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Want to know what the best tours to Teotihuacan from Mexico City are? Well, I’ve got you covered!
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Teotihuacan multiple times thanks to friends who love to visit me while I’m in Mexico (can you blame them?) Over those visits, I’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 7 best tours to these magnificent ancient ruins, including my top tour (which helps avoid the crowds) based on my experience of visiting Teotihuacan. I also break down the types of tours that visit Teotihuacan, which you can use to see and do a ton more!
- Our TOP PICK for a Teotihuacan Tour from Mexico City
- The Best Teotihuacan Tours from Mexico City
- 1. Teotihuacan Early Access Tour with Tequila Tasting (Best Tour Overall)
- 2. Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine, Tlatelolco, and Tequila Tasting Tour (Best Budget Tour)
- 3. Small-Group Teotihuacan Pyramids from Mexico City (Best for Families)
- 4. Teotihuacan Private Tour from Mexico City (Top Reviewed Private Tour)
- 5. Private Tour: Teotihuacan and Guadalupe Shrine (Best for History Buffs)
- 6. Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan from Mexico City (Best for Thrill Seekers)
- 7. Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacán + Breakfast in a natural cave (Best for Couples)
- Other Activities to do While in Mexico City
- Where to Stay in Mexico City
- Renting a Car in Mexico
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Our TOP PICK for a Teotihuacan Tour from Mexico City
Teotihuacan is incredible, but a lot of people have this place on their bucket list! To avoid the crowds, I highly suggest booking this early access tour.
You’re one of the first visitors through the gates right when the site opens. Plus, the guide is an archeologist, so you’ll learn about the significance and history of this amazing place from someone who is passionate about it. We learned a ton from our guide!
All entrance fees, transportation, and even a tequila tasting are included for under $50 USD when you book online here.
The Best Teotihuacan Tours from Mexico City
1. Teotihuacan Early Access Tour with Tequila Tasting (Best Tour Overall)
The earlier you go to Teotihuacan, the better! When 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. You can check out the list of meeting points online here. But basically, 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!).
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 hopped back on the bus … because, at this point, it was time for some tequila tasting! After all, it was almost noon.
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 eat delicious Mexican cuisine. However, meals aren’t included – so bring cash!
For the early-access tour, you have a few options. The monolingual (English or Spanish only) group tour costs $48 USD per person, while the bilingual tour (English and Spanish simultaneously) costs $45 USD per person. This price includes the entrance fee, guide, transport, and tequila tasting.
The whole trip is about 8 hours, so it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. I’d also bring money for any souvenirs and food.
I really enjoyed this tour – and loved the quieter morning experience. If you think you would too, check availability and book this tour online here!
2. Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine, Tlatelolco, and Tequila Tasting Tour (Best Budget Tour)
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!
Your 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, you’ll get 1.5 hours to see the Basilica de Guadalupe, one of Mexico’s most important religious sites.
After a beautiful morning walking through all these sites, you’ll hop back on the bus and head to Tlacaelel. Here, you’ll see an authentic obsidian workshop followed by a tasting of tequila, mezcal, and pulque!
You’ll have one full hour to enjoy a meal at the Tlacaelel Restaurant, which serves authentic Mexican food (their sopes looked incredible!). However, lunch isn’t covered – so make sure to bring cash.
After lunch, your guide will take you through Teotihuacan down the famous Avenue of the Dead, stopping off at the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. You’ll also have an hour or so 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 those photos!
The shared tours cost $52 USD per person. This option includes pickup/drop-off at central meeting points, either near the Palace of Fine Arts or at Miga Cafe.
If you want more flexibility, there’s also a private tour option. This costs anywhere between $57-$340 USD per person, depending on the number of people in your party (15 people max). The private option has the added benefit of roundtrip transportation directly from your Mexico City hotel.
Either way, you can expect the tour to begin around 8 am and last 9 hours. Both options include a guide, entrance to Teotihuacan, Basilica de Guadalupe, and tequila tasting.
If you want to see multiple sights and taste some tequila, book this full-day tour online 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!
3. Small-Group Teotihuacan Pyramids from Mexico City (Best for Families)
If the thought of a huge group tour stresses you out – you’re not alone. That’s precisely why we love this small-group tour. It has a max of 20 people but is still easy on the wallet (at just $57 USD per person). Plus, it’s only 6 hours – so if you want a shorter day, this is the tour for you!
The coolest part of this tour? Going to Teotihuacan via public transport! Ok, you might be thinking, “No private air-conditioned ride?!” – but hear me out! Instead, you’ll meet your guide and group at 8 am at the Palacio de Bellas Artes and travel together to Teotihuacan. To find your guides, just look out for the pink shirts and umbrellas!
