Built over 2,000 years ago, these ruins give an insight into the culture of an ancient civilisation.
Found 48 kilometres to the north-east of Mexico City, the enormous pyramids of this huge deserted settlement are a wonder to behold – the Pyramid of the Sun is the third-largest in the world. Teotihuacan was built around 100 B.C. and would grow to contain 100,000 inhabitants over the following years, making it one of the largest cities in the world at the time. The city was subsequently abandoned a few centuries after its founding.Learn about the heritage and daily life of the inhabitants as you take your time wandering among the ruins on this 3,382-hectare UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take in the hugely detailed Mesoamerican carvings and murals.You won't miss the massive Pyramid of the Sun when you arrive. According to the religion of the people living here, this was believed to be the place where the Earth was made. Climb the 248 steps to the top for a wonderful view over the city and surrounding countryside – it is not an easy ascent, but there are plenty of places where you can stop and rest along the way. Some of the other must-see buildings include the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramid of the Moon.The Avenue of the Dead is the central road through the heart of the city. It is three kilometres long, and a walk along it gives an idea of the scale of the city and the achievement of the civilisation that managed to build it without the benefits of the technology we possess today. Look out for the vibrant jaguar murals along the wall – these exceptionally preserved images once ran the length of the avenue. The Pyramid of the Moon at its northern end offers the best views along the Avenue of the Dead.Check out the iconic feathered serpents carved into the walls of the Temple of Quetzalcoatl while admiring this striking building. There is also a museum adjoining the ruins, containing necklaces, tombs, sculptures and other artefacts which have been found here.Buses leave for the Teotihuacan Ruins every half-hour from the Termino Central de Autobuses del Norte in Mexico City. There is a restaurant on site, and you can also picnic among the city's buildings. A word of warning: there is very little shade available here, so be sure to bring a hat and sun protection.
