Museo de Sitio Teotihuacan
Museo de Sitio Teotihuacan
4.5
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This museum displays a large collection of artifacts found at Teotihuacán, one of Mexico's most important archaeological sites.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
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Pam Cagle
San Lorenzo, CA24 contributions
Dec 2019
Amazing ruins! It's a little bit of a drive out from Mexico City but well worth the time. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds. Later in the day it gets crazy!!! Bring good walking shoes! And be ready to climb! The views are amazing from the top!! Definitely compares to Egyptian pyramids except going inside of them, you climb the outside!
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tabitha S
Los Angeles, CA4 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
Full disclosure, this is not a review of the museum building. That was closed when we visited the Pyramids on Dec 30th. This is however a review and information guide on the entire site.
TRAVELING BY PUBLIC BUS:
While cheap, this option is a bit chaotic and can be confusing. If you arrive at the bus terminal around 10am, like we did, expect to wait in a line that stretches on for 20-30 mins to get your ticket (which should be paid in cash). After that, you’ll wait an additional 20-30 mins in another line outside for the bus itself. The buses are poorly marked, so you’ll be looking for one with a logo on it that indicates the Pyramids. The sign says the area you’re traveling to but does not literally say Teotihuacan Pyramids. The bus ride itself is fine. It felt pretty safe and there were some interesting sights along the way. Takes about an hour without traffic. It is not necessarily a nice bus so be prepared to be a little warm and uncomfortable during the trip. Also, for some strange reason, our bus went through the town in Teotihuacan, which added an additional 20 mins to the journey and was frankly very annoying given the length of the journey itself.
To get back, you essentially just return to the place the bus dropped you off at near the pyramid entrance and wait along the road in a haphazard line. I think most of the buses at that pick up go straight back to Terminal Norte in CDMX. Again, nothing is well signed so... you just kinda figure it out.
FOOD and PROVISIONS:
We were told in advance that the food options at the site are limited, to non-existant and this is true. Right before the ticket entrance, there is maybe one or two vendors selling some basic food provisions (mainly bottles of water and sodas, I think) and further down in the town, there are restaurants and stands. That said, it all seemed very touristy and given the travel time, we were not inclined to add more time to the trip. As such we ate some food we brought along during the bus ride. This honestly would have been absolutely great HOWEVER if you need to use the bathroom in the public bus terminal or again at the ruins, you should know that toilet paper may not exist (so bring your own tissues) and also it’s highly likely there will be no hand soap (so BRING ANTIBACTERIAL GEL). My husband and I managed not to get sick our entire trip, but this one trek put us in a position where we got very dirty at the site, and had to touch a lot of germ-y things. Without any sort of soap (and yeah, there was zero toilet paper and no hand napkins in the bathrooms at the ruins) it became a gross situation. We got sick at home right after the trip and I am certain it was from our Teotihuacan day. Fair warning!!
ALSO BRING SUNSCREEN. There are tons of vendors at the ruins - all selling the same kinds of trinkets - but for some insane reason no one sells useful stuff like sunscreen or even water. Definitely bring your own and do not expect to find any sort of shop selling items like this at the ruins.
If you want to look out for furry friends, know that there are a least half a dozen stray dogs wandering the park. No one pays attention to them, not even the vendors, which is kind of heartbreaking, so if you have water to spare I’m sure the doggies would drink it! They all seem hungry and thirsty but they mainly just sleep in shady spots. I found this aspect a little disturbing honestly. It was hard to focus on the trip seeing neglected animals around. :(
EXPECT VERY LITTLE INFORMATION
Our biggest complaint with the experience is that the signage explaining the vast ruins is few and far between. What does exist is mainly in Spanish and while yes, there is some English, the signs are actually faded from the sun so we were able to see only partial signs. I’m not arguing about the amount of Spanish - obviously yes, the signs will be in the dominant language. It was just frustrating to feel like the experience was not incredibly friendly to visitors who are not fluent.
I think the site is incredible, and obviously it’s historically significant. That said, it is nothing like the experience of say, the Roman Forum because this site is largely unattended and woefully under-signed. I scarcely saw any staff members, nor places to get historical information. And there simply isn’t a lot of information provided on what you’re looking at. I’m not sure if this is because there isn’t a lot known... or if maybe it’s a choice because tour companies want you to book them? Suffice it to say, your best bet for enjoying what you’re seeing is to go to the Anthropology Museum in Mexico City the day before where there is an entire room dedicated to this site. Also, maybe buying a book in advance would be helpful too?
