I'm gonna give it 5 stars but shouldn't. I'll try to explain thoroughly with lots of tips and info.
Number one tip: It's so sunny. You absolutely will get burned even if you have dark skin. It's hot, but not as hot as other places, so you don't notice the sun. Sunscreen causes more cancer than the sun, so I won't recommend that, but stay covered up.
We came from about 2 hours away and it was approximately 400 pesos in tolls.
Entrance is 95 pesos each plus 50 pesos for a car.
Thieves at the entrance lie and say water is 90 pesos inside and it's only 25. Don't buy from them.
It's easy to navigate and no signs are really needed. A tour guide would probably be great if you like history and info, but it's not needed to find your way around.
The amount of people trying to sell you junk jewelry, obnoxious "jaguar" whistles, useless chinese trinkets, and ehsyever other garbage they can come up with to get more money from you is astonishing. It is annoying and they don't like to take no for an answer. Just tell them no and keep walking.
The sun pyramid is huge and there's no way to explain it. You'd just have to see it. The smaller ones are also very large. Standing in front of it makes me feel so small.
You CANNOT climb these. So don't expect to be able to. Honestly, it's so hot anyway that probably most of you either wouldn't try or would regret it 2 days later when you can't walk 😂
The moon pyramid is the best IMO. There's a lot of structure around and follow these instructions for a really cool thing to witness:
There's a platform in the very center. Get up on it and srand on the right side facing the outside of the platform.
This is the most important thing. You need to be centered on the platform. Not in the center, but the center of the right side facing outwards.
Have your friends walk directly out from there to the set of steps on the very outside and face you.
Cup your hands and talk at a normal volume towards your friend.
They will be able to hear every single word you say clearly from over 30 meters away.
I like the mystery of the pyramids so it's likely a little biased, but this place is cool to see. Would I recommend driving 5 hours to see it? Maybe. It was on our way so it's hard to say.
Do it if you're close, but if you don't already like pyramids and history you'll likely be...
Read moreVisiting Teotihuacán is a wonderful experience and highly recommended. The visitor has to appreciate that the site is huge and requires a couple of days to fully explore. If you have just one day and you want to see it all, hiring a guide may be the best option for maximum efficiency.
There are no maps on site and a lot of the signposted information has been rubbed out. If you want to do it all yourself, make sure you know exactly where all the gates are with respect to the pyramids and the restaurants. You can exit and return through any gate on the same day.
When we visited in Feb 2023, NO CLIMBING WAS ALLOWED ON ANY OF THE PYRAMIDS..
The gates are labeled clockwise starting at the gate leading to the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, Puerta 1. Puerta 2 (and 5, see below) leads you to the pyramid of the Sun and this is where the public transportation drops you off. Puerta 3 & 4 are closest to the Pyramid of the moon. Also located close to Puerta 3 is the temple of Quetzalpapalotl, where you can see carved pillars and some murals. Half an hour's walk from Puerta 3 leads to the Museo des Murales de Teotihuacán and the entry is covered by the ticket to the site. Puerta 4 is very close to the site of Tepantitlan, entry is free. It has some amazing murals, one of which can be seen reconstructed in the National Anthropology Museum. Puerta 5, on the eastern side of the Pyramid of the Sun is nearest to the site museum and the botanical and sculptural gardens. Also, the famous El Gruta restaurant is just outside Puerta 5, which, although touristy and relatively expensive (@usd 30pp in 2023) is worth a visit.
The walk (Avenue of the Dead) from the Temple of the Feathered Serpent to the Pyramid of the Moon is very long. Try not to traverse it multiple times.
There is a very nice walk from Puerta 3 to 4 outside the site that takes you via some nice restaurants with outdoor seating among shady trees. (Not sure if the walk continues all the way around the site).
In Feb, when we visited, it gets quite hot during the day, so sunscreen, hat and layers are recommended, especially if you...
Read moreThe Sun Pyramid, located at Teotihuacán in Mexico, is one of the most awe-inspiring and significant ancient structures in the world. Standing as the largest pyramid in Teotihuacán and the third-largest pyramid globally, it is a testament to the architectural and cultural achievements of the ancient civilization that built it. Its imposing height of about 216 feet (66 meters) and the expansive base covering over 3 million cubic feet of material showcase an advanced understanding of construction techniques, considering it was built around 200 CE.
Visiting the Sun Pyramid is an unforgettable experience. The pyramid's sheer size is breathtaking, and the panoramic views from the top offer a sweeping vista of the ancient city and the surrounding Valley of Mexico. The climb to the top, although steep and challenging, is rewarding for those seeking to connect with the ancient energy and historical importance of the site. Each step feels like a journey through time, transporting visitors back to the height of Teotihuacán's influence and power.
The pyramid’s alignment with celestial events, particularly the sun, adds to its mystical allure. It was likely a sacred place for religious ceremonies, and standing atop it provides a tangible sense of its spiritual significance. The site surrounding the pyramid, including the nearby Pyramid of the Moon and the Avenue of the Dead, adds to the overall grandeur of the Teotihuacán complex.
However, one downside for modern visitors is the heavy tourist traffic, especially during peak hours, which can detract from the serenity of the experience.
In conclusion, the Sun Pyramid is a must-visit for anyone interested in Mesoamerican history or ancient architecture. It stands as a powerful symbol of the grandeur of ancient civilizations and offers a unique, immersive experience...
Read more