Day 3: Visit the pyramids of Teotihuacán from Mexico City
Today, where he plays visit the pyramids of Teotihuacán from Mexico City, the alarm sounds when it is 5 in the morning, when we take the opportunity to review the itinerary of the next days of this trip to Mexico in 45 days.
It is 7 in the morning when on time we go up to the 6th floor of the Zócalo Central hotel to enjoy an incredible breakfast that we will face today, which we will finally know the pyramids of Teotihuacán, one of the places to visit in Mexico essential.
Breakfast terrace at the Hotel Zócalo Central
There are a few minutes to 8 in the morning when we ask for an UBER from Zócalo to the Central Bus Station of Mexico City, from where the buses to the archaeological site of Teotihuacán, located about 5 kilometers, for which we paid 2.93 euros.
After 15 minutes, we go straight to Ticket offices of Teotihuacán Buses, located at the end of the lobby on the left, where we bought tickets to the archaeological site of Teotihuacán for 100 pesos round trip per person.
The departure time of the bus from Mexico City to Teotihuacán is at 8:45, at which point, we leave to discover one of the most interesting places in Mexico: the pyramids of Teotihuacan.
How to go from Mexico City to the archaeological site of Teotihuacán
If you are looking for the cheapest way to go from Mexico City to the archaeological site of Teotihuacán We advise you to follow the following steps:
- Buses to Teotihuacán leave from the Central Bus Station of Mexico City, where you can arrive by subway after several transfers from the city center. Taking into account the time and price of this transport, for less than 3 euros we advise you to use UBER, which will leave you at the station in approximately 15 minutes from the city center, depending on traffic.
- Once in the lobby of the Central Station you must turn left and continue until the end, to reach the ticket offices of Teotihuacán buses.
The price of the ticket from Mexico City to Teotihuacán is 50 pesos per person per trip. Buses leave from section 8, platform 7, take 1 hour and depart every 15-20 minutes.
Keep in mind that the return is every 10-15 minutes approximately, from gate 2 and 3 of the archaeological site.
A comfortable and safe option, if you do not want to make this visit for free, with which you can also know much better the history of the place, is to book this excursion to Teotihuacán at dawn with a guide in Spanish or this Balloon ride over Teotihuacán, which also includes the visit to the archaeological site.
Mexico City to Teotihuacán
After a couple of stops in the suburbs of Mexico City, we take the road, surrounded by the most arid terrain, to arrive in 1 hour to the archaeological site of Teotihuacán, where they leave us directly at gate 1, the entrance principal.
Tips for visiting the archaeological site of Teotihuacán
- As soon as we get off the bus, the first thing we find is with several vendors, who although we have read that they are very insistent, the truth is that with us they are the friendliest, as well as little insistent, something that the truth is to be grateful for and more in a place like this.
- In the archaeological site there are 4 access doors, each of them located in one of the cardinal points. The most advisable to enter Door 1, which is the main one and to exit Door 3 or 4, which is the farthest and where the pyramids of Teotihuacán are located.
- Also comment that in the same Door 1, where the bus leaves you, you find several taxi drivers who directly tell you that from this point to the pyramids of Teotihuacán there are 3 kilometers and that they can take you directly to them. While it is true that from gate 1 there are 2-3 kilometers to the pyramids of Teotihuacán, what they really do is take you to Gate 3 of the archaeological site, from where you will begin the tour of the Pyramid of the Sun, then go to the Pyramid of the Moon and go walking on foot, until you reach Gate 1 .
We recommend that of course do not pay attention and go directly to the ticket offices, which you arrive after traveling an asphalted road of just 200 meters.
- The schedule is from 7 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon.
- The price of the ticket is 70 pesos per person (valid for a whole day) and once you have accessed, you have to travel about 100 meters to reach the site.
- The visit to Teotihuacán is approximately 3-4 hours, although it can be done in less time if you do not entertain yourself too much in the different structures.
- Although they recommend you to come before 10 in the morning, which is the time at which organized groups usually come, normally, even sooner, there are always some. These usually go very fast, so we recommend that you wait a few minutes and you will see how in a matter of 10 minutes you can practically be alone to enjoy and admire one of the most incredible places around Mexico City.
