Teotihuacan Pyramids in Mexico City

I began emailing a private tour guide to assist with transportation to the Teotihuacan Pyramids located in the State of Mexico. The cost of the tour was $130 USD or $2200 Pesos, in addition to the cost of entrance fees. Scheduled pickup time was 8 am. At 8:30 am the tour guide had not shown up at the Hostel. While emailing him, he had not provided a direct telephone number. I decided to search Tripadvisor for additional information about the tour guide. Someone had written a review and included his telephone number. I crossed my fingers and hoped that the telephone number provided was still working. Jorge answered the phone and stated that he never received a confirmation email but he would see if another guide was available. Although we had a miscommunication, he was able to send another person to take me on the tour. It is to be noted that you can take public transportation to the pyramids for a much cheaper fee. I hired a private tour guide because I had to be at the airport after completing the tour.

Before heading to the pyramids, we stopped to eat breakfast at Burger King. With limited Spanish speaking skills, I ordered a breakfast sandwich. The cashier said “frijoles,” I said “No Papa Fritas” and we both smiled as if we understood each other. Apparently, we did not understand each other very well. After getting in the car, I opened up my croissant ham sandwich and noticed that it had mashed beans on the bread. I love beans but I prefer them on the side and not on a sandwich.

During the hour long car ride he pointed out landmarks such as urban cable cars located in Ecaptepec, colorfully painted houses and we discussed the safety of Mexico city due to increased security and video cameras located throughout the city.

We arrived at the Teotihuacan pyramids aka the place where Gods were created). It is usually a self-guided tour and free for residents on Sunday. My tour guide was a student of the professor Rubén Cabrera, a Mexican archaeologist. As a result, he was able to provide additional information about how the pyramids were reconstructed.

We saw the sun pyramids and the moon pyramids. It takes 240-250 steps to walk to the top of the Sun Pyramid. You have to stand in line at certain sections of the pyramid due to the large crowds and the stairs are fairly tiny. I would suggest making sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen. Unfortunately, I was unable to walk to the top due to time constraints, but I must return to conquer the stairs and see the beautiful views from above.

Lovely Couple from Chicago, who I met at Ranchos Las Cascadas the day before. 

Pyramid of the Moon 

Pyramid of the Sun

HOW

HIGH 

CAN YOU

JUMP?

 

After leaving the pyramids we went to another site. They talked about the Maguey or agave plant. The Maguey plant makes Pulque juice which is a milky colored substance. We were allowed to sample, it wasn’t very tasty but it has great health benefits. In addition, the leaves can be turned into a needle and thread. The plant is turned into thread by tearing the leaves apart and the needle is made from the pointy edge. The flowers are used to make coloring for the quilts that are woven together using a machine.

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Stones & Carvings

Finished Product 

Do you make sure that you speak to other people of the same race while traveling? There is a myth that African Americans don’t travel. While at the center I noticed another African American woman on tour. I immediately spoke and we embraced each other like we were old girlfriends. How do others respond when you greet them?