A Layover Adventure: Climbing the Pyramids of Teotihuacán
In January 2009, with a 10-hour layover in Mexico City on my way to Tijuana from Panama, I decided to make the most of my time by visiting Teotihuacán. Taking a combination of metro and public bus from the airport, I found myself at one of the most impressive pyramid complexes in the Americas—a site that has fascinated historians for centuries.
A Civilization Lost in Time
Built around 100 AD, Teotihuacán thrived for centuries before mysteriously vanishing by the time the Aztecs arrived. Unlike many other ancient pyramid sites, the massive structures here can still be climbed, offering a unique and immersive experience.
An Uncommercialized Ruin
At the time of my visit, hot air balloon rides had yet to become popular, and the site felt oddly untouched by commercialization—exactly the way I hoped it would be. With no restrictions, I was free to explore and climb at my own pace.
New Age Rituals at the Summit
At the top of the Pyramid of the Sun, I encountered a group of new-age visitors, many wearing white tunics, meditating at the pyramid’s exact center, believing they were absorbing its spiritual energy. Some were foreigners, and I learned that on occasion, they even perform these rituals in the nude.
Teotihuacán exceeded my expectations—a spectacular, mysterious, and surprisingly peaceful escape, all within reach of the Mexico City airport.
View of huge complex Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan