqueologico S/N, Av. Purificacion, 55804 San Juan Teotihuacan de Arista, Méx., Mexico
Phone Number: +525949561583
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
La Caverna
Address: Purificacion, 55810 San Juan Teotihuacán, State of Mexico, Mexico
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
La Cueva Teotihuacan
Address: Av. Hombres ilustres, San Juan Teotihuacan de Arista, 55820 San Francisco Mazapa, Méx., Mexico
Phone Number: +525946881261
Operating Hours: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Website: La Cueva Teotihuacan
A food tour is the best way to discover Mexico City’s food spots. Whether on vacation or in business, you can try the best food in the city without worrying about your itinerary. If you are looking for the best food tours in the city, read Food Tour in Mexico City: A Journey Through Flavors.
Nearby Hotels
Teotihuacan Archaeological Site is usually visited as a day trip destination. Nonetheless, you can have several options if you want to stay at a hotel nearby. Most of them are three start hotels, but they are affordable.
Hotel Fer
Address: C. la Palma 25-interior 2, San Martin, Teotihuacan Centro, 55830 San Francisco Mazapa, Méx., Mexico
Phone Number: +525632673388
Website: Hotel Fer
Hotel Boutique Yaocalli
Address: Pl. Principal 9, San Martin Centro, 55850 San Martín Centro, Méx., Mexico
Phone Number: +525538888286
Website: Hotel Boutique Yaocalli
Hotel Boutique Acocalli
Address: Porfirio Díaz Reforma 8, Centro, 55800 San Juan Teotihuacan de Arista, Méx., Mexico
Phone Number: +525941080828
Website: Hotel Boutique Acocalli
Hotel Ollin Teotl
Address: C. Atetelco 14, Purificacion, 55800 San Juan Teotihuacan de Arista, Méx., Mexico
Phone Number: +525949560390
Hotel Boutique El Jaguar
Address: Tuxpan 208, 55850 San Martín Centro, Méx., Mexico
Phone Number: +525949582804
Website: Hotel Boutique El Jaguar
Conclusion
The Teotihuacan Archaeological Site is one of the best day trip destinations near Mexico City. As such, it’s always a must-visit when you’re in Mexico City for a vacation. With this guide, we hope you have a wonderful time in the area and enjoy the satisfying ruins, pyramids, and museums that were once the largest city in the Americas.
You can learn more about what to do and where to visit the city by reading our article about Things to See and Do in Mexico City.
