Mesmerizing and mystical, the holy city of Teotihuacan is a must-see on any trip to Mexico City – and it’s easily accessible with a day trip from the capital.
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
The holy city of Teotihuacan is one of the most magnificent ancient sites on Earth. However, unlike many millenia-old civilizations, this city, which was founded around the 1st Century AD and was once home to 25,000 people, is easily accessible. Located some 50km outside of Mexico City, visitors can be lost among the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon within an hour, and be back in the city by afternoon for tacos and mezcal and a chance to share their stories. Here are five of the best tours to Teotihuacan from Mexico City.
Teotihuacan Pyramids Tour
At six hours long, this tour packs in a lot, but is still back in the afternoon for an extra bit of sightseeing in Mexico City, if you so choose. Starting out in Mexico City it heads to Teotihuacan to meet a knowledgeable and friendly local guide. Then begins a two-hour guided tour, with both history and background of the pyramids, as well as Teotihuacan’s cultural significance as the City of the Gods, and some lesser-known information and stories. As if that wasn’t enough, there is also the chance to later try Pulque, Tequila, and Mezcal afterwards, as well as checking out classic obsidian and silver crafts – not strictly necessary but included anyway. From €58.77.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Teotihuacan Air Balloon Flight & Breakfast
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
Teotihuacan is already one of the most impressive ancient sites in the world – but it is even more incredible from the air. This tour from Mexico City takes to the skies to explore the landscapes of Teotihuacan Valley on a 30 to 50 minute hot air balloon flight. It starts with breakfast and refreshments at the balloon port before an officially certified balloon pilot glides you across the site to see the Sun and Moon Pyramids from the air. Afterwards there is an optional transfer to see the Teotihuacan Archaeological Zone from the ground (the entry price is not included). From €144.26.
Book at Getyourguide.com
From Mexico City: Explore Teotihuacan Pyramids with Local Lunch
Teotihuacán is one of Mexico’s most visited sites – so it can feel extremely touristy. This tour tries to offer something more authentic, combing a tour the UNESCO-listed Teotihuacan pyramids with lunch in a local Mexican home. It’s a really nice way to get to know a little more about the area and feel more connected to local traditions. The food is all sourced from local organic farms too. After lunch there is a chance to check out a local town and visit two independent, family-run businesses to pick up authentic, locally-made (or grown) souvenirs. From €73.95.
Book at Viator.com
Teotihuacan Small-Group Dawn Tour
Definitely not recommended after a long night on the tequilas, this is a tour for the early risers. Leaving early morning from Mexico City, the aim is to be some of the first people of the day to arrive and discover Teotihuacan, with the light perfect for taking pictures. It’s a small group of maximum 12 people and there is plenty of information as you peruse the Sun and Moon pyramids, visit the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, and walk through the Avenue of the Dead. Before heading back to the city for 3pm you’ll be taken to a clay workshop to learn everything there is to know about the pulque, silver, and clay processes, manufactured by local people – then all this new information can be washed down with tastings of tequila, mezcal, and pulque. From €54.21.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Historical downtown Mexico City & Teotihuacan Pyramids Mezcal tasting
Highly recommended if you only have a short time in Mexico City, this trip combines two of the most popular things to see: the historic Downtown and the Teotihuacan Pyramids. The tour starts with the sprawling main square and a series of murals by Diego Rivera, then continues to the temples and monuments of Teotihaucan. All entrance fees are included and there is a bit of mezcal tasting to finish off the day. From €70.21.
Book at Viator.com