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Want to know what the best tours to Teotihuacan from Mexico City are? Well, we’ve got you covered!
We’ve been lucky enough to visit Teotihuacan five times thanks to friends who love to come visit us while we’re living in Mexico (can you blame them?). Over those visits, we’ve learned a lot about what to do and what not to do! But the main thing? It’s best visited on a guided tour!
Below, I share the 5 best tours to these magnificent ancient ruins, including our favorite tour based on our experience visiting Teotihuacan. I also break down the different types of tours that visit Teotihuacan, so you can decide which tour is right for you!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Our personal FAVORITE tour is this full-day tour of Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine, and Tlatelolco. Not only do you get to visit the top historical attractions near Mexico City, but you also get an included tequila tasting and some seriously fun guides along the way!
This tour is VERY popular – check out the 8000+ reviews here!
Tip: Reserve this tour early to guarantee your spot and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
The Best Teotihuacan Tours from Mexico City
1. Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine, Tlatelolco, and Tequila Tasting Tour
- Price: From $46 USD
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: Around 8 am
- Highlights: Guided tours of the top historical attractions near Mexico City (Tlatelolco, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Teotihuacan), tequila tasting
- Inclusions: Professional guide, roundtrip transportation from Mexico City, tequila tasting, entrance to Teotihuacan and Guadalupe Shrine
- Pickup from: Meeting point in Mexico City (or your hotel for the private tour)
- Rating: 5 Stars (Read the 8000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
History buffs (like me!) will definitely enjoy this full-day tour, stopping at Tlatelolco, Teotihuacan, and the Basilica de Guadalupe! I love that you see so much in one day and get tons of insight into different periods of Mexican history. It also includes a tequila tasting, so you can’t go wrong!
The first stop is Tlatelolco, an important historical site and home of the Plaza de Las Tres Culturas, where pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern cultures intersect. Afterward, we had 1.5 hours to see and learn about the Basilica de Guadalupe, one of Mexico’s most important religious sites.
After a beautiful morning walking through all these sites, we were back on the bus and headed to Tlacaelel. Here, you get to see an authentic obsidian workshop followed by a tequila, mezcal, and pulque tasting! It was the perfect way to refresh after a morning of exploring.
Next was a delicious lunch at the Tlacaelel Restaurant, which serves authentic Mexican food (their sopes were incredible!). However, lunch isn’t covered – so make sure to bring cash.
After lunch, a professional guide will take you through Teotihuacan down the famous Avenue of the Dead, stopping off at the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. The guided tour lasts around 1 hour, and then you’ll also have around 70 minutes to explore solo before meeting with the group to return to Mexico City. This is a great time to return to your favorite spots and capture some amazing photos!
We love that this tour offers both shared and private tour options. The shared group tours start at only $46 USD per person and have a maximum of 35 travelers, so things never feel crowded. Alternatively, you can opt for the private tour which costs between $54- $353 USD per person depending on the number of people you have in your group (15 people max).
Check availability and reserve your spot on our FAVORITE Teotihuacan tour here!
Related Read: Oaxaca has so much to offer in food, culture, history, and adventure! If you’re considering a visit, read about our favorite tours of Oaxaca!
2. Teotihuacan Early Access Tour with Tequila Tasting
- Price: From $50 USD
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: Around 6 am
- Highlights: Early morning guided tour of Teotihuacan UNESCO site (beat the crowds!), obsidian factory visit, tequila tasting
- Inclusions: Bilingual guide, roundtrip transportation from Mexico City, tequila tasting, entrance to Teotihuacan
- Pickup from: Meeting point in Mexico City (or your hotel for the private tour)
- Rating: 4.5 Stars (Read the 5000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
The earlier you go to Teotihuacan, the better! The last time we went, we chose this early access tour and were super happy with our experience. We beat the heat and the crowds and enjoyed a tequila tasting as a reward.
On this tour, you get round-trip transportation from designated meeting points in Mexico City. Expect to be picked up between 6 am – 7 am. Since Teotihuacan is an hour away, you’ll get there just before the gates open at 8 am (the best time to arrive to beat the crowds!).
Our guide was an actual archeologist and did a fantastic job of explaining the historical and cultural significance of Teotihuacan. And it wasn’t simply informational – they really brought it to life. The whole experience was super interesting, and it’s much more enjoyable without a big crowd!
You’ll see the famous Pyramid of the Sun, the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, and the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl just to name a few of the famous places here. Our guide also took us to lesser-known corners of the site – which we wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.
After about 3 hours exploring Teotihuacan we headed to Tlacaelel, where we witnessed an authentic obsidian workshop. Here, we also tasted different liquors, including tequila, pulque, and mezcal (which were all surprisingly unique – but strong!). There is also a restaurant where you can have some delicious Mexican cuisine.
There are a few options when it comes to booking this tour. You can choose the early access shared group tour for $53 USD, or opt for a private tour for an additional cost ($60-$393 USD depending on the number of people). There is also an option for an afternoon tour for $50 USD, but we recommend the early morning tour instead if you can make it!
