Mexico City North East Area, Mexiko City

North East Mexico City Area is delimited by Azcapotzalco borough as the west limit and the Airport Zone and the Highway to Puebla City as the east limit. The two most distinctive attractions that tourists should considered in their plans when visiting this area of the city are the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Guadalupe and, a few kilometers northbound, the ancient city of Teotihuacan. Whereas the latter represents the most visited archaeological site by tourism in Mexico, the former is the center of faith for millions of Mexicans and Latinamericans.

The tradition of the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Guadalupe started in the sixteenth century when an indigenous man named Juan Diego had a vision or Epiphany of Virgin Mary in 1531. From then on began a conversion of thousands of Indians to Catholicism. Nowadays, millions worship Virgin Mary through this Mexican symbol known as Virgin of Guadalupe.

The road to the sanctuary was built on the water before the sixteenth century. During Colonial times, two other roads connected the site; one was to recreate the mysteries according to the Catholic Church; the second one got the name of Guadalupe Road.

Today there are two buildings in the site. The new one houses the image of the virgin. The elder features baroque style forms, volcanic red stone, and colored tiles.

The new building, built by architect Ramirez Vazquez, and known as the new Basilica, is large enough to receive thousands of worshipers. Electric walkways beneath the altar allow pilgrims to approach to the image while praying.

December 12th. marks the date for Guadalupe festivities. It is the time when millions of pilgrims come to the sanctuary from different states of Mexico and other countries to celebrate this event.

Tourists should also visit the museum, next to the old church, where a large collection of religious art is exhibited.

To reach the sanctuary coming from downtown by metro or public collective system, take Line 3 at Hidalgo station and transfer with Line 6 at Deportivo 18 de Marzo to the next station, which is Basilica. From there you just have to walk 2 blocks.

Only 50 km. from Mexico City downtown, and within the state of Mexico, is the ancient city of Teotihuacan. It is the most visited of Mexico’s archaeological sites and a must-see when visiting the country´s capital city.

Visitors are amazed by the appearance of this ancient city, where the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon stand out for its size, together with the 4 km. road that links them, known as the Road of the Dead.

It its recommended not to miss the well preserved murals in the Palace of the Jaguars and the sculptures in the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.

At its boom, Teotihuacan was a city of over one hundred thousand people and it is considered one of the largest city in the ancient world. According to archaeologist, this civilization started around the second century B. C. and lasted through the year 700 A.C.

Teotihuacan or City of the Gods had a great cultural influence on the rest of the societies of the valley of Mexico. It extended for almost a millennium and it is considered a key reference to understand the history of Central American civilizations.

To get to Teotihuacan, Teotihuacan busline leaves the North Terminal of the city about every half hour.

Another option is to get a tour. Most travel agencies offer half or full day tours including the Three Cultures Square Downtown Mexico City, and the Basilica of Guadalupe.

If you rather drive, the site is about 50 minutes to one hour from Mexico City Downtown. Private tours with a car and driver/guide can be arranged at most hotels for a reasonable price.