Simply outdoors larger Mexico Metropolis, the ruins of Teotihuacan are a spot of huge pyramids and profound thriller.
The traditional metropolis is so previous that the Aztecs, the dominant group within the Valley of Mexico on the time of the arrival of the Spanish, didn’t even know who constructed it.
Right now, there’s a lot hypothesis in regards to the origins of Teotihuacan, though not many details. Archeological analysis is ongoing, with new tunnels and chambers nonetheless being found and explored.
I used to be lucky sufficient to go to Teotihuacan a number of instances throughout the a few years I lived in Mexico.
I’ve taken public transportation from Mexico Metropolis to get there, and I’ve pushed by myself. I’ve taken mates who have been visiting Mexico for the primary time, and I’ve gone all on my own. Every go to was an unforgettable expertise.
Visiting Teotihuacan is likely one of the high day journeys from Mexico Metropolis and among the best issues to see in Mexico. Don’t miss it.
Be taught every part it’s essential to learn about visiting the Teotihuacan Ruins on this information.
Teotihuacan Ruins Information and Historical past
As talked about, it’s unclear which tradition based Teotihuacan and constructed its immense pyramids and temples. The 2 most definitely teams are the Toltecs and the Totonacs.
The Toltecs have been from central Mexico, they usually’re greatest identified right now for his or her improbably enormous statues and head carvings, which may be seen at archeological websites corresponding to Tula.
Their peak got here between that of Teotihuacan and the rise of the Aztecs, they usually exerted a deep affect on many Mesoamerican cultures.
The Totonacs are from what’s the state of Veracruz right now. The folks nonetheless exist, and a part of their perception system is that their ancestors have been those answerable for constructing Teotihuacan.
Proof does present, nonetheless, that Teotihuacan was dwelling to a number of cultures from varied elements of pre-Hispanic Mexico, together with the Toltecs, Totonacs, Mayans, Mixtecs, and Zapotecs.
Compounding the thriller of its origin is the thriller of its language. The residents of Teotihuacan had a written language, however researchers haven’t but deciphered it.
Consequently, the unique identify of town additionally isn’t identified. Teotihuacan is a Nahuatl phrase meaning “the place the place males turn out to be gods.” It was given by the Aztecs, who arrived within the Valley of Mexico round 1250 CE, centuries after the demise of Teotihuacan.
Teotihuacan was most likely settled as early as 400 BC. The height of town, when it was dwelling to greater than 100,000 folks, was from 100 BC to 650 CE. The town lined 8 sq. miles and was the biggest metropolis within the Western Hemisphere.
The lengthy collapse and abandonment of town got here subsequent. One concept is {that a} brutal class warfare occurred between town’s highly effective elite and the far more quite a few poorer courses.
Supporting this concept is proof of a giant hearth that occurred round 550 CE. Regardless of the causes for its decline, Teotihuacan was absolutely deserted by 750 CE.
Teotihuacan Pyramids and Temples to Go to
Right here’s a breakdown of crucial temples to go to at Teotihuacan.
Pyramid of the Solar and Pyramid of the Moon
The 2 most important buildings are the Pyramid of the Solar and the Pyramid of the Moon, that are also called the Temple of the Solar and the Temple of the Moon.
The Pyramid of the Solar is the most important construction on the ruins of Teotihuacan. At 213 toes tall, it’s the third-highest pyramid in the world, just a little greater than half as tall because the Nice Pyramid at Giza, Egypt.
The Pyramid of the Solar is definitely six pyramids, every one constructed over the opposite. And beneath all of it is a cave.
Operating in entrance of the Pyramid of the Solar is the Road of the Useless (Calle de los Muertos). This broad thoroughfare goes from the Pyramid of the Moon on its north finish to the Ciudadela advanced on the south finish, close to the principle entrance to the park.
On the best way, the Road of the Useless passes many ceremonial platforms that home intricate murals and carvings. When Teotihuacan was an energetic metropolis, the highway was 40 meters large and 4 kilometers lengthy.
On the far finish of the Road of the Useless, the 147-foot-tall Pyramid of the Moon is the second largest construction on the archeological web site. It was a spot of human and animal sacrifices.
An excavation of the pyramid uncovered 12 human our bodies, 10 of which have been decapitated, together with a menagerie of untamed animal corpses that included jungle cats and eagles.
Palace of Quetzalpapálotl
The Palace of Quetzalpapálotl is essentially the most vital construction within the plaza earlier than the Pyramid of the Moon. The detailed carvings inside its interior courtyard shouldn’t be missed.
Tepantitla Palace
East of the Pyramid of the Moon, the Tepantitla Palace is just a little out of the best way from the Road of the Useless. It has a few of the most spectacular murals on the whole archeological web site.
La Ciudadela
Reverse the Pyramid of the Moon on the Road of the Useless, La Ciudadela (the Citadel, or ceremonial plaza) is an expansive courtyard that accommodates the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
Quetzalcoatl was the Feathered Serpent and an vital god to most Mesoamerican cultures. His temple is adorned with massive carvings of toothy snake heads with slithering our bodies, together with photographs of marine life, corresponding to clams and conch shells.
