Teotihuacán is one of the most visited sites in all of Mexico. It's so special that it's flanked on two sides by Pueblos Magicos, with a third, Otumba just a little bit further. The ancient ruins welcome dozens of tour buses bearing hundreds of visitors every single day. Some of these visitors will venture out of the ancient city into San Juan Teotihuacán (southwest of the ruins) or to San Martín de las Pirámides (northeast of the city). And both are well worth a visit in and of themselves.

The constellation of these sites presents a welcoming environment. The ancient city was once the dominant power in Mesoamerica. Its influence was felt across the Yucatan and well into Central America. Today, people visit just to walk in the shadows of its great pyramids and the extensive city that still stands here.

But don't miss the center of San Juan Teotihuacán. Meals are that much more readily accessible and affordable here or in San Martín de las Pirámides. Visitors also get a better feel for what's survived from the ancient civilization. And it's often more than you might think. Both towns offer a regular calendar of events and commemorations and most of these will coincide with daily activities already planned for the central market and town plaza areas.

Getting to Teotihuacan has never been easier. Tour buses arrive from all over the country. But from Mexico City, most guests will either arrive from either the Central del Autobuses del Norte or from the Zocalo area.

Sun blockers and hats are recommended as are comfortable walking shoes.
Arrive as early as possible as crowds in the afternoon are likely.
Tickets from the Autobuses del Norte bus station will be the most affordable.
The most common bus lines to Teotihuacan are those around “Puerta 8” at the northern end of the terminal building.
Many buses will stop in the town of San Juan Teotihuacán before the main site and in San Martín de las Pirámides immediately after.

There's no under-estimating the importance of these sites to the country, and indeed, to an understanding of our place in the universe. Extending a visit to the surrounding communities deepens that understanding. It's also essential to the maintenance of sustainable and responsible travel.