Nahuatl, Teotihuacan, "the place where the gods were made, city of the gods") is the name given to it was one of the largest cities in Mesoamerica during the pre-Hispanic era. The name is of Nahuatl origin and was used by the Aztecs, but the name that gave its inhabitants is unknown. The Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan was one of the largest urban centers of the ancient world, which came to concentrate more population 100,000 inhabitants in its heyday.

Located in a valley rich in natural resources, Teotihuacan was the seat of power of one of the most influential in the political, economic, commercial, religious and cultural spheres Mesoamerican societies, whose features permanently marked the peoples of the Mexican plateau, crossing time and coming to us with the same force and grandeur with which its builders planned. The archaeological evidence uncovered in the Valley of Teotihuacan reveals that during the Classic period one of the most complex urban societies developed throughout Mesoamerica and that company He was highly stratified, widely specialized and shaped by different ethnic groups. Distinctive elements of the cultural development of society during the Classic Teotihuacan, have been identified in various parts of the rest of Mesoamerica, including other major urban sites such as Monte Alban, Cerro de las Mesas, Matacapan, Tikal and Kaminaljuyú.

For the people who preceded Teotihuacan, the site had a predominantly sacred meaning. Various historical sources indicate that the Aztecs and their rulers came to these ruins to pray and celebrate rites. Teotihuacan was subsequently benchmark since the start of the Spanish occupation; and today is recognized as one of the most outstanding testimonies of the ancient urban and state development, which is the subject of interest to researchers in Mexico and the world, through different disciplines continue to explore its complexity. The remains of the archaeological ancient city are visited each year by thousands of people, making the site one of the biggest tourist magnets of the country. The recognition of the site as a cultural heritage is universal, because since 1987 is part of the World Heritage List UNESCO.

History of the site is the most explored Teotihuacan Mesoamerican site as the first works for research dating from the eighteenth century, when Don Carlos de Siguenza explored adjoining the Pyramid of the Moon building. In the late nineteenth century, under the figure of the General Inspectorate of Monuments of the Republic, Don Leopoldo Batres and Huerta scans performed in various places near the Avenue of the Dead buildings, discovering murals and sculptures, and in 1905 began work on the pyramid Sun, under the auspices of the government of Porfirio Diaz, to commemorate the first centenary of the Independence of the country, promoting the development of anthropological disciplines.

From the intervention of the Sun Pyramid lands were acquired by the federal government for the official opening of the first archaeological site and museum site of Mexico. Later the development of the work of the Department of Anthropology under the leadership of Manuel Gamio in 1917, is one of the most enriching experiences in social work, archaeological research and the drive to regional progress, reflecting the post-revolutionary impetus that would shape many institutions still existing in contemporary Mexican State. In this archeological site have been developed two of the largest research projects in the history of Mexico: the "Teotihuacan 1962-1964" Project and the project "Teotihuacan 1980-1982", and one of the megaprojects raised during the decade of the nineties by the federal government, known as "Teotihuacan 1992-1994". Research at the site is ongoing and interdisciplinary, because practically all subjects anthropological disciplines are working on the site, which is being studied by national and international academic institutions.

Teotihuacan has become a standard for Mexicans in the defense and protection of the National Cultural Heritage, its main monument, the Pyramid of the Sun, is an icon of national identity, especially as an important element of the pre-Hispanic past. The archaeological remains of the ancient city of Teotihuacan Classic, representing Mexico at the international level, as it was the first place in our country treasure declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Site description The area open to the visit public has an area of 264 hectares, where the Avenue of the Dead and residential compounds that flank the main complex of monumental buildings are concentrated, such as the Citadel and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, . Quetzalpapálotl Palace and 4 apartment compounds with important examples of mural painting, as are Tetitla Atetelco, Tepantitla and La Ventilla, plus other 2 sets of housing court called Yayahuala and Zacuala the archaeological site has two specialized museums: the Teotihuacan culture and the Museum of Teotihuacan Mural "Beatriz de la Fuente" as well as a temporary exhibition hall located in the building known as "ex-museum".

Other areas where archaeological pieces are exposed Sculpture Garden and garden south of the Rio San Juan; plus it has a botanical garden of the traditional flora, a theater outdoors and the host center Teotihuacan Studies building. The entrance to the area can be made by 5 doors, distributed and interconnected by a peripheral road pavement surrounding area monumental, and there are roads which connect it to the housing complexes mentioned. Trails Visitor For the dimensions of the archaeological site is very difficult to enjoy its cultural offer in one visit, but there are routes designed to maximize tours depending on the particular interests of each visitor. Thus we now have the following proposals: Monumental Route: Starts at Gate 1 and Gate 3 ends approximately 2 hours.

Travel through the Avenue of the Dead, the main axis of the entire pre-Hispanic city. The route runs through the central business area of the city and its main monumental architectural complexes, such as The Citadel, the Great Assembly, the Avenue of the Dead Complex with its most notable examples: Superimposed Buildings, Plaza Oeste and Vikking Group; subsequently it passes through the architectural complex Pyramid of the Sun and ends in the vast Plaza de la Luna. Mural Painting Route: Starts at the Museum of Murals Teotihuacan (Gate 3 A) and ends at the Joint Architectural Tepantitla (Gate 4) Approximate 1:45 hours. Tour path to know the artistic expressions of the ancient Teotihuacan that were reflected on the walls of the city.