GREAT EXERCISE... MAYBE NOT GOOD FOR SMALL CHILDREN
Expect to walk A LOT. While 1.24 miles seems not that long, the terrain is uneven and extremely rustic, so it actually does take a long time to get from one side to the other. I’m not a parent, but I would not have brought a small child, let alone a baby or toddler. Especially as the vendors prey on small children since there’s not a lot for kids to do other than ask for toys! I have no idea how you’d climb the pyramids safely with a kid under 8 (the steps are very steep and require using legs and hands to climb them). We literally got up the Moon Pyramid on all fours. This isn’t necessarily because the climb is that hard - rather, it’s because hoards of people climb it haphazardly so to stabilize yourself as you move around people, you need all fours. There’s also no safety outside of a little rope in the middle of the stairs on the Moon Pyramid. Going down with a child is a terrifying thought. The stairs on the Moon Pyramid are at least 7 stories... (they don’t let you climb all the way to the top) so if you tumble, you’re definitely getting hurt, if not breaking a limb. All that said, it’s fantastic exercise for adults! My legs hurt the next two days from the climbs!
IF YOU ENTER AT THE SUN PYRAMID...
like we did, then get in line to climb it immediately or you’ll be frustrated at how insanely long the line gets. We walked the entire site and back only to see that in one hour the line grew to an enormous size. We did not climb it, but friends who did said it took 45 mins waiting at the top just to get back down. Instead, we did climb the Feathered Serpent pyramid and the Moon pyramid. Both were on the easier side, though best to have water once you get to the top. DEFINITELY BRING WATER.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
If given the chance at a do-over, we probably would have done more research on tours and chosen one that’s very informative. We went to learn about the ruins, not just climb pyramids, so our trip left a lot to be desired. I’d say if you’re looking for an additional thing to do in CDMX and you have a half day to spare, AND you want it to be cheap, you can do it the way we did. But go early - like as early as you can. Bring sunscreen, toilet paper, antibacterial gel, water, and some food you can eat right when you get there or on the way. (Panaderia Rosetta is a great option!) Also bring cash for the bus and entrance tickets. Wear light clothing, a hat and have sunglasses because even in December it was 80 degrees F and very sunny. And find a great guide book to put in your backpack that’ll give you information along the way so you can learn about what you’re seeing!
TRAVELING BY PUBLIC BUS:
While cheap, this option is a bit chaotic and can be confusing. If you arrive at the bus terminal around 10am, like we did, expect to wait in a line that stretches on for 20-30 mins to get your ticket (which should be paid in cash). After that, you’ll wait an additional 20-30 mins in another line outside for the bus itself. The buses are poorly marked, so you’ll be looking for one with a logo on it that indicates the Pyramids. The sign says the area you’re traveling to but does not literally say Teotihuacan Pyramids. The bus ride itself is fine. It felt pretty safe and there were some interesting sights along the way. Takes about an hour without traffic. It is not necessarily a nice bus so be prepared to be a little warm and uncomfortable during the trip. Also, for some strange reason, our bus went through the town in Teotihuacan, which added an additional 20 mins to the journey and was frankly very annoying given the length of the journey itself.
To get back, you essentially just return to the place the bus dropped you off at near the pyramid entrance and wait along the road in a haphazard line. I think most of the buses at that pick up go straight back to Terminal Norte in CDMX. Again, nothing is well signed so... you just kinda figure it out.
FOOD and PROVISIONS:
We were told in advance that the food options at the site are limited, to non-existant and this is true. Right before the ticket entrance, there is maybe one or two vendors selling some basic food provisions (mainly bottles of water and sodas, I think) and further down in the town, there are restaurants and stands. That said, it all seemed very touristy and given the travel time, we were not inclined to add more time to the trip. As such we ate some food we brought along during the bus ride. This honestly would have been absolutely great HOWEVER if you need to use the bathroom in the public bus terminal or again at the ruins, you should know that toilet paper may not exist (so bring your own tissues) and also it’s highly likely there will be no hand soap (so BRING ANTIBACTERIAL GEL). My husband and I managed not to get sick our entire trip, but this one trek put us in a position where we got very dirty at the site, and had to touch a lot of germ-y things. Without any sort of soap (and yeah, there was zero toilet paper and no hand napkins in the bathrooms at the ruins) it became a gross situation. We got sick at home right after the trip and I am certain it was from our Teotihuacan day. Fair warning!!
ALSO BRING SUNSCREEN. There are tons of vendors at the ruins - all selling the same kinds of trinkets - but for some insane reason no one sells useful stuff like sunscreen or even water. Definitely bring your own and do not expect to find any sort of shop selling items like this at the ruins.
