Teotihuacán — Attraction in State of Mexico

In 2002, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Teotihuacan, one of the most awe-inspiring ancient sites in Mexico. I remember standing at the foot of the massive Pyramid of the Sun, feeling dwarfed by its size and imagining what life must have been like for the people who lived here thousands of years ago.

Teotihuacan, located just outside of Mexico City, is believed to have been one of the largest cities in the ancient world, flourishing between 100 BC and 650 AD. The sheer scale of the place is astounding—the Avenue of the Dead, the broad road that runs through the center of the city, stretches for about 2 miles, and walking along it, I could feel the weight of history with each step. The avenue leads past smaller pyramids and platforms to the Pyramid of the Moon, and directly in front of me was the massive Pyramid of the Sun.

The Pyramid of the Sun, the largest structure in Teotihuacan, stands over 200 feet tall and is one of the tallest pyramids in the world. It’s thought to have been a ceremonial center, possibly dedicated to a deity of the sun or the rain. Climbing to the top, which I remember being quite the trek, offered breathtaking views of the entire city and the surrounding valley. I learned that the pyramid’s construction required an immense amount of labor and planning, with materials sourced from the surrounding areas. It’s made primarily of adobe and covered in stone.

The layout of Teotihuacan was designed with cosmology in mind. The city is aligned with the cardinal directions, and its grid pattern reflects the sophisticated urban planning of the Teotihuacanos. Archaeologists believe that the site was a major cultural, religious, and trading hub, attracting people from all over Mesoamerica. Even though the original builders and rulers of Teotihuacan are still a mystery—there’s no written record of them—the city’s influence was far-reaching, with evidence of its cultural and architectural styles found as far away as Guatemala.

One of the most interesting aspects of Teotihuacan is that it was a multi-ethnic city. The different districts within the city housed people from various regions, each contributing to the rich cultural diversity that defined the city at its height. Walking through the site in 2002, I remember thinking about how this ancient metropolis was once home to as many as 200,000 people, yet today it felt so still and quiet, with only the wind whispering through the ruins.

I also spent time exploring the Pyramid of the Moon, which is smaller but no less impressive. It’s positioned at the northern end of the Avenue of the Dead and may have been used for rituals involving human and animal sacrifices. Teotihuacan’s religious practices, which included the worship of deities like Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent, and Tlaloc, the rain god, played a central role in their society, and much of their architecture reflects these spiritual beliefs.

Looking back on that trip, I remember being struck by how advanced Teotihuacan was for its time. The city had complex infrastructure, including a drainage system and residential compounds that housed entire families. Its monumental architecture, like the pyramids, speaks to a sophisticated society that valued art, astronomy, and religion. Teotihuacan’s murals, many of which are still visible today, depict elaborate scenes of gods, animals, and ritual activities, offering a glimpse into the rich spiritual life of its people.

My visit to Teotihuacan in 2002 was unforgettable. It felt like stepping back in time, connecting with a civilization that, despite its fall centuries ago, continues to captivate and educate visitors with its mystery and grandeur. The city remains a testament to the ingenuity and cultural complexity of ancient Mesoamerica, and I felt privileged to experience...

Visiting the Teotihuacán pyramids is a fascinating experience. Here’s how you might spend a day exploring the site:

Morning Arrival: Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. The site opens around 9:00 AM. Pyramid of the Sun: Start with the Pyramid of the Sun, the largest structure in Teotihuacán. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the site and surrounding landscape. Pyramid of the Moon: Next, visit the Pyramid of the Moon at the end of the Avenue of the Dead. It’s slightly smaller but offers an equally impressive view and has significant historical importance. Avenue of the Dead: Walk along this main thoroughfare, which connects the Pyramid of the Sun to the Pyramid of the Moon. Along the way, you’ll see various temples and the remains of ancient structures. Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcoatl): Visit this temple, known for its intricate carvings of feathered serpent heads. It’s one of the most well-preserved structures and offers insight into the mythology and art of Teotihuacán. Lunch Break: Enjoy lunch at one of the nearby restaurants or bring a picnic. There are a few options just outside the archaeological zone. Museum Visit: If you have time, visit the site’s museum to learn more about the history, culture, and artifacts of Teotihuacán. Exploration and Photography: Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring and photographing other parts of the site. Look for lesser-known temples and murals. Departure: Head back to your accommodation or continue your journey, taking with you the memories of a day filled with ancient history and stunning architecture. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection, and stay hydrated...

A fantastic archaeological site and one of the most amazing places to visit in the world. It's quite easy to go on your own, if you don't want to take a tour. Read the Wikipedia entry the night before so you know the layout and what you're looking at. Take an Uber ($US60) at 7:45 from Mexico City so that you arrive when it opens at 9:00. Have them drop you off at gate 5. Do not allow the touts to convince your driver to veer off to Gate #1. First, visit the Pyramid of the Sun which is right there at Gate 5. Then take a right to visit the Pyramid of the Moon and its surrounding structures. By doing it this way you will have visited these two main sites prior to the majority of tourists getting there for the day. Finally, you can walk south (away from the pyramid of the Moon)to the southern portion of the site where most of the day trippers will just be arriving. Lots of interesting pyramids to see and climb upon there. When you're done, you can then exit at Gate #1 and call an Uber to take you back to the city. You have to walk outside the parking lot gates to meet the Uber. This entire itinerary took us 3 1/2 hours at the site. The onslaught from souvenir sellers is not too bad, but you do get a little sick of jaguar growls by the end of the day . You can stop at Lady of Guadalupe on the way back as it is between Teotihuacan and downtown Mexico City. I only really recommend it if you are interested from a religious viewpoint. Not all that interesting architecturally...