The Museum of Teotihuacan Mural "Beatriz de la Fuente" has one of the most important collections of pre-Hispanic mural painting; it is possible to appreciate the techniques, materials and themes relating to this artistic expression. Later areas of great importance where murals are preserved in their original place, as is the architectural complex "Jaguars" and the building known as "Quetzalpapálotl" will travel. The route then goes to the great "Mural of the Puma", located in the northern part of the Avenue of the Dead and ends at the architectural Tepantitla, where you can see one of the most complete and splendid murals of Teotihuacan culture , known as the Tlalocan and other murals importance for the study of this ancient society.

In a more general tour should not miss the Museum of Teotihuacan culture, located near Gate 5, which besides being able appreciate the permanent exhibition will see the latest advances in archaeological research of the site, through its temporary exhibition in the main hall. This museum is accompanied by a sculpture garden and a botanical garden of the traditional flora of the valley of Teotihuacan, also has with a living area where you can cool off, relax and have a snack. Another important temporary exhibition hall is located in the building known as "Ex-Museum" located in the vicinity of Gate 1, which constantly presented samples of new archaeological finds.

A very interesting route is that of housing complexes that are outside the archaeological site and in which remarkable and interesting examples of mural paintings are preserved, it is the joint known as Tetitla and Atetelco, located in the neighborhood of the Purification of the city of Teotihuacan. They can be reached by the road side of the pavement peripheral to the west, between doors 1 and 2, from the San Juan River (there is signage that guides you to these locations). These housing projects are a clear example of the type of architecture civil that made up the city, for in them you will see the rooms, patios, walkways and streets that shaped the urban fabric. Services available at Teotihuacan Archaeological Zone has two specialized museums: the Teotihuacan culture and the Museum of Teotihuacan Mural "Beatriz de la Fuente" as well as a temporary exhibition hall located in the building known as "ex-museum".

Other areas where archaeological pieces are exposed Sculpture Garden and garden south of the Rio San Juan; plus it has a botanical garden of the traditional flora, a theater outdoors and the host center Teotihuacan Studies building. The entrance to the area can be made by 5 doors, distributed and interconnected by a peripheral road pavement surrounding area monumental, and there are roads that communicate with said housing complexes. All entries have to collect the ticket office access module revision of tickets and parking; in the same way on the inputs 1.2, 3 and 5 are no sanitation modules. The doors 2, 3 and 5 have parking spaces for people with disabilities, while the door 3 there are ramps and walkways that allow Access to the archaeological remains to people in wheelchairs or with mobility problems.

In Gate 5, near the Teotihuacan Culture Museum you will find a library of INAH, with publications about Teotihuacan, maps and tourist guides in various languages. All doors have commercial areas where regional handicrafts and other souvenirs are offered. It also has guided service and cultural views by staff of educational services in the area workshops. The tours are free and can be booked at the Department of Museums and Educational Services of the archaeological site and requested at the window located in the main hall of the former museum. It is noteworthy that only in case of not having scheduled tours may be provided directly to stop the service.

Also have the "Family Sundays" program, aimed at groups up to 15 people, both children and adults, who are provides a guided tour lasting approximately one hour free tour. The workshops are generally targeted at a particular topic, in accordance with current exhibitions, as well as dates and / or commemorations of national interest related cultural heritage of the archaeological site. The workshops require reservation. Information and reservations: Museum of Teotihuacan Mural "Beatriz de la Fuente" Gate 3 A of Teotihuacan.

Phone: 01 (594) 958-2081.

Archaeological Monuments Zone of Teotihuacan is of great importance for the culture, identity and history of our country and humanity. Help us protect this cultural heritage meeting the following recommendations: o Do not touch the exhibits in museums as well as paintings and sculptures exhibited in the area. Do not use flash or in areas with murals, and inside the museums. No invade areas or restriction or is forbidden to enter with pets, recorders, alcoholic beverages or narcotics and weapons of all kinds. or not enter with food and drink museums.Comply with the instructions or the staff of the Archaeological Zone. o To ensure your safety is prohibited for school groups climb the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon.

Opening hours Monday to Sunday from 9-17 hours.

Cost of parking - Cars:. 45 pesos - Van Van: 80 pesos. - Buses 160 pesos.

Permission to video camera 45 pesos. In addition to photography, professional video equipment as well as tripod, make its authorization process in Mexico City.

State of Mexico INAH Center Phone: 01 (722) 215-8569 / 01 (722) 215-7080 / 01 (722) 214-6654 / 01 (722) 213 - 9581. Extensions: 198000/198001.

To get to Teotihuacán you can catch one of the buses that leave every fifteen minutes or so (6am–5pm; 1hr) from Mexico City’s Terminal del Norte. Go to the second-class (left-hand) side of the bus station and look for the Autobuses Teotihuacán stand in Sala 8.

A slightly quicker alternative is to catch the Metro to Indios Verdes (line 3) and head to the northern end of Platform J, from where buses leave frequently for “Las Pirámides”. A road, the Carretera de Circunvalación, provides access to the main structures through one of six gates (each with parking and lines of souvenir stalls): buses might arrive at any puerta (gate), though Puerta 1 and Puerta 2 are the most common. These are also the best places to wait for buses back to Mexico City (the last at 6pm), but late in the day most return buses visit all the gates before departing the site.

By Car From Mexico City you can reach through the Mexico-Pachuca highway, exiting at Av. Insurgentes north, until joining the Ecatepec-Pirámides Highway. There is also access from the highways Mexico-Tuxpan and North Arch, in addition to the free highway Mexico-Teotihuacan.