From happy customers

Loved by 43 million+
Mitchell Josvai
US

Mitchell

United States
Aug 2025
5/5

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The early tour is a great experience. The bus ride is smooth and they make a stop so that you may use the restroom and grab a snack or coffee. There are no crowds whatsoever when you arrive, which makes for some excellent photos. Lots of time spent at the pyramids, including climbing them, which was amazing. Lunch is not included but is at a spot that we really enjoyed. We felt that we had ample time and were not rushed, but still made it back to CDMX by 3 pm.
Gaspar Saul Cristobal Lucas
US

Gaspar

United States
Aug 2025
5/5

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Karen and Guillermo were great! Karen made our experience fun! She was very knowledgeable about the pyramids and was able to answer our questions. They both were a great vibe and had great laughs. Our group was small that day so the experience felt more personal. We visited the plaza of 3 cultures, the pyramids, and checked out a small cave. Definitely would recommend the Prehispanic Small Group Tour as it did take up our morning and into a bit after lunch time, and we were still able to go explore Mexico City afterwards which was good!
Ruy Noya
CA

Ruy

Canada
Aug 2025
5/5

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Robert and Lili were very professional and demonstrated an unsurpassed level of knowledge, they took care of the group, especially us who were always late. A thousand thanks to both of them and to the driver for his great skill. The food at Rancho Azteca was spectacular.
Joan B Griswold
US

Joan

United States
Mar 2024
5/5
Our guide Lily and driver Francisco were excellent. Both were friendly. Lily was most knowledgeable and recommend her most enthusiastically.
Philip Blair

Philip

Mar 2021
4/5
Had a great time at this tour and loved the liqueur tasting with a local Teotihuacan family. We tasted a variety of liqueurs such as tequila, mezcal, etc and all these were made from a cactus. It tasted amazing!
Genny Saenz

Genny

Apr 2021
5/5
Just mindblowing! I had so much fun today , the guide was amazing and knew so much about the various places. It did not even cost that much and we went to three major sites all in one day! The lunch was amazing too. Great initiative.
Chere Ruffin

Chere

Mar 2021
4/5
Had a great day. We went to three places , my favourite was the city of gods. The scenery from there is beautiful. I could have stayed there for hours. The guide is really nice and knowledgable.
Mark Hamidi
CA

Mark

Canada
Oct 2023
4/5
The two day tour was very informative. 1st day was a very well organized tour of Teotihuacan. Lunch was not included in the price but the place for lunch was an authentic experience with decent food. Our English speaking tour guide Gerson was very knowledgeable and also very funny. We only wish he spoke a little slower and more clearly as it was sometimes very hard to understand him and what he is saying. Day 2 was a private tour of National Museum of Anthropology and the historic centre of Mexico City, including Templo Mayor Museum. Our guide Emmanuel was absolutely fantastic and super knowledgeable and well spoken. Highly recommend Emmanuel. Our only issue with Day 2 tour was it was none stop walking and standing from 9am to 2pm without even a break for lunch or some snacks etc. so we were extremely tired and hungry by the end of the tour. So our only suggestion is to include a lunch or rest period with some food and drinks in Day 2 tour of Mexico City. Other than that great tour altogether and we would recommend taking this tour as you learn a lot about the history of Mexico in general and particularly about Teotihuacan, Mayan and Aztec civilizations.

Top things to do in Mexico City

See one of Mexico’s most sacred pilgrimage sites

The Guadalupe Shrine, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is one of the most visited Catholic sites in the world. Pilgrims come here to see the image of the Virgin Mary said to have appeared to Saint Juan Diego in 1531.

How to access the Guadalupe Shrine

The Guadalupe Shrine sits about 30 minutes north of central Mexico City and is often visited as part of full-day Teotihuacán tours. You’ll find it in the Villa de Guadalupe district, at the foot of Tepeyac Hill.

Access to the shrine is not automatically included in standard Teotihuacán entry tickets. You’ll need to book a combo tour that includes both Teotihuacán and the Basilica of Guadalupe, these usually start and end in Mexico City, with transport and a bilingual guide.

Entry to the shrine is free, but guided tours or combo tickets add context and comfort through transportation, explanations, and optional mezcal or tequila tastings along the way.

Why visit the Guadalupe Shrine?

The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is far more than a stop on your Teotihuacán tour, it’s one of the world’s most powerful symbols of faith and Mexican identity. Whether you’re religious or not, it’s a place that moves everyone who walks through it. Here’s why you shouldn’t skip it:

Spiritual significance

Believed to be the site where the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego in 1531, the shrine draws over 20 million pilgrims a year. Even non-Catholic visitors often describe the atmosphere as deeply emotional.

Home of the miraculous tilma

Inside the modern basilica, you’ll see Juan Diego’s cloak bearing the miraculous image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, one of the most venerated religious artifacts in the Americas.

Two eras, side by side

Explore the contrast between the Old Basilica (1709), a baroque treasure that leans slightly due to soft ground, and the new basilica (1974), a circular modern structure that can host over 10 000 people at once.

Art and architecture

Admire giant mosaics, marble altars, and a roof design shaped like a tent, meant to represent shelter for all.

Festivals and pilgrimages

If you visit around December 12 (Feast Day), expect thousands of dancers, mariachi bands, and candlelight processions, an unforgettable cultural experience.

