Once the capital of a great empire, this Teotihuacan pyramid is the most visited landmark in the country of Mexico and is also considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.
Once one of the largest, most populous cities in the world, today the pyramids are all that remains of the ancient city of Teotihuacan in Mexico.
Did you know there are 2000 year old pyramids near Mexico City? @ farandwide
The bustling capital of the Aztec Empire was inhabited by a complex society with rigid hierarchies, flourishing commerce, and complex irrigation systems. The Spanish conquistadors wrote about the fear of the city in their annals. Anyone who has visited its ruins can certainly understand why!
Located near present-day Mexico City, the Teotihuacan pyramids are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of the larger pyramids are still climbable, offering sweeping views from the top of these centuries-old pre-Hispanic engineering works.
A Brief History of the Pyramids of Teotihuacan
The country of Mexico is full of outstanding ancient monuments that have become top tourist attractions and Teotihuacan, an archaeological site near the Mexican capital, is one of them. Teotihuacan in Mexico is inseparable from its history, so you should prepare yourself with a bit of historical knowledge before visiting Teotihuacan.
The ruins of Teotihuacan and the surviving pyramids are all that remains of what was once the most powerful city in Central America. The city predates not only the Hispanics but also the Aztecs, predating the first European arrival in the 1500s.
The Teotihuacan Pyramids are the most impressive archaeological site in Mexico @farandwide
Teotihuacan was first developed in the 1st Century AD and the city became the largest city in the region. It was a center of culture, art, history and civilization in the Teotihuacan valley and had a great influence on the rest of the region. The city became one of the most densely populated places in the world, home to tens of thousands of residents. The pyramids you see today were built (mostly for religious reasons) at the height of the city's power. By the seventh century AD, Teotihuacan began to be abandoned for unknown reasons (at the same time, many Mayan cities to the south were also abandoned).
Walking through the Teotihuacan Pyramids is like stepping back in time @beyer_photo
However, the ruins of the city and the pyramids had a great influence for centuries to come. The Aztecs, who came to build the southern capital Tenochtitlan (where present-day Mexico City is located), made pilgrimages to the temples and the name Teotihuacan means "Birth of the Gods" in the Aztec dialect. local.
After the Spanish conquest, the pyramids fell into even more disrepair until archaeological work began many centuries later. Teotihuacan is only now appreciated, and it is one of the best-preserved examples of pre-Hispanic pyramids in Mexico.
Best things to do in Teotihuacan
The Teotihuacan pyramids span several kilometers, so be prepared for a lot of walking during the day. You can also rent a bicycle at the entrance. If you have a car, you can drive around the edge of the complex and park at different spots, but you'll still have to walk a lot in and out.
Decorative details in the Temple of Quetzalcoatl @turismoteotihuacanmx
The Temple of Quetzalcoatl (also known as the Temple of the Feathered Serpent) is the third largest pyramid at Teotihuacan. It is located at Gate 1 and so is often the first temple seen by day trippers.
It's not as majestic as the other pyramids you'll see from afar, but it's filled with history, some of which are quite dark. Mass graves have been found around the pyramid, secret tunnels lie beneath, and the temple itself is located inside what used to be the wall – not outside like other temples.
Temple of Quetzalcoatl
The Avenue of Death is 2.5 km and runs from the temple of Quetzalcoatl in a perfect straight line to the pyramid of the Moon.
This is the main street of the city of Teotihuacan, and it is so named because it will be the path that those destined to die on the pyramids walked. You'll walk along the boulevard during your trip, stopping at temples and other attractions along the route.
Death Avenue 2.5 km long
The Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan was found along the Avenue of the Dead, between the temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramid of the Moon. It is the largest pyramid in the city and the most iconic and recognizable.
It's also the pyramid that everyone climbs to the top, you need to be ready for a long climb up the steep steps because of the exceptional view from here to the surroundings
The pyramid is a special engineering work. It is thought to date from AD 200 and has a height of up to 65 meters making it the third largest stone pyramid ever built anywhere in the world.
Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan
The Pyramid of the Moon is located at the end of the Avenue of the Dead, where the road ends. The pyramid is 43 meters high and has seven separate layers leading to the top.
The pyramid is thought to have been an important place for sacrifices and religious ceremonies, as many tombs have been found around the base and within the layers of the pyramid itself.
Pyramid of the Moon @Encyclopedia Britannica
At the foot of the Pyramid of the Moon, you can walk through the excavated ruins of the palace of Quetzalpapalotl.
Here you can find extensive murals that have been meticulously restored and that demonstrate the extent of artistic possibilities developed in the pre-Hispanic world. The palace's exact role is unclear, but it may have been the residence of a high priest, due to its location by temples.
Quetzalpapalotl Palace @roadaffair
The small Teotihuacan Museum offers insight into the history and archeology surrounding the pyramids and the ancient city. There are crafts and brief descriptions, as well as models showing what the city looked like centuries ago to help you visualize the whole city.
Teotihuacan Museum
One of the most enjoyable ways to experience Teotihuacan is to take a hot air balloon ride over the pyramids best experienced at sunrise. From the air, you will have a panoramic view of the entire complex and the surrounding valley.
Experience Teotihuacan on a hot air balloon
You can easily visit the pyramids of Teotihuacan on a day trip from Mexico City, but with all the transportation and waiting times, you'll likely spend an entire day sightseeing.
At the pyramids of Teotihuacan themselves, you will need at least three to four hours to visit all the attractions. This time includes walking time between the pyramids, some time at the museum, and some time off for refreshments and lunch.
