Teotihuacan was the largest Pre-Columbian city in the Americas, reaching a total population of 150,000 at its height. The name is also used to refer to the civilization this city dominated, which at its greatest extent included most of Mesoamerica.
Construction of Teotihuacan commenced around 300 BC, with the Pyramid of the Sun built by 150 BC. 150?450 AD.
It is said that the descendents of this city abandoned this city and relocated in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenochtitlan Tenochtitlan] because it was thought to be a more sacred location.
A lot of artifacts have wisely been moved to National Anthropological Museum, in Mexico City. Elevation: 2,300m/7482f
'''By bus''' - Buses to Teotihuacan leave from Mexico City about every half hour from two bus stations: Terminal Autobuses del Norte (outside Autobuses del Norte Metro station, Line 5) or from the bus terminals outside Indios Verdes Metro station (Line 3). A one-way ticket will cost $33 pesos from either station. From Terminal del Norte, walk towards Gate 8. There is a ticket booth almost at the end of the concourse. Check that your bus goes to the site entrance of ''Teotihuacan ruinas'' and not just to the town of San Juan Teotihuacan nearby. From Indios Verdes, exit the metro station and look for bus terminal J, which is the one at the end. Go to the far end of the platform, past the ''peseros'' and look for white buses that go to ''Piramides'' -- they mean the pyramids of Teotihuacan. The trip will take around an hour, and the buses run until about 6pm -- check the last departure before you leave. You will be dropped off at Puerta 1 (closest to the Pyramid of the Sun) and you'll be able to catch a return bus from the same location.
'''By tour bus''' - most travel agencies offer half or full day tours to the site, often combined with the Plaza de las Tres Culturas and the Basilica of Guadalupe, both of which are outside the city center. It_fs a convenient way to combine the three, but note our comments above about getting to the site early. The price is around $200. As with guided tours everywhere in the world, these tours will waste much of your time by promoting gift shops, but they are still a convenient way to get here for Mexico City-based tourists.
There are plenty of ''friendly'' park police there, they may limit your driving around the site unless you are staying at the hotel. Taxi drivers are not allowed to drive you around the site, you must have a destination, like a restaurant, inside of the park. If you are adventurous and lucky, you may be able to rent a bicyle to ride around the perimeter on the cobble stone road (a bit bouncy). If you are visiting the site and do not have an opportunity to explore the perimeter where the shops, restaurants and old buildings are, you are missing out. Just a little creativity should help you find some transportation ''inside'' of the complex. The locals are very friendly and a few peso's will go a long way. Try to at least find a ''ride'' around the perimeter to view the complex. It will be worth the effort
'''The Temple of the Moon''' - A medium sized pyramid off from the center of the complex.
'''The Temple of the Sun''' - The largest pyramid in the structure with an excellent view of the surrounding mountains. Wear sunscreen, they don't call it the Temple of the Sun for nothing.
'''The Temple of Quetzacotl''' - One of the most sacred Temples in the complex. This temple is decorated with many stone dragon heads.
'''Museo Teotihuacan''', The museum at the park with outstanding displays and a miniture recreation of the entire site. Well worth the visit.
There are also some smaller structures surrounding the complex, no more than four or five meters in height. A drive around the perimeter, on the road along the park will provide many surprises and is worth the trip. Hitching a ride or even paying a few peso's for a ride will be worth the effort.
There are also many interesting constructions along the Avenue of the Dead which runs along the middle of the site, so don't just walk from one temple to the other. On the left side of the plaza in front of the Temple of the Moon are several areas including the Palace of the Jaguars which house many wall paintings, sculptures, and underground rooms.
Around the inside perimiter of the site you will find several shops that not only sell, but also manufacture obsidian art and other stone objects for sale. Shop and compare quality and prices before buying.
There are a plenty of restaurants near the exits of the complex, inside and outside of the park and in the hotels in San Juan Teotihuacan as well as grocery stores and bakeries. Consider having one prepare a picnic for you and enjoy it at the park.
'''Restaurante La Gruta''' is located on the eastern perimeter around Teotihuacan, 500 meters down the road across from the "Puerta No. 5" entrance. The restaurant is located deep inside a subterranean cave and illuminated by two large holes on the side along with other ambient lighting. There is a bar with a vast selection of beers, wines, and liquors. Prepare for the possibility of a serenade by a small Mariachi band or weekend shows featuring live Aztec dancers.
'''Hotel Villa Arquelogica of Teotihuacan''' is located inside of the park and close to the entrance it has a very pleasant dining room serving 3 meals a day. It is reasonably priced, food is excellent and the staff very helpful.
'''Museo Teotihuacan''', The museum at the park has a restaurant.
There are numerous stray dogs around the park, they do not seem to be dangerous, but touching them, feeding them or paying any attention to them is not in your best interest, especially at the restaurants.
Be aware of the weather. Sunny days can suddenly turn rainy.