.png){kind=small}
View our video on Teotihuacan here!
What is Teotihuacan?
Teotihuacan (‘the place where the gods were created) is an ancient ruin dating all the way back to 600 BC located around 40km from CDMX. During the period of 100BC to 750AD, Teotihuacan developed into a large economic and religious centre stretching out over 36 square km, and supporting a population of around 125,000-200,000. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
Is it worth going?
Yes, definitely! Teotihuacan is one of the most magnificent ruins that I have been to. The site is massive and there are many areas to explore. The notable areas are Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of Quetzacoatl. The Avenue of the Dead is around 5km and runs through the site.
How to get there and back from CDMX?
1. Take an uber/public transport to Terminal del Norte
2. Go to Puerta 8 and find the counter “Piramides”. Tickets costs MXN104 for round trip.
3. Stay on the bus until the bus driver yells “Piramides!”.
4. Remember the drop-off point and return to the same location to catch the bus back to CDMX (find the blue bus sign). There will usually be other people waiting around or you can ask any of the locals selling drinks nearby.
Expected Duration?
Teotihuacan is HUGE! We spent around 6 hours there covering all the main areas. Although some websites suggest that it can be covered in around 3 hours.
Ticket prices
Entry ticket price is MXN80 and additional MXN45 for professional recording equipment. The ticket price includes entry into the Culture Museum.
What to bring?
Teotihuacan is largely outdoors and exposed to all the elements. The sun here is particularly strong and temperatures are higher. We suggest bringing a sun hat, sunglasses, sunblock, umbrella/poncho, water and some snacks. Note that there are some designated areas for food in the site.
Sun protection is a necessity!
Other practical information
We suggest catching the 8am bus to reach the site at opening of 9am, before the crowds build up in the afternoon. If you can, try to avoid Sundays as entry is free for locals and the site will be more crowded.
Do wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes as the structures are sparsely located from each other and you will have to walk quite a large distance. Climbing the pyramids was not allowed when we were there in Jun 2022.
There are some street vendors selling food and water at the bus drop off point. There is a restaurant located in Teotihuacan but it was quite pricey. There is also a vending machine and a designated eating area near the museum.
Our route for the site was: 1. Entered via Gate 1 (closest to Temple de Quetzlcoatl), walking down the Avenue of the Dead to the Pyramid of the Moon 2. Pyramid of the Sun 3. Museum and break at the Picnic Area 4 (some shade from the sun!) 4. Back to Gate 1 to catch the bus.
We saw several exits at Gate 2 (Pyramid of the Sun) and Gate 3 (Temple of Moon) but were not sure if the buses go there (everyone in our bus dropped off at Gate 1). Perhaps a more efficient route will be to enter from Gate 1, visit Temple of Quetzalcoatl, walk down the Avenue of the Dead to Pyramid of the Moon, and ending off at Pyramid of the Sun and exiting at Gate 2.
We hope that you found this guide to Teotihuacan without a tour useful!
Comments