This small-group tour is a great intro to public transport in Mexico City. Although we found it easy to navigate the city’s transit system, having a guide made it even easier (especially if you don’t speak much Spanish!). Overall, it manages to feel like an authentic travel experience yet still prioritizes safety while traveling in Mexico City.
At Teotihuacan, you’ll get 3 hours to explore the grounds, including the Pyramids of the Sun, Moon, and Quetzalcoatl. This is the main focus of this tour, and you won’t be exploring other sights or stopping at any restaurants. As such, it’s best for those whose primary goal is seeing the archeological site – and who are curious about the local public transit!
Your guide, entry fee, and public transport costs are included. This tour is only offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. So if you’re craving an authentic, small-group experience, secure your spot online here!
4. Teotihuacan Private Tour from Mexico City (Top Reviewed Private Tour)
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!). We spent 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 $106-$120 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.
Overall, this private tour makes everything so easy! But it does sell out, so check availability and book your 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. Private Tour: Teotihuacan and Guadalupe Shrine (Best for History Buffs)
If you want a private tour that covers more than just Teotihuacan, opt for this half-day private tour. I love this option because you get to see Teotihuacan, Tlatelolco, and Guadalupe Shrine all in one day. It’s a well-rounded experience that covers everything from ancient times to modern-day Mexico.
First up is Tlatelolco, which is small (but significant!), so it’s only a quick 30-minute stop. Once upon a time, this was an important marketplace and part of the Aztec capital. You’ll see the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, where pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern cultures meet.
Afterward, you’ll spend an hour at the Basilica de Guadalupe. This is one of the most important Catholic Churches and pilgrimage sites in the entire world. It’s also a beautiful area to walk around and check out the plaza and its surrounding architecture.
You’ll make a local lunch stop. You can add lunch to your private tour for $20 USD per person. After you fuel up, you’ll head to my favorite part of the day, Teotihuacan!
You get 2 full hours to explore Teotihuacan. Your guide will take you to the Sun and Moon Pyramids, plus some of the lesser visited spots. When we first visited, you were allowed to climb the temples, but it’s prohibited now. Nevertheless, the views of these architectural feats are still extremely impressive from the ground up!
Of course, the beauty of this private tour is that you’re the boss, so there’s a little flexibility in the schedule. You can choose your pick-up time between 7 am and 10 am, and the whole tour lasts around 6 hours. Also, the guides are passionate about Mexican culture and history, and you’ll have ample opportunity to ask lots of questions.
Tours include your guide, roundtrip transportation from your hotel, water, entry fees, and travel insurance. It can cost between $60-$160 USD, depending on the number of people in your group. You can have up to 12 people per group – so grab some new travel buddies and get going!
To see three incredible sights in one day, book this private tour online here!
6. Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan from Mexico City (Best for Thrill Seekers)
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 breakfast 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, 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 two options for this flight. If you choose to include round-trip transport from Mexico City, it’s $190 USD a person. This tour lasts about 5 hours, and pick-up starts at 4 am. You can also do a 3-hour Teotihuacan tour (on foot!) for no extra cost, but you’ll have to pay the entry fee (85 MXN), so bring some cash along.
If you don’t need transportation, it’ll cost $165 USD a person. However, you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point by 6 am. The experience lasts 3 hours, and again, you can also explore Teotihuacan on foot afterward.
If you’re coming from Mexico City, we think it’s worth the extra money for transportation! You can always rent a car in Mexico. But at that hour, we’d rather sleep en route!
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, if you can’t reschedule, you’ll just be refunded!
If you’ve never been in a hot air balloon – this is your chance! Book an unforgettable flight over Teotihuacan here!
7. Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacán + Breakfast in a natural cave (Best for Couples)
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 6 am 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, you’ll have an optional 2 hours to explore Teotihuacan. The entry fee isn’t covered but only costs 85 MXN ($5 USD).
The entire tour costs $245 USD a person, including roundtrip transportation, your guide, the flight, breakfast, and the tequila tasting. It’s pricier than other tours on this list, but you get such a variety of incredible experiences! Plus, it’s still a deal considering some of the prices we’ve seen for hot air balloon rides in other countries.
If you’re looking for the ultimate Teotihuacan experience, this is it. So check availability and secure your spot 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.
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! The Condesa neighborhood has amazing taco stands and chocolatiers and Calle Regina is a pedestrian-only street filled with restaurants. For a broad sampling, I recommend 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.
- Buy some local souvenirs – If you want to go shopping or find some local souvenirs, head to the La Ciudadela Artisanal Market. This market showcases artists’ work from around the country for very affordable prices – and the selection is huge!
- Explore some museums – If you want a break from the sun, check out local museums. The Museo Soumaya houses over 66,000 pieces of artwork, while the Anthropology Museum gives you a window into Mexico’s ancient civilizations. You can also step inside the Frida Kahlo Museum, which is the renowned artist’s old home and features her original artwork.
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