Looking for one of the best places to check out while in Mexico City? Well, Teotihuacan is definitely one to add to the 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, such as things to do, how to get there, and how to get around. So let's dive right in!
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Where is Teotihuacan?
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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Visit Teotihuacan: How to Get There
When went to visit Teotihuacan, 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.
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Public Transportation
If you'd like to visit by public transportation it 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.
Visit Teotihuacan: 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.
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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.
A Second Choice
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.
Getting Around Teotihuacan
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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Where to Stay When You Visit Teotihuacan
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
Now that you know the basics to visit Teotihuacan, 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 Homepage" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" class="" style="outline: none;">Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use 17oz Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" class="" style="outline: none;">this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
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 visit Teotihuacan! This is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best day trips from Mexico City.
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.
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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