Issues to Do on the Teotihuacan Ruins
Climbing the pyramids is likely one of the greatest issues to do if you’re visiting Teotihuacan. Usually, you may go all the best way to the highest to the tallest, the Pyramid of the Solar, and to a platform about midway up the second tallest, the Pyramid of the Moon.
You can even climb and enter most of the different temples and ceremonial plazas. A few of them include well-restored murals or lurid carvings. Guidelines can change, so be sure to examine and see in the event you’re allowed to climb the pyramids earlier than doing so.
There are two museums on the ruins of Teotihuacan, and entry to each is included along with your ticket.
The Museum of Teotihuacan Murals, close to Gate 3A, has fragments of several types of historic murals, which is a particular Mexican artwork kind that continues to be practiced to the current day.
The Museum of Teotihuacan Tradition, near Gate 5, has everlasting exhibitions of artifacts from the traditional metropolis and details about present archeological analysis. The museum additionally has a sculpture backyard and a botanical backyard.
A well-liked exercise is to fly over the Teotihuacan ruins in a sizzling air balloon. Verify the part beneath about Teotihuacan excursions for extra info.
You may expertise the Teotihuacan ruins after darkish with the Experiencia Nocturna en Teotihuacán (Nocturnal Expertise in Teotihuacan) present, which begins with a guided tour of the park and continues with a light-weight and sound present.
In contrast to the ruins themselves, it’s essential to purchase advance tickets for the sunshine present by way of Ticketmaster. You should purchase tickets from the Ticketmaster webpage after which choose them up at a Ticketmaster outlet in Mexico Metropolis.
The Teotihuacan ruins (and the city of Teotihuacan) are the occasional web site of music festivals, such because the Pageant Música para los Dioses (Music for the Gods Pageant), a rock pageant that included tenting. It’s unclear whether or not this pageant will proceed to be held. Verify the Facebook page for extra info.
The city of San Juan Teotihuacan celebrates a number of yearly festivals. Crucial is the birthday of John the Baptist, the patron saint of the city, which takes place in late June.
It is a good time to spend the night time in an area resort to expertise an actual small-town Mexican pageant. There shall be meals, music, consuming, dancing, and many fireworks.
After all, visiting Teotihuacan is an efficient technique to work up an urge for food. Thankfully, the Teotihuacan ruins are surrounded by eating places that serve consultant native meals.
One of the best and most fascinating is La Gruta Restaurant. It’s inside a big cave of volcanic origin. It’s considerably on the costly aspect, however the meals is excellent and common people dance exhibits are placed on. La Gruta has had many well-known diners, even Queen Elizabeth II.
Situated reverse the park from the principle entrance (and the car parking zone), La Gruta is a ten minute drive or 30 minute stroll from there. It’s a lot nearer to Gate 4 (close to the Tepantitla Palace), so in the event you plan on going, go away the park from that exit.
Greatest Teotihuacan Excursions from Mexico Metropolis
You will discover many excursions for visiting Teotihuacan, corresponding to ones that go away early and skip the road. Others embrace liquor tastings, journeys in sizzling air balloons, and stops at different Mexico Metropolis sights.
From Mexico Metropolis: Teotihuacan Early Entry & Liquor Tasting
This Teotihuacan tour will get you to the ruins early within the morning and skips the road. It contains lunch and a cease for tasting the consultant Mexican liquors tequila, mezcal, and pulque.
Scorching Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan, from Mexico Metropolis
On this extremely rated Teotihuacan tour, you’ll spend 45 minutes in a sizzling air balloon flying over the archeological zone. The entire time is 5 hours, and it contains breakfast and transportation from Mexico Metropolis.
Teotihuacan, Tlatelolco, Guadalupe Shrine and Tequila Tasting Tour
This tour combines a visit to the ruins with two different well-known sights in Mexico Metropolis.
The ruins of Tlatelolco, situated within the Plaza of Three Cultures (pre-Hispanic, Spanish colonial, and trendy Mexico), was the ultimate refuge of the Aztecs throughout the Spanish conquest.
The Guadalupe Shrine accommodates the unique Virgin of Guadalupe portray and is likely one of the most vital Catholic websites in Mexico.
5 Prime Suggestions for Visiting Teotihuacan
Listed here are my greatest ideas for visiting this historic web site.
Go early within the day
Crucial tip for visiting Teotihuacan is to go early. In the event you’re doing it by yourself, enable at the very least three hours for taking the metro to the bus station, shopping for tickets, using the bus, and eventually shopping for tickets for the ruins.
Getting there early is not going to solely beat the crowds, however you may as well climb the pyramids earlier than it will get too sizzling.
Put on correct clothes
There’s hardly any shade on the Teotihuacan ruins, so deliver safety from the solar. You should definitely put on good sneakers for climbing. Flip flops might hold your toes cool, however they’re not very sturdy on rugged stones.
Be agency, however sort to distributors
Teotihuacan is stuffed with distributors promoting every kind of souvenirs of various levels of tackiness. You’ll absolutely get uninterested in listening to the loud jaguar name the seller’s blow each jiffy.
