Exploring the Teotihuacan Pyramids in Mexico City

I have always been so fascinated by the history in Mexico, having visited the sites at Chichen Itza a few years ago, and so when visiting Teotihuacan was part of our itinerary during my trip to Mexico City, I was really looking forward to it.

The site is just 30 miles north of Mexico City, and the perfect place to spend a day exploring. Surprisingly the Aztecs or Mayans had nothing to do with it – it was built before their time. There is a mystery that surrounds the early settlers who built the city and multiple theories about it. Very little is known about them and this only adds to the charm of it and it attracts so many people to marvel at it daily. It was called Teotihuacan, which means place of the gods and remains an important part of Mexico City’s history.

After wandering around the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl, which has complex paintings, carvings and lots of ornaments, we started off at the Pyramid of the Sun.

Now I somehow missed the memo that we were actually climbing the pyramids so when everyone started going up the steps I was panicking as I have a massive fear of heights! I am incredibly unfit (and lazy) but to avoid being a party pooper I slowly started to climb the steps up this 70m high and 215m wide pyramid.

After having to stop several times I finally got to the top and collapsed for a few minutes while I gathered my breath. When I finally had the courage to look out from the top (I have a fear of heights too!), it was SO WORTH ALL THAT EFFORT. I mean look at that view!

Also, the Pyramid of the Sun is the third biggest pyramid in the world! So you can add that to your list of amazing things that you have done in your lifetime 😉

Just like the Mayans, the Mexicans have a belief that the Pyramid of the Sun holds astrological powers. Every year, on March 21st (Spring Equinox), people travel from all over the country, as well as from abroad, to climb the pyramid, and charge their energies at the top.

After enjoying the panoramic view, we descended the pyramid, which was equally frightful for me, and walked down the Avenue of the Dead towards the Pyramid of the Moon.

I somehow missed the memo that we were climbing this pyramid too and these steps looked even more steeper than the Pyramid of the Sun!

This Pyramid was built in seven layers, (pyramid on top of pyramid) and is considered to be the starting point of the city.  This was definitely a more strenuous climb than the Pyramid of the Sun, but the good thing was that you could stop lots while you gathered your breath! This is the second largest pyramid in Teotihuacan and is 43m high.

It was lots of fun, although made me realise how terribly unfit I was – something I am rectifying as part of my new year’s goals.

If you are interested in the historical aspect of travelling and love seeing archaeological sites, this is definitely one to go to! Even if you don’t have an avid interest in history, this is such a great excursion and activity to do whilst visiting Mexico City.

I thoroughly enjoyed our time exploring Teotihuacan, and it proximity makes it ideal for a half a day or day trip! If I can do it being a lazy person and with my fear of heights, anyone can do it! It is just inspiring and I am absolutely in awe of the cleverness of the early settlors and the precision with which they built things. The structures themselves are just magnificent!

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