You can either find your own transportation to the site or you can purchase a day tour in advance (like we did/highly recommend) then transportation to and from a selected hotel is usually included. If you opt out on a hired day tour, you can either hire a taxi/Uber or take public transportation. For public transportation, find your way to the Central del Notre station and from there you can easily find a bus to the archeological site marked “Piramides”. The buses run about every 30 minutes so it shouldn’t be too difficult to catch one. You can enter the archeological site as early as 9am and general admission is 70 pesos per person. My recommendation would be to get to Teotihuacan as early as possible to beat the crowds. There are guides at the entrance if you decide you want a guided tour, or you can go on your own.
The early history and founders of Teotihuacan is still a bit of a mystery to researchers. However, it’s believed that the beginning of Teotihuacan began around 200 BC and at its peak between 300 – 600 CE, Teotihuacan was one if not the most important and largest cities in pre-Columbian America. Teotihuacan was abandoned around 750 CE and considered the end of the Mesoamerica period. The causes for collapse are still unclear; however there is evidence that major buildings were deliberately burned and religious sculptures/artwork were destroyed suggesting that there was an uprise from the poor against the rulers.
The Temple of the Feathered Serpent is the third largest pyramid at Teotihuacan and one of the most important. Archeologists found more than one hundred sacrificial victims buried underneath the structure in a 1980s discovery. The pyramid takes its name from the representations of the Mesoamerican “feathered serpent” deity, which covered the structures sides. These displays are some of the earliest-known representations of the feathered serpent, later often identified with the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl. The modern-day name for the structure is “Temple of the Feathered Serpent”, but is also known as Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
The early history and founders of Teotihuacan is still a bit of a mystery to researchers. However, it’s believed that the beginning of Teotihuacan began around 200 BC and at its peak between 300 – 600 CE, Teotihuacan was one if not the most important and largest cities in pre-Columbian America. Teotihuacan was abandoned around 750 CE and considered the end of the Mesoamerica period. The causes for collapse are still unclear; however there is evidence that major buildings were deliberately burned and religious sculptures/artwork were destroyed suggesting that there was an uprise from the poor against the rulers.
The Avenue of the Dead was the main street of Teotihuacan, stretching from the north of the Citadel to the Pyramid of the Moon. The Avenue of the Dead and the attached structures/pyramids were aligned astronomically and gives validity to the claims that the Avenue and city were thoroughly planned and organized before the construction. It is approximately 16 degrees northwest and is aligned with the setting sun on specific religious dates.
The Pyramid of the Sun or Piramide del Sol is the largest structure in Teotihuacan and the world’s third largest pyramid being 216ft high and 760ft wide. Little is known of the people who built Teotihuacan and the purpose of the pyramids. In the 1970s, archaeologists discovered underground tunnel chambers and caves directly beneath the pyramid’s center where they found religious artifacts. If you’re up for a decent work out resulting in a great view, you’re able to climb the 248 stairs to the top! It’s a relatively easy climb, however the stairs are extremely uneven and a bit steep.
If you’re up for more views and climbing, make your way to the Pyramid of the Moon or Piramide de la Luna. This pyramid is the second largest in Teotihuacan, just a little over 140ft high. Atop the pyramid lies a platform where it’s believed to have been used as a stage for performing ritual sacrifices of animals and humans. The pyramid was also a burial ground for those sacrificed. Today, the Pyramid of the Moon is one of the most photogenic structures in Teotihuacan.
Being a history fanatic, visiting Teotihuacan was truly astounding. Even if you’re not so much into history, it’s still an incredible tour with shocking stories and grand views. I really can’t recommend visiting Teotihuacan enough, especially through a hired tour so you can have access to its history from a guide.
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