Car Hire Teotihuacán - Mini guide to Teotihuacán

Close to the modern day metropolis of Mexico City are the ancient and mysterious ruins of Teotihuacán. Many of its secrets remain to be unravelled but it gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into ancient Mexico.

The city’s origins are thought to date from around the second century BC, and the city reached its zenith in terms of power and population between 350 and 650 AD. During this period its population surpassed that of Rome’s, but nobody knows what happened to this huge population following the city’s demise. Whatever its origins though, it is undoubtedly one of the most important archeological sites in the world.

Even though the modern ruins are impressive, they cover only one tenth of the original city’s area. The main thoroughfare which connects all the main attractions is named Calzada de los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead). At the southern end of this avenue is La Ciudadela (Citadel), which probably housed Teotihuacán’s king. This area contains many temples and pyramids, chiefly the temple to the feathered god Quetzalcoatl.

The world’s third largest pyramid, the Pyramid of the Sun, is housed within the ruined confines and the Pyramid of the Moon stands at the city’s northern end. You can make the exhausting climb to the summit of the latter and gaze out across this vast and majestic site. Less famous but impressive nonetheless are the Palace of Jaguars and Palace of the Quetza Butterfly, but much of the joy is to be found wandering through the various courtyards and ancient streets.

The ruins are open Tuesday through Sunday, 09:00 to 17:00. A permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological site.