Sections of Teotihuacan
ACCOMMODATIONS
AMUSEMENT AND RECREATION
ARCHEOLOGY
ARTS AND CRAFTS
FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS
GASTRONOMY
HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE
MUSEUMS
SHOPPING

Teotihuacan, which means the place where men become gods, is an archaeological zone in the State of Mexico. It lays between the towns of San Juan Teotihuacan and San Martin de las Piramides, 48 km (30 mi) northeast of Mexico City. The climate is semi-dry, with an average year-round temperature of 15º C (59º F.)

These are among the most important pre-Hispanic ruins in the Americas due to their masterful urban layout, the monumental architecture and the strong religious and political influence that Teotihuacan held over other cities. In addition, it is one of Mexico’s most visited archaeological sites. Magnificent ceremonial, social, civic and residential structures were built around the ancient metropolis’ main avenue. Among the most impressive constructions are the Piramides del Sol y Luna (Pyramids of the Sun and Moon,) the Templo de Quetzalcoatl (Temple of the Plumed Serpent,) the Patio de los Jaguares (Patio of the Jaguars,) the Palacio de Quetzalcoatl (Palace of Quetzalcoatl) and the Palacio de la Ciudadela (Palace of the Citadel.) Many of the edifices are adorned with remarkably well-preserved murals.

Not only does Teotihuacan boast one of Mesoamerica’s most splendid examples of ancient architecture, but it is also a very spiritual place, according to those who continue to observe pre-Hispanic traditions. On March 21, when the spring equinox occurs, visitors descend on the site to absorb its strong energy. During your visit to Teotihuacan, you’ll also find an on-site museum and the Centro de Estudios Teotihuacan (Teotihuacan Research Center,) which are dedicated to promoting tourist services and the study of Teotihuacan’s ancient cultures.

In the site’s surrounding areas, especially in the town of San Juan Teotihuacan, there are various hotels and restaurants where you’ll find comfortable lodgings and delicious food, such as consommé and barbacoa (lamb.) At night, good times await you in the town’s bars.

The archeological zone of Teotihuacan is considered Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by the UNESCO.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
• Hotel El Santuario Resort and Spa

ARCHEOLOGY:
Teotihuacan is one of Mexico’s best kept archaeological sites. It has numerous ruins, including about 600 pyramids, important palaces and residential areas with splendid murals. Among the most notable constructions are:

Calzada de los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead): This main avenue cuts through the center of the archaeological site. It is four km (2.5 mi) long and 40 meters (132 feet) wide, stretching from the Ciudadela (Citadel) to the Plaza de la Luna (Plaza of the Moon.) At the avenue’s halfway point you’ll see the Conjunto Plaza Oeste and a residential area, which probably was inhabited by priests in the pre-Hispanic era.

La Ciudadela (The Citadel): Located on the site’s southern end. This 400-meter rectangular construction was built around 200 B.C. At this place you’ll see important religious structures, such as the Templo de Quetzalcoatl (Temple of the Plumed Serpent,) as well as the site’s main worshipping grounds and a residential area, which researchers believe was occupied by the city’s ruling class.

Templo de Quetzalcoatl (Temple of the Plumed Serpent): Located in the Ciudadela (Citadel.) This edifice, built in honor of Quetzalcoatl, is one of the site’s most important structures. The façade features elaborate carvings of serpent heads, aquatic motifs of conches and seashells, representations of rain god Tlaloc and a plumed serpent.

Piramide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun): Located in the center of the archaeological zone. This monument was constructed between A.D. 1 – 150 on top of a natural cave. It is 64 meters (211 feet) high and 215 meters (709 feet) wide, making it one of Mesoamerica’s largest pyramids.

Plaza y Piramide de la Luna (Plaza and Pyramid of the Moon): Located north of the Calzada de los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead.) Built between A.D. 1 – 150, the pyramid is 40 meters (132 feet) high and has an 1800-sq. meter (2,160-sq. yard) base. This four-sided pyramid has a huge temple and a staircase that leads to a platform and continues on to the top of the structure. In front of the imposing edifice you’ll see nine smaller pyramids surrounding the plaza.

Palacio de Quetzalpapalotl (Palace of Quetzalpapalotl): Located southwest of the Plaza de la Luna (Plaza of the Moon.) It is believed that the high priest lived in this palace. Inside you’ll see the remains of bas-reliefs and murals.

Patio de los Jaguares (Patio of the Jaguars): Located southwest of the Plaza de la Luna (Plaza of the Moon), next to the Palacio de Quetzalcoatl (Palace of Quetzalcoatl.) This structure was built between 450 – 650 B.C. The patio is surrounded by rooms that have jaguar figures painted on the walls. You also see ornamentation such as conches, seashells and feathers. Archaeologists believe the scenes depict rituals to bring rain.

ARTS AND CRAFTS:
The most representative crafts of Teotihuacan are objects made of onyx, obsidian and crystal. In addition, you’ll find figurines made of quartz and malachite, as well as clay and plaster reproductions of pre-Hispanic pieces. These crafts are sold at the archaeological site and at an outdoor market on Mondays in the town of San Juan Teotihuacan.

FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS:
Teotihuacan’s nearby towns host festivities with many years of tradition, such as the Feria Nacional de la Obsidiana (National Obsidian Fair,) which takes place in March in the town of San Juan Teotihuacan. On May 3, you can join in on the celebration of Dia de la Santa Cruz (Day of Santa Cruz.) A festivity to honor St. Nicholas is held in the town of Acolman, which features processions and dance performances.

GASTRONOMY:
In Teotihuacan you can enjoy the State of Mexico’s delicious culinary offering at various restaurants and food stalls. Among the most recommendable dishes are barbacoa (lamb,) consome de carnero (mutton consommé) and carnitas de cerdo (fried pork.)

You will also find food and drink that is a fusion of pre-Hispanic and contemporary cuisine, which include ingredients such as capulines (a regional fruit,) los hongos de monte (wild edible mushrooms,) ajolotes (axolotl) and the traditional pulque (a fermented alcoholic beverage.) Other regional dishes you can try are longaniza (Mexican sausage,) tacos, tamales de charales (stuffed with fish,) pancita (tripe,) quesadillas made with blossom pumpkin flowers or huitlacoche (corn fungus,) tlacoyos and gorditas (made of corn dough and various ingredients.)

HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE:
In Teotihuacan’s surrounding areas you can visit several towns that have preserved important examples of 16th-century architecture.

Temple and Ex-Convent of San Agustin: Located in Acolman, 10 minutes from the archaeological site and 38 km (23 mi) from Mexico City. This church was built between 1539 and 1560 by Augustinian friars. It features a 16th-century Plateresque-style façade. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Ex-Convent of San Juan Evangelista: Located in San Juan Teotihuacan, three km (2 mi) from the ruins and 48 km (30 mi) from Mexico City. This Franciscan convent was constructed in 1548. The church has a beautiful tower and an old bell gable with cactus-shaped parapets. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Ex-Convent of Oxtoticpac: Located in Oxtoticpac, five km (3 mi) from Teotihuacan. This ex-convent is an example of religious architecture from the 16th-century colonial era. It is said that the bodies of two important Chichimeca rulers were buried here. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

MUSEUMS:
In Teotihuacan and near the site you’ll find numerous museums and a research center where investigators do in-depth studies and document their findings.

Museum of the Archeological Zone: Located in the Teotihuacan archaeological zone, south of the Pyramid of the Sun. Here you’ll see interesting pre-Hispanic obsidian, ceramic, bone and conch shell works. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Museum of the Paintings of Teotihuacan: Located in the Teotihuacan archaeological zone, west of the Pyramid of the Moon. At this museum you’ll see many murals that have been found at the site and restored. The murals depict ancient rituals, ceremonies, deities and scenes of everyday life. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Museum Cultural of Teotihuacan: Located in the Teotihuacan archaeological zone, south of the Pyramid of the Sun. The exhibit at this museum chronicles the cultural development of the city’s ancient inhabitants. You’ll also see various pieces that have been discovered at the site and a model of Teotihuacan. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Teotihuacan Research Center and the Museum Manuel Gamio: Located at Km 46 on the Mexico-Piramides Highway. This research center conducts studies and promotes Teotihuacana culture. Here you also can visit the Manuel Gamio Museum, which has several showrooms with temporary exhibits, an auditorium, a library, a photo archive, an audiovisual center and more than 2,000 plans that map out the archaeological site. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

AMUSEMENT AND RECREATION:
In Teotihuacan’s surrounding areas you’ll find swimming resorts and cultural centers offering entertainment and good times for the whole family.

Casa de la Cultura Heberto Castillo (Cultural Center Heberto Castillo): Located in San Juan Teotihuacan, on the corner of Avenue Hidalgo and Zaragoza, in the city center. This center hosts cultural events and offers courses in folkloric dance, jazz and contemporary dance, aerobics and weaving. It also has temporary art exhibits. Open Monday through Saturday. The hours vary depending on the scheduled activities.

Botanical Garden of Teotihuacan: Located south of the Pyramid of the Sun. This botanical garden was created in order to conserve Teotihuacan’s traditional plants, such as cacti, tejocote, capulin, avocado, fig, lemon, apricot, plum and cherry trees. Nearby you’ll find a picnic area and a garden with sculptures.

Recreational Center Frida Kahlo: Located at two km (1.2 mi) from the Pyramid of the Sun. This recreational center has swimming and wading pools, Jacuzzis, tennis courts, soccer fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, squash courts, amusement rides for children, a restaurant, gardens and an event hall. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends, holidays and during vacation periods.

Balneario La Fuente del Sol (Recreational Center La Fuente del Sol): Located in San Juan Teotihuacan, at 3 Cuauhtemoc Street, in the city center. This swimming resort has a pool and spacious recreational areas. Open on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

SHOPPING:
In the town of San Juan Teotihuacan and its surrounding areas there are several markets and stores that sell all kinds of crafts, including figures made of obsidian (volcanic silica glass), objects made of tin cans and clay figurines of pre-Hispanic deities. On Mondays, in San Juan Teotihuacan, you can visit an outdoor market where you can try delicious food and buy all kinds of souvenirs.
 

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