Teotihuacan – Planning Your Visit
by Dorothy and Bill Bell
Visiting Teotihuacan is an unforgettable experience, but planning your visit carefully can enhance your experience. Here’s our updated guide to making the most of your trip to this ancient city.
Optimal Time to Visit The best time to explore Teotihuacan is early in the morning, as soon as the site opens. Here’s why:
- Fewer Crowds: Tour buses start arriving en masse around 10 am, so arriving early allows you to enjoy the site with fewer people.
- Less Distraction: Vendors also tend to arrive around 10 am to cater to the tour groups. Visiting early means fewer interruptions as you explore.
- Comfortable Weather: The morning air is cooler and fresher, making walking, hiking, and climbing more comfortable.
From a photographer’s perspective, the morning light provides a soft, creamy glow, perfect for capturing stunning images.
Planning the Length of Your Visit A typical visit to Teotihuacan can take four hours or more, involving a moderately challenging walk. The Avenue of the Dead alone is 2 kilometers (1.5 miles) long, and there are numerous stairs leading in and out of plazas, terraces, and up the various pyramids and temples. Think of it as a city-sized Stairmaster workout!
Keep in mind that the site is situated at an altitude of 2,100 meters (7,000 feet). If you’re not accustomed to high altitudes, be prepared to take frequent breaks.
Getting There Consider your options for getting to the site:
Driving: Driving from Mexico City can be challenging due to heavy traffic and complex road conditions. Plan your route carefully and try to leave early to avoid the worst of the traffic. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour from Mexico City’s center, and there is paid parking available on-site.
Taxi: Taking a taxi from Mexico City can be expensive, but hiring a private car and driver in advance can be a safer and more comfortable option. Ensure you book through a reputable service or your hotel to guarantee a safe, authorized vehicle.
Tours and Tour Buses: If you opt for a tour bus from your hotel, choose one with flexible departure times. Be aware that some tours might include additional activities, which can extend your day and reduce the time you spend at the site. Tour companies often include stops at specific vendors and stores, which can take up a significant portion of your time.
Metro and Bus (Self-Guided):
- Take the Metro to the Yellow Line. Politécnico is the last stop to the north, and Pantitlán is the last stop to the east.
- Get off at Autobuses del Norte Station.
- Walk to the Bus Terminal and find the Autobuses Teotihuacan booth. Ask specifically for tickets to “Teotihuacan Pyramides” to avoid ending up in the nearby town of San Juan de Teotihuacan.
- Your ticket will have an assigned gate (usually Gate 8) and seat number. Proceed to the gate and board the bus.
- The bus will drop you off at the main entrance.
When returning, you can catch a bus from either the entrance near the Pyramid of the Sun or the main entrance. Buses run every 20 minutes, cost approximately 40 pesos per person (half-price for children), and take about an hour. They run until 6 pm and can be a bit rundown but are a cost-effective option.
Staying in Teotihuacan or San José Staying in Teotihuacan or a nearby village can be a convenient option. Accommodation prices vary, and you can often find bargains online. A taxi ride from town to the site costs around 40 pesos, or you can walk the 15-minute distance.
Accommodation Options
Hotels:
- Quinta Del Sol Teotihuacan Hotel: Located in San Juan Teotihuacan, just a 10-minute walk or 40-peso taxi ride from the site. This hotel has an excellent restaurant and immaculate facilities. Check for onsite prices and facilities.
- Villas Arqueologicas Hotel: The only hotel on the actual site, within walking distance to the entrance. It has a restaurant with acceptable food.
Hostel:
- Quetzalhostel Teotihuacan: A budget-friendly option located at Calle Canteroco No. 11-A, Colonia Barrio de Purificación, San Juan Teotihuacan.
RV Park:
- Teotihuacan RV and Trailer Park: Located in San Juan Teotihuacan. Contact: 011-52-594-956-0313.
What to Wear Comfort is key when visiting Teotihuacan. Here are some tips:
- Footwear: Wear good, comfortable, non-skid shoes. The stone stairs can be slippery, and the Avenue of the Dead is nearly 2 miles long, requiring practical footwear.
- Clothing: Layer your clothing, especially if visiting in winter when mornings are cool but afternoons warm up. In summer, breathable clothing is essential. Shorts are acceptable, and a hat is a must. A light jacket in winter and a sweater in summer can be packed in a backpack.
- Accessories: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, and a bottle of water. A backpack will keep your hands free, especially when climbing pyramids.
Weather and Climate Teotihuacan can get quite hot, so pack accordingly. The sun can be intense, making sunscreen and a hat essential. The weather is cooler in the morning, so plan to layer your clothing for comfort throughout the day.
Conclusion A visit to Teotihuacan is a journey through history, and with proper planning, it can be a comfortable and enriching experience. Remember to plan ahead, dress appropriately, and enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of this ancient city.
