Pyramids of Teotihuacan

A 'must-do' when visiting Mexico City is the archaeological site of Teotihuacan, located around 25 miles north east of the city. Contrary to common belief, the site actually pre-dates the Aztecs, perhaps even by a thousand years. The Aztecs did however take over the city and settle here, claiming it as there own.

The city was thought to have been established around 200 BC, lasting until its fall sometime between the 7th and 8th centuries AD. At its zenith in the first half of the 1st millennium AD, Teotihuacan was the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas. At this time it may have had more than 200,000 inhabitants, placing it among the largest cities of the world in this period.

Teotihuacan contains some of the largest pyramid structures built in the pre-Columbian Americas, notable among which are the the Pyramid of the Sun, Moon and Quetzalcoati. It is also known for its large residential complexes, the Avenue of the Dead, and numerous colourful and well-preserved murals.