Mexico - A few MEX -> Teotihuacan Questions

I searched a few older threads on going to the pyramids and got some great info - thanks FT! We've got about 8 hours on the ground (layover between LIM and ORD) and want to do something besides sitting in the airport. I don't mind if after factoring in all the transportation via the Metro and Autobus if we only have 1.5 to 2 hours on-site at the Teotihuacan.

Just a couple questions I wasn't able to find answers to:

1. How long does it take to ride the metro from the Airport to Autobus Station Del Norte (where I think the buses depart from)?

2. If we were to exchange some currency stateside in order to make our time more efficient once we're on the ground, what's a reasonable amount to change that would cover the subway, bus ticket(s), maybe light lunch? About USD$30?


This is a rough sketch of what our schedule looks like right now:

07:00 Arrive MEX
07:30 Check bags into return flight to ORD
08:00 Get on Metro (rail/subway) to Autobus Station Del Norte
08:30 Arrive Autobus Station Del Norte
08:45 Get on "Los Piramides" bus from Gate 8 of Terminal Del Norte
09:45 Arrive at Teotihuacán
09:45 - 11:30 EXPLORE TEOTIHUACAN
11:30 Back on Bus to Autobus Station Del Norte
12:30 Metro back to Airport
13:00 Arrive back at Airport
15:00 Depart MEX

Are there any possible problems with this schedule?

Portions of the post that previously appeared in this space have been deleted. I would provide you with a reason why, but doing so would likely be against the TOS.

Looks risky to me.... especially knowing that traffic in MEX (and getting in/out) could be hectic.

Let us know if you made it, as it seems like an 'Amazing Race' run to me :D

Good luck!

With 8 hours, you may want to consider visiting the National Museum of Anthropology (http://gomexico.about.com/od/sights/p/anthro_museum.htm) instead.

1. easy access via subway from the airport
2. indoor activity in case it is a rainy day
3. more wiggle room in your schedule (delayed flight, nice lunch, etc)

Looks risky to me.... especially knowing that traffic in MEX (and getting in/out) could be hectic.


Perhaps understated??
The worst in western hemisphere bar none.

Another vote for the National Museum of Antropology, it was really worth ($4.80USD) the vist, a highlight of my trip to MEX.

dan

I guess I'll fly in to NYC on the redeye and spend most of the day, and take the late afternoon flight back to SFO so I can get to know NYC... ;)

Absolutely NOT a good idea - as others have said, and I do not intend this as a personal comment (other than on the idea itself) perhaps one of the worst I have seen in some time.

If Teotihuacan is a goal, hire a car and pay the pesos to drive to Teotihuacan and visit - have lunch at the Hotel Villa Arqueologica (http://www.teotihuacaninfo.com/englishmain.html) or in the site restaurant (early before the crowds) and get back to the airport.

Better yet, get yourself downtown to the spectacular and educational INAH Museo Nacional de Antropología (http://www.mna.inah.gob.mx/) on Reforma (at Gandhi.) One can easily spend all day there, and learn about the many cultures of Mexico.



09:45 - 11:30 EXPLORE TEOTIHUACAN

As I just visited Teotihuacan two days ago, I know can say with first-hand knowledge that your "quickie" itinerary is doomed.

From the W Hotel in the Polanco district, it still took my driver just shy of two hours to reach Teotihuacan. Traffic in and around Mexico City is breathtakingly heavy.

Also, spending less than two hours at Teotihuacan wold be a shame. There is so much to explore, climb and see!

...but with more time.

I have a bit of a longer layover. 15 hours. Arrive 5:30 and depart 20:30. Would Teotihuacán and the Pyramids be possible?

Is the best route still MEX>> (on Metro to)>>Autobus Station Del Norte>> (in collectivo to)>>Teotihuacán?

Thanks!

...but with more time.

I have a bit of a longer layover. 15 hours. Arrive 5:30 and depart 20:30. Would Teotihuacán and the Pyramids be possible?

Is the best route still MEX>> (on Metro to)>>Autobus Station Del Norte>> (in collectivo to)>>Teotihuacán?

Thanks!

It should be quite possible. I doubt there are any new routes, so that one looks good. I suspect having a driver for the day might be very convenient, though. Then you could probably manage more than just Teotihuacan.

Would day of week matter? Will be arriving from EZE at 6am on a Sunday and onward flight is 5p.

Where does one hire a (chauffeured) car from and how much?