MileHacker Logo
Things to Do in Teotihuacan

Things to Do in Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan North Of Mexico City, Mexico Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Experience Teotihuacan from unique perspectives, from aerial views to ground-level exploration.

Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Teotihuacan

Sunrise Spectacle

An unparalleled aerial perspective of the entire archaeological zone at sunrise. Witness the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Avenue of the Dead, and the vast urban layout illuminated by the rising sun. The quiet drift above the ancient city creates a truly magical and reflective experience.

Logistics

Reputable companies offer tours, usually including pick-up from Mexico City (early morning), transfer to launch site, 45-60 min ride, celebratory toast, and traditional breakfast. Return transport generally comes included. Book a hot air balloon experience here.

Booking & Considerations

Book well in advance, especially for high season or weekends. The experience is weather-dependent; flights cancel due to high winds, fog, or heavy rain for safety. Operators generally offer rescheduling or refunds.

Ground-Level Exploration & Cycling

  • Hiking & Trekking: The archaeological zone holds extensive walking. The Avenue of the Dead is a mild to moderate physical activity covering several kilometers.
  • Pyramid Climbs: Climbing the Pyramid of the Sun and the permitted level of the Pyramid of the Moon involves steep, uneven steps, a moderate physical challenge due to altitude.
  • Cycling Routes: Bicycle rentals near Gate 5 of the Teotihuacan site. Cycle the perimeter roads surrounding the archaeological zone or explore nearby rural roads and local towns like San Juan Teotihuacán. This offers an active way to see the broader area.
  • Wildlife Encounters: While not a safari destination, the green areas within and around the archaeological site host various birds, lizards, and small mammals.

Hot Air Balloon

  • Unforgettable aerial views of the pyramids.
  • Witness sunrise over ancient city.
  • Includes breakfast and transfers.
  • Book ahead for availability.

Site Exploration

  • Walk the Avenue of the Dead.
  • Climb the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.
  • Explore residential compounds.
  • Comfortable shoes are essential.

Cycling the Perimeter

  • Rent bicycles near Gate 5.
  • Explore rural roads and local towns.
  • An active way to tour the broader area.
  • Terrain is mostly flat.

Weather Dependency Warning

Hot air balloon flights are weather-dependent. Cancellations occur due to high winds, fog, or heavy rain for safety. Operators generally offer rescheduling or refunds.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with the local culture to deepen your understanding of the region's heritage, beyond the ancient stones.

Workshops and Classes

  • Obsidian Carving: Local artisan workshops near the site feature demonstrations or short classes. Learn about the craft and its cultural significance.
  • Traditional Pottery: Opportunities exist to visit local potters and learn about their techniques.
  • Cooking Classes: Some local tour operators or guesthouses offer informal cooking demonstrations focused on regional ingredients or pre-Hispanic techniques.

Cultural and Community Engagement

Cultural Performances

Occasionally, local groups perform traditional dances or rituals near the site or in San Juan Teotihuacán during special events or festivals.

Community-Based Tourism

Explore visits to local Ejidos (communal lands) or agricultural areas related to the cultivation of maguey plants. These visits offer insight into traditional farming practices and the production of pulque.

Language Learning

Learning basic Spanish phrases supports interaction with locals, deepening cultural immersion.

Workshops

Hands-on experiences like obsidian carving or pottery making offer insight into local artistry.

Performances

Witness traditional dances and rituals during local events or festivals.

Community Visits

Engage with local communities and discover traditional farming practices.

Relaxation & Wellness

After exploring the ancient city, discover options for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Wellness Offerings

  • Spa & Wellness Centers: Dedicated high-end spas are rare directly in San Juan Teotihuacán. Mexico City hosts numerous luxury hotels with full-service spas and independent wellness centers.
  • Traditional Healing Practices: In some local communities, find opportunities to experience traditional Mexican healing practices (Curanderismo). This calls for local connections or specialized tours.
  • Pools: Many mid-range hotels in San Juan Teotihuacán and Mexico City feature swimming pools, presenting a refreshing break after a day of sightseeing.
  • Beaches: Not applicable to the landlocked Teotihuacan region.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

In San Juan Teotihuacán, small, local establishments feature occasional live music, often traditional Mexican styles.

