Teotihuacan

Overview

Teotihuacan is the largest pre-Columbian city site in the Americas, known as the city of the gods. At its centre stand the Pyramid of the Sun at 65 metres and the Pyramid of the Moon at 46 metres, aligned along the Avenue of the Dead. From the top of the Pyramid of the Sun the whole layout of the ancient city unfolds. It was a metropolis of perhaps 100,000 to 200,000 people between about 100 BC and AD 650.

History

Teotihuacan was built by a civilisation whose identity remains unknown. It began to develop around 100 BC and peaked between AD 350 and 650, before being abandoned around AD 650 for reasons still unclear. It was later found by the Aztecs, who revered it as a sacred place. It became a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Highlights

• •Panoramic views of the site from the top of the Pyramid of the Sun
• •The Avenue of the Dead and the city's monumental planning
• •Artifacts and background in the site museum
• •Sunrise as the best time for photography

Practical tips

• •Summer is very hot; visit between 7 and 11 in the morning
• •Wear flat shoes, as the pyramid steps are steep
• •The site is vast, so allow four to five hours
• •It lies about 50 kilometres from Mexico City and can be reached on a day tour

Practical information

Best time

October to April

Tickets

About MXN 80 for adults

Opening hours

9:00 to 17:00

Local food

Tacos, tamales and mole

Getting around

The metro is extensive and cheap; avoid peak hours and watch your belongings

Visa

A tourist visa is required; holders of a valid US visa may enter visa-free, subject to Mexican immigration announcements.

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