If you are a visitor to Mexico City, one of the most popular and impressive sites to visit is the ancient city complex of Teotihuacan (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It’s believed to be built around 100 BC, however – nobody really knows conclusively when it was built, or even who built it.
At the height of Teotihuacan’s legend, it was likely the sixth most populated city in the world. However, it was abandoned for an unknown reason, and not found again until many years later by the Aztecs who named it Teotihuacan (which translates to “place where gods were born”).
Visiting The Pyramids At Teotihuacan (Mexico City, Mexico)
Teotihuacan is located Northeast of Mexico City, the drive will take you about 1 hour. Many, if not all, local tourist companies have a tour to Teotihuacan. You can also opt to taxi or Uber it there and explore the ruins on your own. There are several entrances and gates to the site located, including the main parking area located directly to the West of the Pyramid of the Sun.
Palace of the Quetzalpapalotl:
The first place you will likely visit is the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl, on the northwest end of the complex. It is a famously well preserved structure that contains many intact murals.
The Palace of the Feathered Conch Shell
First glimpse of the Pyramid of the Moon
Looking North: The Pyramid of the Moon
Looking South: The first glimpse of the Pyramid of the Sun
People walk the “Avenue of the Dead”
Hiking the Pyramid of the Moon
Teotihuacan is unique in the sense that it is one of the few remaining Mexican archaeological sites where you can still climb a pyramid. At the Pyramid of the Moon, you may only climb about half way to the top.
Approaching the Pyramid of the Moon
As you begin the ascent of this pyramid, you’ll notice the steps are very steep; so steep in fact that you may find it easier going up then coming down.
The Mexican government has installed some rails to make the ascents and descents safer.
It’s steep coming up and going down – use the rails
View South down the Avenue of the Dead from the Moon Pyramid
The view to the East
Taking a break and taking in the view from the Moon Pyramid
Hiking the Pyramid of the Sun
The locals will joke that you should hike the Pyramid of the Moon for “training” to hike the Pyramid of the Sun, and for good reason. There are 243 steps to the top.
The Pyramid of the Sun is much larger than the Pyramid of the Moon and you can climb much higher – to the very top. If the Moon Pyramid was an easy to moderate climb, the Pyramid of the Sun is a moderate to difficult climb.
This hike – at this altitude – will require you to stop and catch your breath in several places on the ascent.
The Pyramid of the Sun
Approaching the pyramid…
Beginning the ascent…
Halfway there…
Views from halfway up…
View of the Moon Pyramid
Almost there…
The final push…
Finally, the summit!
Final Thoughts:Â Visiting The Pyramids At Teotihuacan (Mexico City, Mexico)
Visiting Teotihuacan is a quintessential Mexico City experience and it is not to be missed. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most popular tourist activities in Mexico City. Nearly all local tourist companies provide a tour and/or transportation there at relatively inexpensive rates.
You can opt for “private tours” or “pre-opening access tours” if you like, but I personally believe them to be unnecessary. The site is so large that even on the most crowded of days, you should have plenty of space to move around, hike, and explore. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, some snacks, and plenty of water.
Most tours provide half-day stops, and I believe this to be sufficient. However, if you are interested in archeology, pre-Columbian history, or photography – you could easily spend the whole day here as there is much to explore.
Cheers!
