Teotihuacan

Quick answer: Teotihuacan is one of Mexico’s most important archaeological sites, famous for the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Avenue of the Dead. You can reach it from Mexico City’s Zocalo by metro to the Autobuses del Norte terminal and then by bus, for a total of around 180 pesos including entry at the time of writing.

Teotihuacan depicts the pre-Hispanic era in Mexico and is one of the great symbols left behind by ancient Mesoamerica. The emblematic pyramids of the Sun and Moon that dominate the archaeological complex were built to venerate deities of Teotihuacan society. They were once places of worship, and to some people they still are.

About Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan and its valley bear unique testimony to the pre-urban structures of ancient Mexico. The city’s planning integrated natural features such as the San Juan River, whose flow was modified to intersect the Avenue of the Dead.

This north-south principal axis is lined with complexes and monumental buildings. The standouts are the Great Compound with the Temple of Quetzalcoatl (also known as the Temple of the Plumed Serpent) and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon.

A distinctive feature of the city’s religious and civil architecture is the talud–tablero style. Teotihuacan’s large-scale planning became a model of urbanisation that greatly influenced contemporary and later cultures.

Places of Interest in Teotihuacan

• Templo del Sol (Temple of the Sun)
• Templo de la Luna (Temple of the Moon)
• Temple of Quetzalcoatl (Plumed Serpent)
• Avenue of the Dead
• Teotihuacan Site Museum

Temple of the Sun

The Temple of the Sun, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, is often described as the third largest ancient pyramid in the world after the Great Pyramid of Cholula in Mexico and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. It was constructed around 200 CE.

It is believed the pyramid was built over a man-made tunnel leading to a “cave” located six metres down beneath the centre of the structure. As well as being the largest building in the Teotihuacan complex, it is one of the largest in Mesoamerica.

Temple of the Moon

The Templo de la Luna (Temple of the Moon) was constructed between 200 and 250 AD. An inclined wall in front of the staircase descends to the Avenue of the Dead.

A platform on the summit was used for ceremonies in honour of the Great Goddess of Teotihuacan, goddess of the earth, fertility, water and even creation itself. Locals call it Tenan, which in Nahuatl (widely spoken in Central Mexico) means “mother or protective stone”.

Temple of Quetzalcoatl (Feathered Serpent)

This temple has seven stepped bodies on all four sides, and its walls are decorated with plumed serpents carved in stone. Quetzalcoatl was considered the originator of human activity on earth and the creator of the land and the calendar.

The temple is believed to have been built between 150 and 200 AD to venerate the sacred calendar cycles.

Avenue of the Dead

The Avenue of the Dead is the main roadway of the archaeological complex. It runs north-south and meets the East-West avenue at a right angle in the centre of Teotihuacan, dividing the city into four sectors.

The buildings lining both sides belonged to temple complexes designed for the state’s political-administrative and civic-religious activities. They also served as dwellings for the top level of society, mainly priests.

Teotihuacan Site Museum

Don’t miss the museums inside and outside the archaeological complex. The Teotihuacan Site Museum exhibits interesting examples of pottery, obsidian, bone and shell work made by the ancient inhabitants of the City of the Gods.

How to Get to Teotihuacan from Mexico City

The Zocalo is Mexico City’s main plaza and was once the ceremonial centre of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. It is home to many hostels and B&Bs, making it a convenient starting point.

• From Zocalo Metro Station, take the metro to Hidalgo (direction Cuatro Caminos).
• Change to the Green Line towards Indios Verdes and get off at La Raza.
• Change to the Yellow Line and get off at the next station, Autobuses del Norte (direction Politécnico).
• When you exit the metro station, the bus terminal is right in front of you.
• Go to the counter near Gate 9 to buy your ticket to Teotihuacan. The first bus leaves at 6 am, then every 30 minutes.
• The bus drops you right outside the site, where you buy your entrance ticket.

Cost

Item	Price (at time of writing)
Metro from Zocalo to Terminal de Autobuses and back	10 Pesos
Bus to Teotihuacan and back	100 Pesos
Entrance to Teotihuacan	70 Pesos

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Teotihuacan famous for?

Its Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Avenue of the Dead, as well as its influential city planning.

How do I get to Teotihuacan by public transport?

Take the metro from Zocalo to Autobuses del Norte, then buy a bus ticket near Gate 9. Buses run from 6 am every 30 minutes.

How big is the Pyramid of the Sun?

It is often described as the third largest ancient pyramid in the world, after Cholula and Giza, and is the largest building at Teotihuacan.

Conclusion

Teotihuacan is an easy and affordable day trip from Mexico City and one of the most rewarding ancient sites in the Americas. Climb the pyramids, walk the Avenue of the Dead and leave time for the site museum to understand the City of the Gods.