Teotihuacan: City of Gods in Mexico

Lifestyle Hunter Teotihuacan

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The beautiful Teotihuacan is the most visited archaeological site in Mexico and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Let me share with you how to get there, which are the site opening hours and fees, a summary about its history, and other recommendations on what to do during your visit.

Teotihuacan Pyramid friend

1. How to get to Teotihuacan

 

Teotihuacan is located in what is now the San Juan Teotihuacán municipality in the State of México, approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) northeast of Mexico City. The site covers a total surface area of 83 square kilometres (32 sq mi). You have basically 2 options to get there:

2. Opening hours and fees

Schedule

  • Archeological site: opened the 365 days of the year from 09:00 a 17:00 hrs.
  • Site museums and temporary expositions: opened the 365 days of the year from 9:00 a 16:30 hrs

Fees

  • Archeological site: $70 MXN (4 USD)
  • Profesional video camaras: $45 MXN (2 USD)
  • Parking: $45 MXN (2 USD)

You can find more information on the Teotihuacan official site.

Teotihuacan friends

 

3. History

  • Name: the name Teotihuacan was given by the Nahuatl-speaking Aztecs centuries after the fall of the city around 550 A.D. It means “birthplace of the gods”, or “place where gods were born”, this is because the Aztecs believed that the gods created the universe at that site.
  • Origin and foundation: the city is thought to have been established around 100 BC. The origin of its founders is uncertain but for many years, archaeologists believed it was built by the Toltec.
  • Zenith: it had a population estimated at 125,000+, making it at least the 6th largest city in the world during that time.
  • Culture: Archaeological evidence suggests that Teotihuacan was a multi-ethnic city, with distinct quarters occupied by Maya, Mixtec, Nahua, Otomi and Zapotec people.
  • Religion: there were several deities adored but the consensus among scholars is that the primary deity of Teotihuacan was the Great Goddess of Teotihuacan. Teotihuacanos practiced human sacrifice, the victims were probably enemy warriors captured in battle, sacrificed to ensure the city could prosper.
  • Collapse: there are some theories saying invaders attacked the city in the 7th or 8th century, sacking and burning it; but others think it was an internal uprising.
  • Site layout: the city’s broad central avenue, called “Avenue of the Dead” is flanked by impressive ceremonial architecture, including:
    • The Pyramid of the Sun: 3rd largest in the World after the Great Pyramid of Cholula and the Great Pyramid of Giza.
    • The Pyramid of the Moon
    • The Citadel: is a great enclosed compound capable of holding 100,000 people and containing the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.

Teotihuacan Map

More information about the site layout in this website.

Teotihuacan Dead

4. Recommendations

  • Food: in the archeological site there is a typical restaurant called La Gruta in which you can taste delicious plates and watch pre-hispanic shows. Also, you can take a bus to the nearest town and in 5 minutes you’ll be able to choose between several restaurants.
  • Balloon rides: there are several companies offering balloon rides as Globos aerostaticos, Vuelos en Globos, Vuelos en Globo and Aventury.
  • Souvenirs: across all the site you’ll find different typical souvenirs.

Teotihuacan souvernirs

Come to Teotihuacan, you’ll love it!

Teotihuacan Moon Pyramid

Teotihuacan pyramid

Are you interested in traveling around the world? In the Travel Section you can find detailed travel guides for different cities, touristic activities, recommendations, tips, and much more!

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14 Comments

  1. 31/05/2017 / 2:30 PM

    Lovely pictures! I like how you added the extra details of directions, costs and times. A good read!
    On a side note – I love the world map on your travel page with the places you’ve been in a dark grey. Did you make this yourself?

    • admin
      Author
      31/05/2017 / 4:37 PM

      Thank you very much, I’m very glad that you liked the post, hope you visit Teotihuacan soon and find it easier to come with all the directions! 😀 Also, thanks for the compliment about the map, I did it with this website https://www.amcharts.com/visited_countries/ 😉

    • admin
      Author
      31/05/2017 / 4:33 PM

      Mexico is indeed amazing, it’s such a big and interesting country that there are lot’s of different things to do, come and visit soon! 😀 will check your site!

  2. 06/05/2017 / 7:08 AM

    WOW! Teotihuacan seems like a great place to go discover and explore ancient history! Thanks

    • admin
      Author
      06/05/2017 / 8:32 AM

      Completely agree with you Dustin! hope you can come and see it! 😀

  3. 05/05/2017 / 8:33 PM

    I have never been to Mexico, but would love to visit one day. I enjoyed looking at all of your pictures and reading about your experience. Definitely going to add this to my to-visit list!

    • admin
      Author
      05/05/2017 / 10:23 PM

      Thanks, I’m glad you liked it! I definitely recommend visiting Mexico and of course exploring Teotihuacan! Come visit, I’m sure you’ll love it 🙂

  4. sunshineandholly
    05/05/2017 / 1:27 PM

    I would love to visit one day! We visited Mexico last summer, but we were just there for a wedding and didn’t have much time to explore. This looks so cool – love the pictures!!

    • admin
      Author
      05/05/2017 / 10:19 PM

      Thank you very much! I hope you can visit soon, Teotihuacan is very close to Mexico City and you’ll have a great time! 😀

  5. 05/05/2017 / 9:46 AM

    This is such a great site and definitely adding this to my to do list as I plan to visit Mexico soon. I love that it’s operating hours are 365 days , all year round. Smart move for such a gem.

    • admin
      Author
      05/05/2017 / 10:16 PM

      It’s awesome that you’re visiting soon!, yes very convenient that you can visit any day you like 😉

  6. Melissa
    05/05/2017 / 9:17 AM

    Thanks for not just putting photos but also information like directions and costs. I always read different posts on exotic locations and then when planning a trip I first have to go back and research each one! Def book marking this for my trip to Mexico next fall!

    • admin
      Author
      05/05/2017 / 10:11 PM

      Thank you very much Melissa! I’m very glad the post was useful, hope when you come to Mexico it’s so much easier for you to visit Teotihuacan! 😀

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