Things to know before booking Guadalupe Shrine tickets

  • Not every Teotihuacán ticket includes entry or time at the Guadalupe Shrine. You’ll need to choose a tour that lists the Basilica or Shrine stop in the itinerary.
  • Tickets that include shrine access, like Teotihuacán, Guadalupe Shrine & Tlatelolco full-day tour and Hot air balloon ride with Basilica visit usually combine it with Tlatelolco and Teotihuacán, giving you a complete look at Mexico’s pre-Hispanic and colonial heritage.
  • As the shrine is an active place of worship, modest clothing is required. Sleeveless tops and short shorts are discouraged. Photography is allowed, but flash use and loud commentary are not.
  • Visiting hours are generally from 6am to 8pm, though mass times can affect entry to the inner chapel. During festivals like December 12 (Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe), expect large crowds and limited access to the altar area.

Your Guadalupe Shrine ticket types explained

TypeTransport IncludedAccess to ShrineWhat You’ll LoveKeep in Mind
Full-day tour

✔️ Shared round-trip transport from Mexico City

✅ Guided entry to all three sites

One seamless day covering ancient ruins, colonial churches, and sacred shrines

Early start (7–8am); group tour pacing

Hot air balloon ride

✔️ Shared van from central pickup points

✅ Visit to the shrine after balloon landing

Sunrise flight, sparkling wine toast, and a spiritual finish at the Basilica

Requires 5am pickup; weather-dependent flight

Historical and cultural significance of the Guadalupe Shrine

The shrine is Mexico’s most important Catholic symbol. Built on a former Aztec temple site, it represents a powerful mix of indigenous and Spanish beliefs. The Virgin of Guadalupe became a symbol of Mexican identity, resistance, and faith, especially during the independence movement. Today, it remains a vital spiritual, cultural, and national icon.

Read more on Teotihuacán & Shrine history

Know before you visit Guadalupe Shrine

The Guadalupe Shrine is open daily from 6am to 8pm, including Sundays.

If you plan to attend a Mass, arrive early, morning Masses start as early as 6am, and the Basilica fills up fast.

Feast days, especially December 12 (the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe), are extremely crowded and may have restricted access in certain areas.

During religious holidays, the shrine remains open later to accommodate pilgrims.

Tip: If you’re visiting as part of a combo tour with Teotihuacán, your guide will usually schedule the Basilica stop for late afternoon, after exploring the pyramids.

  • The Guadalupe Shrine is located in northern Mexico City, about 40 minutes from Teotihuacán and 20 minutes from the city center.
  • Address: Plaza de las Américas 1, Villa de Guadalupe, Gustavo A. Madero, Mexico City.
  • The site includes both the Old Basilica (Templo Expiatorio a Cristo Rey) and the New Basilica, where the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe is housed.
  • If you’re traveling independently, the nearest metro stop is La Villa-Basílica (Line 6), from there, it’s a 5-minute walk to the entrance.

Tip: If you’re joining a guided tour, pickup points are usually Hostal Amigo (Calle Isabel La Católica 61-A) or MIGA Café (Calle Liverpool 174).

  • While there isn’t a strict dress code, this is an active religious site, so visitors are expected to dress respectfully.
  • Avoid sleeveless tops, mini shorts, or beachwear.
  • Hats should be removed inside the basilica.
  • Photography is restricted near the sacred image.
  • If you’re attending Mass, bring a light jacket or shawl, the interiors can be cool due to air circulation.

Tip: On hot days, wear breathable clothing and carry a small scarf to cover your shoulders when entering the main hall.

  • The new Basilica is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators leading to viewing platforms.
  • The Old Basilica, built in the 18th century, has uneven floors and steps, so access may be limited for those with mobility issues.
  • Accessible restrooms are available near the main entrance, and staff are helpful if you need assistance.

Tip: Inform your guide in advance if you require accessibility support; most tours can adjust accordingly.

  • Most people only see the new one, but the Old Basilica, slightly tilted from age, is worth a peek, it shows how Mexico City’s soil has shifted over centuries.
  • To see the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, stand on the conveyor belt below the altar. It helps manage the flow of visitors and ensures everyone gets a clear view.
  • The Feast Day of the Virgin draws millions of visitors. It’s a breathtaking sight but extremely crowded, so avoid it if you prefer quieter exploration.
  • The complex has seven chapels, gardens, and museums, including the Capilla del Cerrito, marking where the Virgin appeared. Don’t rush through; give yourself at least 1.5 hours to truly explore.
  • Card payments aren’t accepted for small vendors or souvenir stands. If you want to light a candle, leave an offering, or buy local crafts, keep small pesos handy.

Frequently asked questions about Guadalupe Shrine tickets

Is the Guadalupe Shrine inside the Teotihuacán archaeological site?

No, it is in northern Mexico City, often visited before or after Teotihuacán on full-day tours.

Can I visit the shrine without a guide?

Yes, entry is free. But if you're short on time or want deeper context, choose a guided combo tour.

Is the shrine accessible for wheelchairs or elderly visitors?

The main basilica is accessible. The hilltop chapel involves stairs and may be difficult for some.

Are there special events or days to avoid?

Avoid December 12, when over 10 million pilgrims gather. Also avoid Sundays if you’re not attending Mass.

How much time should I spend at the shrine during my tour?

Most guided visits last 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you explore solo, budget around 1.5 hours.

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