If you want to look out for furry friends, know that there are a least half a dozen stray dogs wandering the park. No one pays attention to them, not even the vendors, which is kind of heartbreaking, so if you have water to spare I’m sure the doggies would drink it! They all seem hungry and thirsty but they mainly just sleep in shady spots. I found this aspect a little disturbing honestly. It was hard to focus on the trip seeing neglected animals around. :(
EXPECT VERY LITTLE INFORMATION
Our biggest complaint with the experience is that the signage explaining the vast ruins is few and far between. What does exist is mainly in Spanish and while yes, there is some English, the signs are actually faded from the sun so we were able to see only partial signs. I’m not arguing about the amount of Spanish - obviously yes, the signs will be in the dominant language. It was just frustrating to feel like the experience was not incredibly friendly to visitors who are not fluent.
I think the site is incredible, and obviously it’s historically significant. That said, it is nothing like the experience of say, the Roman Forum because this site is largely unattended and woefully under-signed. I scarcely saw any staff members, nor places to get historical information. And there simply isn’t a lot of information provided on what you’re looking at. I’m not sure if this is because there isn’t a lot known... or if maybe it’s a choice because tour companies want you to book them? Suffice it to say, your best bet for enjoying what you’re seeing is to go to the Anthropology Museum in Mexico City the day before where there is an entire room dedicated to this site. Also, maybe buying a book in advance would be helpful too?
GREAT EXERCISE... MAYBE NOT GOOD FOR SMALL CHILDREN
Expect to walk A LOT. While 1.24 miles seems not that long, the terrain is uneven and extremely rustic, so it actually does take a long time to get from one side to the other. I’m not a parent, but I would not have brought a small child, let alone a baby or toddler. Especially as the vendors prey on small children since there’s not a lot for kids to do other than ask for toys! I have no idea how you’d climb the pyramids safely with a kid under 8 (the steps are very steep and require using legs and hands to climb them). We literally got up the Moon Pyramid on all fours. This isn’t necessarily because the climb is that hard - rather, it’s because hoards of people climb it haphazardly so to stabilize yourself as you move around people, you need all fours. There’s also no safety outside of a little rope in the middle of the stairs on the Moon Pyramid. Going down with a child is a terrifying thought. The stairs on the Moon Pyramid are at least 7 stories... (they don’t let you climb all the way to the top) so if you tumble, you’re definitely getting hurt, if not breaking a limb. All that said, it’s fantastic exercise for adults! My legs hurt the next two days from the climbs!
IF YOU ENTER AT THE SUN PYRAMID...
like we did, then get in line to climb it immediately or you’ll be frustrated at how insanely long the line gets. We walked the entire site and back only to see that in one hour the line grew to an enormous size. We did not climb it, but friends who did said it took 45 mins waiting at the top just to get back down. Instead, we did climb the Feathered Serpent pyramid and the Moon pyramid. Both were on the easier side, though best to have water once you get to the top. DEFINITELY BRING WATER.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
If given the chance at a do-over, we probably would have done more research on tours and chosen one that’s very informative. We went to learn about the ruins, not just climb pyramids, so our trip left a lot to be desired. I’d say if you’re looking for an additional thing to do in CDMX and you have a half day to spare, AND you want it to be cheap, you can do it the way we did. But go early - like as early as you can. Bring sunscreen, toilet paper, antibacterial gel, water, and some food you can eat right when you get there or on the way. (Panaderia Rosetta is a great option!) Also bring cash for the bus and entrance tickets. Wear light clothing, a hat and have sunglasses because even in December it was 80 degrees F and very sunny. And find a great guide book to put in your backpack that’ll give you information along the way so you can learn about what you’re seeing!
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
memse
Fall City, WA167 contributions
Jul 2011 • Friends
Our last activity of a week's visit to the area was to spend the day at the huge Teotihuacan archaeological site only 25 miles from Mexico City. Having visited the Mayan ruins of Chitzen Itza, Tulum and Kohunlich last year in the Yucatan I was still unprepared for the massive size of the pyramids and scale of the site. At its zenith, it's believed that 200,000 inhabitants lived here. This place is so big that some visitors drive from one spot to another (although you can walk). Our walk around the ruins was cut short by rain so we drove over to the museum grounds where we were the last to be admitted. We didn't have long to admire the museum's wonderful artifacts but I have to say that after visiting 4 major archaeological sites and basically seeing only big stone structures that finally seeing small handicrafts and other works of art put a completely new perspective to what these ancient cultures must have been like. The museum also has an elevated walkway in a dedicated room where you stroll across a reproduction of the city which provides an unparalleled perspective of its size. This is particularly stunning after having climbed to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun (2nd largest in the New World) which is a must do activity if you are physically able. In my opinion, if you were only able to visit one pyramid site in Mexico, this would be a good candidate because of its size and its museum that shows another dimension to the culture that you can't get by just walking around stone structures no matter how impressive.
