Teotihuacan

城市概覽

Teotihuacan at its height was the largest Mesoamerican city, reaching a total population of 150,000 around the same time as the Roman Empire and Classical China. Archaeologists disagree on whether it was the capital of an empire, or a city-state at the center of Mesoamerica's trade networks, but its cultural influence is seen across the region. Today, its ancient ceremonial center stands as an impressively grand and well-preserved architectural zone, and in the smaller temples around the side (including some with free entry outside of the main park) can be seen many beautiful and interesting original wall paintings from the city's heyday. Many artifacts from Teotihuacan are now found at the National Anthropological Museum in Mexico City. Elevation: 2,300m/7,482ft

History

Construction of Teotihuacán commenced around 200 BC, as local farmers began coalescing around nearby springs. Beginning in the first century AD, the city grew explosively, leading to the construction of much of the monumental architecture and sculpture, including the largest pyramids. It became a multicultural city, with neighborhoods of people from all across Mesoamerica. Obsidian was the main source of wealth, and its processing was the most important industry. The nearby mines were the only source in the region, so when the city seized control of them, they profited from the monopoly. Between 650 and 750 AD, Teotihuacan entered a phase of terminal decline. The city's elite housing compounds bear burn marks, suggesting civil strife. There was also disruption in tributary relations, increased social stratification, and power struggles between the ruling and intermediary elites. Teotihuacan continued to be inhabited, though it never reached its previous levels of population. When early Aztecs arrived around 1300, Teotihuacan was already a sparsely-populated ancient ruin. Like the other peoples in the area, they were captivated by what the ancients had built. As they ascended in power to dominate

如何抵達

Teotihuacan is about 50 km (31 mi) northeast of central Mexico City.

By car (or taxi) It takes about 45 minutes from central Mexico City if you use the toll highway. It takes much longer, but is more interesting, if you use the old free road. There is a small fee for parking at the site. A taxi may be prohibitively expensive. Private drivers can be arranged in advance for a more reasonable price.

By public bus From Mexico City, buses to Teotihuacán leave about every half hour from two locations:

1 Terminal del Norte (outside Autobuses del Norte Metro station, Line 5). From Terminal Autobuses del Norte, walk towards Gate 8. There is a ticket booth almost at the end of the concourse. If you're doing a day trip, check that your bus goes to the site entrance of Teotihuacán ruinas and not just to the town of San Juan Teotihuacán nearby. 2 Potrero Metro station (Line 3). From Potrero, exit the station and look for white buses that go to Piramides – they mean the pyramids of Teotihuacán. The trip will take around an hour, and the buses run until about 18:00. A one-way ticket will cost M$81 (April 2026). When alighting the bus, check the last departure with the driver. You will be dropped off and picked up at either Puerta 1 (closest to the Temple of Quetzalcóatl), or at Puerta 3 (in front of the Pyramid of the Sun), depending on your bus. Remember where your bus dropped you off - your return bus will likely be in the same position, but on the opposite side of the street. Bus tickets allow you to exit at any time, so you do not have to worry about exiting at a particular time, as long as you don't miss the last bus. If you're spending the night in one of the towns near the pyramids, Autobuses Teotihuacan at the Terminal del Norte also has service to the town center of San Juan Teotihuacan and to its station near the center of San Martín de los Pirámides. From Puebla: As of March 2024, Autobuses Teotihuacan also offers buses from Puebla's CAP terminal (M$180, 1.5-

當地交通

Most of the site is enclosed within the 652-acre (264 ha) Zona Arqueológica (Archaeological Zone). There are a handful of minor excavated areas outside this zone.

Zona Arqueológica de Teotihuacán (Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone). Daily 8:00-17:00. M$210. (updated Feb 2026) The entrance fee is M$210, or M$105 for Mexican citizens and Permanent Residents with ID. (Jan 2026). The site is open daily from 8:00-17:00. Group tours start arriving en masse around 9:30, though the site is spacious enough for everyone even when busy. There are three main entrances along the west side of the park, with parking lots and ticket booths. There are also two smaller entrances on the east side.

3 Puerta 1 near the southwest corner, across from the Temple of Quetzalcóatl. 4 Puerta 2 on the west side, across from the Pyramid of the Sun. 5 Puerta 3 near the northwest corner, in front of the Pyramid of the Moon. This is a large site - the central avenue is about 2 km (1.2 mi) long. A lot of walking is required, as there is no motorized transport inside the park. If you go by bus, you will need to walk back to your drop-off point after exploring the far end of the park. If you tire easily, pack light for this excursion (i.e., no backpacks, heavy purses, etc.). There's limited shade, especially if you go at mid-day. You can see the site's main attractions in about 2-3 hours, plus time to walk back to your starting point. If you have a car, then you can drive around the perimeter road outside of the park. There seem to be ATVs for rent at some entrances, but they are not allowed inside the park. There are a few taxis in the area, which are reasonably priced, but it's not always easy to find one when you want it (same for rideshare apps).

必看景點

The park has a lot to look at. The highlights are the two massive pyramids, two smaller temples excavated to show elaborate artwork, and the museum.

From north to south:

1 Pirámide de la Luna (Pyramid of the Moon) (north end of the Avenue of the Dead). The second largest pyramid in the park. It mimics the contours of Cerro Gordo, the mountain in the distance to the north. It was built between 100 and 450 AD, covering up an earlier temple, with a more interesting design than the larger Pyramid of the Sun. It was used as a stage for performing ritual sacrifices and ceremonies in honor of the Great Goddess of Teotihuacan. (updated Feb 2026) 2 Palacio de Quetzalpalotl (Palace of Quetzalpapálotl) (near Puerta 3, SW of Pyramid of the Moon). A housing and temple complex with wall paintings, sculptures, and underground rooms. The name Quetzalpapálotl (Feather Butterfly) comes from the reliefs of mythological birds on the courtyard pillars. It was built around 450 to 500 AD, over earlier structures from around 250 to 300 AD. It is thought to have been the home of a high ranking priest or other dignitary. Includes the Palacio de los Jaguares (Palace of the Jaguars) and the Templo de los Caracoles Emplumados. (updated Feb 2026) Avenida de Lo