Teotihuacan

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is commonly visited on day trips from nearby Mexico City. See the pyramids from above on a sunrise hot-air balloon ride before exploring the ruins on the ground, or opt for an early-morning tour with an archaeologist to learn the site's history and avoid the crowds that descend later in the day. Teotihuacán highlights include the Moon Plaza, the Sun Pyramid, the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl (the feathered serpent).

• Teotihuacán is a must-see for history buffs and those interested in indigenous cultures.

• The steep climb to the top of the Sun Pyramid includes more than 200 steps so requires a reasonable level of fitness.

• Though the pyramids are not wheelchair accessible, the site itself and the restrooms are.

• The site is closed on Mondays, and Mexican residents receive free admission on Sundays.

• On weekends and holidays, a trolley takes visitors from the entry booths to various stops within the site for a small fee.

Located about 30 miles (50 kilometers) northeast of Mexico City, Teotihuacán is accessible by the scenic but long 132D, a winding freeway that can take well over an hour, and 85D, a toll road that will usually get you to the pyramids in about 50 minutes. It's also easy and convenient to take a bus from the Terminal Central del Norte in Mexico City; buses leave at least hourly and are geared toward tourists with limited Spanish skills.

Since locals receive free admission on Sundays, expect more crowds then. Popular Mexican public holidays, such as Independence Day (September 16), the week of Easter, and All Saints Day (November 1) also tend to attract more visitors. In general, in order to beat the crowds, arrive in the early morning either on a private tour or on your own.

About a 50-minute drive from Teotihuacán, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe) is the most-visited religious site in Latin America. In 1531, a man professed to see a vision of the Virgin Mary at the site, and a second image is said to have appeared on his cloak. Millions of worshippers come to the basilica every year to see this sacred cloth, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Day is celebrated December 12.

The Teotihuacan pyramids form part of the remnants of a powerful Mesoamerican city, the origins of which remain a mystery to this day. Contrary to common belief, they were not built by the Aztecs but the Aztecs were the ones who named the site Teotihuacan.

Not at present. There are currently restrictions on climbing the Teotihuacan pyramids, which have previously been accessible to visitors. It's not clear whether these restrictions will remain in place temporarily or permanently so plan accordingly when visiting Teotihuacan.

Teotihuacan is home to two pyramids: the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest of the two.

Teotihuacan is a vast site with little to no shade, so wear light layers, comfortable shoes, and a hat to protect you from the beating sun. Taking both sunscreen and water is also recommended.

Yes, there are public bathrooms available at Teotihuacan, but only near the access points and not in the main site itself.

Teotihuacan is open daily from 9am. It's worth arriving earlier than that if you plan to buy your tickets on the day, as lines can be long.