What is Teotihuacan and why should you visit?
Taking a day trip to Teotihuacan is a must do when visiting Mexico City. Teotihuacan is an ancient archaeoligical site that pre-dates the Aztecs and Mayans. The ancient city was founded as early as 400BC and at one point it was the largest city in the Americas. A trading hub for merchants across Mesoamerica, the city had up to 200,000 inhabitants when it abruptly collapsed around 600AD.
There are a few different theories as to what caused this collapse and what happened to the original inhabitants so it is well worth a read into some of this fascinating history before you make your day trip to Teotihuacan.
Teotihuacan is one of the oldest, grandest and most impressive ancient sites in Mexico. It is located less than 50km from Mexico City, making it perfect for a day trip. If you like to plan ahead, there are a number of tours you can book online ahead of time. This one has incredible reviews and hits all the major spots.
If you’re looking for a super special experience, you can also take a hot air balloon over Teotihuacan, which you can book here. This was booked out when we went, so best plan ahead so you don’t miss out.
You can also opt to make the trip independently. This option is cheap, easy and enjoyable. Here is a detailed break down of everything you need to know to take an independent day trip to Teotihuacan, Mexico.
Taking a day trip to Teotihuacan from Mexico City without a tour
To get to Teotihuacan from Mexico City, you first need to take the metro to Autobuses del Norte Station. Autobuses del Norte is on the Yellow metro line (Line 5). Depending on where you are staying, this might take a few changes. The metro system in CDMX is super cheap, with most rides costing 5 pesos. It is fast and easy to navigate. There are warnings of pickpockets so be sure to keep your wits about you, but all of the stations have security and I never felt concerned or unsafe.
When you exit the metro at Autobuses del Norte, you will see the bus station to your left (pictured above). You can’t miss it. When you enter, turn left and walk to the very end to Sala 8. There is a window for Teotihuacan Bus Company. Tickets are cash only and cost 60 pesos each way (August 2023).
Enter through the security into the departure area. This part was a little confusing. There were a few lines without any real signs to where they were going. Luckily, when the buses arrive they will have their desination written on the front. We just got in the line with the most tourists. Someone will check your ticket when you board and let you know if you’re in the wrong line, so don’t stress. The bus will say “Piramides” on the front. There are numbered seats but no one seemed to pay attention. Sit wherever you like and enjoy the drive. There are some beautifiul colourful villages on the hillside on the way out of the city.
The trip takes about an hour. Some buses will make a stop in town first. Don’t be fooled by the colourful “Teotihuacan” sign when you drive in. This is not where you need to get off. The driver will call out “Piramides” for the stop closest to the Teotihuacan entrance. It is where most people on the bus will likely get off.
When you’re off the bus, continue walking in the same direction along the road for about 200m until you see the ticket office on your left. Tickets are 90 pesos for an adult, non-Mexican resident.
Once you’ve got your ticket, you’re free to explore Teotihuacan!
Do you need a guide for Teotihuacan?
I’m usually an advocate for getting a guide at ruins and archaeological sites. If you don’t have someone to explain the stories and the significance of certain buildings, it can feel like you’re just looking at old stones. However, for Teotihuacan I personally don’t think that a guide was necessary. There is a lot of information available online about Teotihuacan and the museum at the site is quite informative. There are signs around the site in both Spanish and English. I left feeling pretty well informed and impressed. Also, one of the most interesting things about Teotihuacan is that so much of its history is unknown. Being a bit mysterious is kind of the point.
If you do plan on hiring a guide, you can easily do it at the entrance. Just make sure that your guide has the language level that you need. If you speak Spanish well, you will have no problems. We had friends who hired an English speaking guide only to find out that he didn’t speak English very well beyond the initial small talk and platitudes. It made for a pretty awkward couple of hours for them, so just be mindful of that.
Getting back to Mexico City
To get back to Mexico City from Teotihuacan, you will just do the same trip in reverse. Walk out of the same gate that you entered, Puerta 2. Instead of continuing straight, turn right and cross the road. About 30 metres down is where you will wait to catch the return bus. There is no official bus stop there, but there will likely be other people waiting to wave down the bus as it passes. The bus will take you back to Autobuses del Norte where you can get the metro back to wherever you need to be in the city.
Day trip to Teotihuacan: Quick reference
How much money will I need? You will need at least 220 pesos in cash. 90 pesos for entry, 120 pesos for the bus each way, plus 10 pesos for the metro.
How much time do I need? Teotihuacan is a pretty big site and you could spend a few hours walking around between the pyramids. The museum is interesting as well and you could easily spend an hour there. It can take almost 2 hours to get there once you take into account the metro and bus. It really is a full day trip. You need about 7 hours or more.
What do I need to bring? Bring sunscreen! There isn’t a lot of shade at Teotihuacan and the sun can get really harsh. Make sure you bring sunscreen, clothes to cover up and plenty of water. There are a few shops and restaurants that you can buy lunch or a drink outside of Puerta 2, where you will enter and exit. There’s also a small store near the museum to buy drinks. Cash is king.
We did our day trip to Teotihuacan in August 2023. If you notice that the prices have changed, please shoot me a message so I can keep the post updated.
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