- In times when it is hot, it is convenient to wear a hat and sunscreen, in addition to water, since in the archaeological site of Teotihuacán there are practically no shadows and you cannot buy water beyond the point of entry.
What to see in Teotihuacán
Considered as the most important city in Mesoamerica, Teotihuacán is located 50 kilometers from Mexico City and is famous above all, for the pyramids of Teotihuacan: the pyramid of the Sun and the pyramid of the Moon.
The archaeological site as a whole is more than 20 km2, but the vast majority of the structures that are visited are in the surroundings of the Causeway of the Dead, the main artery from Teotihuacán.
Teotihuacan
As we mentioned before, our advice is that you access the site through Gate 1, the main entrance, from where you can start with the tour of Teotihuacán.
The Citadel
Entering through door 1, the first structure you find is The Citadel, in which you can see 4 platforms in which the 15 pyramids that are located in this area are located. The main pyramid of the Citadel is the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, which is believed, could represent one of the administrative centers of the city.
The steps of the Temple of Quetzalcoatl deserve special attention, which although they are currently being restored and cannot be seen up close, they have incredible carvings.
The Citadel
Roadway of the Dead
The Roadway of the Dead It is one of the most important points of the enclosure, next to the pyramids of Teotihuacán, which both today and in the past, represented the main artery of the city, from which you can see the most important structures.
It has approximately 2 kilometers and it is through which you reach the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.
It is on this road where most souvenir vendors are usually located. Although we had read that at certain times they are somewhat annoying and insistent, the truth is that our experience was totally contrary to this, even calling our attention to how insistent they were.
Roadway of the Dead
Another perspective of the Causeway of the Dead
Pyramid of the Sun
The Pyramid of the Sun It is one of the pyramids of Teotihuacán and one of the most famous structures in the entire archaeological site, in addition to being the third largest pyramid in the world, surpassed only by the pyramid of Cheops in Egypt and the pyramid of Cholula, also in Mexico.
With a height of 70 meters and a base of 222 meters per side, this was the place where the sun god was worshiped, according to the Aztec belief.
Pyramid of the Sun
The best way to get to know the Pyramid of the Sun and also enjoy a unique and incredible perspective is to catch breath to climb the 248 steps that separate the base from the highest part.
Although the steps are quite regular, at a time of ascent, they become much narrower, so if you have vertigo, it is advisable to go calmly and secure your feet, so as not to have any mishaps.
Views from the Pyramid of the Sun
Pyramid of the Sun
The total time of ascent to the Pyramid of the Sun, plus some time to rest and take some photographs is not more than 30-45 minutes and as we mentioned before in the councils, it is advisable to bring water before starting, since although if you you take it easy is not a great effort, heat is always an important factor.
Ascent to the Pyramid of the Sun
Plaza del Sol
This is one of the points where a lot of people tend to concentrate, since it is one of the most incredible perspectives of the impressive pyramid of the Sun. We recommend you wait a while until there is not too much and approach the wall closest to the pyramid to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Teotihuacán.
Views of the Pyramid of the Sun from the Plaza del Sol
Pyramid of the Moon
In the northern part of the enclosure, there is the pyramid of the Moon, the second of the pyramids of Teotihuacán and another one of the most famous structures of the site.
Although at first glance it may seem the same size as the Pyramid of the Sun, it is smaller and this is because it is located on an elevation of the land. A curiosity is to observe how as you move along the Causeway of the Dead towards it, it merges perfectly with Cerro Gordo, located just at the back of the pyramid.
Pyramid of the Moon
As in the Pyramid of the Sun, it is highly recommended to climb to the highest area, since both the perspective of the rectum of the archaeological site, as well as the sensation of the experience, are very worthwhile.
The steps are much wider than those of the Pyramid of the Sun, besides they are less in number, so the ascent will not take you much time.
Stairs of the pyramid of the Moon
Another recommendation is that you take your time. Teotihuacán is one of the most incredible places in Mexico and to be able to enjoy it with tranquility, soaking up it and its energy, it is a moment that we are sure, it will become unforgettable.
Views from the pyramid of the Moon
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- Teotihuacán, Basilica of Guadalupe and Tlatelolco
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Book the best rated tours and excursions in Mexico City by travelers:Moon Square
Right in front of the pyramid of the Moon is this square where there are 12 elevated platforms of temples, from which you also have incredible views of the surroundings and the pyramid of the Moon itself.
