The butterfly tour of Mexico had ended but M and I still had 3 days to explore Mexico City. We decided to book a day's tour to see the pyramids at Teoticuacan. Probably the worse decision ever. We had calculated that booking a tour would be cheaper than getting a taxi to the site and we would also have the benefit of a guide. We were collected punctually then went to another hotel to collect a couple and finally our last pick up was a family of 3 who were 45 minutes late! The guide could speak English but the tour was in Spanish (we had asked for an English tour). He did move us to the seats behind him so he could give us a very short version of what he had told the others. The 8 hour tour comprised of a 45 min stop at a 'craft centre'; 1 hour 20 min stop for lunch at a restaurant catering for coach parties; 2 hours at Teoticuacan and 5 mins (yes 5 mins!) at the Basilica de Guadelupe - the largest Catholic church in Latin America.
I took this view of Mexico State from inside the mini bus. This is where many people who work in Mexico city live - including our guide with his 4th wife.
.jpg)
There are two large pyramids on this site, the pyramid of the moon and the pyramid of the sun. It seems there isn't a definitive answer as to who built these pyramids. That was the only information we received from the guide. Funny how it took him half an hour to tell the others on the trip the same information!
Climbing the Pyramid of the moon. You were only allowed to climb up to the first level.
Still able to get some great views even though it was only the first level.
Looking down on the Avenue of the dead.
Climbing the Pyramid of the Sun
View from the top of the Sun Pyramid.
Although we thought the tour couldn't get any worse we were wrong, as the guide sold the empty seats on the minibus to a group of Mexicans so they could get back into town and then the guide disappeared into the crowd! Do you think he knew there wouldn't be a tip forthcoming? A review of this memorable day is on Trip Advisor just in case anyone else is stupid enough to book.
There are two large pyramids on this site, the pyramid of the moon and the pyramid of the sun. It seems there isn't a definitive answer as to who built these pyramids. That was the only information we received from the guide. Funny how it took him half an hour to tell the others on the trip the same information!
Climbing the Pyramid of the moon. You were only allowed to climb up to the first level.
Looking down on the Avenue of the dead.
View from the top of the Sun Pyramid.
Although we thought the tour couldn't get any worse we were wrong, as the guide sold the empty seats on the minibus to a group of Mexicans so they could get back into town and then the guide disappeared into the crowd! Do you think he knew there wouldn't be a tip forthcoming? A review of this memorable day is on Trip Advisor just in case anyone else is stupid enough to book.
My goodness, that does sound disappointing. I'm impressed that you are still smiling in the photo. That said, the pyramids and the scenes around them were amazing to see. You learned a lesson for sure. Thanks for the warning for others who might be considering the same trip!
ReplyDeleteWhat a horrible experience! I'm glad you've written a review.
ReplyDeleteWhat a horrible experience! I'm glad you've written a review.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame but the pyramids do look interesting. I've only really put fairly positive reviews on Trip Advisor but I wouldn't hesitate to be very critical after an experience like yours.
ReplyDeleteWell it's good to know you are human and everything isn't always perfect, but what a drag! You still did get some good pictures though and you got home safe. The fist sentence really scared me a little as we hear some pretty awful stories about mexico. So sad.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the botched tour. But you got to see some really cool ruins!
ReplyDeleteThat's typical, happens in other countries too ! That's why I always prefer to explore alone if it is possible and look up the informations I need on Internet ! (not in Spanish) At least what you saw was beautiful ! What a bad experience !
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrible experience but at least you have seen the piramids.
ReplyDeleteI was at that pyramid many many years ago. I went with a few friends and learned as much as you did with your "guide." I was also struck by how many more people visited it than when I went thirty or so years ago!
ReplyDeleteSad to hear of your experience there in Mexico City. Dan got to visit that site when he was with the Baltimore Symphony and they went on tour to Mexico. I think then they got to go to the tip top. I hope the rest of your visit to Mexico City went well.
ReplyDeleteOh my were you ever miss treated! A sad things to do to travelers....I loved the pictures though. I have never been to the pyramids '.
ReplyDeleteAmazing place. I loved the 'photo of color'. I'm from El Paso, Texas, sister city to Juarez, Mexico. You can look across the river at the 'Colonias'...which looks just like that. Love the color, though hard to believe people live in America/the West on dirt streets without running water. Decades ago Mexico City had a horrendous air pollution problem. By these shots, they've evidently done a good job cleaning the city up.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots. Looks like a fantastic trip.
ReplyDeleteHahaha, I guess you won't EVER forget that tour!!!! Such amazing places to see, it's a shame the tour didn't match them - but it looks like you made your own fun!! Have a great weekend :D
ReplyDeleteSorry you had such a horrible time on the tour, but the place looks amazing. we get the benefit of your photos without the rest of the hassle.
ReplyDeleteWhat a bummer but we always hope for the best and sometimes these adventures just suck! I have a friend who is in Mexico and just posted about these pyramids. Fascinating!
ReplyDeleteA disappointing tour, but a fascinating site -- if only you could have understood the guide. At least you are still smiling!
ReplyDelete