Nightclubs & Dancing

Nightclubs and dedicated dance venues exist almost exclusively in Mexico City, with diverse nightlife scenes in neighborhoods like Roma Norte, Condesa, and Polanco.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

Mexico City boasts lively bar districts. San Juan Teotihuacán has local bars catering to a local clientele, rather than dedicated tourist pub crawls.

Local Souvenirs & Crafts

Traditional Markets & Bazaars

Numerous vendors sell souvenirs along the Avenue of the Dead and near entrances. The San Juan Teotihuacán Municipal Market has an authentic shopping experience, with fresh produce, local foods, and crafts.

Artisan Workshops

Look for genuine artisan workshops in San Juan Teotihuacán. Find obsidian figures, jewelry, and replicas, along with traditional pottery and handwoven textiles.

Souvenir Recommendations

Unique souvenirs from the region include obsidian, ceramics replicating Teotihuacan designs, hand-woven items, and locally produced pulque (check customs regulations).

Ethical Shopping & Shipping

Discover local crafts and souvenirs that mirror the rich history and artistry of the Teotihuacan region while making responsible choices.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

  • Support Local: Purchase directly from local artisans and small businesses to ensure your money benefits the community directly.
  • Bargaining: Common in markets, but do so respectfully and playfully. Aim for a price that appears fair to both you and the vendor.
  • Authenticity: Be wary of items claiming to be ancient artifacts. Purchasing or exporting these is illegal and harmful to cultural heritage. Stick to modern reproductions and crafts.

Shipping & Customs Information

Shipping Large Items

If you purchase large or fragile items, inquire about shipping options directly from the vendor.

Customs Regulations

Be aware of your home country's customs regulations regarding bringing certain items (e.g., agricultural products, animal products) back into the country.

Pre-Travel Checks

It is advisable to check current customs regulations before your journey to avoid issues upon return.

Obsidian Crafts

  • Find beautiful obsidian figures and jewelry.
  • A unique souvenir from the region's historical production.
  • Replica blades also available.

Local Pottery

  • Discover traditional pottery.
  • Often replicates Teotihuacano designs.
  • Showcases local artistry.

Textiles

  • Handwoven items.
  • Colorful blankets.
  • Embroidered clothing.
  • Authentic keepsakes.

Affiliate Resources for Experiences

Activities & Experiences
  • GetYourGuide: A platform for booking diverse activities and experiences around Teotihuacan.
  • Search for tours that include transportation from Mexico City for added convenience.
  • Look for family-friendly options or small-group tours for personalized experiences.
Unique Cultural Engagements
  • Book hot air balloon rides over the pyramids for an iconic sunrise view.
  • Find cultural workshops on obsidian carving or traditional cooking classes to deepen your immersion.
  • Consider guided market tours to discover local produce and authentic street food.

Experience Planning Advice

Advance booking for popular activities, especially hot air balloon rides, is highly advisable due to limited availability.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Experiences

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience breathtaking aerial views of the pyramids at sunrise.
  • Site Walking & Climbs: Explore the vast archaeological zone on foot, including pyramid ascents.
  • Cycling: Rent a bicycle to explore the site's perimeter and nearby local roads.
  • Sunrise Photography: Capture stunning silhouettes of the pyramids from outside the gates early morning.

Cultural & Shopping Highlights

  • Artisan Workshops: Take part in obsidian carving or pottery making demonstrations.
  • Cultural Performances: Seek out traditional dances or rituals during festivals.
  • Local Markets: Visit the San Juan Teotihuacán Municipal Market for authentic goods and food.
  • Community Tourism: Engage with local communities for insights into regional life.