Teotihuacan

“The city where the Gods are born”

Location: 30 miles northeast of Mexico City, State of Mexico
Closest major airport: Benito Juarez Intl. aka Mexico City Intl. (MEX)
Nearest town/city: Mexico City
Important cities/sites nearby: Teotihuacan site recently discovered in Chapultepec Park, Mexico City

The archaeological zone of Teotihuacan was inhabited for nearly 2000 years and existed alongside the Mesoamerican cities of Cholula and Monte Albán. It is one of the country’s major tourist attractions and was formerly one of the largest and most complex metropolises in prehispanic Mexico, originating during the first century A.D., reaching its peak between the 3rd and 4th centuries, and subsequently declining until it was eventually abandoned.

According to the Nahua Indians, Teotihuacan was the original site of birth of the fifth sun, the beginning of a new era for the Aztecs. However, because the city had already been abandoned when the Aztecs arrived in the region, all signs of previous existence were attributed to the gods. Legend also has it that when the gods gathered to distribute their functions, the god that dared to jump into the mystic fire would be the sun. After the first god jumped into the fire, a second, jealous god also threw himself into the flames. As a punishment, the other gods threw a rabbit at his side to hide his light, which created the moon and began the constant struggle between day and night.

The site’s main structures include the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. The archaeological site is located 30 miles northeast of Mexico City.

Aside from the archaeological city, the village of Teotihuacan is small and quaint with semi-paved roads. In addition to the archaeological monuments in Acolman, near Teotihuacán, other buildings worth visiting include the 16th century Augustinian convent and the Tepexpan Museum of Pre-History. Visitors interested in camping can head to the Teotihuacán Trailer Park located in San Juan Teotihuacán, three km away from the Pyramid of the Sun.

Shopping is available within the archaeological zone. Shops offer a variety of souvenirs and reproductions of archaeological artifacts found in the area. The city is also known for its temazcal – a steam bath with prehispanic roots – that today serves as a healing spa. The ritual is performed by renowned local healers and has attracted several New Age groups to the area that offer workshops, exercises and conferences.

Teotihuacan is a city of ancient gods, deep-rooted traditions and proven Aztec ancestry. It is an ideal destination for travelers interested in the Aztec culture and its impact on today’s Mexican culture and society.