A UNESCO World Heritage site near Mexico City, and home to the 3rd tallest pyramid in the world, we explore Teotihuacan above and below during the day and night! Plus a visit to La Gruta for one of the most unique places for lunch, a cave near the ruins! We also had an opportunity to place a symbolic candle deeper in a beautiful and serene section of the cave. Finally, we return to Teotihuacan in the evening for Experiencia Nocturna, an exclusive opportunity to see the Pyramid of the Sun painted with animation in its original colors.
This week, our RV Mexico adventures brought us from Valle de Bravo to the outskirts of Mexico City in the town of Teotihuacan. Apparently named after something famous nearby, the town is a great jumping off point for exploration of the area, and a 5 minute drive to the pyramids and ruins. We stayed at (again with the coincidental naming) Teotihuacan RV and Trailer Park for almost two weeks, and loved the walkable surrounding area and our gracious host, Mina. She helped us translate, get our laundry picked up, and even secured our tickets for Experiencia Nocturna (which is a “hard ticket” event normally requiring pickup of the tickets in advance of the evening). Thanks, Mina!
If not staying nearby, Teotihuacan is easily accessible from Mexico City by frequent and inexpensive direct bus service. Admission to the ruins (including two museums) is only 80 pesos per person, a great value compared to other cultural and historical sites in Mexico. We opted to download the free SmartGuide app (https://smart-guide.org/) which offers an audio tour that can be downloaded in advance to save your roaming data! The included map, text, and audio tour were more than helpful navigating the site, so we declined a tour guide and still felt that we could cover the major areas in a day. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, sunscreen, and a hat if a hot day on your visit. There is little shade throughout, but the museums are both very nicely air conditioned. ?
SPOILER ALERT: Experiencia Nocturna is incredible, and we should have done that BEFORE visiting Teotihuacan during the day. You learn so much about the history, pyramids, people and culture during the event. With an excellent designed app (they provide a specially configured iPod), augmented reality, and synchronized audio in a choice of several languages, Experiencia Nocturna is a can’t miss if you plan to visit Teotihuacan.
Resources
Experiencia Nocturna– Info on the night time event at Teotihuacan
International Travel Links and Resources:
You no longer need a pet health certificate to bring cats or dogs into Mexico by car/rv! This does not change any rules required by airlines if you fly into Mexico.
Safetywing Travel, Political and Health Insurance (What we use ourselves worldwide!)– Prices start at $37/month for coverage with a $250 annual deductible. Pick any doctor outside your home country. Seriously.
Gasoapp iOS and Android– Think “Gasbuddy” style app, but created for Mexican gas stations by the Mexican government. Prices do vary greatly between stations here, and the app is free!
US Department of State Travel Advisories – Worldwide –
New (December 2019) Pet Regulations:
You no longer need a pet health certificate to bring cats or dogs into Mexico by car/rv! This does not change any rules required by airlines if you fly into Mexico.
USDA (English) summary of regulations
Mexico (Spanish) to show to anyone who requests a copy of a pet certificate – Hat tip to Qroo.us!
Process your FMM (tourist visa) in advance:
Have Discover Baja do it for you
Apply for FMM yourself
Facebook Groups:
RV Mexico Facebook Group
RVing In Mexico Facebook Group
US Department of State- Mexico Travel Advisory