A smile, a fast shake of the top, and a agency “gracias” (“thanks,” which additionally means “no thanks”) is one of the best ways to take care of them. Please don’t be impolite — they’re solely making an attempt to make a residing — however you shouldn’t apologize or categorical curiosity, or one might observe you round for some time, being a nuisance.
Go to the museum
You need to make time to go to the museums, that are considerably straightforward to overlook off of the Road of the Useless. They’ve fascinating reveals and informative explanations, together with air-con, which you will discover extra helpful.
Cease for a meal (and a drink)
Lastly, I extremely suggest consuming at La Gruta. It has a beautiful setting and the meals is great, with excellent variations of conventional dishes. They’ve good margaritas too.
Bear in mind to keep watch over the time in the event you’ll be taking the bus again to Mexico Metropolis. You don’t wish to miss the final one. It may be exhausting to maintain monitor of time if you’re consuming tacos and sipping tequila in a cave.
Planning on visiting different ruins in Mexico? See these associated articles:
- How To Go to The Tulum Ruins
- Visting Chichen Itza: A Information to the Ruins
- 10 Greatest Mayan Ruins and Archaeological Websites in Mexico
Steadily Requested Questions
Under are some solutions to continuously requested questions on visiting Teotihuacan.
The place Are the Teotihuacan Ruins?
The Teotihuacan ruins are 25 miles (40 kilometers) northeast of Mexico Metropolis. They’re situated within the State of Mexico within the city of San Juan Teotihuacan.
The best way to Get to Teotihuacan from Mexico Metropolis
Frequent buses depart from Mexico Metropolis’s North Bus Terminal and go on to the archeological web site. The metro station on the terminal known as Autobuses del Norte, and it’s on Line 5, the yellow line.
There’s no want to purchase tickets upfront. Simply present up, purchase the tickets, and get on the bus. You’ll have to stroll by way of the station and have a look at the indicators for every bus firm to search out the suitable one.
While you purchase the tickets, ask what time the ultimate bus departs for the return journey to Mexico Metropolis. There could also be a timetable behind the counter, however nonetheless, verify the schedule.
The journey from the North Bus Terminal to the ruins takes about two hours. Alternatively, you may join a tour so that you don’t have to fret about transportation.
Teotihuacan Ruins Opening Hours
At the moment, the ruins are open from 9:00 AM to fifteen:00 PM. Verify the official website for any adjustments.
Can I Climb the Teotihuacan Pyramids?
Throughout regular instances, you may climb all the best way to the highest of the Pyramid of the Solar, the best pyramid, and to a large platform about midway up the Pyramid of the Moon.
It’s a steep climb on lengthy staircases to the highest of the Pyramid of the Solar. Ensure you have good sneakers and loads of water. And don’t overlook your digicam — the views are spectacular.
When Is the Greatest Time to Go to?
Mexico Metropolis is heat and sunny year-round. Its excessive elevation retains the temperature from being too oppressive, though the solar does beat down that a lot more durable.
Winter is clearly just a little cooler than summer season, however usually, you may anticipate sizzling however not brutally sizzling climate for visiting Teotihuacan any time of the 12 months.
There are extra wet days in the summertime, though don’t cancel your plans due to rain, however deliver an umbrella or raincoat and be further cautious when climbing the pyramids.
So, the principle consideration about when to go to Teotihuacan is the crowds. Though there’s loads of area on the Road of the Useless and the encompassing temple complexes, lengthy traces might kind for climbing the pyramids, particularly the Pyramid of the Solar.
Teotihuacan will get far more crowded on weekends, significantly on Sunday when it’s free for residents and everlasting residents of Mexico.
Additionally, keep away from visiting Teotihuacan throughout peak journey season and Mexican holidays. Many Mexicans journey from December to early January (significantly between Christmas and the New 12 months) and from late July to early August.
One other busy day is on the spring equinox, when many shamans and spiritually minded folks go to to carry out ceremonies.
And completely keep away from visiting Teotihuacan throughout Semana Santa (Holy Week), the week earlier than Easter. It will likely be extraordinarily crowded day by day.
Entrance Charge for the Teotihuacan Ruins
The value for visiting Teotihuacan is 80 pesos ($4 USD) and there’s a further charge of 45 pesos in the event you deliver video tools. The ruins are free on Sunday for Mexican residents and everlasting residents of Mexico.
Parking on the Teotihuacan ruins prices 45 pesos.
Conclusion
Visiting Teotihuacan is undoubtedly one of many high issues to do in Mexico Metropolis. It may virtually be thought of a proper of passage for first-time guests to Mexico.
The truth is, by looking out on-line, you’ll discover images of every kind of well-known folks on the ruins, together with David Bowie, the Doorways, Metallica, and each well-known Mexican and Latin American artist you may think about.
Hey, if it was adequate for Jim Morrison, James Hetfield, and Frida Kahlo, it’ll undoubtedly be adequate for you.
Climbing the Teotihuacan pyramids is enjoyable, the view is magnificent, and as soon as on high, you’ll absolutely be overcome by the identical questions posed by the Aztecs greater than 800 years in the past. Who constructed these pyramids? And why?
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