To beat the crowds, book this guided Teotihuacan experience here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
3. Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan from Mexico City
- Price: From $140-161 USD
- Duration: 3-9 hours
- Time: Around 5 am
- Highlights: Scenic hot air balloon flight over Teotihuacán Valley, enjoy a buffet breakfast, option to extend the tour to visit the Archaeological Site of Teotihuacan
- Inclusions: 30-50 minute hot air balloon flight, breakfast, coffee/tea, transportation (if option selected)
- Pickup from: Your accommodation in Mexico City (if option selected)
- Rating: 5 Stars (Read the 2000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Who needs a tour bus when you can hop on this hot air balloon flight?! You’ll float high above the magical temples of Teotihuacan and get the best view of it all. Believe me, if you’re looking for an adventure-filled, unconventional way to see the ancient city, this is it!
This tour kicks off early, but the golden sunrise illuminating Teotihuacan is so worth it!
Once you arrive at the site, you’ll enjoy a complimentary tea and coffee and mingle with the other guests. You’ll also meet your pilot and go through the safety demonstration before hopping in the basket!
Each flight lasts 30-50 minutes depending on the weather, taking you through Teotihuacan Valley for amazing views of the temples. There will be many hot air balloons floating across the sky simultaneously, and it’s quite a sight to behold! You’ll have epic memories, photos, and even a flight certificate to take home!
There are a few options for this flight. You can drive to the Balloon Port yourself for $140 USD per person, or you can choose the option with included transportation from Mexico City for $161 USD. The 3rd option is the one we recommend. It includes transportation and 3 hours of extra time after your flight so that you can visit Teotihuacan on foot! This option still only costs $161 USD per person so it’s a great deal, but you’ll have to pay the Teotihuacan entry fee (85 MXN), so bring some cash along.
Since this activity is weather-dependent, there’s a small chance you’ll have to reschedule. It’s good to be flexible with this type of tour. But don’t worry, when you book with Viator, if you can’t reschedule, you’ll just be refunded!
Book an unforgettable flight over Teotihuacan here!
4. Private Tour of Teotihuacan from Mexico City
- Price: $112-126 USD
- Duration: 1-5 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: In-depth and private Teotihuacan tour, private transportation, tequila tasting
- Inclusions: Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, local guide, tequila tasting, Teotihuacan admission
- Pickup from: Your accommodation in Mexico City
- Rating: 5 Stars (Read the 1200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
We love this private tour because it’s so convenient and comfortable. Plus, the guides are great and share super interesting anecdotes about Teotihuacan. It’s also only a half-day tour, so you’ll have your evening free to explore Mexico City.
This tour leaves around 8 am from your pickup point, which gets you to Teotihuacan early enough to avoid the midday crowds (and the afternoon sun!). You’ll spend about 3 hours walking along the Avenue of the Dead to visit the main attractions: the Sun, Moon, and Quetzalcoatl Pyramids.
You’ll also get to see important murals, learn tons of history, and get a glimpse into ancient traditions. Our guide was super knowledgeable, and since it was a private tour, we could ask loads of questions about the topics that intrigued us the most.
Before returning to Mexico City, you’ll make a stop in Tlacaelel. Here, your group can relax, sample some tequila, and partake in an obsidian workshop! Obsidian is a natural resource in the area, so it’s a fun addition to the day and we really enjoyed learning about its historical role here.
This private tour can run up to 5 hours. However, it doesn’t include a lunch stop, so you might want to bring snacks or extra cash. It can cost anywhere from $112-126 USD per person, depending on your group size (max 13 people). This price includes your guide, roundtrip transportation from your hotel, admission fees, and a tequila tasting.
Check availability and book your private tour online here!
Related Read: Guadalajara is another beautiful city in central Mexico. To learn more, you can read about the best things to do in Guadalajara.
5. Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacán + Breakfast in a Cave
- Price: From $140-223 USD
- Duration: 4-7 hours
- Time: Around 4:30 am
- Highlights: Scenic 45-minute hot air balloon flight over Teotihuacán Valley, breakfast in La Cueva underground cave restaurant, obsidian workshop, tequila tasting, 2 hours to enjoy the Archaeological Site of Teotihuacan (if option selected)
- Inclusions: Hot air balloon flight, breakfast, coffee/tea, alcoholic beverage, transportation (if option selected)
- Pickup from: Your accommodation in Mexico City (if the all-inclusive option is selected)
- Rating: 5 Stars (Read the 1400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
What’s better than a hot air balloon flight? A hot air balloon flight AND breakfast in a cave. I mean, why not upgrade?! You’re on vacation and this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
You’ll have to wake up bright and early for the 4:30 am start, but the payoff is huge. Plus, you’ll be back about 7 hours later with time for a nap!
You’ll be treated to coffee and cookies before taking off on your flight. Believe me, the timing is perfect, and you’ll enjoy a beautiful sunrise over Teotihuacan. For roughly 45 minutes, you’ll fly 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) above the ground, with incredible views of all the pyramids. Afterward, there’s a short ceremony where you toast your pilot and get a flight certificate as a little memento.