The platform that can be seen in the central area, according to studies, is believed to have been the place where different religious celebrations took place, such as dances.
Moon Square
Although it is not necessary to upload all of them, we do recommend you upload to some, to have different perspectives.
Panoramic Teotihuacán
Quetzalpapáloti Palace
Very close to gate 3 is this structure, known as the Quetzalpapáloti Palace, also known as the Quetzal Butterfly Palace, where a priest lived and where different rituals were celebrated.
The visit time to this area is limited to only 10 minutes, since it is a small and narrow place, although from what we see, at least when we access, there is no one who controls the time, so we imagine that this time It is controlled only at times when there is a lot of visitors.
Quetzalpapáloti Palace
Palace of the Jaguars and Temple of the Feathered Snails
These two structures are located in the back of the Quetzalpapáloti Palace. In both there are murals and carvings of interest, which we recommend not to miss in the visit to the pyramids of Teotihuacán.
Palace of the Jaguars and Temple of the Feathered Snails
After practically 3 hours and a half visiting the archaeological site of Teotihuacán, we headed to door 3, from where we will take the bus back to Mexico City, stopping before in a kiosk to buy a bag of chips for 35 pesos, which They make our stomach endure the time we have left until we reach the Central Station of CDMX.
And so when a few minutes past 1:30 pm, we ride the bus that goes directly through the road in front of Gate 3 and in a little over an hour, leaves the Central Station of Mexico City .
Once in the city and seeing that it is 2:30 pm, we decided to make a technical stop in a Subway of the same station, where we eat a couple of sandwiches plus two soft drinks for 185 pesos and when it is 3:30 pm we ask for a UBER that for 5.93 euros, takes us to Chapultepec Castle, which was one of the essential visits to Mexico City, which we had for yesterday, but in the end, due to lack of time, we left for today.
which we did not arrive yesterday and a place that we do not want to miss on this trip to Mexico in 45 days.
Although it may seem a lie, it is 5 pm when we arrived at the Bosque de Chapultepec and it is because of the incredible traffic that is at this time in the city, it has been added that the driver was not very clear about the place he had to arrive, So we, after seeing what time it is and confirming in the Maps.me application that we are very close, we decided to stay a few meters away and walk straight to the entrance.
Although the initial idea was to enter Chapultepec Castle, when we arrived it is already closed, so we decided abort this mission and go directly for a walk through the Chapultepec Forest, another of the most recommended visits in Mexico City.
Chapultepec Forest
Castle chapultepec
There are a few minutes to 6:30 in the afternoon when we leave Chapultepec Forest along the Paseo de la Reforma, where we are lucky to enjoy a unique sunset to cross it until we reach the Angel of Independence, which is the monument that we It was pending yesterday when we left the Paseo de la Reforma halfway.
More practical information to prepare your trip to Mexico City
- 10 essential places to see in Mexico City
- The 5 best tours and excursions in Mexico City
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- Best travel insurance for Mexico
- Security in Mexico
Angel of Victory
Right at this roundabout we ask for another UBER that for 55 pesos takes us to the Latin American Tower where we go back to Madero Avenue, which is incredibly lively, with many people and all the shops open, something that we oblige to devote practically an hour to this area, to enjoy it in the afternoon-night and thus enter into this environment that we are enjoying so much and how far it is from the unsafety We had read, we were going to feel in this country.
Madero Avenue
Palace of Fine Arts
After this walk and it was time for dinner, we decided to go to Azul Histórico, another of the most recommended restaurants in the city, where we ordered a guacamole as an entree, a second-hand pibil cochinita and some fritters with mole plus glass of wine , water and a couple of coffees for 795 pesos.
Historic Blue Restaurant
After the experience we have to say that although it is somewhat more expensive than the most usual restaurants, the result is incredibly good, so it is more than recommended.
Historic Blue Restaurant Dinner
And so when it's about 9:30 p.m. we end the full day today, visiting the pyramids of Teotihuacán, returning to the Zócalo Central hotel where we fall like children to start dreaming about Mexico and this incredible journey that has just begun.
Day 4: Places to visit in Puebla from Mexico City
