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Ancient Mesoamerican city
Photo: Ralf Roletschek, GFDL 1.2 via Wikimedia Commons
Teotihuacan, also known as the City of the Gods, was the largest city in Pre-Columbian America. It is now an archeological site 40 km northeast of Mexico City, home to some of the largest ancient pyramids in the world. Náhuatl for "the place where men became gods", the Aztecs believed it was here where the gods gathered to plan the creation of man. It is a .
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Pyramid of the Moon
The second largest pyramid in the park. It mimics the contours of Cerro Gordo, the mountain in the distance to the north. It was built between 100 and 450 AD, covering up an earlier temple, with a more interesting design than the larger Pyramid of the Sun. It was used as a stage for performing ritual sacrifices and ceremonies in honor of the Great Goddess of Teotihuacan.
Palace of Quetzalpapálotl
A housing and temple complex with wall paintings, sculptures, and underground rooms. The name Quetzalpapálotl (Feather Butterfly) comes from the reliefs of mythological birds on the courtyard pillars. It was built around 450 to 500 AD, over earlier structures from around 250 to 300 AD. It is thought to have been the home of a high ranking priest or other dignitary. Includes the Palacio de los Jaguares (Palace of the Jaguars) and the Templo de los Caracoles Emplumados.
Avenue of the Dead
The main monuments of the city are connected by this wide 2 km central road. The Aztecs believed it to have been paved with tombs, hence the name. Take a close look at the many lesser temples and other ceremonial constructions along the sides.
Pyramid of the Sun
The largest pyramid in Teotihuacan at 71 m, and one of the largest in Mesoamerica. It is believed to have been constructed about 200 AD. It is thought that the pyramid venerated a deity within Teotihuacan society, but destruction of the temple on top of the pyramid has so far prevented clear identification of its purpose. The pyramid was built on a carefully selected spot, aligned to the prominent Cerro Gordo to the north and to sunrises and sunsets on specific dates.
The museum at the park with outstanding displays and a miniature recreation of the entire site. Well worth the visit.
Temple of Quetzalcoatl
The third largest pyramid, and one of the most sacred temples in the complex. The sides of the structure are covered with stone heads associated with the later Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent. More than 100 possibly sacrificial victims were buried beneath the structure.
Two stories with interesting artifacts. Some signage is translated to English, and others not.
Palace Atetelco
The restaurant is located deep inside a subterranean cave and illuminated by two large holes on the side along with other ambient lighting. There is a bar with a vast selection of beers, wines, and liquors. Prepare for the possibility of a serenade by a small Mariachi band or weekend shows featuring live Aztec dancers.
Has a very pleasant dining room serving 3 meals a day. It is reasonably priced, food is excellent and the staff very helpful.
Once billed as the only hotel located in the archaeological zone, it's now outside of the fence. The hotel is open all year round, and is accessible to the public. There is a small swimming pool, dining room and patio. The rooms are a bit small, but very clean. There is secure parking, having a car at the site is a real plus! You will be allowed to drive around the entire site without much restriction.
Comfy hotel 2 km from Archaeological Park. Spacious rooms, pool, restaurant. Free parking. Walking to the site from here isn't recommended as it's a hot, busy ratty highway with no side-walk, then there's lots of walking to see the site, then you have to get back.
By car (or taxi)
It takes about 45 minutes from central Mexico City if you use the toll highway. It takes much longer, but is more interesting, if you use the old free road.
By public bus
From Mexico City, buses to Teotihuacán leave about every half hour from two locations:
By tour bus
Many travel agencies offer half or full day tours that include the site, often combined with the Plaza de las Tres Culturas and the Basilica of Guadalupe, also north of the city center.
Most of the site is enclosed within the 652 acre Zona Arqueológica (Archaeological Zone). There are a handful of minor excavated areas outside this zone.
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