Teotihuacan travel guide

Teotihuacan travel guide

National Airports

Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city located about 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Mexico City, and it does not have its own airport. However, the nearest national airports are:

Mexico City International Airport (MEX): This is the closest airport to Teotihuacan, located about 31 miles (50 km) southwest of the city. It is one of the busiest airports in Latin America, and it serves numerous domestic and international airlines.

Puebla International Airport (PBC): This airport is located about 55 miles (90 km) southeast of Teotihuacan, in the city of Puebla. It serves several domestic airlines, as well as a few international flights to the United States.

From either of these airports, you can take a taxi or shuttle service to Teotihuacan. Many tour companies also offer transportation and guided tours of the ancient city.

Trains in Teotihuacan

There are no trains that directly serve Teotihuacan, as it is an ancient city and not a modern urban area. However, if you’re looking to travel to Teotihuacan by train, you can take a train to nearby cities and then transfer to a bus or taxi to Teotihuacan. Some train options include:

Mexico City Metro: The Mexico City Metro is a subway system that serves the city and surrounding areas, including Teotihuacan. You can take Line B to the Autobuses del Norte station and then transfer to a bus to Teotihuacan.

Ferrocarriles Suburbanos: Ferrocarriles Suburbanos is a commuter rail system that serves several cities in the Mexico City metropolitan area, including Tlalnepantla, which is located about 16 miles (25 km) from Teotihuacan. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Teotihuacan.

Tren Suburbano: Tren Suburbano is another commuter rail system that serves several cities in the Mexico City metropolitan area. You can take the Tren Suburbano to the Buenavista station and then transfer to the Mexico City Metro Line B to get to Autobuses del Norte, where you can take a bus to Teotihuacan.

Buses in Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan is a popular tourist destination, and there are several bus options available to help you get there. Here are some of the options:

Autobuses Teotihuacan: This is a popular bus company that operates from Mexico City to Teotihuacan. They have frequent departures from the North Central Bus Station (Terminal Central del Norte) and offer comfortable buses with air conditioning and restrooms.

Autobuses Pirámides: Another bus company that operates from Mexico City to Teotihuacan is Autobuses Pirámides. They also have frequent departures from the North Central Bus Station and offer comfortable buses with air conditioning and restrooms.

Public buses: There are also several public buses that operate from Mexico City to Teotihuacan, and they are a cheaper option than the private bus companies. These buses depart from the Indios Verdes Metro station and also from the San Juan de Aragon station.

Tours: Many tour companies in Mexico City offer guided tours to Teotihuacan that include transportation by bus. These tours usually include a visit to other nearby attractions, such as the Basilica of Guadalupe or the Shrine of San Miguel del Milagro.

How to get to Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan is located about 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Mexico City, and there are several transportation options available to get there:

By car: You can rent a car or hire a taxi to drive to Teotihuacan from Mexico City. The journey takes about an hour, depending on traffic.

By bus: As mentioned in the previous answer, there are several bus options available from Mexico City to Teotihuacan. The private bus companies, such as Autobuses Teotihuacan and Autobuses Pirámides, depart from the North Central Bus Station, while public buses depart from the Indios Verdes Metro station and San Juan de Aragon station.

By tour: There are many tour companies in Mexico City that offer guided tours to Teotihuacan, which typically include transportation by bus or van. These tours are a convenient way to visit Teotihuacan, as they often include other nearby attractions and may provide a more in-depth understanding of the site’s history and culture.

By bike: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also rent a bike in Mexico City and cycle to Teotihuacan. The journey takes about 2-3 hours, depending on your level of fitness, and the route takes you through scenic countryside.

What is the best time to travel to Teotihuacan

The best time to visit Teotihuacan is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and mild, with temperatures averaging around 70-75°F (21-24°C). The dry season is also the busiest time for tourists, so you may want to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds.

The rainy season in Teotihuacan runs from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring in July and August. While the rain can cool things off a bit, it can also make the site more slippery and muddy, and some of the outdoor attractions may be closed due to safety concerns.

Overall, the best time to visit Teotihuacan depends on your preferences and priorities. If you want to avoid the crowds and don’t mind cooler temperatures, you might consider visiting during the shoulder season (October or April), when the weather is still pleasant but there are fewer tourists. If you prefer warm, sunny weather and don’t mind the crowds, then the dry season (November to April) is your best bet.

How to get around Teotihuacan

Once you arrive in Teotihuacan, there are several ways to get around the ancient city:

On foot: The most popular way to explore Teotihuacan is on foot. The main archaeological site is quite large, covering an area of about 8 square miles (20 square kilometers), but the paths are well marked and easy to navigate. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen and a hat, as there is little shade on the site.

By bike: If you prefer a more active way to explore Teotihuacan, you can rent a bike from one of the several rental shops located near the entrance of the site. Biking allows you to cover more ground than walking and offers a different perspective of the site. However, keep in mind that some of the paths can be rocky and uneven.

By local bus: Teotihuacan has a local bus service that connects the different attractions within the site. The buses run from the entrance to the Sun Pyramid and continue to the Moon Pyramid and other attractions. The buses are inexpensive and run frequently.

By taxi: If you prefer a more private and convenient way to get around Teotihuacan, you can hire a taxi for the day. Taxis are usually available near the entrance of the site, and prices can be negotiated in advance.

Accommodations in Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan is a popular day trip destination from Mexico City, so there are not many accommodation options within the ancient city itself. However, there are several hotels and guesthouses in the nearby town of San Juan Teotihuacan that offer easy access to the archaeological site. Here are some accommodation options:

Villas Arqueologicas: This hotel is located just a few steps from the entrance to the archaeological site and offers comfortable rooms and a swimming pool. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant that serves traditional Mexican cuisine.

Hotel Teotihuacan: This hotel is located in the town of San Juan Teotihuacan and is about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the archaeological site. The hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, as well as an outdoor pool and a restaurant.

Hotel Ollin Teotihuacan: This boutique hotel is located in the town of San Juan Teotihuacan and is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the archaeological site. The hotel offers comfortable rooms decorated with traditional Mexican art and a restaurant that serves Mexican and international cuisine.

Casa de Barro: This guesthouse is located in the town of San Sebastian Xolalpa, about 4 miles (7 kilometers) from the archaeological site. The guesthouse is built in the traditional adobe style and offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant that serves organic, vegetarian cuisine.

Airbnb: There are several Airbnb listings available in the area, ranging from private rooms in local homes to entire apartments and houses.