Things To Do
in San Martín de las Pirámides
San Martín de las Pirámides is a small municipality in the State of Mexico, located just northeast of the Teotihuacan corridor. It serves as a welcoming base for travelers exploring Teotihuacan while retaining a rural, sunlit charm in its plazas and markets. The town blends traditional crafts, approachable eateries, and easy access to extensive plains and nearby hills.
Visitors come for archaeology, photography, and day trips into the surrounding countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at San Martín de las Pirámides and check into your chosen accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the quaint streets and immerse yourself in the local culture. Enjoy a traditional Mexican breakfast at a nearby café, savoring dishes like chilaquiles and tamales.
Visit the stunning Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan, just a short distance away. Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the archaeological site and surrounding landscape. Take your time exploring the ancient ruins, absorbing the rich history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Return to San Martín de las Pirámides and dine at a local restaurant, choosing from an array of delicious Mexican cuisines. After dinner, consider joining a guided night tour that shares intriguing legends about the pyramids. Wind down with a nightcap at a cozy bar, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the town.
Start your day with a traditional breakfast at the market, blending in with locals while sampling fresh tortillas and fruits. Afterward, visit a local artisan shop to witness skilled craftsmen at work, creating beautiful handmade goods. Don’t forget to interact and learn about their techniques and traditions.
Explore the vibrant local market, where you can find everything from handicrafts to fresh produce. Interact with vendors, taste street food, and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs. After shopping, visit the nearby Cholula Church to appreciate its baroque architecture and scenic views.
Enjoy a relaxing evening at a nearby plaza, surrounded by live music and the laughter of locals. Sample more street food while watching cultural performances that might be taking place. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk, taking in the starry sky above San Martín de las Pirámides.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🚌Local transportation (one-way) | $0.25-0.60 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $25-60 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🫖Water bottle | $0.5-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Teotihuacan ruins and easy day trips
- Affordable accommodations and dining options
- Authentic local culture with accessible crafts and markets
- Scenic countryside and photographic opportunities
- Limited nightlife compared to big cities
- English widely spoken only in tourist hubs
- Weekend traffic to Teotihuacan can be heavy
- Healthcare options are more limited than in larger cities
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Puede ayudarme, por favor?" - Could you help me, please?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Una cerveza, por favor" - A beer, please
Places to Visit in San Martín de las Pirámides
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic perspective with the pyramid rising above the tree line; best at sunrise or late afternoon for softer light.
Rough-hewn stone textures and distant pyramids provide striking contrasts for architectural photography.
Colorful storefronts and activity around the central plaza create vibrant street photography opportunities.
A quiet vantage point for wide-angle shots of the pyramids framed by town life.
Clear nights offer starry skies with the silhouette of pyramids; ideal for long exposure shots.
Food in San Martín de las Pirámides
San Martín de las Pirámides Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thick corn masa ovals stuffed with beans and topped with cheese, cilantro, and salsa; widely found at mercados and street stalls.
Must-Try!
Marinated pork tacos served on warm tortillas with cilantro, onion, and salsa; a staple at taquerías throughout the region.
Slow-roasted lamb (borrego) with bold spices; often enjoyed with fresh salsa and tortillas.
Corn flour tortillas filled with huitlacoche (corn fungus) and cheese; a distinctive, earthy regional specialty.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market offering fresh produce, regional snacks, and everyday essentials; a great place to sample elotes, esquites, and aguas frescas.
Markets near the Teotihuacan site with crafts, coffee, and quick meals; ideal for picking up souvenirs and trying street bites.
Rotating vendors selling tacos, quesadillas, sopes, and grilled corn; look for vendors with fresh ingredients and clean prep areas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with 'Buenos días/tardes' and use 'Señor/Señora' when addressing adults. A handshake is common in formal settings; a light nod or smile is fine in casual encounters.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or archaeological areas; speak softly and avoid loud behavior near sacred spaces.
Ask for permission before photographing people, especially children or elders; a polite '¿Puedo tomar una foto?' is appropriate.
Use polite phrases like 'por favor' and 'gracias'; avoid confrontations in crowded markets and trains; help others with a calm demeanor.
Safety
Tipping in San Martín de las Pirámides
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is customary if service is not included. Round up small-change tips for quick service in cafés or street stalls. For taxi drivers and local guides, small tips are appreciated at the end of the service.
Cash (Mexican pesos) is widely accepted; many shops and mercados also take cards, but small vendors may be cash-only. ATMs are common in towns near Teotihuacan, and many places prefer cash for shorter purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with periodic afternoon showers; stay hydrated, wear a hat, and carry a light rain layer. Early mornings are cooler and excellent for outdoor photography and site visits.
Warm days with cooler evenings; generally comfortable for walking and exploring sites. Occasional rain can occur, so keep a lightweight umbrella handy.
Milder daytime temperatures but potential chilly nights; layers are essential. Dry, sunny days are common, though mornings can be foggy near the site.
Pleasant weather with warming temperatures; great for outdoor activities and photography. Expect fresh greenery and vibrant skies.
San Martín de las Pirámides at Night
Hiking in San Martín de las Pirámides
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A modest ascent offering panoramic views of the valley and the Teotihuacan area; suitable for a half-day hike.
A gentle rural loop through olive groves and farmland with pastoral scenery and occasional shaded spots for breaks.
Short trails and overlooks that provide sweeping shots of the pyramid complex from higher ground.
Airports
How to reach San Martín de las Pirámides by plane.
Major international gateway providing extensive connections; typical transfer routes to Teotihuacán and San Martín de las Pirámides involve road travel via highways.
Regional airport offering some domestic and limited international flights; alternative gateway to the central region when flying locally.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Indigenous and Mestizo communities, with a strong tradition of crafts and family-centered daily life.
People who cultivate crops and produce crafts that reflect regional culture, contributing to the town’s markets and shops.
People employed in guiding, hospitality, and retail related to Teotihuacan and the surrounding area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Dominant sport across the region with local amateur clubs and community fields.
Popular in various towns in central Mexico, especially during local festivals and school events.
Horseback riding traditions and equestrian demonstrations are part of rural celebrations in nearby areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Martín de las Pirámides.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many staple dishes can be prepared vegetarían; request beans, cheese, rice, and vegetables without lard or meat stock. When in doubt, ask for 'sin carne' and 'sin caldo de pollo' and favor vegetables, grains, and cheese-based plates.