Teotihuacan North Of Mexico City, Mexico Travel Guide
The region experiences generally pleasant weather, though conditions vary seasonally. The dry season, from November to May, offers mostly sunny days and minimal rain. Daytime temperatures are 20-25°C (68-77°F), comfortable for outdoor exploration. Nights are cooler, with averages between 5-10°C (41-50°F), so layers are beneficial. March to May often sees warmer temperatures, with highs reaching 28°C (82°F) or more, making midday visits quite hot. Humidity stays low, leading to clear skies and dry air. This period is popular for outdoor activities due to reliable weather.
The wet season, from June to October, has warm days, averaging 20-23°C (68-73°F), and mild nights. Daily afternoon rain is common. These showers often begin in the late afternoon and can be heavy, but typically last only an hour or two. The landscape becomes lush and green during this season, a contrast to drier months. Humidity is higher, especially after rains. Mornings are often clear and sunny, allowing good opportunities for early exploration before rain.
The altitude of Teotihuacan means the sun's UV radiation is stronger, regardless of the season. Sun protection is always a good idea. Wear sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. A light, long-sleeved shirt offers extra coverage. During the wet season, afternoon thunderstorms can be intense but typically pass quickly. These storms often bring refreshing cool air afterward. Monitor local weather forecasts, specifically during the wet season, for daily planning.
Always carry a Light jacket or sweater, even in the dry season. Mornings and evenings are cool at altitude. Pack sun protection, including Sunscreen, a Hat, and Sunglasses, regardless of the forecast.
Dec-Feb, Easter, Jul-Aug
Pleasant, mild temperatures; consistently dry weather.
Higher crowds, longer lines, increased demand for tours and accommodations, higher prices.
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Fewer crowds, relaxed experience, good availability, better rates.
March to May can be hot. September/October still have afternoon rains.
Jun-Aug
Fewer tourists, intimate exploration, lower prices.
Daily afternoon rains disrupt outdoor activities, slippery surfaces, higher humidity.
The archaeological zone and pyramid climbing are best in the early morning, right at opening (9:00 AM). Cooler temperatures are present and significantly fewer crowds, allowing a more immersive and less rushed experience. This applies to all seasons, but it is especially important during warmer dry season months or any high season period. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
Early morning or late afternoon light offers softer, warmer tones, ideal for photography. The sun's angle at these times highlights stone textures and creates dramatic shadows, enhancing the visual appeal of pyramids and structures.
These popular tours occur in the early morning, often before sunrise.
The dry season (November to May) offers the clearest skies and most stable weather conditions, leading to the best views.
While possible during the wet season, flights face cancellations due to adverse weather or cloud cover. Weather forecasts should be checked when booking during rainy months.
Weekday visits in the early morning are beneficial if avoiding crowds is a priority.
The dry season (November to February) is ideal if perfect weather is paramount, but more visitors are then present.
While Teotihuacan is a specific site, your entry into Mexico follows standard international travel rules. Most visitors arrive via Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and then travel overland to the archaeological zone. This section covers what you need for smooth entry into Mexico.
Mexico is welcoming to tourism, and many nationalities have visa-free entry for short tourist stays. Consult the official website of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores) or the Mexican embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements.
Passport validity beyond six months from departure is a common international travel standard. The Mexican Tourist Card (FMM) is your tourist permit. Airlines typically provide it on international flights. Keep your portion safe, as surrender upon departure is necessary. Losing your FMM can cause delays. Proof of onward or return travel and accommodation confirmation are sometimes requested. Sufficient funds may also need demonstration.
Photocopies or digital images of your passport, FMM card, and other important documents are beneficial. Store them separately from the originals. This is a measure for document loss during your trip.
Mexico offers options for every budget, from very economical to luxurious.
The local currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). The symbol for the Mexican Peso is often "$", which causes confusion with the US Dollar. To distinguish, it may appear as "Mex$" or "MXN". Exchange rates fluctuate; research current rates. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are widely accepted in Mexico City, larger hotels, mid-range to upscale restaurants, and some shops in San Juan Teotihuacán.
