Visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City: A Complete Guide DIY Guide
Looking for one of the best places to check out while in Mexico City? Well, visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City is definitely one to add to the bucket list.
This valley is one of the most interesting in Mexico because of its importance in the ancient Aztec Empire, and has even been declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Teotihuacan, and you'll see why it's one of the best day trips from Mexico City.
We've gathered all the essential information to know while visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City, such as things to do, how to get there, and some truly unique dining options in the area.
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📍Visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico: Where is Teotihuacan Located?
Teotihuacan is a small town that is just outside the capital! This archeological site is the perfect day trip from Mexico City because it is just an hour north of the historical center! We stayed in the north of the city, and we were able to get there in just 40 minutes.
Teotihuacan is less than an hour north east of Mexico City.
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Visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City: How to Get There
There are four different options for visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City:
- Rent a car and drive to Teotihuacan
- Sign up for a tour from Mexico City to Teotihuacan
- Take public transportation from Mexico City to get to Teotihuacan
- Take a taxi or Uber
🚗 Visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City by Car
When went to were visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City we had rented a car.
Since we left very early in the morning, we avoided traffic and found it a very easy run. Teotihuacan is located right off of the main highway leaving Mexico City, so it's pretty hard to get lost coming here.
We also found it very easy to drive around this area, as the town is small, and there is plenty of parking. We do suggest staying outside the historical center the night before though, as traffic can get pretty heavy in Mexico City, and it's much easier if you decide to do a sunrise hot air balloon ride.
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🚐 Visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City by Tour
The easiest way to experience visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City is definitely by going on an organized tour. It eliminates the stress from driving, and allows you to fully enjoy without having to worry about transportation or timetables.
There are a variety of tours you can choose from for visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City, whether you plan on just visiting the pyramids, including a hot air balloon ride, or doing a full day excursion.
🚌 Visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City with Public Transportation
If you're on a serious budget and don't feel comfortable driving, don't worry- visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City by public transportation is also doable!
First you need to head over to the Mexico City North Station. Once you arrive, you will find direct buses to Teotihuacan. They leave every 15 minutes and cost just 106 pesos (about $5 USD) for a roundtrip ticket.
🚕 How Much is an Uber to from Mexico City to Teotihuacan?
Taking a taxi or Uber from Mexico City to Teotihuacan IS possible. But would we recommend it? ABSOLUTELY NOT! It'll cost you around 1,000 pesos ($200) each way, which is honestly an insane amount to spend given the other three great options that you can choose from.
🤔 What is the Best Way to Get to Teotihuacan?
Choosing the best way to get to Teotihuacan definitely depends on what kind of traveler you are. We prefer driving, but if you aren't a confident driver then taking a tour is a better option.
If you are on a tight budget and don't plan on doing a hot air balloon ride, we'd recommend using public transportation.
Visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City: Things to Do
The town of Teotihuacan is pretty small, but there are still a few activities that make this place worth checking out for a full day! Here are some of the highlights.
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⭐️ Check Out the Pyramids
The pyramids are the main attraction when you visit Teotihuacan. They are known today as the site of many of the most architecturally significant Mesoamerican pyramids. Built in the pre-Columbian Americas, they are believed to date all the way back to about 200 AD!
The two main pyramids to visit here are the Pyramid of the Sun, and the Pyramid of the Moon. There is also a temple, a museum, a palace, and several other remains that can be checked out while here. We suggest spending a few hours visiting here. Guides are available, and will insist on taking you, but you can still do it on your own.
Tickets cost just 70 Mexican pesos (about $3.50 USD) and the site is open from 9 am to 5 pm. You can get tickets online in advance, or you can simply purchase them right on the spot.
Want to visit the pyramids of Teotihuacan on a tour? Here are a few excursions that you can sign up for from Mexico City:
🎈Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride
There's no better way to see the pyramids then from up above! Soar high on a hot air balloon ride for a full hour while admiring the views. Tours go for sunrise, so be ready to get up super early! There are plenty of companies that offer tours. You can go in a shared balloon for around $100/person, or a private one for $250-350.
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There are personal photographers for when you take off and land, and some balloons even hang Go Pros so that the entire ride is recorded. We love this because you don't have to worry about taking pictures. But keep in mind, that this also comes with a pretty hefty price tag.
Riding in a hot air balloon is the best thing to do in Teotihuacan.
Make sure you dress warmly because in this area it is extremely cold and windy! Especially in the morning without the sun shining, the temperatures can go as low as in the thirties Fahrenheit or below zero Celsius.
