The second article in our occasional series, “Driving Mexico.”

Francisco wanted to see the pyramids.

We rented a car and began surveying friends and taxi drivers, asking “How long will it take to get to Teotihuacan?” and “What’s the best route?”

Five different people; five different answers.

This straight-up guide gives you the simplest and most direct set of directions to get out of the city and get to the pyramids, all in 40 minutes (if traffic is light).

Take Avenida Insurgentes Norte straight out of the city. Insurgentes Norte will turn into Highway 85; follow the signs towards Pachuca. Highway 85 will soon turn into Highway 132; just follow the well-placed signs directing you to the “Piramides.”

You can choose the “Cuota” (toll) or “Libre” (free) road; we took the cuota. If you do the same, have 42 pesos prepared for the single toll booth you’ll pass on the way to the pyramids.

The scenery is, for the most part, rather unremarkable, grayscale and industrial.

There are some exceptions, though:

fields of corn and nopales (cactus paddles, which are eaten in all different sorts of ways) and an occasional church that rises up in the middle of nowhere.

Suddenly, you’ll see the pyramid rising up out of the landscape and you’ll know you’re not far.

Expect to pay 48 pesos per person for the entry ticket to the pyramids, 40 pesos for parking if you have a car, and 35 pesos if you’re bringing a video camera along.

Don’t miss scaling the Piramide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun), and don’t forget to carry your camera with you to the top. Take mini breaks at each level to catch your breath and stretch your legs before tackling the next set of stairs.

And though you might be tempted, don’t skip the museum, which has one of the most professional and impressive displays of archaeological materials I’ve ever seen. The exhibited items are set against creative, visually stimulating backgrounds that provide just the right contrast to make the items’ prominence and importance stand out.

Hours of the park: 8 AM- 5 PM