Then it’s time for breakfast at La Cueva (the cave)! Walking down into the limestone cave that opens into a dining room is pretty epic, and the food is delicious too! How many people can say they’ve dined in a cave?
But the fun doesn’t stop there. On this epic tour, your group also gets to partake in a tequila-tasting and obsidian workshop. Plus, if you choose the all-inclusive option you’ll have an optional 2 hours to explore Teotihuacan. The entry fee isn’t covered but only costs 85 MXN (around $5 USD).
The all-inclusive option for this tour costs $223 USD per person and includes roundtrip transportation from Mexico City, the flight, breakfast, and additional time to explore Teotihuacan. There are other options available that don’t include transportation if you wish to drive yourself.
For the ultimate Teotihuacan experience, check availability and secure your spot here!
Other Activities to do While in Mexico City
Visiting Teotihuacan is just one of the many fun things to do in Mexico City. Trust me, you’ll have no problem filling your itinerary in this bustling city. To give you an idea of what’s on offer, I’ve highlighted some of our favorite activities below.
- Try local cuisine – Mexican food is world-famous for good reason, and Mexico City is one of the best cities to enjoy it! With an array of amazing food and restaurants to try, I recommend doing this food tour through Colonia Roma or even this cooking class – which also visits the local market!
- Watch a Lucha Libre show – Lucha Libre in Mexico City is one of the most entertaining performances I’ve ever seen. This wrestling show is so quintessentially Mexican and is a ton of fun. The best way to understand the traditions and characters is through this organized tour, which also includes a mezcal tasting!
- Visit hot springs – If you’re looking to escape the city for a day, the crystal-blue waters of Las Grutas de Tolantongo Hot Springs are the perfect remedy. It’s a picture-perfect location with a backdrop of gorgeous mountains. It’s a bit of a drive, though, which is why I recommend this full-day tour.
- Day trip to Puebla and Cholula – If you have a few extra days, visit the towns of Puebla and Cholula! These charming towns have fascinating temples, museums, and stunning town squares. On this organized tour to both cities, you’ll get a feel for life outside the capital.
- Take a city tour – Mexico City is HUGE. To get your bearings and a feel for the place, take a Mexico City tour! This private tour is customizable, so you can see the sights that interest you most, along with some hidden gems. And if you’re on a budget, take the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus to check out multiple neighborhoods.
Where to Stay in Mexico City
Mexico City is massive, and there are lots of different areas to stay depending on what tours you want to take and what you want to get out of your trip. For this reason, we wrote a full guide on the best areas to stay in Mexico City as well as the best hostels in Mexico City! These blogs should help you choose an awesome place for your stay!
However, for a quick overview, here are some of my top recommendations.
Luxury – $$$
For luxury travelers, Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico is a top choice. This incredible 5-star hotel has the BEST location since it’s right in the Zócalo – the main plaza in the city. This is a beautiful, historic hotel with a lobby that looks like it belongs in a movie! You’re within walking distance of so many of Mexico City’s best sights and the rooms are spacious. Plus, breakfast on the rooftop terrace is a highlight!
Rooms start at $200 USD per night, but you’ll save a lot on transportation costs since you can walk to so many amazing places! Book a room online here.
Mid-range – $$
Hotel MX Roma is a clean, medium-budget hotel in La Roma, close to shops, bars, and restaurants. It has both standard and family rooms equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen satellite TV. It offers a space with a terrace to enjoy with family or friends, private parking, a gym, free bikes, and 24-hour front desk service. It’s also an allergy-free property, so there’s no smoking and they use hypoallergenic products.
Rooms run $150 USD in peak season. However, you can snag one as cheap as $70 USD a night when you book in advance online!
Budget – $
For budget travelers, the Selina Hostel in downtown Mexico City is a great, well-known chain. I stayed here during one of my visits and loved the downtown location. Although the area may seem unsafe to some, it’s the Historic Center of Mexico City and where I spent most of my time. They have a common area, pool table, board games, and a bar – so it’s easy to meet others. If working remotely, there’s also a coworking space for an extra fee.
Bunk beds cost around $25 USD, and private rooms start at $80 USD. If you’re traveling on a budget, you can book Selina Hostel online through Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Mexico in 2019, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense). There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend.
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japanese and Chinese, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
If you love history, culture, or architecture, Teotihuacan is a must! We loved exploring these ancient ruins and learned a lot about Mexico in the process. However, the ruins are so expansive and outside the city, which is why we always recommend a guided tour. As such, we hope this list has helped you find one that suits your needs!
If you enjoyed this article, check out our other blogs about Mexico. This country has everything from beautiful beaches to cities packed with culture. To give you an idea, we’ve linked to some related reads below. Thanks for reading!
10 Things to Know BEFORE Booking a Taco Tour in Mexico City
Guide to Visiting the BEST Waterfalls in Palenque