Written July 14, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy L
Los Angeles, CA4 contributions
Sep 2020
Our tour guide was amazing her name is Lulu from Amigos Tours. A lot of people tried to talk me out from going due to Covid 19 but glad that I didn't listen. Lulu is very knowledgeable in regards to the history of the pyramids and the history of Mexico City. I felt really safe September 10 was the first day they open since being closed for 6 months. I felt a sense of peace the only downsize was that they were not allowing people to climb the pyramids at least the Sun and the Moon but you were allowed to climb the smaller ones near by. There is a Tequila and Pulque tasting near by . Lulu took us to a near by restaurant to eat pre-historic dishes they were so delicious. We ate grasshoppers, red worms, larvey tacos with delicious avocados that the natives ate before the Spaniards conquer them. If you ever go to Mexico City this is a must see place and if you can try to get LULU as your tour guide very knowledgeable and she speaks English. Hope to return with my kids soon.
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johjackson15
Lawrenceville, GA11 contributions
Nov 2019
A great walk up and around and through ancient ruins. the park was clean and well maintained and beautiful. it was awesome to see the structures and paintings. The walk up the largest ruin is tough and steep so be ready.
Written December 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bryanmantezoni
Houston, TX2,786 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
This place was very crowded with locals and tourists on the weekend we visited, lots of people selling hand crafts and you can negotiate the prices some will accept and some will be just not willing to negĂłciate
Written November 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erika
Caracas, Venezuela9,918 contributions
Oct 2019
we visited on a sunday when it was free for mexicans. Normally this place is very crowded and mostly that day. Pyramids are very big but too turistic in the bad way: many sellers.
Written November 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harish B
Medellin, Colombia23 contributions
Feb 2019 • Solo
A must visit place if you are visiting Mexico City. It is around 45 mins to 1 hour from Mexico city based on the traffic. Points to note -
* Put on a shoe that is easily washable. It is dusty sand and sticks on to the shoes and dresses.
* There are mainly two pyramids. The sun pyramid and the moon pyramid. The sun pyramid is the bigger and taller one. And you can climb till the top of the sun pyramid. It might not look too tall. But the steps are steep. So, if you are not healthy enough, skip climbing it. They allow to climb only till the first platform of the moon pyramid.
* Take a bottle of water without fail.
* If you want to buy souvenirs from the folks at the bottom of the pyramid, make sure you go around the place before you decide. The same stuff is sold for both 500 MXN and 50 MXN. So, dont buy from the very first guy you meet.
* It is better to go with a tour guide. Without a tour guide, you can climb the pyramids, go to the museums, look at the walls and its paintings, walk around a little and leave. With a tour guide, it would be altogether different. Each painting, each color, each wall has a story to tell. Am not sure if what the guide told was really behind all that. In fact, nobody would know. Because, the whole place was found centuries after they were built and abandoned. So, fact is that nobody knows for sure what the whole place was. It is all about imagination and what we as a race have understood.
* But, the entire place gives a feel of the Aztecs, the civilization and the rich Mexico culture. Go for it. Am sure you wouldn't be disappointed.
* Put on a shoe that is easily washable. It is dusty sand and sticks on to the shoes and dresses.
* There are mainly two pyramids. The sun pyramid and the moon pyramid. The sun pyramid is the bigger and taller one. And you can climb till the top of the sun pyramid. It might not look too tall. But the steps are steep. So, if you are not healthy enough, skip climbing it. They allow to climb only till the first platform of the moon pyramid.
* Take a bottle of water without fail.
* If you want to buy souvenirs from the folks at the bottom of the pyramid, make sure you go around the place before you decide. The same stuff is sold for both 500 MXN and 50 MXN. So, dont buy from the very first guy you meet.
* It is better to go with a tour guide. Without a tour guide, you can climb the pyramids, go to the museums, look at the walls and its paintings, walk around a little and leave. With a tour guide, it would be altogether different. Each painting, each color, each wall has a story to tell. Am not sure if what the guide told was really behind all that. In fact, nobody would know. Because, the whole place was found centuries after they were built and abandoned. So, fact is that nobody knows for sure what the whole place was. It is all about imagination and what we as a race have understood.
* But, the entire place gives a feel of the Aztecs, the civilization and the rich Mexico culture. Go for it. Am sure you wouldn't be disappointed.
Written March 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Y4852GCgustavor
Mexico City, Mexico9 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
Visiting this extraordinary site is memorable. You can climb the most espectacular pyramid of the entire world. Higher than those in Egypt and the archeological city is full of other temples together with the pyramid of the Moon. Walking along the Lage corridor surrounded by small pyramids and the Quetzalcoatl' s Temple. A greta journey to the past of this culture. This is a place to visit as a must when traveling to MĂ©xico!
Written July 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JohnWandereThomson
Mildura, Australia56 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
Well worth the hike to the top of both the moon and sun pyramids. There are plenty of hawkers around but you get used to zoning them out. Also, make sure you keep your tickets on you as our 8month pregnant friend got accused of jumping the fence to get in.
Written January 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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