Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Teotihuacán
- Happy Tunna & Friends
- May 6
- 5 min read
Planning a trip to Mexico City and thinking about visiting the legendary pyramids of Teotihuacán? YES, DO IT! 🎉 This ancient city is one of the most breathtaking archaeological sites in the world — and we know it like the back of our hand because… we take people there all the time! 😎
Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Teotihuacán is right here in this fun, friendly guide! Whether you're into epic views, ancient mysteries, or just really into pyramids (we don’t judge), here's how to get the most out of your visit to Teotihuacán.
📍Where is Teotihuacán?
Teotihuacán is located about 40 km (25 miles) northeast of Mexico City, in the State of Mexico. That’s about an hour away by car — close enough for an easy day trip, far enough to feel like you're stepping into another world.
This place is ancient. Like, seriously ancient. Between 300 and 600 AD, Teotihuacán was a major Mesoamerican city, influencing the Maya, the Aztecs, and probably your history teacher too.
🧠 Fun fact: It’s called the “City of the Gods” because of its majestic pyramids and its significance as a religious and cultural center in ancient Mesoamerica. Once you’re there, you’ll see why 👀✨
🚗 How to Get There
There are a few ways to get to Teotihuacán, depending on where you're staying:
From popular neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Juárez, or Centro, it usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours by car 🚘 — traffic willing (yes, CDMX loves a good traffic jam 🚦😂).
Public transport: Hop on the metro to "Terminal de Autobuses del Norte", then catch a bus that drops you off right at the entrance. Super budget-friendly and a bit of an adventure 🚌✨
Drive yourself: Renting a car is doable if you’re comfy driving in big city traffic. Just don’t be surprised if Google Maps says “30 minutes” and you arrive 90 minutes later. #CDMXlife 🤷♂️
Join a tour (like ours - Hola?😉): Let us handle the logistics - Easiest option by far! We pick you up directly from your hotel in the city, with a comfortable transport, expert guides, and zero stress. We’ll even throw in some fun facts and local tips. Book your tour here!
⏰ Hours & Tickets
Teotihuacán is open every day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with last entry at 4:30 pm. We recommend going early to beat the heat and the crowds.
Entrance fee: $100 MXN (around $6 USD)
Free on Sundays for Mexican citizens (bring ID if that’s you!)
💡 Skip the line! You can buy your ticket online in advance and head straight in — no waiting under the sun☀️The ticket also includes access to the on-site museums, so make sure to check them out before or after your pyramid visit.
✅ Pro tip: exploring the whole site takes about 2 to 3 hours, so wear comfy shoes and don’t rush it!
✨Top Things to Do in Teotihuacán
🎈 1. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
If you’re going to do one unforgettable thing, this is it.You’ll fly over the pyramids just as the sun rises — it’s magical, surreal, and yes, 100% Instagram-worthy 📸🔥.
Most balloon rides start super early (like 4:30 am early), so they include pickup from Mexico City, breakfast, and a celebratory toast 🥂.
Trust us, this is the kind of memory you’ll talk about for years. (“Remember when we floated over ancient ruins in a basket?”)
🏛️ 2. Explore the Pyramid of the Sun
This massive structure is the largest in Teotihuacán — and one of the biggest pyramids in the world 🌞.You can’t climb it anymore (preservation reasons!), but the views from nearby platforms are still spectacular. 📷✨.
🌕 3. Walk to the Pyramid of the Moon
Smaller than the Sun Pyramid, but just as mysterious.It sits at the end of the Avenue of the Dead (spooky name, beautiful spot) and offers a glimpse into the ceremonial life of ancient Mesoamericans. Bonus: you’ll get some epic views of the whole site from here.
🐍 4. Visit the Temple of Quetzalcóatl
This pyramid is all about the details.Look closely and you’ll spot intricate stone carvings of feathered serpents 🐉 and rain gods. It’s one of the most visually stunning spots in the whole complex — and it’s usually less crowded too (shhh, don’t tell everyone!).
🏺 5. Check Out the Teotihuacán Museum
Located right inside the archaeological zone, this museum is the perfect way to start or end your visit.It’s got artifacts, ancient tools, jewelry, and a detailed model of what Teotihuacán looked like at its peak. Great for understanding the “big picture” before diving into the ruins.
💡 Helpful Tips
🕶️ Wear comfy clothes and walking shoes — this site is BIG and there’s a lot of walking.
🌞 Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water — the sun can be intense.
🕰️ Go early — cooler temps, fewer people, more time to explore.
📸 Charge your phone/camera — you’re going to want pictures.
🎒 Pack light — but don’t forget water!
🌮 Where (and What) to Eat Near Teotihuacán
Teotihuacán doesn’t allow food inside the archaeological zone (you can bring water though!). After walking under the sun, climbing ancient avenues, and soaking in all that history, your body will start asking for tacos. Don’t worry — we’ve got you. Here are a few tasty options near the pyramids:
A classic! This restaurant is literally inside a volcanic cave (yes, a real cave) just a few steps from Gate 5. You can try pre-Hispanic-inspired dishes, sip on pulque, and pretend you’re dining like an ancient god. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Cozy spot with a garden vibe and generous plates of barbacoa, enchiladas, quesadillas… you get the idea. Good for groups and they’re usually fast (blessing when you're hangry 😅).
Street food near the entrance
If you're more of a tacos-on-the-go person, there are local stands and fonditas outside the main entrances (especially Gate 1 and Gate 2) where you can try tacos al pastor, tlacoyos, or even some quesadillas con flor de calabaza. Cheap, quick, delicious — and full of local flavor.
✅ Pro tip: Bring cash 💵! Many places (especially the small stands) don't take cards. And always ask if the salsa is spicy… then prepare for the answer to be a lie 🌶️🔥😂.
🛌 Staying Nearby?
You can visit Teotihuacán as a day trip from CDMX, but if you want a slower, more relaxed experience (or want to catch that sunrise balloon ride), staying the night nearby is a great idea.
Some charming options close to the site include:
🙋 Want to Visit With Us?
We’d love to take you on this adventure! Our private tour is $3,330 MXN per person (approximately $185 USD) and includes: comfortable transportation with A/C, a certified Guide, parking, tolls, and a Driver. It’s available in Spanish, English, or French. Since it’s a private tour, it’s just for you and your group — no crowds, no rush! We offer flexible timing, so you can stay as long as you like. 💕 We’ll pick you up and drop you off wherever you’re staying.
Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or organizing a private group, we’ve got options for everyone — even sunrise balloon rides if you're feeling adventurous.
Now that you’ve got Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Teotihuacán, all that’s left is to grab your sunscreen, wear comfy shoes, and get ready to be wowed. 👉 Just send us a message to start planning your trip :)
See you in the City of the Gods!🤎
xoxo,
Treep Tours 🦄🌈✨🍄🧚♀️💘🌟
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