Teotihuacan, Mexico

Even the name is evocative. Teotihuacan translates as 'Where man met the gods' and this oasis certainly feels epic and otherworldly.

It is easy to see why this is the most visited architectural site in a country overflowing with spectacular attractions and pre-Columbian architecture. UNESCO placed Teotihuacan on its World Heritage list in 1987, which has only increased its popularity.

Its pre-Mayan and pre-Aztec origins remain shrouded in mystery and scholars cannot even agree on the ethnicity of its original inhabitants. It is thought to date back to around 100BC and to have been continuously inhabited right through until the 8th century AD.

What scholars can agree on are that it was the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas and also that it boasts the largest pyramids from the period. The highlight are these vast pyramids, which are backed up by the fascinating residential complexes (some are multi-floored in an echo of today's apartment blocks), the grandiose Avenue of the Dead and the well-preserved murals that adorn the site.

Where is it?
Teotihuacan lies in San Juan Teotihuacan municipality, around 30 miles northeast of the capital of Mexico City. The site is spread across a total area of 32 square miles.

What is it?
This UNESCO World Heritage listed gem is one of the New World's premier historic attractions, the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas and home to the largest pyramids of the period.

Best time to visit?
Teotihuacan can be visited at any time of year. In Summer the heat can be issue and this is also the wettest time of year to visit. For these reasons many visitors prefer to come in Spring and Autumn, with the Winter months from December through to February often seeing the mercury dip below zero.

Must see?
The largest pyramid in Teotihuacan is the Pyramid of the Sun, also the largest building in Teotihuacan. As you stroll down the Avenue of the Dead it looms large above giving an impressive insight into the size and grandeur of this once great city.