This once very powerful city provides a look into the history, daily life, religious practices, and mentality of the Mesoamerican people. The eight square miles of amazing architecture, and formation, of these many separate buildings and temples is astounding.
Climbing the first structure, one can find not only beautiful views, but an ancient temple that is named Temple of Quetzalcoatl (the Aztec name for the Feathered Serpent that is prevalent in many Mesoamerican religions). Behind the smaller pyramid, with a flat platform on the top, is the larger building, adorned with busts of the Feathered Serpent. These breathtaking sculptures are very detailed and specific. Quetzalcoatl was believed by the Tolec people to be the creator of humanity, and was a very serious God in Aztec culture as well. So much that when the Aztecs took over the City of Teotihuacán, they did not live there, but considered it the City of the Gods.
Walking down the main street, called the Avenue of the Dead, there is a large field with yellowing long grasses, surrounded by a smaller wall, about 4 or 5 feet high. With steps built into many of the sides, it is said the inhabitants used this as a central meeting place, possibly where religious rituals like human and animal sacrificing took place, but the Spanish mistakenly named this area the Citadel. In the present, many people lay in the cool grasses soaking up the sun. Local legend is that there is a certain sun-energy present in the pyramids, and many people participate by resting in the glow of the sun.
Later down the Avenue of the Dead is another renovated structure just outside of the Temple of the Moon. The Palace of Quetzalpapalotl is possibly where the high priest lived, and the main stairs that lead to the palace are guarded with large heads of an animal, which are believed to be jaguars. Here there are many wall paintings, and further in is an outside courtyard, with fresco painted and carved walls. Columns adorned with carved images of the Quezal bird, some with obsidian eyes (a volcanic glass black opaque in color), and some bricks in the walls had images or faces.
After a quick snack at one of the little tourist stations, it is a short walk to the main temple pyramids. The first, on the right, being the 70 meters high Temple of the Sun. Although this was built after the Moon temple, it has gone through many renovations, and is much bigger and popular. Apparently, due to the Sun Temple being built 15 degrees east of true north, the temple lines up with the setting sun on August 13th, and at that time there are hundreds of people who meet on top of the Sun Temple to soak in the energy.
Straight ahead is the Moon Temple, which has three sets of stairs, and a chain-link handrail in the middle of the extremely wide staircase. This makes the climb possible for families, the elderly, and those who would be otherwise nervous. A short climb to the top awaits some of the most beautiful views these early civilizations left us. The bird’s eye view enabled tourists to see the placement of the pyramids, residential housing, and nobility palaces far and near.
Teotihuacan is a strong insight into the pre-Spanish history of the Mexican people, and holds interest, wonder and excitement every structure visited. is a trip that should not be missed.
* Teotihuacán is 50 km Northeast of D.F. (Mexico City), and is open daily from 8am to 6pm. The entrance fee is 37 pesos. There is an additional charge to use a video camera. No tripods are permitted.
*No high heels signs have been put in the palaces and certain places, so please be careful.
*Bring water, good walking/climbing shoes, a hat and sunscreen (there is very little shade) snacks, and money. Good snack shops, lots of tourist shops to browse in, and beautiful items for sale are available.
*Other than the short drive, there is a bus from the Terminal de Autobuses del Norte bus station in Mexico City. Take the bus to Los Piramides. The trip is less than an hour.
