See Teotihuacan during a Mexican vacation
2010-01-18
A vacation filled with surf sand and mixed drinks is the typical image of a
Mexican vacation. The county has gained a bit of a reputation for hard partying
holidays, but many travelers are more interested in exploring the culture and
history of the native peoples than sipping tequilas in a touristy taqueria. For
those adventurers seeking to catch a glimpse of Mexican culture, Teotihuacan is
an excellent first stop.
Translated as "the City of the Gods,"
Teotihuacan is an ancient archaeological site located 31 miles northeast of
Mexico City. The Aztec ruins date as far back as 500 BCE, yet remain in
impeccable shape despite being sacked, burnt and abandoned nearly 1,500 years
ago.
It serves as home for some of the largest ancient pyramids in the
world and was said to be the birthplace of modern astronomy, according to
Advantage Mexico.
Notable sites include the Pyramid of the Sun, the
Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl – a sacred temple adorned
with many stone dragons and embellishments as a tribute to the benevolent deity.
The historical complex also offers a variety of sights and tastes of the
ancient world through the Museo Teotihuacan exhibit and Restaurante la Gruta.