Just 50 kilometers northeast of Mexico City lies Teotihuacan, one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the Americas. Built by a mysterious civilization that predates the Aztecs by centuries, this ancient metropolis was once home to over 100,000 people and ranked among the largest cities in the world during its peak around 450 AD. The colossal Pyramid of the Sun — the third-largest pyramid on Earth — rises 65 meters above the surrounding plain, while the slightly smaller Pyramid of the Moon anchors the northern end of the grand Avenue of the Dead, a 2.5-kilometer ceremonial boulevard lined with smaller temples and palatial compounds.

The scale of Teotihuacan is staggering and best appreciated from the summit of either pyramid, where the entire city plan unfolds beneath you with the distant peaks of the Sierra Madre on the horizon. The Temple of the Feathered Serpent, adorned with elaborate carved heads of Quetzalcoatl, showcases the artistic sophistication of its builders. Recent discoveries, including a tunnel sealed for nearly 2,000 years beneath the temple, continue to reveal secrets about this enigmatic culture whose very name — given by the Aztecs — means “the place where the gods were created.”

Pro tip: Arrive right when the gates open at 9:00 AM and head directly to the Pyramid of the Moon first, as most tour groups start at the Sun pyramid. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen — there is virtually no shade on the site, and the climb up the pyramids is steep and exposed.