Smaller local eateries, street vendors, and market stalls often accept cash only. ATMs are available in Mexico City and San Juan Teotihuacán, a convenient way to get Pesos directly from your bank account. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card freezes. Exchange booths are at airports, in city centers, and at some hotels. Airport exchange rates are usually less favorable. Consider exchanging a small amount for immediate needs and then finding better rates elsewhere or using ATMs. Avoid exchanging large sums of cash. Carry a mix of small and large denominations of Pesos. Smaller bills (20, 50, 100 MXN) and coins are helpful for street food, local buses, tips, and small purchases.
A very economical approach, focusing on hostels, street food, and public transport.
Daily Total: 695 - 1,245 MXN
Accommodations: 300-600 MXN; Meals: 200-400 MXN.
A comfortable experience with balanced spending on hotels, casual dining, and mixed transport.
Daily Total: 1,345 - 3,200 MXN
Accommodations: 600-1500 MXN; Meals: 400-800 MXN.
High-end amenities, fine dining, and private transportation options are hallmarks of this style.
Daily Total: 3,295 - 6,000+ MXN
Accommodations: 1500+ MXN; Meals: 800+ MXN.
| Strategy | Details | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Public Transport | Take the public bus from Mexico City's Terminal del Norte to Teotihuacan. | Significantly cheaper than organized tours. |
| Pack Snacks & Water | Purchase outside the archaeological zone from local shops or convenience stores. | Avoids higher prices at site vendors; a Reusable water bottle is useful. |
| Eat Locally | Opt for smaller, local eateries (fondas) or market stalls in San Juan Teotihuacán. | Authentic and budget-friendly meals. |
Mexico is a popular tourist destination; a grasp of common health concerns and safety measures aids preparation. This section outlines considerations for staying healthy and safe.
A healthcare professional or travel clinic should be consulted at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. Personalized recommendations are then available.
All routine vaccinations, including MMR, DTaP, varicella, polio, and annual flu shots, should be current.
Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended for most travelers, specifically for street food or rural area ventures. Other potential vaccinations like Hepatitis B or Rabies depend on travel style and destinations within Mexico. For Teotihuacan, Hepatitis A and Typhoid are main recommendations.
Travel Insurance is an important safety net.
A comprehensive travel insurance policy is highly recommended for any international trip. It is a safety net for unforeseen circumstances. Your policy should cover medical emergencies, including emergency evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed luggage, and personal liability. Confirm that your policy covers high-altitude activities if you plan any. Carry your policy number and emergency contact information for your insurance provider. Store digital and physical copies separately. Look into World Nomads, SafetyWing, or Insubuy.
Access to healthcare in Mexico City is excellent with private facilities. Local pharmacies are common for less severe issues. Pharmacies offer many over-the-counter medications that require prescriptions elsewhere; pharmacists often give basic advice. For serious emergencies, Mexico City has highly regarded private hospitals (e.g., Hospital ABC, Médica Sur) with modern facilities and often English-speaking staff. Smaller clinics are near Teotihuacan, but returning to Mexico City is advisable for major issues.
AirHelp assists passengers with compensation for flight delays or cancellations: AirHelp
For police, fire, and ambulance services.
+52 (55) 5080-2000. For lost documents or serious legal issues, contact your embassy or consulate.
+52 (55) 1670-3200. Find contact details for your country's diplomatic mission before travel.
The Teotihuacan archaeological zone itself is a tourist site and generally safe during operational hours, with security staff present. San Juan Teotihuacán, the nearby town, is a relatively quiet and secure area. When traveling to and from Teotihuacan, especially if staying in Mexico City, standard urban precautions are advisable. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded public transport, busy markets, or popular tourist areas. Large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry should not be displayed. Official taxis or ride-sharing apps (Uber, Didi) are preferable to unmarked cars. At night, stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially in Mexico City's tourist zones. Avoid walking alone in unlit or deserted areas after dark.
Ensuring your water and food are safe prevents many common travel ailments.
Never drink tap water. Stick to Bottled water; use it for brushing teeth. Confirm ice comes from purified water. A LifeStraw is an option for filtered water.
Caution with street food. Opt for stalls with high turnover, where food cooks fresh and hot. Observe vendor hygiene. Choose fruits you can peel. Cooked food is generally safer in restaurants.
Use Hand sanitizer for hygiene when soap/water are unavailable. A Small travel first-aid kit is advisable.
