This article is not to tell you about the absolutely breath taking site that is Teotihuacan. You know about it, you’ve read about it, you probably have made an in depth research of the place, this is more a little tale of what San Juan Teotihuacan has to offer so that you can take the entire family and not only soak in history but also create memories that can last for a lifetime.
Chichen Itzá and Teotihuacan are the top two most visited archaeological sites in Mexico, the first one because of its sheer immensity and popularity. The latter, because of its proximity to CDMX and the stunning condition of structures that will excite the less interested teenager. The site is huge and you can well spend a full day visiting it in depth, if you are able, hire a guide, not only so that it gives you more context to your visit but to support the local economy. However, if you like more freedom in your visit you can skip the guide and go straight to the Calzada de los Muertos where you will find the most iconic pyramids, De la Luna y del Sol.
First and foremost, arrive as early as you can, the sun is unforgiving and the environment is completely dry, sneakers are highly advised and either bring a bottle of water or be prepared to buy one on site, trust me you’ll need it. Don’t forget the sunscreen nor the hat and be prepared to be surrounded by a bunch of tourists just like you. At the moment, while you can visit, there is no access to the top of the pyramids, but don’t let that deter you, the place is magnificent with or without climbing.
If you’re done with your visit we suggest you walk towards Gate 5, you will find a smallish but quaint garden with lots of cacti and a small museum to visit. This will be a nice respite from the sun and it’s the closest exit to your next adventure: a meal in a millenary cave. About 10 min walk or 2 min drive from the archaeological site you will find La Gruta. We were sent there by a local and we tried to make a reservation but unfortunately it was full. Upol arrival the car queue was long and the guys at the entrance said there was a 45min wait. Do not listen to them, our 45min wait turned out to be a 15min sat on a nice cozy shadow (they even sell beers!), the wait was well worth it when the hostess walked us through a cave full of candles that looked mystical despite the hubbub. At the very end you see some stairs full of candles that guests are encouraged to light and leave at the end of their meals. The restaurant claims to have been used by the Teotihuacanos as a corn depot as well as an entrance to the underworld. It has been a restaurant for over 120 years and while the menu was a bit too autochthonous for our taste there might not be a better setting if you wanted to try some Mexican delicacies such as Gusanos de Maguey (worms), Escamoles (ant eggs) or Chapulines (grasshopers). If you’re not too adventurous they have an excellent guacamole, fajitas, cocktails and some meat dishes as well as a kids menu.
Once you’re done with your meal there’s more exploring to do! While San Juan Teotihuacan might not be a big Pueblo Magico it still has some nice gems that you can visit. We tried to visit the Cacti garden that is very close to the pyramids but it was closed, so we headed into town. We stumbled on shopping heaven at Casa Obsidiana, a striking design shop full of the black glass with all kind of quirky stuff. From beautiful tables (expensive!) to cool t-shirts from other Mexican designers.
Our next stop was a 10min drive from Teotihuacan to one of the most heartwarming experiences ever: a donkey sanctuary! Burrolandia rescues and takes care of over 50 Mexican burros that have been rescued and enjoy a life of love, attention and carrots. Head to this place and support their valuable endeavours, if you want to know more about them here’s a link to an article we wrote on them!
MEMORY OF A LIFETIME
Teotihuacan is an amazing site, but if you want to make this a lifetime memory you have to take a hot air balloon tour. The trips take off at 6am before the site is open, so we strongly recommend that you stay in Teotihuacan, prices go around 150usd and there are several companies to do it (Vuelos en Globo, Volare or Skyballoons have great reviews). The trip lasts for about 45mins and depending on your requests (and your budget) you are able to travel solo, with your +1, your family or in a group. The sunrise with the pyramids in the horizon will stay in your memory and make for a fab photo opp!
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