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Things to see in Teotihuacan!
In this post, we’ll walk you through seven must-see spots within the Teotihuacan archaeological site, complete with a handy tour route for a smooth and efficient journey.
Teotihuacan, a flourishing ancient city dating back to the 4th to 6th centuries, is the largest archaeological site in the Americas.
Highlights include the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, the “Avenue of the Dead” stretching 5 kilometers north to south, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
Related article：2024 Teotihuacan from Mexico City by bus
≡ Table Content
- 1, Best Route for Exploring the Teotihuacan
- 1-1, Templo de Quetzalcóatl
- 1-2, Teotihuacan Cultural Museum
- 1-3, Pyramids of the Sun
- 1-4, Avenue of the Dead
- 1-5, Pyramids of the Moon
- 1-6, Palace of Quetzalpapalotl
- 1-7, The Palace of the Jaguars
- 2, Teotihuacan Restaurant
- 3, What to bring to Teotihuacan trip
- 4, Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Tour
1, Best Route for Exploring Teotihuacan
◆ Opening Hours: 8:00 – 17:00
◆ Admission Fee: 95 Peso (5.75 USD) per person
◆ Estimated Duration of Visit: 1 day
◆ Access from Mexico City: Bus, Taxi, Uber, Tour
⇨ Related article：2024 Teotihuacan from Mexico City by bus
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Best route to visit
- Tips
Even if you visit Teotihuacan without a tour, you can still be able to book an optional tour including at the gate.
1-1, Templo de Quetzalcóatl
The Temple of Quetzalcóatl, located within Ciudadela in Teotihuacan, stands at the southern end of the “Avenue of the Dead” and is the third-largest structure in the Teotihuacan.
The temple’s platform is constructed in the distinctive Teotihuacan style known as Talud-Tablero, and its outer walls feature carvings of Quetzalcóatl (the feathered serpent) and Tlaloc (the rain god) alternatingly embedded.
Hence, the Temple of Quetzalcóatl is also referred to as the ‘Temple of the Feathered Serpent”.
- Tips
If you’re traveling to the Teotihuacan from Mexico City by bus, consider requesting to be dropped off at Parking lot 1, P1 (Puerta 1), which is the closest entrance to the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. From there, you can walk approximately 25 minutes to reach the iconic Sun and Moon Pyramid.
1-2, Teotihuacan Cultural Museum
The Teotihuacan Archaeological Site Museum, located right near the Pyramid of the Sun, showcases artifacts excavated from the site.
Although the museum is small, it features intriguing pieces and exhibits, including carved obsidian.
The museum’s admission fee is included in the entrance fee for the Teotihuacan archaeological site.
1-3, Pyramids of the Sun
The Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan is the largest pyramid on the site and the third-largest pyramid in the world, with a base length of 225 meters, a height of 65 meters, and 238 steps leading to the top.
Designed to align with the sun passing directly overhead during the moments of zenith twice a year, the Pyramid of the Sun reflects the advanced architectural skills of its time.
Interestingly, beneath the Pyramid of the Sun, an extensive underground tunnel stretches, leading to a small space shaped like the ‘four petals.’ In Teotihuacan, the “four petals” symbolize the essential religious representation of the world’s directions—east, west, south, and north.
- Tips
If you prefer to visit the famous Sun and Moon Pyramids first, P2 (Puerta 2) is the closest drop-off point.
1-4, Avenue of the Dead
The central avenue that runs through the heart of the Teotihuacan is known as the “Avenue of the Dead”. This grand thoroughfare spans a length of 3,316 meters (3 miles) and ranges in width from 40 to 60 meters (130 to 200 feet).
The Aztecs misunderstood the buildings lining both sides of the avenue as tombs, leading them to name the thoroughfare “Avenue of the Dead”.
Be sure to look for the depictions of pumas on the walls of the structures along the Avenue of the Dead.
1-5, Pyramid of the Moon
Pyramid of the Moon is the second-largest pyramid in Teotihuacan.
Numerous decapitated skulls have been found around this pyramid, along with evidence of sacrificial burials, suggesting that religious ceremonies took place at the Pyramid of the Moon.
1-6, Palace of Quetzalpapalotl
The Palace of Quetzalpapalotl, located near the Pyramid of the Moon, derives its name from the Nahuatl words ‘quetzal’ (precious feather) and ‘papalotl’ (butterfly).
It is believed to have served as the residence for priests.
The columns of the palace are adorned with carvings of sacred creatures, featuring heads resembling birds (quetzals) and bodies transformed into butterflies (papalotl). Obsidian is inset into the eyes of these mystical beings.
1-7, The Palace of the Jaguars
Jaguar is a commonly observed animal in this region.
The Palace of the Jaguars is believed to have been a place of worship for the Jaguar god. One of its highlights is the vividly painted murals depicting jaguars.
The jaguars in the murals are depicted with feathered heads, adorned backs and tails with spiral shells, and blowing conch shells to summon rain—a symbolically significant religious element.
At Teotihuacan, flutes shaped like jaguar heads are sold in various locations. When played, they produce a sound resembling the roar of a jaguar, with a resonant ‘Gwaaahhh’.”
Restaurant
“La Gruta” is cave restaurant, a dining spot near the Teotihuacan. With exposed rock walls, spacious surroundings, colorful chairs, and candles strategically placed, it creates a unique and inviting atmosphere.
The restaurant offers an opportunity to savor traditional Mexican cuisine, albeit at a relatively higher price point as the customers are mainly tourists.
I visited on a Saturday around 1:00 PM without a reservation. Although there was a short wait, I was promptly seated and able to enjoy the dining experience.
- Tips
- To visit this restaurant, you’ll need to exit the Teotihuacan archaeological site, but if you present your ticket, they will allow you to re-enter the archaeological site.
- After exploring the Teotihuacan Museum or the Pyramid of the Sun, it is recommended to visit La Gruta. At Parking lot 5, P5 (Puerta 5), there is an entrance checkpoint. From here, you can temporarily exit the archaeological site and visit the restaurant.
What to bring to Teotihuacan trip
Wide spaces at the archaeological site provide little cover from the intense sunlight, so bring the following items for your visit.
Since most of the archaeological site is outdoors, wearing a hat is essential.
There will be a lot of walking involved, make sure to stay hydrated.
The sun in Mexico can be dazzling, don’t forget your sunglasses.
There are also unpaved gravel paths, so sturdy footwear is advisable.
As there are places with stairs to climb, a backpack-style bag is recommended for convenience.
Check the weather forecast in advance. During the rainy season (May to October), be prepared with rain gear, preferably a raincoat, for sudden showers.
It’s nice to have snacks for when you get a little hungry or while on the bus.
for my DIY Teotihuacan trip, I departed from a hotel in Mexico City around 8:30AM on a Sunday morning, took the bus arriving at Teotihuacan at around 11:00 AM. On the way back to Mexico City, I boarded the 3:30 PM bus and reached the hotel at around 5:00 PM.
- Tips
If you are going to Teotihuacan from Mexico City by bus, there are shops at the North Bus Terminal where you can buy bread and coffee.
Related article: 2024 Teotihuacan from Mexico City by bus
4, Balloon Rides in Teotihuacan
World Heritage Site: Teotihuacan – Hot Air Balloon Tour.
Experience the breathtaking Teotihuacan archaeological site from above with a hot air balloon tour. Viewing the pyramids from the air enhances the grandeur of this ancient city.
There are various tour options for Teotihuacan, combining local guides with hot air balloon excursions.
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