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.
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.
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.
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:
Type | Transport Included | Access to Shrine | What You’ll Love | Keep 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 |
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.
No, it is in northern Mexico City, often visited before or after Teotihuacán on full-day tours.
Yes, entry is free. But if you're short on time or want deeper context, choose a guided combo tour.
The main basilica is accessible. The hilltop chapel involves stairs and may be difficult for some.
Avoid December 12, when over 10 million pilgrims gather. Also avoid Sundays if you’re not attending Mass.
Most guided visits last 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you explore solo, budget around 1.5 hours.
Included with some Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone tickets
Timings
RECOMMENDED DURATION
5+ hours
Get picked up, travel in comfort & let expert guides bring Mexico’s past to life!
Inclusions
Entry to Teotihuacán archaeological site
Guided tour of Teotihuacán & its pyramids
Entry to the Basilica of Guadalupe
Guided visit to Tlatelolco’s Plaza of the Three Cultures
Professional English/Spanish Guide
Round-trip transportation from Mexico City
Hotel pickup & drop-off (as per option selected)
Exclusions
Experience Teotihuacán at its most serene—choose a sunrise visit or a golden-hour exploration.
Inclusions
Flexible tour options: Early morning or afternoon (as per option selected)
Round-trip transportation from Mexico City (as per option selected)
Entry to Teotihuacán Pyramids
Fully guided tour of Teotihuacán
Expert bilingual guide in English or Spanish
Exclusions
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Climbing the pyramids (currently restricted)
Float above the ancient City of the Gods at sunrise, then explore its ruins with an expert guide.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Explore Teotihuacán stress-free with a private guide & exclusive access to a pre-Hispanic cave.
Inclusions
Private round-trip transportation from Mexico City
Certified bilingual guide (English & Spanish)
Guided tour of Teotihuacán, including the Avenue of the Dead
Visit to pre-Hispanic cave of Plaza de las Tres Culturas
Exclusions
No lines, no wait — explore Mexico’s City of the Gods at your own pace or with an expert guide
Inclusions
Skip-the-line entry to Teotihuacán archaeological site
Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Access to Guadalupe Shrine & Tlatelolco (as per option selected)
Round-trip transportation from Mexico City (MIGA CAFÉ at 8:20am and the Palace of Fine Arts at 8:50am) (as per option selected).
Exclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.