Also keep in mind that this is something you will need to have booked in advance, as you will need to be there extremely early in the morning.
Want to sign up for your tour now? Here are a few options to choose from:
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🍴 Eat at a Restaurant Inside of a Cave
Want a truly unique experience? Visit Teotihuacan and you'll find a restaurant that has been built inside of a cave. There are actually 2, but the most famous one is called "La Gruta", which is truly magical.
The colorful tables, lights, and flowers everywhere are just some of the reasons to visit. We can definitely say that this is one of our favorite restaurants in all of Mexico.
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Not only is the place extremely beautiful, but the menu is incredible! All of the dishes are specially local to the region, and are composed of organic and all natural ingredients. So each plate is extremely tasteful, as well as healthy! What could be better? We suggest heading over as soon as they open as they get busy fast!
La Gruta opens at 11 am, and as soon as they open their doors they have all of the employees lined up greeting you with open arms, while they clap and cheer. If this restaurant isn't enough reason to visit Teotihuacan, than we don't know what is.
🍽 The Other Cave Restaurant in Teotihuacan
Can't get into La Gruta? Well there is actually a second restaurant that isn't nearly as busy, but definitely has a similar charm. Right around the corner, it is tucked away near the strip of shops outside of the pyramids. Just ask a local and they will walk you down to this hidden gem.
The alternative cave restaurant is also a beautiful option.
Visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City: Getting Around the Area
Teotihuacan is quite small, and you'll be able to walk pretty much everywhere. All of the best things to do in Teotihuacan are right by each other, other than the point where the hot air balloons go from.
We rented a car and found that it was the most practical option, but you can also have the company call a cab if you prefer to get around that way.
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Visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City for More than a Day Trip
If you'd like to explore Teotihuacan from the early morning, it could be a good idea to stay nearby the town, or on the northern outskirts of Mexico City. Check below for the different options of where you can stay in the area.
Is it Safe to Visit Teotihuacan?
Teotihuacan is a very touristy area, and we found it to be very safe. Just like most areas of Mexico, make sure to be careful with your belongings, and not leave anything on site if you happen to rent a car.
Want to learn more about safety in Mexico? We've written a full article for you:
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Other Things to Know About Visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City
Now that you know the basics for visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City, here are a few other things to keep in mind.
☀️ Weather at Teotihuacan
The weather in Teotihuacan is much colder and windier than in Mexico City in the morning. During the day though, it can get very sunny and hot. Summers are much more humid, while the winters are drier.
📆 The Best Time to Visit Teotihuacan
The best time to visit Teotihuacan is in the spring, when temperatures are warm and days are dry. March to May are the ideal times to go, but there really isn't even a bad time to visit Teotihuacan.
We suggest going for sunrise, so that you can either take a hot air balloon ride, or witness the hot air balloons flying around the pyramids. The pyramids start to get tour groups around 9 am, so visiting before then is the best way to escape the crowds.
🎒 Packing for a Trip to Visit Teotihuacan
Here are a few things we suggest bringing when you visit Teotihuacan.
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes
- Layers (the mornings are cold)
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Camera (we use the Sony Alpha 7riii)
- Standard Lens for a variety of focal lengths (we use the 24-70 GM from Sony)
- Wide Lens for the cave restaurant (we use the 14 mm GM from Sony)
- Telephoto Lens to make the Pyramids appear closer (we use the 70-200 GM by Sony)
- Action Camera: We use the Insta 360 X3 with the extra long selfie stick for drone like shots or to capture the entire hot air balloon ride.
Due to its location, Teotihuacan is much cooler and windier than Mexico City.
🤔 Is Teotihuacan Worth Visiting?
There may not be a million things to do in this small town, but it is still well worth it to visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City! This is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best day trips near Mexico City.
⏳ How Long to Spend at Teotihuacan
We definitely think if you are visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City then you should plan to spend a full day.
The pyramids you only need a couple of hours for, but the hot air balloon ride and having lunch at La Gruta were two special experiences that we'd recommend saving time for.
We suggest doing a hot air balloon in the morning and grabbing lunch at La Gruta. Then after your relaxing meal continue the adventures by checking out the pyramids before heading back to Mexico City in the late afternoon.
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So are you ready to experience one of the best day trips near Mexico City? We honestly loved visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City, and think it's a great place to add to your Mexican bucket list.
There are plenty of other great things to check out in and around the capital of Mexico. Want to see more cool day trips from Mexico City? Make sure to check out the other Mexico travel guides that we have written for you!
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