Teotihuacán — City of the Gods★★★
Täglich 9:00–17:00 Uhr
85 MXN (ca. 4,50€)
Teotihuacán is Mexico's most impressive archaeological site — and one of the world's most enigmatic. Located 50 km northeast of Mexico City, the ruins of a metropolis that, at its peak (around 450 AD), was one of the largest cities in the world with 200,000 inhabitants — larger than contemporary Rome.
No one knows for sure who built this city. The Aztecs found it already abandoned and reverently named it "Teotihuacán" — "Place Where One Becomes a God". They believed the gods created the fifth sun here.
The Highlights
- Pirámide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun): The third-largest pyramid in the world (65 m high, 225 m base). 248 steps to the top — the effort is worth it for the breathtaking panoramic view.
- Pirámide de la Luna (Pyramid of the Moon): Smaller (43 m), but strategically placed at the end of the Avenue of the Dead — the most iconic view of the site from the fourth platform.
- Calzada de los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead): The 2.5 km long ceremonial avenue, lined with temple platforms. It makes you feel like a dwarf.
- Templo de Quetzalcóatl (Feathered Serpent): In the Ciudadela complex. Fantastic reliefs of the feathered serpent and the rain god Tláloc.
Practical Information
- Getting There: Bus from Terminal Autobuses del Norte (Metro Autobuses del Norte, Line 5). Every 15 min., 1h journey, 60 MXN.
- Admission: 85 MXN (4.50€). Parking 50 MXN.
- Opening Hours: Daily 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00).
- Duration: 3–5 hours for the entire site.
Achtung
No shade, no trees, full sun at 2,300 m altitude! Sunscreen, a hat, and at least 2 liters of water are essential. Start at 9 AM to avoid the midday heat and tourist groups.
