Did you know that you can explore pyramids right here in North America? The ancient holy city of Teotihuacán is located about an hour north of Mexico City and is well worth the visit! Our research revealed that tours start at $50 USD and, in some cases, last as little as an hour. By leveraging Mexico City’s transportation system, we explored the Teotihuacán Pyramids for around $10 a person and spent an entire day at this UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Visiting the Teotihuacán Pyramids

When visiting the pyramids, the main attractions in this spiritual place are the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, the Avenue of the Dead, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl (also known as the Temple of the Feathered Serpent). Experts estimate that the construction of the city started around 300 BC and may have housed 150,000 residents during its heyday. Archeologists have worked to reconstruct many of the ruins, and several artifacts are on display at the museum to help visitors visualize historic life.

The complex is currently 250 ha (about 1 square mile) in size, which represents 10% of the size at the time of the collapse in 650 AD. Because of the sheer size of the grounds, we spent 5 hours exploring the area; I am glad we chose to avoid the tour companies and tackle this adventure on our own!

Last but not least, when making this trip, it is a good idea to come prepared with a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen as there are very few trees in the park. Furthermore, it is a good idea to check the current rules for bringing water and snacks (rather that to rely on the shops within the grounds). And the final thing to note is the vendors at every corner selling trinkets, flutes and jaguar whistles. By all means, a simple ‘No Gracias’ will suffice if you aren’t interested in their wares.

How to explore the Teotihuacán Pyramids for around $10 / person

The Mexico City Metro Service is easy to use; however, Google Maps is invaluable

• First, take a Yellow Line Metro to Terminal del Norte (Line 5), which is near the bus station
  • Fare: Metro to the bus station: 5 Pesos (25 cents)
• Then, exit the Metro station and walk across the street to the bus station (you can’t miss it)
• Buses to the Teotihuacán Pyramids leave from Mexico City about every 30 minutes. Look for the ticket booth near the end of the concourse with a sign that reads “Pyramides” or “Zona Arqueologico”
  • When we were visiting, this was the only ticket booth with a long line!
  • Fare: Bus to Teotihuacan: 52 Pesos ($2.75)
• Importantly, when leaving the bus, be sure to check the last departure time and pick up location with the driver
  • Entrance to Teotihuacan: 75 Pesos ($4.00)
• Finally, the bus will return to the Terminal del Norte. Additionally, the bus stops near the Beer Factory (Avenida Insurgentes Norte 1812 and you will see the sign on the right side of the bus). If you exit the bus near the Beer Factory, then it is a 10 minute walk east on Av. Montevideo to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
  • From the Basilica, you can catch the Red Line Metro (Line 6) to return to Mexico City
  • Return Transportation – bus and Metro: 57 Pesos ($3.00)

Enjoy a few photos from our visit